The ZenBivy vs A Regular Ole Sleeping Bag

The ZenBivy system isn’t your typical sleeping bag. It’s a modular bed setup designed to mimic the comfort of home. It includes:

• Ultralight mattress
• Ultralight Sheet that wraps around the pad
• Ultralight Quilt that attaches directly to the sheet
• Air Bladder with a Pillowcase

It all comes together to form a bed-like system rather than a mummy bag. The result? You actually feel like you’re climbing into bed instead of cramming yourself into a tube. There's a few different ways to set it up based on how you like to sleep. You can opt for a snug fit for colder nights, or just leave the quilt unhooked and sleep like you would at home.

The quilt and sheet clip together with color-coded hooks and loops, which makes setup more intuitive once you’ve done it a couple of times. A couple of times being the operative phrase, here.

You can adjust it to be as snug or as open as you want—whether that’s fastening the toe box for warmth, unhooking a side for airflow, or just laying it flat like a blanket on a mattress.

Ease of Setup

Out of the box, the ZenBivy can feel a little intimidating. There are more steps than just tossing a sleeping bag on a pad. If you’re trying to set it up for the first time at night, especially in the dark, it can be frustrating.

That said, once you practice it a few times, it becomes second nature. I’d just recommend setting it up at home before your first trip so you’re not fumbling around in the woods.

Weight and Packability

When I weighed the quilt, sheet, and mattress together, the system came in at about 1,218 grams. For comparison, a lightweight Zpacks sleeping bag and mattress combo hit about 1,035 grams. So yes, the ZenBivy is slightly heavier than some ultralight options.

The question is whether or not that trade is worth the comfort for you. As for pack size, it actually stuffs down surprisingly well despite looking bulky when uncompressed. It’s not going to disappear into your pack like some ultralight bags, but it also won’t hog as much space as it first appears.

Comfort and Versatility

This is where the ZenBivy shines. Unlike a sleeping bag that forces you into one position, the ZenBivy system feels like sleeping at home. You can sprawl out, curl up, vent heat, or bundle tight depending on the conditions.

The ability to customize your sleep setup is a huge win. You’re not trapped in a sweaty mummy bag on warm nights, and you’re not freezing when the temps drop. Add in the pillow that actually stays put thanks to the head box, and it’s a legitimately cozy sleep system.

Is the ZenBivy Worth the Price?

Here’s the real question. The ZenBivy system isn’t cheap. But neither are ultralight sleeping bags, high-end pads, or quality camp pillows. When you factor in that the ZenBivy is all of those things in one system, the price feels pretty fair.

And think about this: sleep is one of the most important parts of any backpacking trip. Lack of quality sleep has effects similar to a concussion on your body and brain—slowed reactions, poor judgment, low energy. That’s just no way to enjoy your time in the outdoors.

So, is it worth it? If you spend a lot of nights in the backcountry, I’d say sure. The ZenBivy is one of the most comfortable setups I’ve ever used, and for me, that makes it worth it, ESPECIALLY if you are already considering spending a similar amount of money on a high-end bed system.

Who is the ZenBivy for?

At the end of the day, the ZenBivy Ultralight Minimalist Sleep System is about tradeoffs. You give up a little bit of weight savings for a lot more comfort. If your priority is shaving every gram possible, this might not be for you. But if you want to wake up rested and ready for adventure, it’s a fantastic choice.

For me, it’s one of the best nights of sleep I’ve ever had outdoors. And really, what’s a good night’s sleep worth to you? Interested in learning more about the ZenBivy, read about a comparison of the Big Agnes Sleeping bag vs the ZenBivy.

The post ZenBivy Ultralight Minimalist Sleep System Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Sometimes, getting a good night's sleep while out in nature can be challenging. But these days, you can really find fantastic equipment that’s going to allow you to have a wonderful rest, regardless of where you are. 

The two products that I’m going to be comparing today are actually double sleeping bags. And that’s because Nick and I recently upgraded to a double, as we’ve found that we really appreciate bunking down together as opposed to sleeping in individual bags. Plus, double setups are a lot more fun, especially when you have your kids climbing in to cuddle with you.

So, if you’re thinking about upgrading to a double sleeping bag, here is a side-by-side comparison of the Zenbivy sleeping system and the Big Agnes Double Pad and Big Agnes Sleeping Bag.

Mattresses

One of the first things I want to talk about is mattresses. And right off the bat, the Big Agnes mattress, the Rapid SL, is a lot more compact than Zenbivy’s. 

However, if we’re going somewhere where we can use our car, then I’ll likely choose our Zenbivy mattress. Zenbivy’s mattress is a double-inflation mattress. And what I really love is that inside, the mattress, there is a layer of foam similar to a traditional mattress. 

That interior foam really makes the Zenbivy one of the most comfortable camping mattresses on the market. But with that added comfort, comes an increased size which can make it difficult to transport to and from a a campsite.

On top of its comfort, the Zenbivy mattress is also incredibly easy to blow up thanks to its self-inflating valve. The valve essentially allows air into the space between the foam. So you really don’t have to do much work in order to create a solid foundation!

Zenbivy Set Up

Now, let’s talk through the setups, starting with Zenbivy. Firstly, Zenbivy’s double quilt is 25°. And unlike a traditional full sleeping bag, the Zenbivy quilt, is an actual quilt with an additional fitted sheet. 

To keep the quilt in place throughout the night, Zenbivy added toggles that you can clip onto the fitted mattress sheet. And once all the toggles are connected, you’ll ultimately feel like you’re inside an actual traditional sleeping bag.

In order to keep your head from getting cold, Zenbivy also added a cover at the end of the sheet for extra warmth and protection.

Overall, the Zenbivy quilt, mattress, and sheet system is bigger in size compared to other camping setups. But it is incredibly warm, comfortable, and well-thought-out. So I really can’t fault it. 

Big Agnes Set Up

Moving onto the Big Agnes setup. And like I said previously, one of the biggest differentiators is its size. Big Agnes’ mattress and sleeping bag are both a lot smaller than the Zenbivy’s. And this, in turn, makes them far more manageable when you need to carry them over long distances.

One thing we particularly love about the setup is the inflation bag that comes with it. Many air mattresses these days will come with a similar fancy little bag that essentially allows you to trap air and compress it into the mattress. 

In addition to the mattress, the Big Agnes setup comes with the King Soloman double-person sleeping bag. And this sleeping bag is a 35°, which follows the traditional sleeping bag style. 

Unlike the Zenbivy, the King Soloman sleeping bag already has a sheet integrated into the bag. So it's a simple case of laying it over your inflated air mattress and using the toggles to tighten it around the base. 

You’ll further find that as the King Soloman is a traditional sleeping bag, there are zippers that run down both sides, making it far easier to get into and out. The zippers also allow you to fully close the bag when it's not in use to prevent dirty, sandy feet from getting in your bed. 

All in all, because of the size of the Big Agnes setup, I would certainly favor it when we have to trek along way to our campsite. 

Sleeping Bag Price and Cost Comparision

The next part I’m going to review about these two double sleeping bags are their price points. Zenbivys set up comes as a package for about $520. And considering it's a sleeping bag for two people, not one, I think that is a very good price point. 

Big Agnes’ price point, however, is slightly cheaper as it sits in the $399 range. 

Both sleeping bags are made with high-quality materials, which is obviously reflected in their price. So, although they are more expensive than other products on the market, you know you’ll be using them for years to come. 

Comfort

Comfort is obviously one of the most important factors when deciding on a sleeping bag. And I’ve found the Big Agnes and Zenbivy are equally as comfortable. But for different reasons.

The Zenbivy materials and the fact it is a sheet and quilt combo make the Zenbivy camping setup feel very light and as if you were getting into a traditional bed at home. Combine the sheets with the 50 by 77 mattress, and you’ll have plenty of room for you, your partner, and any little ones who climb in throughout the night. 

The Big Agnes, despite being more compact, is also incredibly roomy and provides Nick and I with more than enough space while camping. I will admit that we aren’t the biggest people. But the Big Agnes mattress and sleeping bag are more than enough for us. And we’ve used them multiple times without complaints.

The Companies Themselves

And the last thing I wanted to touch on was the companies themselves. Big Agnes and Zenbivy both have amazing missions, with Zenbivy focusing on providing its customers with the very best sleep. And Big Agnes knuckling down to reduce water use when developing their products. 

Both sleeping bags receive the stamp of approval from me and my family. So, it really comes down to your preferences when it comes to a camping setup. For a compact, easy to set up option, opt for the Big Agnes. And for a spacious, luxurious feeling sleeping bag and mattress combo, invest in the Zenbivy!

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And maybe this experience is burned in your mind, forever associated with camping. Why would you ever want to do that again? I've got good news for you. It doesn't have to be that way.

You can actually have a GREAT night's sleep when camping. Here’s how:

Proper Gear

Pairing a suitable sleeping bag with a quality sleeping mattress/pad is the golden combination and it will go a long way to having an enjoyable nights sleep. Most people’s sleep problems while camping stem from a poor quality sleeping pad. It’s the gear item people go cheap on most frequently, and it’s the biggest mistake.

A quality sleeping pad or mattress will keep you warmer and better insulated from the ground. Plus, the softer surface is much more comfortable than a cheap foam pad. Quality sleeping pads/mattresses can be purchased for relatively cheap (consider the cost of one night at a hotel vs. every future night of quality sleep while camping). Buy a good pad and you'll be happy forever!

Choose The Right Sleep Site

-Look for site that is either flat, or with a gentle slope (just a few degrees of slope), and position your tent with your head uphill. The gentle slope will move water away from you in case of rain. Plus, I find it to be slightly more comfortable than being perfectly flat. Just don't sleep with your head downhill! That's a no-no and you will be very uncomfortable.

Bonus: Look for a site with organic material, such as pine duff (what you find on the ground around pine trees), or grass. Not only is this surface much softer than bare rock or hard dirt, it will help insulate you from the ground and keep you warmer throughout the night.

Loose Fitting Baselayer and Clean Cozy Socks

I like to have a pair of wool socks that are only used for sleepy time. Dirty, sweaty socks are not ideal as you will not feel as comfortable and will likely lead to the killer of quality sleep; cold feet. Sleep in loose fitting clothing. In cold weather, I will sleep in long underwear and a long sleeve shirt.

Keep Your Feet Warm at all Costs!

Cold feet will guarantee you an uncomfortable, sleepless night. Avoid this by making sure your feet stay on your pad throughout the night. Don't let your toes hang off your pad and touch the ground! The ground will sap your warmth and turn your toes into icicles. On really cold nights, I like to stuff a jacket in the footbox of my sleeping bag. This decreases the amount of air my feet have to warm up, and adds extra insulation between my feet and the ground. Add a Nalgene bottle full of hot water to your sleeping bag and you've got major cozy time ahead of you.

Don't go to Bed Cold

Sleeping bags don't generate warmth. They only help preserve the warmth your body creates. So if you start cold, you're more likely to stay cold. Do some light exercises before hopping into your bag. Do a few jumping jacks, have a dance competition, or do some planks in your bag. Just don't exert yourself to the point of sweating!

Eat Food and Drink Water

Nutrition and hydration play a major role in keeping your body warm throughout the night. Your body burns calories to keep you warm. Your body requires caloric energy. If you barely eat anything, you will be more likely to be cold than after you eat a large meal. Eat well -> sleep well. And don't forget to drink water either. People often fear a nighttime bathroom run, and therefore dehydrate themselves. Don't do this! A well hydrated body will be warmer and happier!

Get Up and Pee (for the love of everything holy)

We've all been there. Struggling to sleep while you desperately have to pee. But you don't want to get out of your nice warm sleeping bag. And so you just decide to not sleep ever again and be miserable for the next four hours. Just go pee! In exchange for two minutes of discomfort outside your bag (you were already uncomfortable) to go pee in the forest, you will receive a night's-worth of quality sleep and a nod of approval from your old Boy Scouts leader. Not only will you will be infinitely more comfortable. And you will actually be warmer. Your body diverts energy from the rest of your body to keep your pee warm in your bladder, energy that would be better spent on the rest of your body (like your extremities). Eliminating your pee frees up energy for your happiness.

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