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.

I'd like to take a moment to thank our Sponsor of this article, the ACA, please remember to wear your lifejacket when enjoying the water. They have a fantastic online course for anyone thinking about getting into paddle sports. Check out the link for the free course!

Setting off on Lake Opeongo

The day started with a sense of anticipation. I am taking the Melker Rödlöga sea kayak on this adventure. As I paddled away from the shore, the weight of everyday responsibilities fell away. Lake Opeongo, the largest lake in Algonquin Park, stretched out before me. It’s not often you see sea kayaks here since the park is renowned for its canoe tripping routes, but Opeongo’s size justifies the use of a sea kayak. This massive lake, about 10 miles long, offers a unique challenge and a chance to cover some serious distance.

The First Leg: Calm Waters and Clear Skies

The initial paddle was serene. The spring weather was kind, with no strong winds to battle against, which was a blessing given the potential for big waves on this lake. The water was calm, and the sky started to clear up, transforming the mood of the trip. It’s incredible how a bit of sunshine can lift your spirits, even after a drizzly start.

For those new to paddling, you might have noticed the unique paddle I’m using in the video. This is a Greenland paddle, a tool I’ve grown to appreciate for long-distance paddling. It’s easier on the body over extended periods, distributing the workload more evenly compared to a traditional kayak paddle. My GearLab Outdoors IPIK paddle is as light as a feather, thanks to its carbon fiber construction—a worthy investment for long days on the water.

A Quest for Wildlife

My primary mission for this trip was to find and observe moose. Spring is the ideal time for this, as the foliage hasn’t fully emerged, making wildlife easier to spot. I aimed to reach the north arm of Lake Opeongo, where a vast marshland is known to harbor a dense population of moose. The journey to this wildlife hotspot was filled with anticipation. As I paddled closer, the landscape transformed into a marshy haven, perfect for moose spotting.

Camping Under the Stars

After a long day of paddling, I found a secluded campsite. This trip was also a first for me in another way: hammock camping. Inspired by friends who swear by it, I decided to trade my tent for an ENO camping hammock and tarp. It was a bit of a gamble, considering the potential for rain and wildlife encounters, but it turned out to be a peaceful and surprisingly comfortable night.The ZenBivy sleep system kept me cozy.

Dinner was a humble affair with a long-shelf-life backpacker’s meal. While it wasn’t gourmet, it was a reminder of the simple joys of backcountry camping—savoring a meal after a day of hard work, with the sounds of nature all around.

Exploring Hailstorm Creek

Hailstorm Creek is a hidden gem within Algonquin, often overlooked, but teeming with life. As I paddled through its serene waters, I marveled at the beauty of the marshland. The call of loons and the sight of waterfowl were constant companions, adding to the magic of the place.

The Long Paddle Back

Despite not spotting any moose this time, the journey was far from disappointing. The tranquility of the marsh, the challenge of navigating through tight, reedy passages, and the sheer joy of being surrounded by nature made it all worthwhile. As I began the long paddle back, the sun broke through the clouds, promising a pleasant journey home.

Reflecting on the Adventure

Every paddling trip offers something unique, and this adventure on Lake Opeongo was no exception. While I didn’t find the moose I was looking for, the experience was rich with the sights and sounds of spring in Algonquin Park. From the solitude of the massive lake to the intimate beauty of Hailstorm Creek, this trip was a reminder of why I love paddling.

For those who haven’t yet ventured into the backcountry with a paddle, I encourage you to give it a try. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and each trip, whether it’s filled with wildlife sightings or simply the quiet moments of reflection on the water, is a journey worth taking.

Until next time, keep exploring, keep paddling, and stay tuned for more adventures.

Special Thanks

to Ontario Creates for supporting my YouTube channels and blog articles.

The post Sea Kayaking on Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Park 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!

Follow our Adventures and Subscribe

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, Great Family Adventure. And keep an eye out for more awesome videos we’ll be publishing shortly.

If you enjoyed this article and are hungry for more family adventure tips, tricks, reviews, and adventures, head on over to the Great Family Adventure YouTube channel and feel free to sign up for our Hazeadventure.com newsletter.

The post Big Agnes Sleeping Bag vs Zenbivy Sleep System appeared first on Hazeadventure.

Paddle TV Awards

The YakAttack Tow N’ Stow Cart

YakAttack sells two types of Tow N’ Stow carts: the bar cart and the bunkster. These carts are designed for different types of kayaks. 

Kayak carts are a Godsend for many people. They can be the difference between getting on the water and not getting on the water. This is particularly true if you use recreational kayaks or fishing kayaks, which are too heavy to move alone. Kayak carts solve the issue of carrying heavy kayaks to and from the water. 

What makes the YakAttack Tow N’ Stow so great is that they completely break down. YakAttack has engineered a system that lets you take the cart apart with no tools at all. The pieces pop together and make a solid cart that can hold up to 450 LBS. You can use these carts to carry any kayak necessary, including a kayak that is fully packed with fishing or camping gear. The Tow N’ Stow is made of plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel, so it can handle salt water. 

These carts retail for $190 (USD) and $250 (USD), which sounds expensive. However, this is what you would expect to pay for a quality kayak cart. The Tow N' Stow cart is an impressively innovative piece of gear. It is absolutely worthy of a Paddle TV award!  

Nite Ize Runoff Packing Cubes

Nite Ize offers waterproof, runoff packing cubes. These cubes are a new take on dry bags. The cubes come in three sizes: small, medium, and large, and have a clear front that lets you see inside the bag. 

What separates the Nite Ize packing cubes from other dry bags is the two-zip technology. This is the zipper system that you use to seal the cubes up. It is an easy-to-use zipper that does an excellent job of sealing the bag shut. 

I tested the seal on the packing cubes several times on short canoe trips. But I also tried standing on the closed cube on dry land to see if the zipper would hold. The seal and zipper held up to 200 LBS of me standing on the sealed cube. That is impressive! 

I am looking forward to seeing these packing cubes in bigger sizes. The current sizes are convenient for packing food, first aid kits, and knick-knacks needed for camping. They are also great for storing and containing the smell of shoes when traveling! Nite Ize Runoff packing cubes are very deserving of a Paddle TV award. 

Astral Loyak Shoes

Astral is well-known for making great water shoes, and the Loyak is a popular water shoe. But it is the Astral Loyak AC water shoes that are particularly noticeable. They are much lighter, which keeps your feet cooler in hot conditions. 

I started using Loyak AC shoes this year and love them. The Loyak AC has been my go-to pair of water shoes all year, even in colder conditions in Finland. They are not ideal for cold conditions because they do not provide any insulation. However, I don’t get cold feet quickly, so it wasn’t an issue. 

What I love about the Loyak AC is how grippy the soles are. The shoes and soles are very flexible, so they fit in any type of boat. I use these shoes in white water kayaks, sea kayaks, on stand-up paddle boards, and when canoeing. You really can use them for anything. 

The shoe is porous so that water can flow in and out in seconds. But the fabric stops rocks and coarse sand from getting into the shoe. All in all, the Astral Loyak shoe is a great water shoe. It retails for about $100 (USD) and is definitely worth a Paddle TV award. 

Gearlab Outdoors Deckpod 2

The Deckpod 2 is designed to go on the front deck of a touring kayak. Since getting the Deckpod, I have used it almost every time I’ve paddled a touring kayak. It is so convenient to have a bag on the front deck and within reach. It is even more convenient than the day hatches that some touring kayaks have. 

What I love about the Deckpod 2 is the attachment system. They have made it easy to attach the deckpod to the perimeter lines. The bag has side compartments for bilge pumps, paddle floats, or water bottles, and a main compartment inside. It has a hole to put a water bladder in and another hole for the hose. It even has secondary pockets inside the main compartment. 

The Deckpod 2 is convenient for storing things like sunscreen, snacks, water, camera gear, or anything else I want easy access to during the day. It comes in three colors: orange, black and white. 

I love the simplicity of the Deckpod: how easy it is to take on and off and how it provides easy access to my gear without impeding my paddling stroke. The Deckpod 1 was great, but the Deckpod 2 is a step up again. So, it is well worthy of a Paddle TV award. 

Zenbivy Sleeping System

The Zenbivy sleeping system starts with a sheet that goes over the top of your sleeping mattress. This allows you to sleep on a soft sheet instead of a slippery and crinkly sleeping mattress. The mummy is built into the sleeping sheet itself, which means that if it is cold, you can choose how to zip the sleeping bag on top. I often have it zipped up right by my arm on one side, but the rest is completely unzipped. This makes it feel just like a quilt at home and lets you adapt to any temperature. 

The bottom line is that you can sleep however you want in the Zenbivy Sleeping System. You are not encased in a sleeping bag. It is a great system, but it did take about 30 seconds when I was initially putting it together to figure it out. But once you have figured it out, it is awesome, and definitely worthy of a Paddle TV award. 

NRS Axiom Goretex Pro Dry Suit

The NRS Axiom Goretex Pro dry suit is the Mac daddy of dry suits. NRS has been making dry suits for a long time. Because of this, they have figured out many of the subtleties around making a dry suit. They make great dry suits, but the NRS Axiom Goretex Pro is by far the best. 

Check out my review here: NRS Axiom Dry Suit Review: How do I choose a dry suit?

The Axiom dry suit uses Goretex Pro, so it is the ultimate suit for durability, breathability, and waterproofness. You do pay a premium for Goretex, but if you have the money, it is worth it. When spending a lot of money on a dry suit, the question is, do you spend a little more to get premium quality?

The kind of premium extras you get with the Axiom dry suit include:

• Neoprene over cuffs to protect the wrist and neck gaskets from UV,
• A relief zipper, depending on whether you get the girls or guys model, 
• Drainage in all the right places, 
• Integrated feet. 

If you take good care of the Axiom dry suit, it is a lifetime piece of gear. If you want to kayak regularly in colder conditions, it is worth investing in a quality dry suit. Sometimes, it isn’t just a luxury but an essential piece of safety gear. Even though they cost a fair penny, they will last a lifetime if you take good care of them. 

Honorable Mentions   

Dry Robe Changing Mat

This is a mat with a very soft, cozy fabric on one side and a waterproof canvas on the other side. It is perfect for changing. I throw it on the ground and can change next to my car comfortably. I never knew I would love it so much, but the Dry Robe changing mat has a permanent spot in my vehicle. 

Airbank Puffer Pro Pump 

This pump is battery-driven and is awesome! It pumps up to 20 psi, so it can pump up drop stitch kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, or anything else you need pumping up. So far, without charging the pump, I have pumped up three kayaks. This is a good indication of the number of kayaks the Airbank Puffer Pro can pump before it needs charging. 

I am a big promoter of using electric pumps to pump up inflatable kayaks. If you use your inflatable kayak regularly, having an electric pump is very useful, especially if you have a drop-stitch kayak. You can also use this to pump the air out of the boat, making it easy to pack up. The Airbank Puffer Pro pump is another piece of gear with a permanent spot in my truck! 

This Year's Winners:
The YakAttack Tow N’ Stow Cart
Nite Ize Runoff Packing Cubes
Astral Loyak Shoes
Gearlab Outdoors Deckpod 2
Zenbivy Sleeping System
NRS Axiom Goretex Pro Dry Suit

This Year's Honorable Mentions:
Dry Robe Changing Mat
Airbank Puffer Pro Pump 

The post The Best Paddling & Kayak Gear of 2023 appeared first on Hazeadventure.

During the whole process we were treated with a mosaic of flowery goodness thanks to an excessively wet off-season. Who would guess that such a quiet and beautiful world could exist just outside of Phoenix!?

Visit Whiskey Springs Trail

I definitely recommend checking out the Whiskey Springs Trail if you're in the area. It was hot while we were there, so bring lots of water. We had a blast, and I think you will too. Now here's what I can tell you about the bed and the bag. 

What We Thought of the Zenbivy Light Double Camping Bed

After getting camp set up, it was immediately obvious that the sleep system passed Kovu's sniff test. After a long day of hiking, he curled up on our fancy double bed and was lights out before we could even get in there to join him. That's always a good sign! Eric has also used the Zenbivy light bed before on his own last, and put it on his list of best hiking gear of the year.

Is the Zenbivy Double Bed for You?

So you can probably tell where I'm going with this. We were one big family of happy campers on the two-person version (or rather, two-person, one dog version). I thought it was so cozy, and I loved not being confined like a mummy in a sleeping bag. And besides, if you're hiking with your partner, you want to be able to snuggle up a bit. Ultimately, it just felt like sleeping on a real bed with my two favorite guys. 

The Zenbivy Light Bed Double has two 25-inch-wide, 77-inch-long, R-5 mattresses that connect together (without much give) to form quite a tent-filling cloud. We hiked in with a 3-person tent (which is definitely the way to go if you have an adventurous pooch), and this bed occupied every inch. This isn't a bad thing, just something to be aware of. You wouldn't want to mismatch your tent and sleep system by accident. 

Read more about dog-friendly tents here: Fresh Gear Friday, New Hiking Gear

A top sheet connects independently to the mattresses, and it has a super cool “pillow barn”/hood that keeps your pillows from sneaking off in the night, and it also gives you something to hide under when the temperatures drop. But that wasn't much of a concern because of the 25-degree-rated double quilt that sealed us in. 

The one and only downside is really just a simple trade-off. Because the bed is so big and padded, it is naturally heavier and bulkier. So this may not be a fast-packer's first choice, but it is an excellent option for more leisurely couples. 

Sleeping system: Zenbivy Light Double Camping Bed
Fleece and Layers: Cotopaxi Otero Hooded Jacket
Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers
Sunglasses: Wiley X sunglasses

The post Zenbivy Light Double Camping Bed Review appeared first on Hazeadventure.