Ultralight Bed

Well, “freely” overstates the benefits. It takes a slight effort when you turn to keep the uninsulated bottom of the bag pressed against the pad when you turn. I love the false back design — especially the part about having a -7C sleeping bag that only weighs 450g (!) — but there is a little bit of learning curve to turning without exposing your back side to the cold. There are no drafts, which is nice, but warmth is still prone to escape until you master that skill. Zenbivy’s system is designed to fix such problems: you can turn easily draft-free. I don’t like ZB though because of the extra weight and complication of adding a sheet. A wide quilt is simpler, easier to get in and out of, and mostly solves the draft problem. Also, maybe it’s me, but I’m not going into the backcountry to mimic sleeping in a bed at home.

I’ve actually used the Zenbivy ultralight for a few nights last summer in the Cascades! Honestly, I was pretty impressed, super comfy and love how I didn’t feel restricted like a mummy bag. The pad and quilt combo kept me warm even when temps dipped. But I will say, if you toss and turn at night or like spreading out, it’s a game changer compared to usual sleep systems. Only downside for me was it took a minute to get the hang of the setup at first light, but after that, it was smooth sailing. Do you sleep super cold or do you run warm?

Have two ZenBivey . Recently went to the ultralight 20F model and pad but have only spent a few nights out in 40F degree up on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon - before the fire last summer. (Bummer that much of it has burned . ) Some people will not care about the extra comfort but I do, so I am willing to carry an extra few ounces and look for weight savings somewhere else, like pack and shelter. Let us know what you decide!

I took a set into the Grand Canyon a year ago (just the pad cover and quilt, nothing else). It was comfortable, and in 18 degree weather (some of my coldest) I was shedding layers because I was so warm. Actually, I was often overheated in the evenings. However, I toss and turn quite a bit and ended up getting a tear right where one of their hooks connects to the bag. They did offer to repair it, and a quick patch solved it for the immediate time being. I was (am) a little annoyed that it broke on my first trip, but part of that is probably some learning curve issues with the new system/hooks.

I’ve been using the Zenbivy ultralight sleep system for my last few Thru hikes. I’ve got something like 90 nights of sleep on it. The additional sheet is great as it provides additional comfort/keeps my head warm. Their sleeping pad has a solid R value, but it’s not the most comfortable one I’ve ever used. With the mattress, sheet, pillow and quilt it ends up costing a pretty penny. But I like it. I’d give it a solid 8.3/10

Zenbivy is so comfortable, anyone that has tried that system would never try anything else.

Any thermarest bag is a good start and I've just tried out the ZenBivy and so far absolutely love it. Would also say that a good sleeping mat goes a long way to keep you warm. You could have the best bag for the cold but a weak mat can undo all the work of a good bag!