Zenbivy - Light Mattress

I’m currently aware of the following 30-inch wide inflatable sleeping pads: the Zenbivy Light Mattress, Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe, and Exped MegaMat Ultra. While options like the Klymit Static V Luxe and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe XL also meet the width requirement, I tend to avoid them as they aren’t particularly comfortable in practice. That leaves us with three strong contenders: * **Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe** This is a very comfortable mattress overall. One standout feature is its use of dimple baffles, which I personally prefer for their plush, stable feel. However, one downside is the height discrepancy: the pad is 4 inches high at the sides but only about 3.5 inches in the center. Additionally, it can be a bit noisier than other pads due to the heat-reflective film inside. * **Exped MegaMat Ultra** This mattress has the largest usable surface area of the three thanks to the 3D construction of the sides and the most stretchable material. The large baffles can make it a little too balloon-like for some, if you turn a lot while sleeping it's especially noticeable. It's definitely a better mattress for side sleepers than back sleepers. * **Zenbivy Light Mattress** This is the oldest design among the three and uses the least elastic material. While it doesn’t stretch much, the smaller baffles and stiffer fabric reduce bounce, making for a more stable surface. However, its lower profile may not provide enough support for side sleepers who prefer more cushion and a higher inflation height under their hips. None of these pads are perfect, it always comes down to compromise and personal preference. Personally, I would really welcome a 30-inch wide version of ultralight pads like the Zoom UL or Ether Light XT. Unfortunately, ultralight pad manufacturers continue to overlook those of us with broader shoulders or gym bros who also care about weight but need more space to sleep comfortably.

Fair enough. Thanks for the info, especially the bit about not being too hot when it was 60. Aside from potentially comfort, any other concerns or disappointments with it? I ordered an ether light xt but ended up returning it. Mostly because the pack size (of the regular version) was slightly larger than expected, and just reading about all of the weld-point failures, etc. But from a comfort perspective it seemed pretty comfortable. I ended up ordering a zenbivy which I find extremely comfortable (I never had a chance to compare them side by side, but I believe zenbivy is more comfortable (and smaller) - however if you need high insulation (the pro version), or if you easily bottom out on a mat, then the extra width of this mat probably makes it the most comfortable on the market in that case. I can't imagine they are less comfortable than last version since it appears to be the same technology and outer fabric. So the fact that the high insulation version is now reflective film, packs down WAY smaller, supposedly stronger welds, and quieter (I didn't have an issue with the loudness, but I never took it out and put it to use in my tent). This will likely be my spare pad. I might end up doing Tour du Mont Blanc with a friend, and he doesn't hike/camp nearly as much as me. I already have an extra quilt, so if I have a comfortable extra sleeping mat then it allows me to bring friends along without them needing their own expensive gear. Then I'll probably compare the zenbivy side by side with the XR Pro. Thanks again for the quick response.

I’m 100% co-signing this review. As a rotisserie chicken sleeper who likes to be tucked in, I effing love my Zenbivy and how snuggleable it is. It really does feel like a real bed. I also recently got the Ether Light XR to pair with it! I was also considering the Zenbivy Flex, but the S2S warranty won out. I was dead set on a rectangular pad but S2S’s pricing structure is kind of nonsensical, making the large tapered cheaper than the rectangular regular/wide. The taper didn’t bother me like I thought it would since it starts past my hips, and the longer length meant I could stretch out on my stomach without my feet hanging off. I also prefer the air sprung cell construction over the vertical baffles on my previous Exped pad. I think they distribute my weight better. I do agree that it’s a bit plasticky, but my Zenbivy sheet makes that a nonissue for me.

Any of the Nemo Tensor line is great and not loud and Zen Bivy also makes really good pads as well. That will likely be the next one I buy.

If you have one nearby, REI has sleeping pads blown up you can lay on and test out. Everyones body and sleeping preferences are different. Once you figure out what kind of baffles you prefer, finding a sleeping pad will come easier as there are so many options. Especially if weight isn't an issue. I have a Nemo Tensor. It has quilted baffles. Everyone loves it, and it hurts my back and hips so bad. I also have an Exped pad and one from Zenbivy with vertical baffles. I love these. They cradle my body better. Thermarest is super popular. Most are horizontal baffles. They don't look comfy to me but it seems like people sleep well on them. Sea to Summit and Big Agnes are other popular sleeping pad brands. What kind of temps are you expecting? You'll want to choose a pad with an R value appropriate to your camping needs. Most choose a 3 season with an R value between 2-4. I would stick on the upper end if you're a cold sleeper.

I got the wide/long version of the Zenbivy (being long/wide myself) and it is a great mat in my opinion. It's got good thickness, flextail compatible and I really like the baffle system it has compared to others. I can also atest to it's R rating as I have had it out in negative temps on my tent floor without a footprint and not felt any cold spots.

So hear me out, I know that there are always trade offs with backpacking gear. You want ultimate comfort? You sacrifice with increased weight. But one thing that I’m finding as I get older is that I’m willing to sacrifice some weight (or money) to ensure I sleep well on the trail. I currently sleep on a zenbivy mat that’s fine but it’s 25 inches wide which is just barely wide enough for my frame and sometimes when on my back my arms fall off the mat. So I’ve started my search for a new comfy mat. Here’s my non negotiables: 3+ inch thickness or more 30 inch wide R-value of at least 4.5, ideally closer to 5 since I sleep with a quilt Does anyone have any mats they’ve used that tick all these boxes? I’ve had my eyes on the exped megamat but it’s like 2.6kg…which if I can’t find anything lighter I might just suck up and buy. Has anyone used any other thick, extra wide mats that were lighter? Looking for suggestions or ideas.

Believe it or not I do use the zenbivy setup and my arms still dangle enough that I’m uncomfortable. Not sure how. In theory it should hold my dumb arms up but I think it’s just not tight enough to do that? Not sure.

I guess I am equating thickness to comfort to some extent, and you’re correct that those two things don’t always lead to one another. I toss and turn as I sleep so I find with my current pad if I sleep on my side I end up with a sore hip. But when I’m on my back my arms flop off my mat and then turn into ice cubes and fall asleep. You may be right that I’m looking for a unicorn….but I need to change something with my setup. So I guess I’m just looking for recommendations on a max comfort pad.

I had an Exped Ultra for many years, which was pretty comfortable, but wasn't a big fan of the vertical baffles. When it finally failed, Exped replaced it with a duo Ultra. Good customer service. Since then I've had the Thermarest nxt and a ZenBivy which I didn't find comfortable. I bought the Nemo Tensor Extreme last week from Backcountry for 20% off. I haven't really had it out, but I highly recommend it. Six foot, 200# side sleeper. I don't have to keep it rock hard.

Zenbivy friend. Get a Zenbivy. Solved all my problems with sliding off the pad, not feeling like I could flop around, waking up feeling completely trapped. Quilt + sheet with literally any pad

I can’t say enough about zenbivy. Not only warm, but the most compact and most comfortable sleep system I have ever used. You can also buy different quilts for different temperature ratings.