Zenbivy has some really compelling sleep systems but they are EXPENSIVE!! As someone who has a hard time sleeping everywhere, anything that could improve sleep (especially on trail) is appreciated. Has anyone out there used them?
Absolutely worth it IMO!! I don’t use their mattresses, I use a Nemo Tensor. But I use the Zenbivy ultralight sheet with the convertible quilt and it has definitely improved sleep quality for me. I am a side sleeper and toss around at night. 10/10 would recommend.
@Darby
What size quilt did you go with? L or XL? Would there be any disadvantage of going with 4x XL for a family of 4 that has 2 young kids? Just thinking that kids will grow into XL eventually so save the $$$ now and get the biggest size?
@Zeek
I am a 170lbs 5’9" woman and I got the large. Fits great. I can totally see why you would want to plan ahead with the sizes, but be aware that if you buy a bag or a quilt that is too large for you then you run the risk of there being air pockets or unused space. That extra space will make you colder if you’re not careful. I have used jackets/blankets/clothing to fill up extra space before and it has been fine. Just something to be aware of 
The only other disadvantage might be the extra weight for the kids’ backpacks if you plan on backpacking.
@Darby
Thank you for the quick reply. We will be car camping and staying in campgrounds all the time so weight will not be an issue. Me and my wife are heavy side sleepers so might get the XL for us and kids L.
Another question - do you have the new fast footpack or convertible quilt from ZB? Is the convertible version good around the feet with no drawstrings getting stuck in toes or wind draughts being an issue? Just thinking convertible can also be used as a quilt within our home as well so better option over fast footpack? We will be pairing it with the new Exped luxemat that’s 4” thick that has cotton and wool blend topper so thinking whether we even need the ZB sheets specially if we go with XL quilt and can wrap it around our body anyway?
I’ve been contemplating getting it myself for the Haven XL but never pulled the trigger for several reasons:
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I don’t like the clips on most of their models (I don’t have the patience for such things)
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The Zenbivy Bed is the only model that comes with a zipper but unfortunately size XL is never available (have been monitoring for months now)
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I camp all year round and would actually need to buy two temperature ranges (+12 and -4°C), however given the high costs (nearly 1000€) and that my current setup works well from 25°C all the way to 0°C I don’t see the benefit
@Ash
I literally just got the xl with zipper on the Black Friday sale. First timer
@Ash
Have you looked at Hammock Gear? They don’t have a full zipper option (just an optional one that’s about half a meter at the top) but their closure system is comprised of simple snaps, nothing complicated. I also have a Haven and I mostly plan on using it like a regular quilt, but from the testing I’ve done it seems pretty good at mummifying you if you need it to.
Got mine on black Friday sales two years ago now and 1000% worth it. I’m an extremely difficult sleeper, and the zenbivy + BA boundary deluxe is the best sleep I’ve ever had on trail, hands down.
My wife loves hers.
Waiting on my light bed with 10 degree down to get shipped from their black friday sale. I have never had a sleep system that worked for me. Hope this is the ticket.
I have the light bed, and I like it, in the end it’s essentially just a quilt and a sheet, which you could piece together yourself and accomplish the same thing. However having them designed for each other means it’s a lot less fiddly.
That said I’d wait for them to go on sale, the price is pretty comparable to equal quality down quilts +sleeping pad sheet (and cheaper than many)
Yes.
But keep in mind ZenBivy has multiple systems at different budget points.
And their sales are really good. For Black Friday and Cyber Monday pretty much everything, except the highest end ultralight bed that goes for over $1K, was 30% off.
The owner of ZenBivy ran Sierra Designs for years. He knows his stuff.
Dan Becker and the Backpacking podcasts have done interviews with the guy. I would check it out.
I don’t own any ZenBivy stuff but have used a friend’s. I am perfectly happy with my Exped and Hammock Gear sleep system.
My friend with one loves it. I opted for a top quilt over zenbivy system. It still sparks my interest though, that’s for sure.
Yes 
I was about to order a UGQ Bandit quilt on Black Friday, but I got cold feet, pivoted, and ordered a Zenbivy large 10° down core quilt, large 40° synthetic light quilt, and a 25° synthetic core sheet…And I love the whole system after sleeping on the floor for a few days.
Regarding the Bandit quilt - I had decided on a wide/long configuration, but I was concerned the tension control and pad straps were going to be too fiddly, and if I hated it, a 20% restocking fee applied (plus I’d feel like a jerk returning a custom cottage quilt).
The large Zenbivy quilts measure approx 57”x78”, so I probably had the UGQ sizing right, but the Zenbivy sheet is a game changer! It does such a great job keeping everything in place and mimicking being tucked into a cozy real bed while I rotate like a rotisserie chicken. I love being able to tuck my arms and hands into the hood and how it keeps my pillow from running away from me.
The weight on the core quilt/sheet are a bit heavy, but about equivalent to a long/wide Nemo or S2S bag. I’m a car camper/occasional backpacker so it isn’t a big deal, and I’m willing to carry the weight for a good sleeping experience.
100% worth it. Feels like sleeping at home with a comforter.
I don’t hear enough talk about the Big Agnes Diamond park 30 enough. I got mine for £190.
- full zip around the whole bag & can use it as a quilt
- same bed style as Zenbivy but proper zippers instead of toggles & the “bed sheet” can be packed together in the bag (bed sheet is also included with the bag).
- massive hood with pillow barn
The only downsides are that its packed size is 20cm x 20cm which is slightly bigger than the zenbivy, and it’s 1.5kg which is kind of heavy.
I pair it with a large wide pad and it’s decadent. Massive sleeping space with a bed like duvet. It’s arguably better than the Zenbbivy in ways as it has real zips and easier to install and pack up. It’s also way cheaper and just as warm as the 25F/variant. This bag also comes in a 15f and 0f variant which are considerably bigger.
Ironically this sleep system is being massively slept on.
@Fane
I’d not heard of this setup and thank you for letting me know about it! It’s a tad heavy for backpacking but looks perfect for car/glamping with the fam!
Hayes said:
@Fane
I’d not heard of this setup and thank you for letting me know about it! It’s a tad heavy for backpacking but looks perfect for car/glamping with the fam!
I bring mine backpacking. I really don’t mind 700grams
@Fane
I’d need the 15 which is reportedly clocking in around 4lbs.