Best Sleep System for active sleeper - Zenbivy?

[KSBackCountryHunter]

I am a very active sleeper- side/stomach/back - and been using a sea2summit sleeping bag and just never getting great sleep. Tired of waking up w/ the bag all twisted around and the back to the sleeping bag being on top of me by morning.

Going to upgrade my sleep system this winter/spring before season next year & curious on what people are thinking of the Zenbivy system.
Seems to be very popular for those that move around alot in their sleep - and the pad/sheet attachment holding it all in place is my main attraction to the system.

Anyone have other suggestions besides Zenbivy to look at? Also saw the Katabatic quilts that have peaked my interest but the head closure at top to hold the pillow in place w/ the Zenbivy is nice.

Taking cost out of it - I know the Zenbivy is pricey but the Ultralight down quilt 10 degree is what I am leaning towards.

Appreciate any feedback/suggestions!

-Eric

 

[BoilerBowHunter]

I have used a Katabic Alsek for two seasons now and love it. I am a side sleeper and feel like I am constantly rolling side to side when sleeping in the backcountry. Their attachment system is excellent. It allows you to roll around as much as you want while the quilt stays in place. I have no experience with the ZenBivy, but I highly recommend the Katabic for active sleepers.

 

[twall13]

I've used both a standard quilt (multiple manufacturers) and this season picked up a Zen Bivy. While I really like the Zen Bivy, I don't think it's the only way to get what you need.

If you get a standard quilt, make sure it's wide or you won't stay warm when you move during the night. The hood on the Zen Bivy is great, but you can accomplish basically the same thing with a down balaclava for cold weather. I got a cheap one off Amazon and it works just as well. This isn't the exact model I got but something similar to this.

Amazon.com

Both Zen Bivy and Quilts are great options for active sleepers. I probably slightly prefer the Zen Bivy for keeping a pillow in place but you can certainly be warm and comfortable with a quilt and balaclava if you choose to go that route.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[BoilerBowHunter]

You may want to also consider simplicity vs complexity. I haven’t looked at ZenBivy in a while but it seemed a bit complex at first glance. For me, that’s the last thing I want to be messing around with in the dark when I’m already dog tired.

Ironically they actually talk about this topic on the Hunt Backcountry podcast this week. Episode 546, 1:20:00 mark (ish).

 

[UA_Blake]

I have had a Zenbivy for two seasons and I love it. I did not get the ultralight but the standard Zenbivy bed (zippers). I pay the weight penalty but is like sleeping in my bed at home. I had a Katabatic as well and I agree with the prior comment on getting a wide. I had the regular and it was drafty for me. For reference I’m 6’ and 200ish pounds.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

I made my own zenbivy and absolutely love it. It’s similar to the original but with a few small changes that fit me and how I sleep better. Outside of weather below 0, I can’t imagine ever going back to a traditional sleeping bag.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Zenbivy is really, really comfortable

 

[atmat]

I haven’t looked at ZenBivy in a while but it seemed a bit complex at first glance.

It looks that way but it’s not.

And I literally never take mine apart. The whole thing just goes into the pack.

 

[mtnbound]

I am a very active sleeper- side/stomach/back - and been using a sea2summit sleeping bag and just never getting great sleep. Tired of waking up w/ the bag all twisted around and the back to the sleeping bag being on top of me by morning.

Going to upgrade my sleep system this winter/spring before season next year & curious on what people are thinking of the Zenbivy system.
Seems to be very popular for those that move around alot in their sleep - and the pad/sheet attachment holding it all in place is my main attraction to the system.

Anyone have other suggestions besides Zenbivy to look at? Also saw the Katabatic quilts that have peaked my interest but the head closure at top to hold the pillow in place w/ the Zenbivy is nice.

Taking cost out of it - I know the Zenbivy is pricey but the Ultralight down quilt - 10 degree is what I am leaning towards.

Appreciate any feedback/suggestions!

-Eric

Are you sure you need a -10 degree quilt?

I have a Katabatic Alsek Down 22 and an Enlightened Equipment Synthetic Enigma 20. Both are long-wides and I would recommend either one, but they don't go down to negative numbers.

 

[Seeknelk]

I absolutely love the zen bivy vs the EE quilt I also have especially if it's like 10 degrees cold...it's extremely simple to set up. The way the hood keeps the pillow from sliding around is actually one of the biggest pluses in my eyes. Have a 10 degree light ZB but now really want a 25 degree ultralight also. Or even a 35-40 degree if they'll ever make em.

 

[bmart2622]

Can you use any existing pad with the ZenBivy system or does it require you to use their pad?

 

[atmat]

Can you use any existing pad with the ZenBivy system or does it require you to use their pad?

Existing pad. I run an Exped.

 

[BBob]

Can you use any existing pad with the ZenBivy system or does it require you to use their pad?

You can use another pad but it needs to be close to the same size and shape as the ZB. I used a Thermarest XTherm regular mummy with the lightweight ZB sheet.

 

[passinggas33]

I bought just the sheet and then built my own. Added some z packs stick on loops (followed the online directions), and off I’ve gone. Went this route because I could get the exact quilt I wanted for a better price (and likely better quality). I was able to do a 15 degree and 40 degree set up this way.

The drawback to this system is the weight penalty. But I’m an active sleeper so it’s worth it.

 

[chicoredneck]

I bought my wife a Zen Bivy a few years ago. After seeing her use it, I had to have one. We now have two in the family and I can’t ever see going back to a standard quilt or sleeping bag set up. They are very comfortable.

 

[KSBackCountryHunter]

Are you sure you need a -10 degree quilt?

I have a Katabatic Alsek Down 22 and an Enlightened Equipment Synthetic Enigma 20. Both are long-wides and I would recommend either one, but they don't go down to negative numbers.

Didn’t mean to put the dash in there- updated - just 10 degrees I believe is as low as they go - but I think that makes their comfort rating around 20 or so if I recall

 

[vladkgb]

I got the EE long wide enigma, and zen bivy sheet. I used the z packs stick on things to connect the EE quilt to the zenbivy sheet. It works a lot better than just the EE quilt and straps. I also really like the hood of the sheet, keeps the pillow in place, let's me put my arm up by my head when I'm sleeping on my stomach, keeps my head warm. It's a game changer.

 

[mtnbound]

Didn’t mean to put the dash in there- updated - just 10 degrees I believe is as low as they go - but I think that makes their comfort rating around 20 or so if I recall

Ok, I prefer the pad attachment of the EE but both allow for a good amount of movement. Sleeping in base layers both are good to 20 easy. Add in puffy layers if the temps are below that.

 

[DLIP]

Love my zenbivy UL10. I haven’t got it below 30’s yet to see what it’s like at colder temps but I would have a hard time moving back to a mummy bag after using it.

As far as complexity of attaching quilt to the sheet, it is fine.