My gear/pack layout from base layers to binos

[HighUintas]

Zenbivy Lite 10° XL. I have done the full evolution of rectangular, mummy, quilts, etc. used heavily to way below 0° F. The Zenbivy lite system in 10° and XL is the best sleep system on the market.

In what way? Longevity? Warmth perforance/comfort against their claims? Warmth to weight ratio?

 

[Formidilosus]

In what way? Longevity? Warmth perforance/comfort against their claims? Warmth to weight ratio?

All?

It’s the most comfortable sleep system on the market. I don’t say that lightly. It is every single good thing about a quilt, with absolutely none of the drawbacks. Extremely warm, you stay on top of the pad at all times, zero drafts; your head has a head box for your pillow so it doesn’t move around, and it keeps your head warm. Can vent and use like a common quilt, or strap it in and it’s like a comforter at home- there is a massive amount of room in it; you do not get tangled up.


The only thing that is a drawback is if you get one too small. If you are over 5’6” or more than a string bean- get the XL.

 

[atmat]

All?

It’s the most comfortable sleep system on the market. I don’t say that lightly. It is every single good thing about a quilt, with absolutely none of the drawbacks. Extremely warm, you stay on top of the pad at all times, zero drafts; your head has a head box for your pillow so it doesn’t move around, and it keeps your head warm. Can vent and use like a common quilt, or strap it in and it’s like a comforter at home- there is a massive amount of room in it; you do not get tangled up.


The only thing that is a drawback is if you get one too small. If you are over 5’6” or more than a string bean- get the XL.

I echo all of this. I sleep way better than my heathen hunting buddies who don’t use the Zenbivy Lite 10* XL he’s describing.

 

[grahambiel]

I echo all of this. I sleep way better than my heathen hunting buddies who don’t use the Zenbivy Lite 10* XL he’s describing.

Form has also clearly taken this into cold enough temps to vouch for the 10* but for anyone who is concerned about the temp rating or is a cold sleeper I noticed they recently released a -5* system. And for those more concerned about weight, they have an ultralight system now too

 

[atmat]

Form has also clearly taken this into cold enough temps to vouch for the 10* but for anyone who is concerned about the temp rating or is a cold sleeper I noticed they recently released a -5* system. And for those more concerned about weight, they have an ultralight system now too

I’ve slept in the 10* down to zero without a heated bottle and been plenty fine. I pair it with an Exped U7 and it’s toasty.

 

[HighUintas]

After looking, the lite version runs close to my chilkoot 0 in weight and I think well over when paired with the sheet bed part. So, I'm probably just sticking with the chilkoot. I don't see a reason to change. My thought on going to a quilt was to save weight.

 

[atmat]

After looking, the lite version runs close to my chilkoot 0 in weight and I think well over when paired with the sheet bed part. So, I'm probably just sticking with the chilkoot. I don't see a reason to change. My thought on going to a quilt was to save weight.

The biggest benefit of quilts, in my experience, is comfort not weight.

My current setup weighs more than my last but I just sleep soooo much better.

 

[HighUintas]

The biggest benefit of quilts, in my experience, is comfort not weight.

My current setup weighs more than my last but I just sleep soooo much better.

Yes, the zenbi y sounds super comfy. My chilkoot is big enough that I'm very comfortable in it. I'm 5-10' 160lbs with the regular length and I feel like I'm swimming in it

 

[ekupp]

All?

It’s the most comfortable sleep system on the market. I don’t say that lightly. It is every single good thing about a quilt, with absolutely none of the drawbacks. Extremely warm, you stay on top of the pad at all times, zero drafts; your head has a head box for your pillow so it doesn’t move around, and it keeps your head warm. Can vent and use like a common quilt, or strap it in and it’s like a comforter at home- there is a massive amount of room in it; you do not get tangled up.


The only thing that is a drawback is if you get one too small. If you are over 5’6” or more than a string bean- get the XL.

Thoughts on the new -5 option, is that too much fill for 48 state winter camping for fit adult male or is the 10 degree the sweet spot for snow camping at high elevation?

 

[Formidilosus]

Thoughts on the new -5 option, is that too much fill for 48 state winter camping for fit adult male or is the 10 degree the sweet spot for snow camping at high elevation?

The 10° F model has as much or
more loft than all the 0° F down bags that I have. The -5° F is great I’m sure, but I’m not sure it will be needed by most unless you are constantly sleeping at -0°F temps and below. I, and everyone else I am around that uses them- stay way warmer in below 0°F temps with the current 10° model, than anyone that we are with that are using regular 0° F sleeping bags. I and a couple have used them below -20° F.

 

[Bama67]

This thread led me back to Varusteleka's website and reminded me that it might be my favorite website to buy stuff.
They have all types of interesting wool clothes (including the strange mesh underwear), military surplus, and their ads are usually very witty.
I have two of their wool hoodies. Would recommend.

 

[grahambiel]

The 10° F model has as much or
more loft than all the 0° F down bags that I have. The -5° F is great I’m sure, but I’m not sure it will be needed by most unless you are constantly sleeping at -0°F temps and below. I, and everyone else I am around that uses them- stay way warmer in below 0°F temps with the current 10° model, than anyone that we are with that are using regular 0° F sleeping bags. I and a couple have used them below -20° F.

It seems like a lot of hardcore winter camping guys run a synthetic quilt on top of a down one in really cold temps. I think the idea is that it moves your dew point further out so any moisture collects and freezes in the synthetic bag. Curious if you’re used this method or why you don’t think it’s necessary?

Obviously it adds some weight vs just running a warmer down quilt

 

[Dobermann]

This thread led me back to Varusteleka's website and reminded me that it might be my favorite website to buy stuff.
They have all types of interesting wool clothes (including the strange mesh underwear), military surplus, and their ads are usually very witty.
I have two of their wool hoodies. Would recommend.

Yes, Varusteleka are great - especially for the Sarma jacket and pants; their synthetic puffy pants, their belt-mounted first aid kit which is quick-release, and their shooter's belt, which works well.

They no longer stock Aclima - but Varuste do. Between Varusteleka and Varuste (who have great sales, and also stock Fjallraven, among many outdoor and shooting brands - and their postage is fast and cheap), you can cover a lot of ground.

And for everyone here, including @Formidilosus who has been wondering when Fjallraven's Keb Agiles will be coming to the US (at least the olive ones, not like the orange or black that most US stockists only seem to carry), Varuste has been listing the olives recently - and with a discount.