Zen bivy vs western mtn versalite

[Coopsdaddy]

I got a zenbivy ultralight 10 degree (goose) a couple months ago and have put a couple weeks on it so far. It’s without question the most comfortable sleeping system I’ve ever used, but needs to be paired with a good pad - I’ve been using the xtherm nxt max. The first night I had it on a neoloft at 30 degrees and got a little cold.. switched to the xtherm and it’s been a lot more comfortable. Coldest I’ve had it to was 25 degrees and I definitely needed my SG puffies to stay comfortable. I find the claims that it’ll be comfortable much lower than that hard to believe, but maybe I’m just a pussy.. That being said, I’d rather sleep in this system than go back to any sleeping bag so I’ll bring a lightweight FF blanket to help when the temps look like they’ll be much colder.

Pretty bad for a 10 degree.You need puffys at 25 in a 10 degree bag.
I realize some sleep hot and some sleep cold but that’s a big difference.
Not sure why these companies can’t have a standard.
Like sleeping with underwear and bra only.
They all measure at different metrics to fudge the weights and pack size.
No way I would pay that for a 10 degree to have to bring along a blanket.
I want a Zen bivy because of all the praise but will definitely have to chat with them on temps.

 

[NICKJ]

I used a 10 degree Zenbivy in Colorado last year with no problems. Camped at 11k and temps got into low teens and was fine. No extra puffy or clothes needed.

 

[AK_cowboy]

I got a zenbivy ultralight 10 degree (goose) a couple months ago and have put a couple weeks on it so far. It’s without question the most comfortable sleeping system I’ve ever used, but needs to be paired with a good pad - I’ve been using the xtherm nxt max. The first night I had it on a neoloft at 30 degrees and got a little cold.. switched to the xtherm and it’s been a lot more comfortable. Coldest I’ve had it to was 25 degrees and I definitely needed my SG puffies to stay comfortable. I find the claims that it’ll be comfortable much lower than that hard to believe, but maybe I’m just a pussy.. That being said, I’d rather sleep in this system than go back to any sleeping bag so I’ll bring a lightweight FF blanket to help when the temps look like they’ll be much colder.

Hey man as the 25” sheet able to also fit your neoloft? I just know the wide Neoloft is 26” wide

 

[Elkangle]

The wide range of experiences cant all just be because some people are warm and cold blooded....zen bivy has a few variables...theres old and new models with potential growing pains and quality control ? light bed vs new ultra light bed... theres the obvious r rating of the matress people are using but also the shape ? Maybe a mummy cut pad doesnt work as well on a square cut sheet ? Are some people hood users while others are not ? I know using a hood is my last resort of staying warm in a bag

but everyone enjoys the increase comfort of zen bivy

With WM bags nobody complains about temp raiting but often complain about the comfort and small cut of a few of the lines..WM makes a very quality product

Curiousity is gona win this battle, worst case you guys will see a zen bivy for sale in the classifieds

 

[Coopsdaddy]

The wide range of experiences cant all just be because some people are warm and cold blooded....zen bivy has a few variables...theres old and new models with potential growing pains and quality control ? light bed vs new ultra light bed... theres the obvious r rating of the matress people are using but also the shape ? Maybe a mummy cut pad doesnt work as well on a square cut sheet ? Are some people hood users while others are not ? I know using a hood is my last resort of staying warm in a bag

but everyone enjoys the increase comfort of zen bivy

With WM bags nobody complains about temp raiting but often complain about the comfort and small cut of a few of the lines..WM makes a very quality product

Curiousity is gona win this battle, worst case you guys will see a zen bivy for sale in the classifieds

Same,I just sleep so bad it’s worth the try.
Im waiting on the next big sale,November probably and getting there lightest model in 10 degree.

 

[skierjt]

Hey man as the 25” sheet able to also fit your neoloft? I just know the wide Neoloft is 26” wide

Yup! Works great on the neoloft, super comfortable setup. Just not quite as warm as the xtherm.

 

[Formidilosus]

The wide range of experiences cant all just be because some people are warm and cold blooded....zen bivy has a few variables...theres old and new models with potential growing pains and quality control ? light bed vs new ultra light bed... theres the obvious r rating of the matress people are using but also the shape ? Maybe a mummy cut pad doesnt work as well on a square cut sheet ? Are some people hood users while others are not ? I know using a hood is my last resort of staying warm in a bag

but everyone enjoys the increase comfort of zen bivy

With WM bags nobody complains about temp raiting but often complain about the comfort and small cut of a few of the lines..WM makes a very quality product

Curiousity is gona win this battle, worst case you guys will see a zen bivy for sale in the classifieds

Ice seen a bunch of Zen Bivys used- including brand new ones. All have been excellent. I highly doubt it’s due to any QC issues. They work just fine with a mummy pad, but better with a rectangular one. And, it must be high R value.

The “wide range” of experiences is almost certainly due to people going too small and narrow on the ZB- if you read the threads where people say they got cold, almost always they side step the questions about what size they used and what pads.

 

[Elkangle]

Ice seen a bunch of Zen Bivys used- including brand new ones. All have been excellent. I highly doubt it’s due to any QC issues. They work just fine with a mummy pad, but better with a rectangular one. And, it must be high R value.

The “wide range” of experiences is almost certainly due to people going too small and narrow on the ZB- if you read the threads where people say they got cold, almost always they side step the questions about what size they used and what pads.

Appreciate the thoughts, i can see sizing biting people with there sizing chart...alot of 5'8" people prolly wana get the regular

Any thoughts on goose down vs muscovey fills ? Ultra sonic muscovey vs expedry muscovey vs the goose ?

 

[nephewjephew]

First time I used a zb 25 I got cold. It was in the upper 20s. I was sleeping on a deck. I was a little upset until I woke up and realized my pad had popped over night. Not one problem since.

Used a zb 10 Muscovy for the rewarming drill this winter. Don’t remember the temp but I think it was single digits. Worked like a champ. If memory serves we where out there 4-5 hours and I was drying out by the time they woke us up. I feel confident I would have been dry by morning.

If you’re a side sleeper or move around at night there is no equal. Biggest considerations 1 get the biggest quilt. It is very much like sleeping in a bed with a comforter. 2 it must be paired with a good pad.

In my limited experience the Muscovy is legit.
ETA - exped Muscovy

They run deals all the time.

 

[skierjt]

Ice seen a bunch of Zen Bivys used- including brand new ones. All have been excellent. I highly doubt it’s due to any QC issues. They work just fine with a mummy pad, but better with a rectangular one. And, it must be high R value.

The “wide range” of experiences is almost certainly due to people going too small and narrow on the ZB- if you read the threads where people say they got cold, almost always they side step the questions about what size they used and what pads.

Didn’t even realize there was a size option..

Welp if anyone wants a regular I’ll be ordering a large

 

[Dobermann]

While I don't have as many nights in a Zen Bivy, or in as cold temps, as many here, I can add that I've used some high-end down and synthetic bags, and have been the warmest, and slept the best, in my Zen Bivy.

Followed @Formidilosus's advice about size, and went with the correct temp-rated rectangular Exped mat (also in long, wide, as per Form) and sleep better in that combo than I do in my own bed.

 

[SixStrings]

Years back, coming from a UL backpacking background I had a few bad experiences using quilts in colder temperatures and almost gave up on them until my GF showed me the zenbivy system. I dismissed it initially due to "weight". It was another year until I got my hands on one and can say in hindsight I was just mad stupid.
3-4 times a year I switch to a sleeping bag, but it just reminds me how much I prefer the Zenbivy.

Looking at experience/thoughts on the two bags

what position do you sleep in?

assuming everyome is getting goose down or muscovy down that could be a difference in the loft/temp rating ?

Negative. I am using all 3 Zenbivy light down quilts (duck down). Some of the people I'm with use the same models, we also have synthetic models and one person has the new muscovy down.

If I bought a zenbivy tomorrow it would be the light XL with a closed footbox (fast footbox) and a full length insulated sheet. If I could only have one its gonna be the 10°F model. Good experiences with it down to 0°F. We used the 10°F model and the -5°F model on a winter trip last year side by side and at least down to 0°F we could not notice any real difference between them.I accidentally tested the 25°F model this year at 19°F and only found out about it in the morning. Countless nights with that model between 25 and 30°F, usually have no issues catching good sleep all the way through the night.
Having said that, as soon as temps generally get around or below freezing, I switch to the 10°F model.

Looking at numbers and especially weight seems to tend to deter people from some good decisions. For us, sleep has become one of the parts of backpacking we look forward to the most now and good and thick sleeping pads, a decent pillow, proper sleep prep and the zenbivy system were the ticket.