zenbivy or argali 20 bag

[svivian]

I had an echo park 20 and I tested it out one night in the back yard, with joggers and a hoody on, I froze and it was only mid 40’s overnight. For context, I have the sea to summit either light extreme pad. For me, I would shy away from the echo park, I’ve read other reviews that are similar to mine.

Ive had their summit park 15 (same design) for over 10 years and its been very warm for me. I have heard they switched to an eco friendly insulation. With that said im using a 9.4 R value mattress and car camping.

With a mattress with only a 3.2 R value i wouldn't be surprised you might get cold.

I appreciate the feedback on this particular bag. $156 shipped for the BA 20 vs $205 for the zenbivy overland 30 has caused me some analysis paralysis

 

[brca005]

Ive had their summit park 15 (same design) for over 10 years and its been very warm for me. I have heard they switched to an eco friendly insulation. With that said im using a 9.4 R value mattress and car camping.

With a mattress with only a 3.2 R value i wouldn't be surprised you might get cold.

I appreciate the feedback on this particular bag. $156 shipped for the BA 20 vs $205 for the zenbivy overland 30 has caused me some analysis paralysis

Sorry, it’s the either lite xt extreme insulated, it’s got the 6.2 R value.

I just thought I’d give you my experience with it.

I loved the set up of it (I’m a side sleeper who tosses), but couldn’t get over how cold I got, when I should’ve stayed warmer in temps 20+ warmer than its limit.

That’s the reason I ordered a zenbivy, was for the same setup but everyone who has a zenbivy raves about them. If I don’t like it, I’ll send it back and use the bag I’ve already got.

 

[svivian]

Sorry, it’s the either lite xt extreme insulated, it’s got the 6.2 R value.

I just thought I’d give you my experience with it.

I loved the set up of it (I’m a side sleeper who tosses), but couldn’t get over how cold I got, when I should’ve stayed warmer in temps 20+ warmer than its limit.

That’s the reason I ordered a zenbivy, was for the same setup but everyone who has a zenbivy raves about them. If I don’t like it, I’ll send it back and use the bag I’ve already got.

No i appreciate the real world feedback!

When i saw the park series bags from BA were no longer the down insulation, I looked at the zenbivy for the same reasons you did.

 

[brca005]

I was really hoping for more out of the BA bag, but such is life, I also got mine for a screaming deal so I wasn't out really anything and then it lived it's life hung up in my closet. I just recently donated it to my church, as the people it's going to need it far more than me.

 

[JRay]

Has anyone experienced a deflated pad when using the zenbivy system below freezing? Was the resulting experience colder/more uncomfortable than the same scenario but in a bag?

 

[atmat]

Has anyone experienced a deflated pad when using the zenbivy system below freezing? Was the resulting experience colder/more uncomfortable than the same scenario but in a bag?

Are you asking specifically about a Zenbivy pad, or just the Zenbivy sheet/quilt on any brand deflated pad?

If the latter, I’d say the experience is still the same compared to a bag. Im not sure the bottom layer a bag does much, as the insulation is compressed quite a bit from your body weight.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I love argali product’s but if you’re a side sleeper nothing beats a zenbivy. I have over a 100 nights in mine and it been great.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[TSAMP]

@svivian, ill buy one if you do

 

[svivian]

@svivian, ill buy one if you do

That’s the kind of peer pressure I needed to hear

 

[Bowfinn]

Does anyone have a preference of the zip or clip beds?

 

[twall13]

Does anyone have a preference of the zip or clip beds?

Never tried the zippered version but the clips are simple and lighter. I see no reason to try the zippered version personally.

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[Jim Row]

I love argali product’s but if you’re a side sleeper nothing beats a zenbivy. I have over a 100 nights in mine and it been great.


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Which zen bivy you running?

 

[coleman]

For those using this system, is there a pad/ pad size that works best? Considering this system and looking at the xtherm in either 20 or 25” width. Looks like a good setup. Thanks

 

[atmat]

For those using this system, is there a pad/ pad size that works best? Considering this system and looking at the xtherm in either 20 or 25” width. Looks like a good setup. Thanks

Always go wide. I use the Exped U7 Wide

 

[coleman]

Awesome thanks! And is the Core Bed the model most are using?

 

[atmat]

Awesome thanks! And is the Core Bed the model most are using?

I use the 10 degree light

 

[brca005]

I’ll second, always go wide and I use the 25 degree light

 

[hardincobucks]

I’ve been watching the videos. I’m just not understanding on how you stay warmer than rated. From all the reading I’ve done you don’t want too much extra room/air in a sleeping bag for air gaps because you lose heat. Wouldn’t you have way more heat loss if you’re using it like a blanket vs a good bag?

I know currently when hot I open my bag and normally zip in the night when I cool off. I’ve also felt the cold spots while using my zero bag in heavy fog at 30F and freezing rain. Went to bed damp and woke up cold and put my big puffy to warm back up and sleep. Didn’t like getting cold in a zero deg bag at 30deg. That’s the reason I’m looking for a new bag.

So many bags exaggerate their ratings. Also what pad were you using? All add onto what everyone is saying. Zenbivy or Quilts with a decent pad attachment system like Katabatic make bags obsolete.