Zenbivy, renowned makers of outdoor bedding, have a clever quilt-and-sheet backcountry sleep system that gave me the best sleep I’ve ever had on the trail. The only problem with the original version was the weight, which was more than I generally like to carry on longer trips. Zenbivy has an ultralight version of its bed, but the fabrics aren't nearly as nice and soft as the original.
This year Zenbivy updated its Light Bed, which sits between the ultralight and the regular (both of which were also revamped). It's now lighter, but retains much of what makes the original so nice. Zenbivy sent out a sample of the 2025 bed last year, and after testing it on fall, spring, and summer trips over the past eight months, I think it's the most versatile sleep system you can buy and a tremendous value as well.
The Zenbivy Sleep System
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Before I get into this review, you have to understand what a Zenbivy bed actually is, because there's more here than just a sleeping bag. Zenbivy's sleep system is comprised of three elements: a quilt, a sheet, and a sleeping pad.
Zenbivy's current sleeping system lineup consists of two different types of quilt/sheet combinations. One has zippers, which are now aimed at car camping, and the others, like the Light Bed, use a clip system to save weight. There are four "beds" at the moment: the Core, the Light, the Ultralight, and the Winter Light.
The components for each can be purchased together in bundles or separately. For example, if you already have a sleeping pad you like, you can just get the Zenbivy quilt and sheet. You can even mix and match between the various beds—for example, by using a Core Bed sheet with a Light Bed quilt. (I have some more thoughts on this later.)