After hiking all day, outdoor enthusiasts look forward to a restful night’s sleep under the stars. However, many times they’re faced with constant tossing and turning through the night caused by an uncomfortable and confining sleeping bag. Zenbivy has the solution to this with its Core Bed and accessories.
The Zenbivy Core Bed
Zenbivy’s sleeping gear is much more than just a comfortable “bag.” It leans heavily towards bed-like, with an air mattress, pillow, and plenty of room to move about. I set my Core Bed up and tucked myself in to experience everything this sleep system had to offer. Getting some needed rest time was an added bonus.
The Sleep System
The good people at Zenbivy sent me the Core Bed, an inflatable mattress, and a pillow topper, so I could assess the pieces all at once. For purchase, you can buy individual components or a complete bundle package.
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If you’re starting from scratch, a bundle might be the easiest way to go. However, if you already have an air mattress (their brand or another) and/or a pillow, you can just purchase the Core Bed alone.
The three larger components—the quilt, the sheet, and the pillow—all arrived from the box in mesh stuff sacks. The other items were nicely packed in heavy-duty plastic sleeves. My quilt was rated to 25 degrees Fahrenheit with down interior.
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Materials and Outdoor Durability
In order for the Core Bed to hit high marks, it had to be tough enough to withstand the everyday rigors of the outdoors, let alone when worse weather comes your way. The unit I evaluated was constructed of 50D polyester Pongee for the liner and 20D nylon taffeta for the other shell. The material, while I was handling it, felt durable with no noticeable loose seams or fraying edges.
Though lightweight, both the quilt and the sheet stood up to my constant tugging and moving them numerous times over rough terrain. The mattress also didn’t show any flaws when pumping it up, or when lying my full weight on it. At no time did I feel it would burst or rupture as I moved about to find my most comfortable position.
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Layout and Set-Up
Let me be frank. Once I opened the packages, I felt overwhelmed. I didn’t know which side was up, what attached first, and what this thing or that thing was for. This was not the fault of Zenbivy, but my own ego, thinking I would naturally know how to assemble it.
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Many people, including me, would think that this sleep system was just another name for a sleeping bag. It most certainly is not. However, once I pulled up the detailed instructions on my phone, it was incredibly simple. I found my exact items and began my setup.
Step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos made all the difference. The clips were even color-coded, so there was no chance of connecting the components incorrectly. After a few set-ups, your muscle memory will kick in, and you’ll be tucked away in minutes.
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Comfort and Moveability
The true test of this ingenious sleep system is whether it really is a different experience from that of a typical sleeping bag. That answer comes down to comfort and comfort alone. All other aspects, like fabric, interior lining, and temperature rating, can be similar.
You hiked hard. How well did you sleep? Well, I can tell you, my time in the Core Bed was extraordinary. The cushioned mattress, the contoured design of the outer shell, and the roominess of its interior combined for restful bliss. Not being strangled when shifting from my back to my side and back again was a joy. Too many times, I’ve experienced that twisted-fabric feeling (especially in my lower legs) when I shift positions in a traditional sleeping bag.
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The cushiness all around me only added to the bed-like experience.
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Worth the Investment?
The Zenbivy Core Bed with its accessories is an investment I would highly recommend making. Not only will you have a tough-as-nails, yet incredibly lightweight sleep system, but you’ll have something even more valuable—comfort all night long. You’ll appreciate this item even more in the morning when you’re refreshed and energized to start your day.
If you settle for a traditional bag, then your achy back and sore muscles will keep reminding you that you made a poor choice.
The Core Bed starts at $228.00, and from there, you can add extra items to your base system. If comfort under the stars is your goal, the Zenbivy Core Bed is the path to get there.
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