Zenbivy’s Overland Double Bed is an excellent option when comfortable sleep is a priority at basecamp

What’s a Zenbivy? Launched in 2017, the Zenbivy company makes sleeping systems for the outdoors ranging from ultralight backpacking to car camping. The uniqueness of a Zenbivy is its definition as a bed, not a bag, not a quilt, but an integrated whole intended to create maximum sleeping comfort. It hits the sweet spot between the constriction of sleeping bags and the draftiness of quilts and random blankets.

 

The secret is its two-piece design, with a lightweight sheet over your sleeping pad or mattress, to which the quilt attaches with clips, keeping it tucked at your sides to ensure draft-free comfort. The sheet also has an integrated “headboard” which pillows tuck into, making it easier to keep your head warm without suffocating on those really cold nights. Along with the quilt and sheet, you can purchase a Zenbivy mattress and pillowcase or, of course, use your own.

We had the opportunity to test Zenbivy’s new Overland Double system, intended for car camping and which we adapted for outings in our small Casita travel trailer. It came with the Overland Double Quilt and Overland Double Sheet which, it turned out, fit perfectly on our two Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe sleeping pads. The Overland Double sheet even has a unique strap integrated into the sheet to tether two mattresses together and will fit mattresses of varying thicknesses, single or double. Cinches built into the sheet help keep the sheet tight and smooth on the mattress.

For comfort, this setup is hard to beat. The plush, roomy quilt kept us snug and warm. Being free of drafts is a big deal for me and this solved that problem, with the quilt’s secure connection to the sheet. I also appreciate the “headboard,” basically a big hood but sufficiently open not to make it hard to breathe when you need to tuck your head in to stay warm. The roomy footbox allows freedom of movement without cold feet. Granted, we were in a travel trailer. We will deploy it next in our rooftop tent in a wider variety of conditions.

By the way, with this system you can choose either a 650+ FP duck down or synthetic quilt. The sheet comes in three sizes from 50-70 inches and the dimensions of the quilt are 80 X 92 inches.

Likes:

• Soft, warm, versatile. Love it!

Dislikes:

• A bit involved to set up but once it’s done, it’s worth it

Priced at $368 but check out their sales. On Memorial Day it was priced at $276. Learn more and pick one up by visiting www.zenbivy.com.

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