How does your sleeping pad stack up to a Zenbivy UL Mattress? Read on to find out more and see if it’s time to make a switch.
Just The Facts:
Specifications
- R-value4.8
- Weight20×72: 1 lb 1 oz (482 g)25×72: 1 lb 5 oz (595 g)25×78: 1 lb 6 oz (623 g)
- Inflated Size20×72: 21″ x 72″ x 3″ (51 x 183 x 8 cm)25×72: 25″ x 72″ x 3″(63 x 183 x 8 cm)25×78: 25″ x 78″ x 3″ (63 x 198 x 8 cm)*Ultralight Mattresses have a 5″ taper, meaning the foot end is 5″ narrower than the width.
- Packed Size20×72: 6.5″ x 3″ (16 x 8 cm)25×72: 8″ x 3″ (20 x 8 cm)25×78: 8″ x 3.5″ (20 x 9 cm)
- InsulationTwo layers of mylar foil
- FabricTop & Bottom: Embossed 20D Recycled Polyester Tafetta
- IncludesMattress, waterproof inflation storage sack, and repair kit
My Story:
I have long awaited a Zenbivy UL option and I was delighted to see this bad boy hit the market. My only complaint with ZB up to this point was that they were not super friendly to us UL folks. Well, here I go putting my foot in my mouth.
Prior to receiving the mattress is looked over the specs. So you get an R value of 4.8 and a weight of 17 to 22 ounces depending on size. This is very close to many other brands that I’m sure you have tried. So, Zenbivy gets to stay in the mix. The fabric is a recycled 20D Polyester that is seemingly as durable as any others I have used.
When I took this pad out of the box I was so excited. I have a TON of experience with most of the top brands out there and I was very excited to see how this mattress would stack up. Immediately it got some props as the storage bag is also the pump. This is not a revolutionary idea as many others have this but its a feat not EVERY pad has so I was happy to see it. I also love how there is an inner liner that allow the bag to double in size which makes inflation a bit easier.
The one way value on the pad is also a huge help as it keeps the air in while inflating the pump sack. Overall the pump sack works as it should though it does take a little while to fully inflate the mattress. It still beats being light headed and out of breath.
The mattress is made by Zenbivy so it stands to reason that it would work perfectly with Zenbivy beds. So, that is how I tested it. And you guessed it, they worked wonderfully together.
So, did it work? Yes, and it was wonderful. It’s hard to write a fanciful tale about an air mattress. I’m sure you would admit this is not a riveting subject. That said, mattress preference is a very common question I am asked when talking about sleeping in the backcountry. So, while it’s not super exciting it is important.
What I do find exciting is helping people out by turning them on to products that have treated me well. This is one such product. If you are in the market for a new inflatable mattress you would be remiss to overlook Zenbivy.
Find It Here:
What can be done better?
I would like to see a better patch kit. I am a fan of Type A patches or really anything that is instant and does not require glue. For now that is about all I can see I would like to change.