Gear Testers Wanted:

[Michael Glavin / Zenbivy]

BPL Members:
Mike Glavin here from Zenbivy. I am looking for some field testers for a new sleeping bag called the Zenbivy Bed. You can check it out at zenbivy.com and it will redirect you to our kickstarter campaign where you can review all the details. While this is a quilt-based sleeping system, it focuses on the comfort benefits of quilts vs. the weight benefits so be sure to check it out. If you are interested, please send me an IM, and feel free to comment here on the concept in general.  Thanks to all!
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Moved to Gear Deals as somewhat commercial.
Roger Caffin
Online Community Monitor
BPL

[BlackHatGuy]

Interesting concept Michael, I like it. Are you considering different bag ratings if all goes well? A 25 degree bag is a bit warm :-) for summer camping, and even some spring/fall camping. I’ve been using quilts for quite awhile and understand venting, but for us warm sleepers, venting only helps so much.

[Richie S]

Ah, I’d love to but I’m not sure the wife and kids and work will give me enough time im the backcountry to give you the field testing you’ll need.

Ive been interested since you first posted on here but still a little on the fence – somewhat because of the fact delivery was a long ways out – but I get that is likely unavoidable.

[Edward John M]

I’ve checked out the website and while I understand the concept I think that it is using fabrics that are going to be too heavy for the folk who frequent this forum.

it is really dedicated to shedding every possible ounce after all.

For my own needs and usage it is too small to use as a deep winter booster over a LW down bag

Send me one here in OZ tho and I’d be happy to use it, review it and share it amongst other Australian winter campers, 25F being OK here except in the snow

[Hoosier T]

Agreed, why use such heavy materials? EE and other cottage vendors have proven that people will pay the price for UL gear. There is a demand.

[John Vance]

Wow, Kickstarter takes 10%?  Neat idea but probably not a fit for most on this site.  My wife and daughters would like it however.

[Ed Tyanich]

Mike,

PM sent.

[Steofan M]

Michael,
The mattress cover/pillow holder/side wings looks like single solution for multiple issues that quilt users suffer through. Bravo!
The mattress cover and pillow cover are washable, correct?
Steven M.

[Tyler V]

Hey Mike! Great video! I am thru hiking the PCT IN 2018. I am a novice hiker who has been on a few small hikes, but am training relentlessly for next spring. I am currently looking for a bag and have been looking at Enlightened Equipment and zpacks quilts, but would be open to trying your bag if a novice hiker trekking the PCT intrests you. Any further info you could provide is welcomed.

Thanks,

Tyler

[Daniel W]

Great idea! Only issue is that it seems a bit heavy. Do you think you would produce lighter quilts with 850 fp down and lighter materials?

[Michael Glavin / Zenbivy]

All:  sorry for the non-responses. My post was moved by a moderater to the correct forum, and I lost track of it. Thanks to those of you who reached out for testing. We will be in touch. Other questions answered:

Different temp rstings are certainly an option. Cold weather testing this winter was VERY promising, and warmer versions are possible too.   Noted that this build will be too heavy for many who frequent these forums.

We could just make it lighter by using more expensive fabrics, but our current ultalight design is actually a fundamentally different design, and we likely will not make the version currently shown in lighter fabric. A lightweight concept is one of the things on the testing docket.

Kickstarter takes 5% off all funds. Credit card and Paypal fees are another 3-4%.

The sheet and pillow cover are washable, yes. But note the sheet has a down hood attached and we recommend washing the sheet like any sleeping bag.

Thanks as always for the comments and any input is always apreciated.

[Michael Glavin / Zenbivy]

All:

I have received so many inquiries about testing, I made a form and the following info to keep it all organized.

Most of our testing opportunities come from specific test scenarios we need compared. For example, comparing two different hood designs. Or we want to test fit on a certain size person. We sometimes do have occasion for “development testing” where the core elements of the design are honed, but mostly this is detail level refinement and opinion testing. Many of our testing scenarios can be conducted “backyard”.

We are also constantly running more general “field tests” where you take the bag and use it on a trip, then give perceptions and input. Note that we have way more people who want to do field tests than bags, at least for the remainder of this summer.

https://goo.gl/forms/he3QbOvM08d0w94C2

Thanks again!

–Mike Glavin

 

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