👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇 REI Helix Sleeping Pad: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad Zenbivy UL Sleeping Pad: geni.us/ZenbivyULmattress Check out PackWizard Sleeping Pad Comparisons: www.packwizard.com/gear/sleeping-pads

@stevemartin8994

23 күн бұрын

Test the Zenbivy Flex Air also.

Love the A/B test methodology!

You are just the best at these Justin. The way the shots merge and are edited is fantastic.

I've had the REI Helix for over a year now and love it. I think it's the best bang for the buck especially if you grab it on sale.

Is Zenbivy requiring all you KZread influencers to call their system a GOAT in the title? If so it’s annoying!

@JustinOutdoors

23 күн бұрын

They paid each of us 1 million dollars to only use that term.

Thanks man exactly the video i was hoping you would make!

Hi Justin, I just wanted to say how much your videos helped me to pick the best gear that suits me.

Yes! Thanks Justin❤❤❤

Brilliant placing them side by side in your overnight test!

Love all your videos, Justin! Made my research to building a solid backpacking loadout a lot less expensive haha Not sure if you have any videos of best trekking poles or headlamps but I could use a breakdown!

Interesting take. I do NOT have the Helix so I can't compare the two, but I did compare it directly to my Exped Ultra 7R, and Nemo Tensor EC, and even the REI Air Rail Plus. I found that the Zenbivy *just* hedged out the Nemo, but man, it was close. I like a slightly softer pad as a rule, and found that letting a bit of air out of the Nemo and Expeds made them really, really good (with the Exped taking the win for comfort). Oddly, I found that ADDING air to the Zenbivy did two things: It eliminated bottoming out even when I was sitting up on it (I'm a smidge over 200#) and that it felt more comfortable when on my side (I'm a side-sleeper for the most part). I think it's because of the way the Zenbivy top material stretches in 4 directions, which gives better support on each little nub. Now I had thought about sending the Zenbivy pad back or offloading it, but it really is a little better for side sleeping than the EC is, and will be a better summer pad, I think. If I were to get rid of it, I'd use the proceeds to buy a Nemo Tensor All Season instead but I'm not sure there's any real value in that, and I suspect it'll sleep exactly like the EC did. I do prefer a rectangular pad though, but as I'm using it with a Zenbivy Sheet, that's pretty much a non issue. Before I leave, I will say that on my last attempt doing comparisons and adjusting pressure in the pads, I found that the fine-tune valve stuck open and I couldn't get it to pop closed. I finally had to actually inhale through the valve to re-seat it properly so it wouldn't leak air when the cap was opened up. I only tried it one time after that and the valve behaved correctly, so perhaps it wasn't quite properly seated and finally leaked until I correctly seated it, but it is something I'll be keeping an eye on moving forward.

Thanks for pointing out that the valves on the Helix should be facing down!!

Love your gear reviews!

I’ve had my Rapide SL keep me warm when outside temps were in the high teens, still the goat for me!

I have the zenbivy, very comfortable

FYI - current REI sale for helix makes it $118 (regular wide)

@johncramer9564

23 күн бұрын

Whoa! That's a great steal!

@orion7741

23 күн бұрын

ugghhhh. even on sale it costs a small fortune!!! hiking gear SHOULD NOT cost that much. its rediculous.

Love these reviews as I am currently looking for a better quality sleeping pad. Got one from Amazon that is 5 inches think for Cub Scout camping so the r value is not that much of an issue as spring summer fall but now both boys moved up and they try to camp once a month. Need something that will hold up as well as work properly. The Amazon one has a built in foot pump which is ok but was making me look for the mini air pumps because the amount of pumps to fill it is crazy.

Cool video

Justin, you should do a review on the Sierra designs full moon two or three person tent. My husband and I use the three-person splitting the weight between our packs. It's a great tent for not a lot of money... IMO

Hell yeah been looking forward to this video!

Great video Justin. Question: What orange sleeping bag (quilt?) are you showing @0:02 of the video?

Awesome video, as always! Please take a look at the Light tour/Naturehike sleeping pad. I've seen other KZreadrs saying they are very similar, maybe made in the same factory! I know some people love to hate chinese stuff, but for a lot o people, myself included, simply don't have acess to US brands, such as BA, Zenbivy, REI, exped...

I've tested the Helix sleeping pad. It's good, but IMO the NEMO Quasar Insulated is a lot more comfortable, especially for side sleepers due to the elevation in the head area and on the sides with a 3.5 in thickness. The only disadvantage is that it is a little heavier.

I'm a side sleeper and definitely had my hip touch the ground on the REI Helix, which also created a cold spot. It was comfortable other than that though. I plan on testing it out some more just to make sure it wasn't because I was on a rock or uneven ground or anything like that.

@NordenzurZukunft

23 күн бұрын

Yeah, it's a tricky one because I think it actually wants to be inflated more than you'd think. I have the same pad and I'm trying to fine tune it, too lol.

With the pillow straps, I think that's because the Zenbivy probably assumes you'll be using one of their sheets in their "system"? I saw one of them on another review and it's got a pocket at the top of the pad for the pillow. Maybe shaving grams on the corners of the pad and use it in the new UL sheet?? Just my assumptions about the design anyhow. Great video as always. Love your content Justin.

The goat is still the Rapide SL😍😍

@josuehdz0

18 күн бұрын

That’s what I’m saying! I’ve slept with the Rapid SL in sub 30F and was toasty. Justin doesn’t seem to like it. He always says he hasn’t had a good experience with it. I’m wondering if he’s tried more than one? Maybe his is faulty?

@justinoutdoors, have you ever tried the Kammok Insulated Pongo Pad? Looks very interesting with the wide shoulder area and would love to hear your thoughts. Only downfall in my opinion is the 3.1 r-value.

I must say, the big Agnes Rapide SL, for me, has been awesome. Extremely comfortable and has kept me warm into temps in the 20’s Fahrenheit. 🤷🏻‍♂️

As a side sleeper I tried everything and never found anything super comfortable. Once I forgot my pillow and tried putting my fleece inside my buff and I was surprised to be more comfortable than on my Nemo fillo elite pillow. Now I spent a few nights trying to sleep on my stomach and I find that I can now comfortably sleep on a torso length Nemo switchback and my buff pillow. It’s so unintuitive but as long as I can select a nice array to sleep I find that I sleep better on the floor than on my thermarest xlite. It’s more stable and the pillow never moves. If it gets a bit cold for my legs I put them on my pack and I’m good.

The Zenbivy pad looks exactly like Naturehike 5.8 . I've suggested you check it out some time ago.

Don't you think they come from the same supplier ? Those welds are not easy to make and look VERY similar. I hope you'll review the new decathlon insulated pad :)

FYI: ZenBivy has a 2024 Memorial Day sale till the 27th. Up to off 25% items- ( I just bought 2 of their pillows on sale , dying to test them). The Ul mattress, the 25 by 78( LW) is $179.10 down from 200$, the light version( my fav) is $126.75, down from 169$!!

Have you considered testing naturehikes sleeping pads? They have one with r value of 8. 8

An important factor KZread reviewers seem to be missing is whether the pad is field repairable. I recently bought a Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe based on positive KZread reviews. I was horrified to find the repair kit supplied for the top material requires you to use an iron. Seriously, a hot iron held on the patch for 30-45 seconds.

@orion7741

23 күн бұрын

out in the field you can use your cooking pot in place of an iron. you have to be resourceful when out in the wilderness.

@rarknivesandleatherwork8045

23 күн бұрын

@orion7741 good luck getting the required temperature, besides my point was why design a mat that requires that in the first place.

You definitely need to test the Flexair Zenbivy pad. It’s waaay more comfy than the UL version. That said, that difference is only felt after a few hours of A B testing

How would you compare the warmth of these to the NeoAir Xlite? I’m searching for a more comfortable pad than the Xlite but the tensor all-season and Exped 5r were colder than the Xlite for me.

What do you think about the spot gps system .?

Hi Justin, What kind of slepping pads do you advice for side sleeper of 220 lbs ? Best regards from switzerland

Maybe I missed it but how small does each pack down comparatively? Also, I bet that the Flextail air pump works with one of these pads and not the other. 😞

Where does the s2s ether lite xt rank now? Setting aside the r value difference how does it compare comfort wise?

Justin, I follow your sleeping pad analysis videos, but now I’m confused. Personally, I’m disregarding REI for weight. That leaves Zenbivy Ultralight versus Exped Ultra 3R for three season use. Which one wins and why?

I’m curious how the Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress compares to these 2. It’s slightly heavier, but has a different top that is supposedly more comfortable than the UL.

@JonathanThrift

23 күн бұрын

I have both the REI Helix and the Zenbivy Flex Air, among other top pads and my wife loves the Zenbivy the most. I also think it's the most comfortable pad I own.

I'm a side sleeper and I've tried several pads from very cheap to very expensive, but they were all equally horrible...Could NOT get a single night of sleep when hiking, until I grew to realize that the real issue was the pillow rather than the pad. Now I have the mega pillow thanks to your recommendation (thank you Justin!), and suddenly I can sleep well on ALL the pads that I've bought through the years, even the cheaper ones. All in all, I find the thermarest the most comfortable, even though it has the horizontal baffles, and I do not feel the need to buy the helix or zenbivy. Really, for those side sleepers having issues finding the right pad? First find the right PILLOW! It MUST be high enough to support the neck and shoulders, AND it must be secured to the pad so that it doesn't slide. I use a stretchy legging/stocking as a cushion cover by cutting off the legs and pulling it over the pillow and the top of the pad. I finally have a decent sleeping system that works.

@nicksam5518

23 күн бұрын

I’ve experimented too. I too side sleep, and My current issue is the pillow height. My recent combo win was a Nemo fillo(9oz ugh, I know) paired w/ a feathered friends geo-duck travel pillow(6 oz). Best outside sleep ever, even if its still to heavy. True deep comfortable sleep is not to be dismissed.

@MG-ze3lf

23 күн бұрын

I've tried 10 different pillows and still can't find a good one. So I carry a little heavier with the Thermarest compressable. All inflatables I've tried are horrid. Sleeping on a balloon. They just don't make a great camp pillow that is light and comfy for people with neck issues.

@juskojj

23 күн бұрын

@@MG-ze3lf side sleeper as well with neck issues. i've come to make my own. last trip i went on my son i used a combo of an air pillow with a foam topper and slept relatively well. still experimenting on a non air pillow but the foam on top of the air pillow was pretty comfortable for me.

@thewoundedcrow7846

20 күн бұрын

Folded a zseat in half and put under my nemo filio pillow

The pillow strap is an issue for quilt users only….right? I still use a SB…

I wish I saw these videos before I bought Big Agnes RAPIDE :(

The GOAT sleeping pad is definitely a new zenbivy pad, but it isn't the UL. The Flex air is a little heavier, but more comfortable in my humble opinion.

@terrykill8431

23 күн бұрын

Absolutely right IMO. Should have compared with that as they are still comparable weight.

@juskojj

23 күн бұрын

the flex air is still lighter (slightly) then the helix. how cold have you taken it?

Funny question. Do you think you’ve used any piece of b-roll more than the zoom ul clip?

@MrHeywatup

23 күн бұрын

The pillow running away, maybe??

I’m trying to reduce my camping gear footprint this year and hoping to move away from an air mattress. Are these sleeping pads really all that comfortable? Will a 190lb side sleeper be comfortable with one of these?

@matthewlockhart3226

22 күн бұрын

What's your plan for a sleeping pad if you're moving away from air mattresses?

What I'd love gear reviewers to include in their testing is - weight limits. I've damaged several sleeping pads just because of my heft and they start leaking air on a regular basis so I'm not going to spend lots of money on them to just fail on me completely.

@hurricaneshand

22 күн бұрын

I've been using the Thermarest Trail Pro the past few years as a heavyweight camper and it's been really comfy for me and no issues. Downside is it's bulky, but worth it imo for someone who is 285

Where to buy in the UK?

@rayfreer2

23 күн бұрын

I’m in the UK and the only options were direct from the States or from the EU store in Germany. Different web sites and the EU store had far less stock/choices. Perhaps only whilst the recent 24 versions were rolled out? I bought from the US and paid the duty, service was great though and the gear is as good as the KZreadrs keep banging on about 👍🏼

These vs Tensor All Season / Extreme?

@boone473

23 күн бұрын

I have both, and if you want the best comfort go with the Helix. The Tensor isn't quite as comfortable, but has a softer top feel, and weighs less than the Helix (For a 20 inch mummy, the Helix is 21oz, Tensor EC 17oz, and Tensor AS 14oz). Both the Helix and Tensor AS are plenty warm for 3-season backpacking, and the Tensor EC will take you into winter conditions.

@rockytopwrangler2069

23 күн бұрын

Tensor all the way ....full width full size ... others don't come close ..

@johncramer9564

23 күн бұрын

I've had tensors fail, fail and fail again. My current Tensor has 3 patches on it and won't hold air, and my previous Tensor which I returned to REI failed after 3 uses. I personally am done with Tensor, but I do have friends who have had better luck with it. Now I just use Helix for all seasons and in winter put a foam egg crate style pad under it to boost R to about 7, while adding a liner to my sleeping bag. I sleep warm in all seasons with no worries about my pad popping in middle of night in the snow like with Tensor. I have btw spent a night in the snow freezing my butt on a popped Tensor counting the minutes till the sun comes up. Wasn't a great experience.

@husbyb86

23 күн бұрын

The new Tensor line isn't as comfortable as the old Tensor line in my opinion. A/B testing with an older polyester model, it was very clear the new ones aren't as comfortable. The nylon fabric doesn't offer the same stretch and skin feel as the old polyester fabric. They are warmer and likely more durable though. My wife has the REI Helix and I steal it from her as often as I can.

@ronb2008

23 күн бұрын

Tensor’s garbage. The only sleeping pad I’ve ever returned for not being comfortable.

Purple pants

I will never use a mylar pad again. Just so crinkly and noisy. Switched to a "standard" insulation and still have an r-value of 4.2 and silence

Probably works for some, i dont see the benefit

"The REI Helix has been my most comfortable pad for Years" I think the pad debued only 1 year ago...

@JustinOutdoors

23 күн бұрын

I think it's been 3 years now. They changed the color a year ago from the yellow to the blue.

Why is it called zenbivy? It's not a bivy.

Just give me a Thermorest Ridgerest!! NOTHING beats the basic simple Ridgerest pad. no inflating, no spending a fortune on stuff and its super lightweight! all of you guys with your inflatable pads are just out of your minds.....

@JasonMustHike

23 күн бұрын

My first 20 years of backpacking was with a Ridgerest! Great pad that never failed. Unfortunately after I hit the age of 50 or so my body wanted something a little softer. Looking back though I think I got better sleep on the foam. Maybe it’s worth trying again. Always enjoy your videos Justin.

Easily one of my favourite things on the internet is @justinoutdoors' various 'sidesleeper faces'. From 'grumpy thermarest' to 'contented REI'. 🤓