One of the most important things to think about when you go camping is the comfort of sleep. And as a good night's sleep can really change the game when you’re out adventuring, Nick and I have made it one of our top priorities. We decided to check out two of the best double sleeping bag products out there.
Sometimes, getting a good night's sleep while out in nature can be challenging. But these days, you can really find fantastic equipment that’s going to allow you to have a wonderful rest, regardless of where you are.
The two products that I’m going to be comparing today are actually double sleeping bags. And that’s because Nick and I recently upgraded to a double, as we’ve found that we really appreciate bunking down together as opposed to sleeping in individual bags. Plus, double setups are a lot more fun, especially when you have your kids climbing in to cuddle with you.
So, if you’re thinking about upgrading to a double sleeping bag, here is a side-by-side comparison of the Zenbivy sleeping system and the Big Agnes Double Pad and Big Agnes Sleeping Bag.
Mattresses
One of the first things I want to talk about is mattresses. And right off the bat, the Big Agnes mattress, the Rapid SL, is a lot more compact than Zenbivy’s.
However, if we’re going somewhere where we can use our car, then I’ll likely choose our Zenbivy mattress. Zenbivy’s mattress is a double-inflation mattress. And what I really love is that inside, the mattress, there is a layer of foam similar to a traditional mattress.
That interior foam really makes the Zenbivy one of the most comfortable camping mattresses on the market. But with that added comfort, comes an increased size which can make it difficult to transport to and from a a campsite.
On top of its comfort, the Zenbivy mattress is also incredibly easy to blow up thanks to its self-inflating valve. The valve essentially allows air into the space between the foam. So you really don’t have to do much work in order to create a solid foundation!
Zenbivy Set Up
Now, let’s talk through the setups, starting with Zenbivy. Firstly, Zenbivy’s double quilt is 25°. And unlike a traditional full sleeping bag, the Zenbivy quilt, is an actual quilt with an additional fitted sheet.
To keep the quilt in place throughout the night, Zenbivy added toggles that you can clip onto the fitted mattress sheet. And once all the toggles are connected, you’ll ultimately feel like you’re inside an actual traditional sleeping bag.
In order to keep your head from getting cold, Zenbivy also added a cover at the end of the sheet for extra warmth and protection.
Overall, the Zenbivy quilt, mattress, and sheet system is bigger in size compared to other camping setups. But it is incredibly warm, comfortable, and well-thought-out. So I really can’t fault it.
Big Agnes Set Up
Moving onto the Big Agnes setup. And like I said previously, one of the biggest differentiators is its size. Big Agnes’ mattress and sleeping bag are both a lot smaller than the Zenbivy’s. And this, in turn, makes them far more manageable when you need to carry them over long distances.
One thing we particularly love about the setup is the inflation bag that comes with it. Many air mattresses these days will come with a similar fancy little bag that essentially allows you to trap air and compress it into the mattress.
In addition to the mattress, the Big Agnes setup comes with the King Soloman double-person sleeping bag. And this sleeping bag is a 35°, which follows the traditional sleeping bag style.
Unlike the Zenbivy, the King Soloman sleeping bag already has a sheet integrated into the bag. So it's a simple case of laying it over your inflated air mattress and using the toggles to tighten it around the base.
You’ll further find that as the King Soloman is a traditional sleeping bag, there are zippers that run down both sides, making it far easier to get into and out. The zippers also allow you to fully close the bag when it's not in use to prevent dirty, sandy feet from getting in your bed.
All in all, because of the size of the Big Agnes setup, I would certainly favor it when we have to trek along way to our campsite.
Sleeping Bag Price and Cost Comparision
The next part I’m going to review about these two double sleeping bags are their price points. Zenbivys set up comes as a package for about $520. And considering it's a sleeping bag for two people, not one, I think that is a very good price point.
Big Agnes’ price point, however, is slightly cheaper as it sits in the $399 range.
Both sleeping bags are made with high-quality materials, which is obviously reflected in their price. So, although they are more expensive than other products on the market, you know you’ll be using them for years to come.
Comfort
Comfort is obviously one of the most important factors when deciding on a sleeping bag. And I’ve found the Big Agnes and Zenbivy are equally as comfortable. But for different reasons.
The Zenbivy materials and the fact it is a sheet and quilt combo make the Zenbivy camping setup feel very light and as if you were getting into a traditional bed at home. Combine the sheets with the 50 by 77 mattress, and you’ll have plenty of room for you, your partner, and any little ones who climb in throughout the night.
The Big Agnes, despite being more compact, is also incredibly roomy and provides Nick and I with more than enough space while camping. I will admit that we aren’t the biggest people. But the Big Agnes mattress and sleeping bag are more than enough for us. And we’ve used them multiple times without complaints.
The Companies Themselves
And the last thing I wanted to touch on was the companies themselves. Big Agnes and Zenbivy both have amazing missions, with Zenbivy focusing on providing its customers with the very best sleep. And Big Agnes knuckling down to reduce water use when developing their products.
Both sleeping bags receive the stamp of approval from me and my family. So, it really comes down to your preferences when it comes to a camping setup. For a compact, easy to set up option, opt for the Big Agnes. And for a spacious, luxurious feeling sleeping bag and mattress combo, invest in the Zenbivy!
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