ZenBivy Construction Problems
This is a thread for people to post experiences with construction issues on their ZB UL down products.
I currently own and regularly maintain 9 down bags (plus two down under quilts). Several date back to purchase 30 years ago (like my FF winter bag). All this gear is pristine. I know how to hand-wash and dry ultralight down gear.
I spend about 20-40 nights in a tent or hammock per year.
The Zenbivy UL sheet design is brilliant. The hood concept is genius, acting as a good, a pillow garage and a sensory damper all in one. The comfort is unmatched, giving me by far the best nights sleep I’ve ever had in the backcountry. Which is why I want to keep using it. However, the execution of the internal baffle stitching is failing.
I just experienced my third instance of a baffle tear on a ZB product after hand washing and machine drying. This is the second UL sheet with a hood baffle tear that appeared in the dryer; a previous issue happened with a 25 degree light bag. For reference it is a 10 degree UL sheet, 25 inches width.
In the first two instances, I worked happily with ZB to resolve the issues. They repaired the bag and replaced the sheet. I paid for shipping I think. But three times is too much. I’ve just sent out my sheet to Rainy Pass for a repair and professional evaluation (which is why I don’t have a photo to share). I will share that evaluation directly with ZB when it comes back to me. Essentially, the center head baffle tore somewhere and the chamber is now empty. This failure is identical to the other two.
UL gear is delicate. I get that. But the key to maintaining expensive and delicate gear for decades is keeping it clean after use and storing it properly between uses. The ZB products need to get clean reliably without baffle failures. Now looks like I will be having regular repair costs associated with both my UL sheets…. Sigh.
Does anybody else have issues to share, constructively, with the great folks over at ZB?