At Zenbivy Europe, we believe that outdoor gear should not only look good on paper. It has to prove itself outside, on real trips, in real conditions and over long days where comfort, weight and reliability genuinely matter.
That is why it is so important to us that we use our own products ourselves. Werner Koch, CEO of Zenbivy Europe, recently took the new Zenbivy sleep system on a bikepacking journey through the Balkans. The result was 850 kilometres, almost 11,000 metres of elevation gain and plenty of first hand experience with what really matters when travelling light by bike.
Together with one riding partner, Werner travelled from Innsbruck by train and FlixBus via Venice to Rijeka in Croatia. From there, the route led by bike through the Croatian hinterland into Bosnia and Herzegovina, past Mostar and all the way to Dubrovnik. The journey mostly followed the TransDinarica gravel route through Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a few self planned detours along the way.
The return route went via the islands of Korčula and Hvar to Split, then by ferry to Ancona and finally back home by train.
In total, the trip added up to around 850 kilometres and almost 11,000 metres of elevation gain.
Planning the Route: Structured, but Flexible
The route was planned as a mix of solid preparation and spontaneous decision making. The GPX tracks from TransDinarica were a huge help, but some of the biggest highlights were planned independently with Komoot.
One of those highlights was the high plateau north of Livno in Bosnia, known for its wild horses. Another was the route through the Velebit mountains during the first two days of the trip.
Although the route was planned in advance, the daily schedule quickly became more flexible. The two riders were faster than expected, especially at the beginning, so overnight stops were often adjusted spontaneously.
Less Is More: The Bikepacking Packing Philosophy
For this trip, the goal was clear: only bring the essentials.
A basic bike tool kit, backup dry food for three to four days and a small water filter took away a lot of pressure. That meant fewer worries about getting stuck due to a mechanical issue or having to make long detours just to find food or water.
Still, most supplies came from local shops, restaurants and small stops along the way. And when it came to food, one thing became very clear: ćevapčići every day would not have been a problem.
Ultralight and Comfortable? Absolutely.
For Werner, ultralight gear and comfort are not opposites. The real question is budget. With high quality gear, it is possible to travel light, compact and comfortably. Without that investment, most riders eventually have to compromise either on warmth, pack size or weight.
That difference becomes especially obvious on longer bikepacking trips, where the weather and temperatures can change dramatically. On this tour, the nights ranged from just under 10°C up to around 25°C.
That is where a flexible sleep system has a clear advantage over a traditional mummy sleeping bag. It can be warm and closed when temperatures drop, but open and airy like a blanket on warmer nights.
The Sleep System: Zenbivy Ultralight Double Bed Prototype
On this trip, Werner used a 2027 prototype of the Zenbivy Ultralight Double Bed. It turned out to be the perfect setup for the conditions.
At a total weight of around 1,400 grams, or just 700 grams per person, the system was genuinely ultralight while still offering enough warmth for temperatures close to freezing. It also packed down small enough to fit on the bike handlebar, which is especially valuable when space is limited.
The combination of sheet and quilt made the system very versatile. On cold nights, it offered a warm and cosy sleep setup. On warmer nights, it allowed excellent ventilation and prevented overheating. On cool evenings, the quilt even worked as a comfortable blanket outside the tent.
Why Zenbivy Works So Well for Bikepacking
Weight and pack size are crucial on any bikepacking trip. Compared to backpacking, bikepacking often covers longer distances, which means riders can experience very different climates and temperatures within one journey.
That is where Zenbivy’s modular design makes a difference. Instead of being locked into one sleeping bag configuration, the system can be used in different ways depending on the conditions. Closed and warm when needed, open and airy when the night is mild.
For Werner, this flexibility was one of the biggest advantages of the setup.
Pack Size Matters More Than You Think
The total gear weight was around 9 kilograms per bike, plus water. That was not extremely minimalist, but still very reduced. On the rough gravel sections in the Velebit mountains and in Bosnia, this made a big difference.
With bikepacking, every extra half kilo matters. More weight makes the bike less stable, puts more stress on bag attachments and creates more resistance in headwinds.
The sleep system is usually one of the bulkiest parts of the entire setup, so being able to store it compactly on the handlebar is a major advantage. Packing it elsewhere can make the bike wider, more awkward to handle and more complicated to load into trains.
On this trip, the Zenbivy Ultralight Double Bed was packed on the handlebar of one bike, while the tent, an MSR Hubba Hubba Bike 2, was carried on the other.
Recommended Zenbivy Setup for Bikepacking
For most bikepacking trips, the Zenbivy Light models are an excellent choice. The down version rated to minus 4°C is a strong all rounder for classic use from early summer through autumn.
For riders with the budget to invest in the lightest and most compact option, the Ultralight series offers clear advantages. Compared to the Light series, it saves roughly 20 percent in weight and packs down even smaller.
The Core models, on the other hand, are less ideal for bikepacking. They are great for car camping, but less suited to trips where pack size and weight are priorities.
For sleeping mats, the FlexAir performed extremely well. The soft stretch fabric on top felt comfortable against the skin, even when used with the shorter sheet of the Ultralight Bed. Werner used two FlexAir Rectangular Large mats, which fit perfectly inside the MSR tent and prevented the mats from sliding sideways during the night.
Organising Gear with Zenbivy Dry Sacks
Zenbivy Dry Sacks were used in several ways during the trip. One was used to pack both sleeping mats together and mount them on the side of the fork. Another was used for the Double Bed on the handlebar.
The lightweight air mattresses could easily be rolled up together and stored in a 4 litre Dry Sack. The 5 litre Ditty Dry Sack also worked very well as a small bikepacking bag on the fork mount, especially for rain gear, T shirts or a towel.
For gear that does not compress well, such as a stove, pot or dry meals, Werner recommends using more stable saddle bags or a seat pack instead. Lightweight Dry Sacks with air release valves work best for soft, compressible equipment.
Gear Hack: Save Space with a Mini Pump
One simple gear hack from the trip: pack Zenbivy lightweight mats, even two rolled together, in a classic Dry Sack instead of using long inflation bags.
Werner carried a small USB powered mini pump. It weighs about the same as an inflation Dry Sack and inflates the mats automatically within a few minutes. That saves space, reduces bulk and makes the evening routine easier.
Three Bikepacking Tips from Werner
1. Have a Plan, but Stay Flexible
In unfamiliar regions, daily distances can be difficult to estimate in advance. Depending on elevation gain, surface quality and how hard you want to ride, Werner’s daily average was between 80 and 120 kilometres.
The best approach is to plan several options for each day rather than relying on one fixed stop. Wild camping should be the backup, not the main plan. The simple, affordable and welcoming campsites in the Croatian hinterland and in Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve to be supported. They are also great places to meet the few other bikepackers on the route.
2. Bring Everything Important, but Nothing Extra
One functional shirt per week is enough. Two cycling shorts for three weeks already felt almost luxurious. One titanium pot for dry meals and one cup shared between two people were completely sufficient.
At the same time, some backup items are worth carrying. A second lightweight spare pump, for example, can make a big difference. On remote sections, especially in Bosnia, you can be completely on your own for hours. That was one of the biggest differences compared to tours in Central Europe.
3. Do Not Save Weight at the Expense of Sleep
A hard day on the bike is only enjoyable if you recover properly at night. On long trips, sleep quality becomes essential.
But ultralight does not have to mean uncomfortable or minimalist in a negative sense. With a combined weight of around 1,200 to 1,400 grams for a Zenbivy mat and sleep system, it is possible to build a setup that can compete with serious ultralight gear while still delivering genuinely comfortable nights.
For Werner, that was the key takeaway: travel light, stay flexible and never underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep.