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REI Co-op Siesta Double 30 Review

Well-made and very functional, this double bag doesn't have many thrills, but it's cost-friendly and effective for general use
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REI Co-op Siesta Double 30 Review
Credit: REI Co-op
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   REI Co-op
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 8, 2019
62
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth - 35% 5.0
  • Comfort - 30% 7.0
  • Features - 25% 7.0
  • Packed Size - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

REI discontinued the Siesta Double 30 as of Summer 2020.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple and functional
Well-made
Can be converted into two separate bags
REASONS TO AVOID
Individual bags are a little too narrow
Double bag is somewhat small
The REI Co-op Siesta Double 30 is well-made, basic, and functional. This is a two-person bag with the ability to unzip and create two individual bags. This is a quality product that gets the job done, without the addition of many extra features or frills. There isn't anything we overly liked or disliked about this bag, although it may be a little narrow for larger framed sleepers. It's a solid, affordable option for campers looking for a decent double bag.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Function over flare is the dynamic of most REI Co-op brand products. The same is true for the Siesta Double. This double bag is perfect for campers who want the convenience of one bag, but don't need the latest in sleeping bag fashion and innovation. The manufacturer did a great job of sticking to the basics with this bag. It's comfortable, very functional, and warm enough for a cool night in the outdoors. Well-made is the most appropriate adjective to describe this bag. However, the Siesta Double's basic design did prevent us from giving it really high marks across the board.

Performance Comparison


rei co-op siesta double 30 - weather forced us to put this bag to the test. overall, we stayed...
Weather forced us to put this bag to the test. Overall, we stayed warmish when temps dropped below the 40s. We were also a little squished. This bag is not as wide as some double bags.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Warmth


We conducted our warmth tests with one person and with two, and each time we came to the same conclusion: This is a decent bag with average to slightly above-average abilities to keep us warm. This bag's full-length zipper baffle is effective at keeping warm air in and cold air out, as is its cinch-able neck baffle. We also found the bag's offset quilted construction and insulation to be effective at keeping sleepers warm, but not exactly toasty warm.

rei co-op siesta double 30 - despite having a very soft liner, this bag is very water resistant...
Despite having a very soft liner, this bag is very water resistant. Often softer materials tend to absorb water. This bag breezed through all of our water tests
Credit: Jason Wanlass

We like that the Siesta Double's shoulder baffle can be adjusted independently by both sleepers, but we also feel the bag could have also greatly benefited from a hood. The bag is rated for 30-degrees. When reaching those temperatures, we much more preferred double bags with hoods over those without. However, in more comfortable temps, and tent, camper, or RV environments, this bag performs well.

rei co-op siesta double 30 - overall, this is a narrow double bag. when separated, it can be...
Overall, this is a narrow double bag. When separated, it can be zipped into two separate bags, which are also somewhat narrow, when compared to other single bags we tested.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Comfort


Over-stuffed is not how we would describe the Seista Double. Combining it with a decent sleeping pad is highly recommended. However, it does boast a fair amount of natural fluffiness. One area of note is the bag's fabric. The polyester taffeta lining is comfortable, and when combined with the bag's offset quilt construction, cold spots (on average, cool nights) are virtually non-existent. Additionally, exterior and interior fabrics are very comfortable and allow for grab-free movement during the night.

During our comfort tests, we spent time assessing whether the Siesta Double's width could accommodate two people all night. Our answer is yes and no. Yes, if both sleepers have average to slim bodies. No, if they don't. For bigger bodies, the Siesta Double is much less comfortable. It's not the most generously-sized double bag we've ever tested, for sure.

rei co-op siesta double 30 - this bag is very basic, but still has some very nice features, like...
This bag is very basic, but still has some very nice features, like interior storage pockets.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Features


There is something to be said for innovation, but time-tested tradition is equally important. If you're looking for flash and edge, keep browsing. The Siesta Double probably doesn't have what you're seeking. However, this bag is no slouch. It's designed with time-tested features that make it very functional. In fact, its greatest feature is the manufacturer's attention to traditional details and quality. Top fabrics and insulation, quality stitching, offset quilt construction, a thick zipper baffle, interior pockets, and adjustable shoulder baffles, leave the consumer with a product they can enjoy for years.

rei co-op siesta double 30 - although we like the option of separating this bag into two bags, we...
Although we like the option of separating this bag into two bags, we found the bags to be a little narrow. We also found ourselves wondering if it still wouldn't be better to just buy two larger single bags and zip them together when needed.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

One unique option the Siesta Double offers is the ability to be unzipped, allowing each half can be used as an individual quilt or zipped up separately to form two individual bags. However, we thought it was odd that when made into individual bags, one bag ends up with both interior storage pockets, and the other has none. Also, the individual bags are adequate, but they are quite narrow.

rei co-op siesta double 30 - this bag's stuff sack as two configurations: a smaller, compressed...
This bag's stuff sack as two configurations: A smaller, compressed configuration (seen above) which makes it perfect for saving space or attaching to a backpack in a pinch.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Packed Size


Generally, a sleeping bag stuff sack is not much more than a small amount of fabric and a drawstring. However, we absolutely love the Siesta Double's stuff sack. During years of testing, we've noticed similar stuff sacks on other REI sleeping bags. The sack is over-sized and comprised of half mesh and half polyester fabric. It has two drawstrings (one at the end and one in the middle), making it possible to compress the bag into just one half of the stuff sack. In this configuration, it has one of the smaller packed sizes of any double bag we've studied. When the full stuff sack is used, the bag fits easily into a generous storage bag, complete with ventilation.

rei co-op siesta double 30 - when opened up into its storage configuration, the stuff sack...
When opened up into its storage configuration, the stuff sack doubles in size. It's complete with a mesh addition perfect for ventilation. The larger bag is perfect for storing the bag, and allowing it to keep its loft.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Because of its packed size, this bag is one of the few double bags we've looked at that could possibly be used for short weekend backpacking trips. It's not by any means a true backcountry bag; however, it definitely could serve this role in a pinch for quick trips.

Value


There is value in quality. The Siesta Double is not the flashiest bag, but the manufacturer's attention to detail makes this bag worth the bucks. This bag is built to last and definitely works. One area of added value this sleeping bag offers is that many of its materials meet the bluesign criteria.

Conclusion


The Siesta Double is a well-crafted double bag made from quality fabrics and components. It's built to last and is a perfect addition to any overnight adventure in the outdoors. It has a basic design that gets the job done. However, extra-large is not an adjective to describe this bag.

rei co-op siesta double 30 - not the warmest bag. not the coldest bag. not the most comfortable...
Not the warmest bag. Not the coldest bag. Not the most comfortable or uncomfortable. It's somewhere in the middle.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Jason Wanlass