REI Co-op Siesta Double 30 Review
Our Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.