Warmth Meets Wiggle Room: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag Review

Crawling into a sleeping bag can sometimes feel more like mummification than rest. Most designs are narrow for efficiency as they are meant to conserve heat and compress into a backpack. 

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag takes a different approach. Built wide, soft, and unapologetically comfortable, it’s as close to bringing your bed to the campsite as you’ll find.

Probably the most spacious sleeping bag I’ve ever used, the Siesta brings all the comfort you miss from your bed at home, only in a stuff sack. For restless sleepers like me, or anyone who likes to sprawl out beneath the stars, it delivers reliable comfort and performance.

With the ability to unzip into a large, warm blanket or as a large, but comfy, cocoon, the Siesta performed well as a car camping staple during summer nights spent in the front country of Colorado. Furthermore, this bag is a rare, budget-friendly option you’ll find in a market often over-saturated by pricier options.

In short: The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is a 20-degree synthetic sleeping bag designed with car campers in mind. Featuring a wide rectangular cut, a spacious hood that doubles as a pillow pocket, and dual zippers that allow it to open flat into a blanket, this bag emphasizes comfort and versatility over packability. At $149, the Siesta shines as a budget-friendly option for car campers, road trippers, or backyard loungers who value roominess, flexibility, and warmth without the mummy bag squeeze.

Looking for a new sleeping bag? Check out how the Siesta Hooded 20 compares to the rest of our recommended bags in GearJunkie’s Best Camping Sleeping Bags Buyer’s Guide.

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag: Review

First Impressions

At first glance, the Siesta Hooded Sleeping Bag looks more like a quilt than a traditional sleeping bag, thanks to its rectangular cut and roomy build. The oversized, cushioned hood is immediately noticeable, designed both for burrowing in on chilly nights and for holding a pillow from home.

The polyester shell and liner feel silky soft against the skin, a welcome departure from the plasticky texture common in other budget-friendly synthetics. After a long day on the trail, slipping into this bag feels genuinely inviting.

Its size is apparent right away — this is not a compact, ultralight design. The synthetic fill makes it bulkier than down alternatives, and it comes with a generous stuff sack that measures 11 by 16 inches. When stuffed, the stuff sack is closer to 19 by 13 inches.

Currently, the Siesta is available in a muted green colorway, though my test bag was the 2024 version featuring a brown exterior and liner.

Field Testing in the Western Slope of Colorado 

To put the Siesta through its paces, I spent several nights camping in Colorado’s alpine desert. From climbing into my rooftop tent to classic cot camping, the bag joined me on a range of front-country outings.

As mentioned earlier, the Siesta feels gentle against the skin and genuinely pleasant to crawl into at night. Its large, fluffy baffles create a quilt-like, cloud-soft feel that’s plush and cozy without being overly heavy or smothering. These baffles also help stabilize the fill, making its ability to insulate consistent throughout the entire silhouette.

The silk-like polyester shell also proved practical in the field. Dirt brushed off easily, and unlike many synthetics, it didn’t seem to attract lint or pet hair. This was a notable perk when sharing camp with my two giant husky mixes.

Testing spanned late summer into early fall, with humid, rainy days giving way to crisp evenings in the low 40s and upper 30s. The humidity definitely added an extra chilly bite to the air, something I noticed while sleeping in this bag and its warming abilities.

Insulation & Warmth

The Siesta uses a polyester fill rather than natural duck or goose down. This Bluesign-approved synthetic insulation is an environmentally friendly option for those who prefer to avoid animal byproducts, though it doesn’t match down for packability or weight. On the plus side, it dries faster than feather-based fills and contributes to the bag’s more budget-friendly price.

I found the insulation generous, with large baffles that provide excellent coverage once zipped up. That said, the bag’s roomy design meant my petite frame felt a bit chilly when temperatures dropped to around 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because the Siesta lacks the tapered shape of a traditional mummy bag, it’s less efficient at trapping heat in colder conditions. Even wearing fleece pants and a fleece jacket, I occasionally wished for a little extra warmth.

In warmer conditions, between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the Siesta performed beautifully, keeping me snug and comfortable. I found myself reaching for it most often in mid-summer rather than during the chillier early fall nights.

Additional Elements

Where many sleeping bags skimp on extras, the Siesta delivers. It includes an internal pocket for stashing small essentials like a headlamp, lip balm, or earplugs.

The large, square-shaped hood can fit a full-size pillow from home, keeping it securely in place. This small but thoughtful feature makes sleeping feel indulgent and prevents the pillow from sliding off your sleeping pad, which is a problem I’ve experienced with many other bags.

The dual side zippers also add versatility, allowing you to fold the quilt down over your chest for reading or lounging. Bags with a single zipper make this awkward and can leave you feeling colder, but the Siesta’s design keeps you comfortably covered while still giving you mobility.

Versatility & Size Options

Thanks to its full-length zippers on either side, the Siesta can be opened completely and used as a large blanket or a comfortable sitting area at camp. I especially enjoyed this feature during afternoons when I wanted to soak up the sun without lying directly on the rocky ground.

The bag is also available in four inclusive size options: Medium, Medium-Wide, Long, and Long-Wide. I tested the Medium, which accommodates sleepers up to 72 inches (5’10”). At 5’3”, I had plenty of room to stretch out comfortably.

In an industry that still struggles with sizing inclusivity, the Siesta stands out. Its roomy rectangular design and multiple size options make it accessible to a wide range of body types and sleeping styles.

For those who prefer to share their sleeping space, REI also offers a double-wide version. This model maintains the same 20-degree rating and size options, making it ideal for partners, pets, or anyone who simply wants extra room for counting sheep.

Areas of Improvement

While the Siesta Sleeping Bag offers thoughtful design features and standout comfort, there are a few areas where REI Co-op could make improvements in future iterations.

Despite the antisnag strips along the zippers, I still experienced frequent snags, especially while inside the bag. This made mornings a bit frustrating when trying to unzip and get out quickly.

The sizing inclusivity is excellent for taller or plus-size sleepers, but a smaller version aimed at petite users or kids would be a welcome addition. While I appreciated the bag’s generous roominess, the lack of a more fitted design meant it didn’t hug my frame, which slightly limited its ability to retain warmth in cooler conditions.

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag: Conclusion

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is not designed as a technical or ultralight option, and it doesn’t need to be. For car camping or walk-in sites with minimal hiking from the car, this bag is an ideal choice.

Paired with a sleeping pad or camping cot, the Siesta makes sleeping under the stars feel as cozy as home. Its plush baffling and spacious design make it one of the most comfortable camping bags I’ve tested. Additional features, like the ability to zip down halfway for reading or open fully as a picnic blanket, add versatility that makes the $150 price point feel justified.

While the synthetic insulation makes it less packable than down alternatives, it’s still easy to toss into a car or larger duffel bag for transport. I wouldn’t bring the Siesta on a backcountry trip in colder months, but it will definitely remain a go-to in my summer camping gear rotation.

Affordable, versatile, and sizing-inclusive, I recommend the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 to car campers in warmer climates who value comfort and ease of use above all else.