How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

Light and compact, the men's NEMO Riff 30 Endless Promise down sleeping bag is cut wider at the elbows and knees so you can easily shift positions, and its 800-fill-power down will keep you warm.
$38
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$68
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
Best Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Tested Lower Limit | 29 degrees (F) - ISO |
Tested Comfort | 39 degrees (F) - ISO |
Temperature Rating (F) | 30 degrees (F) |
Temperature Rating (C) | -1 degrees (C) |
Weight | Regular - Left Zip: 1 lb. 14 oz. Long - Left Zip: 2 lbs. |
Shell | Recycled polyester ripstop with C0 durable water repellent (DWR) |
Zipper Location | Left |
Insulation Type | Down |
Water-Resistant Down | Yes |
Fill | 800-fill-power duck down |
Fill Weight | Regular - Left Zip: 10 Long - Left Zip: 11 |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Lining | Recycled polyester ripstop with C0 DWR |
Sleeping Bag Shape | Semirectangular |
Fits Up To (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 72 inches Long - Left Zip: 78 inches |
Shoulder Girth (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 60 inches Long - Left Zip: 62 inches |
Hip Girth (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 54 inches Long - Left Zip: 54 inches |
Stuff Sack Size | 7.5 x 10.5 inches |
Stuff Sack Volume | 8.1 liters |
Compressed Volume | Regular - Left Zip: 4 liters Long - Left Zip: 4.3 liters |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Contains recycled materials |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I love this bag! It is so well designed and constructed. I think Nemo hits the sweet spot for price and quality. It's warm, packable and so comfortable. I've paired my Riff 30 with a Nemo Filo and a Quasar 3D pad. It's like sleeping in my bed. I went with the 30 because it packs smaller than the 15. If I need more warmth, I wear my puffy jacket and some thermal bottoms. I love that the new stuff (Endless Promise) can be recycled. I like supporting companies like this and REI had a really nice deal on this bag for Memorial Day. It's a win-win.
I was immediately unimpressed by this bag. You can tell within seconds that it doesn’t stack up to other bags at this cost point. The down has a pathetic amount of loft and honestly, the shape further contributes to it not stacking up to its temp rating. I used it on 4 separate trips, all with lows in the mid 40s and was incredible uncomfortable. I have used many other 30deg bags and have never really been disappointed by one until now. Note: this review is regarding the previous version. Based on specs (fill weight, dimensions) I doubt it’s any better now though.
Thank you for the feedback! I'm sorry to hear that you found the sleeping bag to be cold. It's very important to consider the whole sleep system. The ISO Test used to determine sleeping bag ratings involves placing a heavily instrumented electronic manikin, dressed in long underwear, inside the sleeping bag being tested, and positioning on top of a foam sleeping pad. Campers will want to make sure they are dressed for the temps and using a sleeping pad to accompany the sleeping bag. This blog we have about understanding sleeping bag temperature ratings is a wealth of information, https://www.nemoequipment.com/blogs/journal/decoding-sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings Thanks again for the feedback.
The Riff 30 hits the sweet spot. Great price. Great Quality. Packability. I went with the 30 because it packs down small enough to work with my bikepacking setup. If and when I need more warmth, I wear a puffy jacket and some thermal bottoms. The bag has very little down on the backside (bottom) so you need a good (warm) pad like the Nemo Tensor. I personally use the Quasar 3D and a Nemo Fillo. I don't sacrifice my sleep system. I'm happy to save weight elsewhere but if I don't sleep, I don't ride well the next day. It's all a compromise but I've never been let down by Nemo products. This bag packs pretty small and for side-sleepers like me, I wouldn't trade it. I've used the tight mummy bags and HATE them. I've not tried quilts yet because there's just something about tossing a bag on a pad and going to bed. No fussing with pad straps or draw cords in my face. I love the pillow sleeve inside too. The ONLY thing that would be really cool on future bags is a pad sleeve to keep the bag from moving around but that's just a selfish wish. I love the bag as is. I don't abuse my gear so I hope it will last me many years and accompany me on many more adventures. Thanks, Nemo friends!
Bought this at the beginning of the year, and have used it on several camping trips thusfar in various temperatures. Lowest temps were in the lower 30's, and I was perfectly cozy. Highest temps have been in the 50's, and unzipping the thermo gills provides lots of extra air that cools down my sleep significantly, and I slept really well. The bag compresses impressively small, and is very lightweight. When unpacking it from the stuff sack, just a few shakes inflates the bag back to its usual size after being compressed. Highly recommend!
I've only had the opportunity to use this bag on one trip so far but it far exceeded my expectations. The weather unexpectedly dipped into the teens the night I used it with wind gusts up to 30 knots and I was nice and cozy in my bag. The zipper doesn't seem to get caught up like my old bag and I like the vent zips for dumping excess heat. I am 5'11 and the regular bag fits just right .I paired it with a longbow Alpine pad.
I bought this a month ago and have only used it twice, but it is a great sleeping bag. The zipper is very smooth and doesn't get caught like cheap bags. I didn't get a chance to sleep in very cold temps yet, that will have to wait for next year. I'm 72 inches and the long had plenty of room.
Love my first Nemo bag. So much positive, with only 1 wish item. First the good. It comes with a loose storage bag. Minor but awesome. It works perfect for all the mid-temp nights. Only wish would be a foot vent. (Got that Nemo?). Looks great. Works great. Comes with Nemo name. Can’t beat it!
I'm a side sleeper, and I toss and turn a lot when backpacking, so the design of this bag is awesome. Very well made, comfy, and feels good climbing inside. I haven't given it the full test yet; backcountry 10-day elk hunts. But I'll add another review this next October when i do.
I purchased the 15 degree to have an in between warmth rating that could be used on winter hut trips and higher elevation/fall backpacking. This bag is lightweight and VERY comfortable. All of the additional features are useful and I will be purchasing nemo bags only gojng forward!
Used the 15F in -16C while camping in my truck cap. I used a fleece blanket over top as I had the space but nightly I was unzipping the lower zipper as I was cooking! I’m a side and stomach sleeper and this bag lets you move without without the mummy bag claustrophobia!