According to Nemo, 70% of people sleep on their sides. We're not sure about that, but we are confident that the Riff 30 is one of the best bags for side sleepers. Unlike traditional mummy bags that taper from head to toe, this bag is shaped more like a broad hourglass. This gives it some of the widest lower body dimensions of any bag we tried and allows you to effortlessly roll over or stretch your legs in any direction. We also like its "gills" for venting excess heat and an inconspicuous stash pocket. One drawback to the comfy hourglass shape is the additional materials that are needed. This harms the bag's warmth-to-weight ratio and packability. Nevertheless, the Riff is great for anyone desiring a roomier sleeping bag. Those who like the Riff 30's innovative features, but not its high price, should consider its synthetic, Best Buy Award-winning cousin, the Nemo Kyan 35.
NEMO Riff 30 Review
Compare prices at 4 resellers Pros: Spacious hourglass shape, innovative venting "gills", waterproof footbox, sturdy compression sack included
Cons: Below average warmth-to-weight ratio, bulky packed size
Manufacturer: NEMO Equipment
Our Verdict
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Nemo calls the bags they make that are specifically designed for side sleepers "spoon-shaped." That description makes zero sense to us, but we must admit whatever you call them, they are great for side sleepers.
Performance Comparison
Warmth
The Riff 30 contains 15 ounces of 800 fill power down. Although this is one of the higher fill weights, this bag only receives an average temperature rating of 29°F (EN Lower Limit). In the field our testers found this rating to be spot on compared to other bags. This level of warmth is ideal for most 3-season applications but could be inadequate in the coldest conditions.
Weight
A consequence of the Riff 30's high fill weight is correspondingly high total weight. It tipped our scale at 2.28 pounds for a size long. This is identical to the synthetic Mountain Hardwear Lamina 30 and several ounces heavier than the top performing down bags. Overall, this means this bag doesn't supply a particularly good warmth-to-weight ratio.
Comfort
While the Riff 30 doesn't score very well in warmth or weight, it receives decent marks in all the other evaluation metrics. Its best attribute, though, is its comfort. You can credit this comfort to its notably roomy dimensions.
In the lower body, in particular, this bag offers more than a foot of extra firth compared to the other bags we tried. This makes it arguably the most comfortable bags for side sleepers because it leaves plenty of room to extend one leg to the side while keeping the other one straight.
Packed Size
We measured this bag's compressed volume to be 8.2 liters. This was observed using the same after-market compression sack as used with other bags, but we saw similar packed size with the sturdy compression sack the Riff 30 comes with. Relative to other 30° bags, this packed size is a little below average. However, all the bags in our backpacking sleeping bag category displayed comparably good compressed volumes, so this metric isn't particularly distinguishing. It should be recognized that you won't have to purchase a compression sack in addition to this bag, though, since it comes with one.
Versatility
Both the Nemo bags we tested include innovative "gills" on the upper side of the bag. These are short slits of uninsulated fabric that are opened and closed via a tiny zipper. When opened, they allow excess heat to escape. When closed, they draw the insulation together to seal heat in. These gill zippers add minimal weight while helping to ensure that you don't overheat on warmer nights. The Riff 30 also has a ¾-length zipper to increase your venting options and extend the bag's usable temperature range.
Features and Design
Apart from the "gills" for venting, this bag has a couple of other features we really like. The footbox, for example, is encased with breathable, waterproof shell fabric. This ensures the down insulation inside doesn't get wet if your feet brush against condensation on a tent wall. This bag also has a flap-like neck baffle that can be folded outside on the bag on warmer nights or nestled inside to trap heat in colder conditions.
Best Applications
The bag's awesome versatility is ideal for people that love to get outside consistently through spring, summer, and fall. That's because of its decent insulation and extensive venting options ensure you stay comfortable no matter the temperature. It's especially great inside a single-wall tent where condensation is worse and the Riff's waterproof footbox is more useful.
Value
The Riff 30 is listed at an expensive, but not exorbitant, $350. This on the pricier side for a bag that features mid-range 800 fill power down. For those that fully appreciate the comfort of its wider dimensions, it will still be a decent value. But there are much better deals for those that would be content with a narrower traditional mummy bag.
Conclusion
Overall, the Nemo Riff 30 offers an interesting collection of innovative features in a spacious bag that's exceptionally comfortable. These features and spaciousness, however, add noticeable weight. In addition, it does not provide the warmth you would expect for its price. Nevertheless, the outstanding comfort may be worth its drawbacks to side sleepers.
— Jack Cramer