REI Co-op Campwell Camping Chair Review
The REI Co-op Campwell ($60) is a no-frills, well-built camp chair that delivers comfort and function without fuss or flash. It’s roomy, stable, and reasonably priced, with a few thoughtful design touches that make it easier to spend time in than many sub-$100 competitors. The Campwell may not be the most breathable model or the sturdiest chair we’ve tested, but for basic campsite or backyard use it’s hard to argue with what you get here. We wouldn’t haul it far at all, but for car-adjacent lounging, the Campwell gets a lot right.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Weight
8 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions (W/D/H)
31.3 x 20 x 31 in.
Seat Height
15 in.
Weight Capacity
300 lb.
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op Campwell
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Camping Chairs.
For a chair that’s pretty nondescript, the REI Co-op Campwell (previously named the Skyward) is surprisingly accommodating in its measurements. I’m 6-foot-3 and I found the 15-inch seat height and 31.3-inch-wide frame to be a great fit—tall enough that my knees didn’t end up in my chest, and roomy enough that I never felt cramped. The 17-inch backrest height was just about right as well, and it supported my upper back and shoulders without forcing me into a stiff, upright position. The Campwell also has a slight natural recline built in, which gives the chair a relaxing feel, especially when you’re parked by a campfire or just zoning out at the end of a long day.
The full mesh seat was a highlight during warm afternoons—it kept things cooler than a solid-fabric seat (like the one on the Big Agnes Big Six) would have, and even dried quickly after a misty morning. It also conforms to your body nicely at first, though I did notice the mesh had just enough give that I occasionally brushed the frame near my thighs. It wasn’t painful, but something to watch over time if the fabric starts to stretch out. That said, I appreciated how supportive the REI Co-op Campwell felt overall. I never developed pressure points or needed to squirm around to stay comfortable. It doesn’t cradle your back as plushly as something like the ultra-comfy (and ultra-expensive) Yeti Trailhead, but for a straightforward folding camp chair that costs $60, it more than holds its own.
On mostly flat ground—think packed dirt, grass, or even beach sand—the Campwell felt solid. Its powder-coated steel frame and wide, X-shaped feet help distribute weight evenly, and I didn’t feel like I was going to tip even when shifting around or leaning over to grab something. Compared to something like the rocking-chair-styled GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker, which has a wider base but moves by design, the Campwell felt more planted and confidence-inspiring. That said, it’s not quite as rock-solid as the Yeti Trailhead (few chairs are), which has a broader base and burlier construction. But I never worried about the Campwell failing or tipping, and that’s what counts.
REI built the Campwell’s seat with a mix of recycled ripstop polyester and nylon mesh, paired with a durable water-repellent coating. It felt solid when I first set it up—sturdy, with no worrisome flex—and the steel frame seemed more robust than I expected at this price. Still, I did notice some creaking from the plastic joints when I shifted around, which doesn’t inspire long-term confidence—metal joints are always better, but of course more expensive. Also, mesh tends to wear out faster than solid fabric, and while there were no issues during my couple of days of testing, I can imagine the seat might start sagging after a season or two of regular use.
That said, compared to the Kickback (which has moving parts that feel like they’re asking to be overused), the Campwell’s fixed frame feels simpler and more dependable. It’s not as bombproof as the Kelty Lowdown, one of this category’s durability leaders, but it beats the lower-priced Coleman Broadband ($35) by a mile. For $60, I’d say the Campwell lands squarely in the “respectable, but not rugged” camping chair category.
Setup couldn’t be simpler. Just unfold the chair like an umbrella, and boom, you’re done. No tensioned poles or connectors, no fiddling with seat sleeves. The ease of use alone puts the REI Co-op Campwell ahead of most normal chairs when it comes to getting settled quickly.
The carry bag can be a bit of a pain, like I mentioned earlier, mostly due to the length of the chair when packed. But REI did a nice job with the Campwell’s quality-of-life features: There’s a cup holder on one side and a stash pocket on the other that cinches shut and can be tucked away when you’re not using it. Those are both fairly normal, small design touches, but they go a long way when you’re trying to keep things streamlined and you’re buying a camping chair that costs just a bit more than $50.
At just over 8 pounds, the REI Co-op Campwell lands in the middle of the camping chair pack. It’s not ultralight like more compact camping chairs made for backpacking—think the Helinox Chair One and the Nemo Moonlite, both 2 pounds 2 ounces—nor is it a heavy, bulky model that chases comfort at the expense of portability, such as the Kickback and the Trailhead. Its packed size (7 by 33 in.) is long and skinny, which means it’s not terrible to carry, but it’s still not something you’d want to haul down a trail. I mostly used it within a few paces of the car, and in that setting, it’s totally manageable.
The carry case includes both a handle and a shoulder strap, which is a nice touch, even if I never found it particularly comfortable. It doesn’t compress much and takes a little finesse to get the chair back in the bag (zippered cases are easier here). Still, for what it is—a midweight chair meant for short hauls—it’s hard to argue against the Campwell’s build.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Armrests, Cupholders, and Pockets
The REI Co-op Campwell includes mesh-and-polyester armrests, a fairly shallow but functional cup holder on the right side, and a cinchable pocket on the left that tucks away via a hook-and-loop closure. The pocket fit my phone and keys easily and could even hold a small bottle in a pinch.
Kelty Lowdown ($75): Grounded, in a Good Way
If you like to get up close and personal with the ground—even when you’re sitting—then take a look at the Lowdown. Its 12-inch-high seat is not only three inches lower than the Campwell, but it’s also the lowest of any traditional camp chair in this guide. The Lowdown swaps the Campwell’s mesh materials for a fully quilted seat, which sacrifices ventilation and water resistance for improved durability. It also trades the traditional carry case found on the Campwell for a more user-friendly and versatile roll-up storage bag. The Lowdown forgoes pockets for an oversized cup holder with an adjustable divider that fits bottles of all sizes, along with a phone or other gadgets. All told, if you prefer the knees-up feel (or are attending an event with chair height restrictions), the Lowdown is worth the additional $15. But for folks who want a more conventional chair, stick with the Campwell. For a deeper dive, read our Kelty Lowdown review.
Coleman Broadband Mesh ($35): An Inferior Product
For an even more bargain-bin option, the Broadband Mesh Chair tries to offer a comparably pleasant lounging experience for $25 less than the Campwell. Its biggest selling point, aside from its price, is its comfort. Though only the back is mesh (unlike the Campwell’s fully ventilated build), airflow is still decent. We also found that the Broadband was easy to settle into, and comfortable enough for a day at the park or around a fire. The positives end there, though. Aside from a single cup holder and adjustable armrest heights, its features are minimal. Build quality is also a concern: The mesh is prone to tearing, and its 250-pound weight capacity is 50 pounds less than the Campwell’s and one of the weakest in this guide. In short, the Broadband isn’t built to last, and you’re better off spending a little more and opting for the Campwell.
Like many REI-branded products, don’t expect the Campwell to blow you away with its top-of-the-line build or fancy features. However, we came away impressed with how comfortable, stable, and easy it is to use, especially given its accessible price point.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
The Lowdown lives up to its name as the lowest classically shaped camp chair we tested. Its ground-hugging design and strong build help make it extra sturdy on all kinds of terrain, but we have concerns about its back support and question its suitability for taller users.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
With the Broadband, Coleman delivers a decently functional and comfortable camp chair at a super-low price point. Its cheap materials won’t withstand long-term use, but it’s a viable option for people who aren’t looking to spend much.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Is the Campwell for You?
If you want a basic, sturdy, reasonably roomy camp chair without spending triple digits, the Campwell hits the mark. It’s supportive, easy to set up, and includes just enough thoughtful design touches to make it feel more refined than its price tag would suggest. You’ll want to be mindful of long-term wear, especially with the mesh, and it’s not the easiest chair to pack or carry over long distances; it also doesn’t really stand out in any one performance category. But this is an impressively well-rounded model (again, we’re factoring in price here) for backyard hangs, campfires, or days at the park. The REI Co-op Campwell won’t let you down—or break the bank.
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