Bottom Line
The REI Campwell is our favorite budget camping chair because it gets the fundamentals right without adding cost or complexity. At $60, it offers a familiar folding frame, breathable mesh, a middle-of-the-road 15-inch seat height, and a 300-pound capacity. It is not the most durable or feature-rich chair in the category, but it is comfortable, practical, and easy to understand.
CleverHiker has used multiple generations of this design over years of camping and outdoor events. The current version keeps the airy mesh that works well in warm weather, dries quickly after rain, and has enough give to feel relaxed without collapsing into a deep sag. The double-width beverage pocket and small side storage add useful convenience.
Its limitations become clearer with frequent use. The frame and fabric are not as overbuilt as the King Kong or YETI Trailhead, the carry bag is awkward for longer distances, and a single can can tip in the oversized drink pocket. If you want maximum longevity or firm support, spend more on the Kijaro or King Kong. For casual car camping, cookouts, concerts, and warm-weather trips, the Campwell’s overall ranking reflects a very solid value.
How We Tested
CleverHiker’s Campwell experience includes multiple generations of the chair and dozens of frontcountry outings and events. We evaluated comfort in warm conditions, repeated folding and unfolding, drying behavior after moisture exposure, the usefulness of the current storage layout, and how manageable the chair is to carry between parking areas, parks, and campsites.
The ranking sheet places the Campwell in context across comfort, durability, portability, and ease of use rather than treating its low price as a separate performance score. The current review also distinguishes the 8 lb. 2 oz. CleverHiker-measured weight from the listed 300-pound capacity and 15-inch seat height so buyers can compare it cleanly with nearby budget and heavy-duty options.
Quick Specs
REI Co-op Campwell Chair
Best Budget Camp Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $60
Weight: 8 lb. 2 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lb.
Seat Height: 15 in.
Pros
- Simple, familiar design
- Good value
- Comfortable height for most people
- Breathable mesh
- Quick-drying
- Oversized beverage pocket
Cons
- Single drinks can tip in the large cup holder
- Awkward side pocket
- Less durable than our leaders
- Cumbersome for long carries
Comfort
The Campwell’s strongest comfort trait is how little it asks a user to adapt. Its 15-inch seat height sits between very low loungers and tall upright chairs, giving most adults a familiar knee and hip angle without making the chair feel formal. The current version is also slightly taller than the previous generation, which improves entry and exit for many users while preserving a relaxed posture.
Warm conditions highlight another advantage: airflow. Mesh through the back and other high-contact areas moves substantially more air than the quilted fabric on chairs such as the King Kong or Kelty Low Loveseat. During long summer sits, that ventilation matters more than extra padding. The fabric still has the normal give of a folding chair, but our testing has found the sag closer to cozy than unsupported.
Nothing about the Campwell is specialized. It lacks the plush cushioning of the Westward, the rigid support of the Kijaro, and the structured mesh feel of the YETI Trailhead. There is no high back or headrest either, so the ENO Lounger DL, Stargaze, and Flexlite Camp Dreamer are better for shoppers chasing a true lounge.
What the Campwell offers instead is broad, unsurprising comfort at $60. That versatility—not a single standout feature—is why it lands as a strong option and remains one of our easiest budget recommendations.
Comfort Score: 4.4 / 5.0
Durability
Hundreds of folds and unfolds across multiple generations have shown us that the Campwell can handle normal camping use with very little maintenance. Its classic X-frame stays stable on typical campground surfaces, and the chunky plastic feet spread load well enough across grass and dirt. The current chair combines recycled polyester, nylon mesh, and a powder-coated steel frame with a listed 300-pound capacity.
The parts that get wet are also relatively easy to live with. Mesh and fabric dry and clean quickly, so a passing storm is less likely to leave the chair holding water for hours. Through repeated use, the joints have remained functional rather than developing the obvious slop that sometimes appears in low-cost folding furniture.
Where the Campwell gives ground is material reserve. Its fabric and frame are lighter than the burly structures on the King Kong, YETI Trailhead, or Kelty Low Loveseat, and that difference matters for owners who leave chairs outside, load them hard, or expect years of constant use. The Kijaro Dual Lock has a stronger long-term durability case at a still-reasonable price. We view the Campwell as a reliable everyday chair rather than an heirloom piece of camp furniture, which is exactly what its result communicates.
Durability Score: 4.0 / 5.0
Portability
For short outings, the Campwell is light enough that weight rarely becomes the deciding factor. Our chair weighs 8 lb. 2 oz., and CleverHiker has carried it to parks, concerts, campgrounds, and other local outings without much complaint. Moving it across a campground or loading it into a vehicle is routine rather than a chore.
Its packed geometry matters more once the walk gets longer. Like most traditional folding chairs, the Campwell becomes a long, narrow bundle rather than a truly compact package. The included bag keeps the frame contained, but a basic shoulder carry is less comfortable over distance than premium backpack-style cases or the tiny stuff sacks used by pole-frame chairs. We can tolerate a mile or two when necessary, but that is not how we would choose to use it.
Relative comparisons put the result in context. The Campwell is easier to move than the King Kong, YETI Trailhead, Kelty Low Loveseat, and GCI Freestyle Rocker, yet it cannot approach the Helinox Chair Zero L or Chair One High-Back for backcountry carry. That is appropriate for its role. You are paying for an affordable car-camping chair that is manageable enough for frequent short carries, not for ultralight engineering or minimal packed volume.
Portability Score: 4.0 / 5.0
Ease of Use
There is almost no learning curve with the Campwell. Pull the frame open, set it on reasonably flat ground, and sit down. No locks need to engage, no poles need to connect, and no fabric panel needs to be stretched into place. That immediate familiarity is especially useful at family trips and group camps where different people may use the same chair.
The accessory layout adds function without complicating setup. A mesh side pocket beneath the armrest closes with a cord lock and gives small essentials a secure home. The double-width beverage pocket is sized to accept a large bottle such as a Nalgene while still accommodating cans, which is more versatile than a narrow single-purpose cup holder.
The compromises are small but noticeable. A lone can can wobble or tip inside the oversized beverage pocket, the side storage hangs lower and feels less intuitive than the King Kong’s armrest pockets, and the carry bag exists more for transportation than refinement. Those quirks do not change how simple the chair is to operate. Its ease-of-use result comes from a design that stays basic in the best way: setup is instant, everyday features are useful, and the owner rarely has to think about the chair itself.
Ease of Use Score: 4.4 / 5.0
Should You Buy The REI Campwell Chair?
The Campwell is a strong choice for budget-conscious campers who want a comfortable, breathable chair for normal frontcountry use. It works especially well for warm-weather camping, local events, family trips, cookouts, and anyone who prefers a moderate seat height rather than a tall rigid chair or low lounger.
Choose something else if you expect unusually hard use, need a very high weight capacity, or want premium long-term construction. The King Kong is far more durable and spacious, while the Kijaro offers firmer support and a proven long-term build for only a modest step up in price. Lightweight shoppers should also look at the Flexlite or Helinox options.
The Campwell’s strength is that it avoids major mistakes. At $60, it delivers the essential comfort and convenience most casual campers need without paying for features they may never use.
What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?
Head over to our list of the best camping chairs to find out how the REI Campwell compares to the competition. Here are our handpicked alternatives:
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Review: The King Kong is the heavy-duty alternative. It costs more and weighs more, but brings much greater durability, an 800-pound capacity, and significantly better storage.
Kijaro Dual Lock Review: A firmer, taller seat and stronger long-term durability make the Kijaro the better step-up for shoppers who prioritize support. Shorter users may prefer the Campwell’s lower seat.
Amazon Basics Camping Chair Review: The Amazon Basics chair costs even less and adds an insulated cooler pocket. Its durability and 225-pound capacity are less convincing for frequent use.
