REI Campwell Sleeping Pad Review

Bottom Line

The REI Campwell is a new addition to our best camping mattresses guide. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a warm night under the stars. This model is part of REI’s new line of budget-friendly camping gear that’s highly functional and easy on the wallet. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer drooled through ten excellent nights on this mattress, and he was impressed by its no-frills design and reliable comfort. The soft-stretch polyester fabric feels awesome against the skin, and we appreciated the fast inflation time.

Horizontal foam shaves both weight and bulk, but that doesn’t mean it’s not comfortable. At 2.5 inches thick, this one is a better choice for belly and back sleepers. The Campwell also delivers serious insulation for year-round camping – even in frigid conditions. Details like built-in toggles let you connect multiple pads together, perfect for couples or anyone who hates the dreaded “gap” between pads. It’s also fairly lightweight and packs down a bit smaller compared to most, making it more portable than bulkier alternatives.

That said, durability isn’t its strong suit. We encountered a small leak on our first use. It was patchable but eventually required a replacement. We found the 2.5-inch thickness didn’t work well for side sleepers, leading to pressure points and bottoming out. It also lacks a pump sack for faster inflation, and the valves can be a bit finicky to dial in the firmness. Still, for such an affordable option, this pad is a solid entry-level mattress that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Comfort

The Campwell delivers good comfort for the price. At 2.5-inches, it is one of the thinner pads on our guide. But don’t let that turn you off. This depth works very well for stomach and back sleepers, and we find that the foam and air core still feels indulgent and cushy. It has plenty of give and excellent support for excellent rest on most surfaces. REI uses a soft-stretch polyester fabric for a cozy, skin-friendly feel that’s noiseless and smooth without feeling slippery. Our review is of the XL version – we like lots of room to spread out. But it also comes in a Regular version that’s 6 inches shorter and 5 inches narrower.

That said, we do have a few small gripes when it comes to comfort. Our testing found the Campwell’s thinner profile didn’t offer enough support for side sleepers. This lowered the pad’s overall score compared to thicker, cushier options. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer is a tosser turner, and though he found the Campwell comfortable on his back and stomach, his hips and shoulders bottomed out on his side.

Additionally, the valves sit flush with the mattress but are positioned in the top corners. That meant we brushed against them during the night. We noticed the double toggles on the sides as well. Still, these aren’t major issues. We’ve slept well on this mattress camping, on road trips, and at a festival.

Ease of Use

Of all the mattresses in our guide, the REI Campwell is one of the fastest and easiest models to set up. It only takes about 5 minutes for this mattress to self inflate – all we had to do was open the valves, and wait. The custom REI valves speed things up with quick inflation and smooth one-way deflation, so packing up is just as easy. 

We especially appreciate the built-in toggles, which allowed us to attach two pads together for shared space (and a double sleeping bag) with a partner or dog bff. This design not only eliminates the gap between mattresses, but it offers a way to attach the mattress to the REI Campwell Cot (and most other cots) for those want to get completely off the ground. 

Despite its convenience, the Campwell isn’t perfect. The valves can be a bit finicky – we found the caps are prone to sticking inside the valves, especially when the pad is new. The caps can also pop open if they aren’t fully pushed in, rapidly dumping air. There’s also no pump sack included, so you’ll have to inflate it manually if you want to fill it further.

Our biggest gripe, though, is with durability. On our first inflation of the Campwell – indoors and away from any sharp objects – ours developed a pinhole-sized puncture along a side-seam. This was easy to patch, but we eventually needed to replace the mattress because it no longer held air. However, our market research found that this was unusual, and we haven’t had any durability issues with our replacement mattress.

Warmth

Cold ground can suck the heat right out of your sleeping system, but the REI Campwell kept us seriously toasty no matter the season. Even though it’s only 2.5 inches thick, it has a very high R-value of 7 – making it one of the warmest models on our mattresses guide. Horizontally cored foam traps warmth effectively while still keeping the weight reasonable.

Ian has tested this mattress down to 15°F on car camping trips from November to February in the Colorado Rockies and the Wyoming Wind River Range. It held up against subfreezing temperatures, offering a cozy barrier between us and the frozen ground.

That said, the 2.5-inch thickness isn’t as plush as some, and it could feel a bit cold for side sleepers who end up pressing into the pad. Also, the foam is relatively thin compared to thicker and bulkier models, so if you’re an extremely cold sleeper, you might want to pair it with another foam pad for extra warmth. We also noticed that because it’s foam-based, it can take a while to fully regain its insulating loft after being compressed. If you need absolute maximum warmth, a thicker pad might be a better bet.

Packed Size

Packing up camp is easier when your gear doesn’t take up half the trunk, and the REI Campwell mattress does a solid job of keeping things more compact than other large mattresses. Measuring 30 by 9 inches when rolled up, it’s about an inch narrower and shorter than most. It’s also one of the lightest, at only 4 and a half pounds. Whether we were stuffing it in a car or stashing it in a gear bin, we liked that it was easier to maneuver. If space is very tight, consider the Regular size. It has a much smaller packed size and weighs a pound less.

On the downside, the stuff sack is a plain top-entry bag and doesn’t have a shoulder strap. There’s a simple handle at one end, and it’s a bit awkward to carry under one arm – though it’s never stopped us from bringing it along.

Should You Buy the REI Campwell XL Camping Mattress?

Car campers, budget-conscious campers, and cold sleepers will get the most out of the REI Campwell mattress. Its self-inflating design is fast and easy to set up, and a simple dump valve makes it fast to roll up as well. It’s impressively warm thanks to a blend of foam and air, and the lower-profile design makes it a good choice for back and belly sleepers. The Campwell is compact enough for easy storage, and it’s one of the most affordable picks on our guide.

However, if you’re looking for the most durable and comfortable mattress out there, the Campwell isn’t our first choice. Its polyester fabric is prone to punctures. Plus, at 2.5 inches thick, it may not be as comfortable for slide sleepers. Additionally, the valves can be a bit touchy when trying to dial in the firmness and let the air out. However, if you need a no-frills, warm sleeping pad without spending a fortune, the Campwell delivers solid value.

What Other Camping Mattresses Should You Consider?

Head over to our guide to the best camping mattresses if you’re looking for a different sort of camping mattress: 

Paria Recharge XL Review: Like the Campwell, the Recharge has a lower price point. However, it’s much lighter and packs a lot smaller, so it sacrifices warmth and ease of use. It’s excellent for those who car camp and backpack. 

Therm-A-Rest Luxury Map XL Review: The Luxury Map shares a similar packed size and lightweight design as the Campwell. It offers better comfort with a softer surface – and it’s half an inch thicker – although costs more.

REI Camp Dreamer XL Review: The Camp Dreamer is another REI model with a more affordable price tag and decent warmth and comfort. We love that it’s much thicker, coming in at 4 inches, but is not as durable.