Bottom Line
The REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler blends versatility and style in a portable cooler that’s great for day trips and small outings. We found ourselves reaching for the Campwell for everything from grocery store runs to spring picnic hikes in the high desert of Eastern California.
The Campwell’s lightweight build and comfortable handles and straps make it convenient to carry, particularly if you’ve got to hike a bit farther to your destination. And we’d be remiss not to mention the signature three-in-one design, which allows the cooler to fold flat or transform into a tote or cube depending on your storage needs. This unique feature quickly earned the Campwell a spot in our best coolers gear guide.
The Campwell’s 19-quart capacity and limited ice retention aren’t ideal for longer trips or larger groups. Though its overall construction is durable, it’s not as burly as hard-sided coolers and won’t hold up as well to more rugged outdoor use. But for more casual adventures, the Campwell proved itself as a high-quality, versatile, and stylish choice.
How We Tested
We used the REI Campwell during the transition from spring to summer in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra. Using it for everything from grocery runs to bringing cold drinks and snacks along for afternoons fishing, we focused on characteristics like insulation, portability, ergonomics, volume, durability, and features to assess the Campwell’s overall functionality.
Quick Specs
REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler
Most Versatile Soft Cooler
CleverHiker Rating: 4.1/5.0
Price: $40
Empty Weight: 1 lb. 2.3 oz.
Volume: 19 qt.
Sizes: 8.5, 19 qt.
Pros
- Three-in-one design
- Multiple carry options
- Lightweight
Cons
- Ice only lasts for a day
- Zipper isn’t leakproof
Insulation
The REI Campwell is a soft-sided cooler insulated with a flexible foam insert sewn between the layers of fabric. We tested the cooler’s ice retention by filling it with ice and leaving it outside in a mix of sun and shade, with temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. We monitored melting and performed twice-daily temperature checks.
It took two full days for all of the ice cubes to melt. By midday on day three, the cooler reached 40 and 50 degrees – the maximum temperature for safe food storage and the optimal temperature for cold beverages, respectively. If we had kept it out of direct sunlight, the Campwell likely would have lasted a little longer.
The Campwell’s zipper is a weak point for cold retention. It’s not sealed or coated, and the two pulls leave a small gap. Over time, some of the cold air from inside the cooler will seep through this gap as well as the zipper’s teeth, raising the internal temperature.
Unless you’re replenishing the ice in the Campwell regularly, it’s not a reliable choice for multi-day cold storage. The foam insert is thinner than what you get with many other soft-sided designs, limiting its insulating abilities. As a result, the cooler is best suited for day trips – or light weekend outings with mostly non-perishables.
Durability
The Campwell is both fashionable and functional thanks to the use of quality materials and components. The exterior fabric is tough and tear-resistant, and it’s effective at repelling light moisture thanks to a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. We put the Campwell through a range of conditions, including several rainstorms and intense desert heat, and it performed flawlessly.
REI made several other smart design choices. The bottom of the cooler is reinforced with another layer of fabric, and the already sturdy straps have thick double stitching to keep them secured. The shoulder strap connects to the body of the cooler via plastic clips. These seem flimsier than other aspects of the Campwell’s build and more susceptible to damage, but we did not experience any problems in testing.
The Campwell doesn’t have a drain plug for dumping excess water, but the liner is easy to clean with a wipe. As long as you give the cooler a chance to fully dry after each outing, it’s simple to keep in good condition.
Volume
The Campwell’s size makes it best suited for smaller groups and shorter outings. Its 19-quart capacity can hold 12 cans plus ice. We found it had enough space to swallow a full day’s worth of food and drinks for one to two people. It could also accommodate a small group on a shorter excursion.
The most noteworthy aspect of the Campwell is its three-in-one design, which allows it to lie flat or transform into a tote or cube. Sewn-in loops at the top and bottom corners of the bag hook around toggles for the latter two. We found the flat bottom of the cube and tote modes particularly useful when hauling containers or cans, allowing for easy stacking. The flat mode was helpful for storage and transport, creating a slim profile that tucks away easily.
The Campwell is tall enough to fit an upright wine bottle. It also features a mid-sized pocket on the front, which we found great for stashing small essentials like a phone, wallet, or keys.
Ergonomics & Portability
The Campwell’s lightweight and portable design make it versatile for frontcountry and backcountry adventures alike. We used it to keep perishable grocery items cold when running errands, and it’s equally well suited for picnics or a day by the water. Built-in handles make it easy to carry the cooler by hand, while an adjustable (and detachable) strap allows it to comfortably sling over a shoulder.
The Campwell weighs in at 1 pound 2.3 ounces, making it one of the lightest coolers we’ve tested. Its low weight is essentially effortless to haul between destinations. Plus, the compact shape allows it to fit easily in a car trunk or other tight space for transport. The flexible build also makes it possible to roll the cooler up when not in use or to lie completely flat for low-profile storage.
Access to the interior is via a zipper running the length of the Campwell’s top. It creates a wide opening that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. The cooler itself is water-resistant, but the zipper is not leakproof, so you’ll want to be mindful of keeping the cooler upright.
Features
The Campwell is fairly barebones when it comes to features. REI offers the cooler in 8- and 18-liter sizes, both of which come in three color choices. It’s less customizable than many alternatives with no accessories or add-ons available.
As we mentioned above, the three-in-one design is unique, and the pocket at the front is nice for stashing small accessories or valuables. You also get a leakproof liner that’s easy to clean, a wide-mouth opening for quick access to the interior, a padded shoulder strap that’s adjustable and removable, and a DWR coating on both the shell and liner for repelling light moisture.
Should You Buy the REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler?
The REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler is a great choice for casual outdoor outings. Whether you’re picnicking or out for an afternoon hike, the Campwell’s lightweight build and comfortable carry options make it easy to bring along on shorter adventures. The unique three-in-one design makes it easy to customize storage space depending on your needs, and the flexible build packs away flat when not in use.
That said, the Campwell won’t keep ice frozen for more than a day or two. Size-wise, it’s best suited for smaller groups or solo campers. If you need more space or multi-day ice retention, it’s worth stepping up to a larger hard-sided cooler. However, for situations when you don’t need to keep a lot cold for long, the REI Campwell is a versatile, portable, and affordably priced option.
What Other Coolers Should You Consider?
If the REI Campwell isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out the alternatives below, or head over to our best coolers gear guide for more recommendations.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro Review: One of our top soft cooler picks, the Ultra-Tough Pro is extremely durable. It’s also waterproof and buoyant, making it a better choice than the Campwell for days on or by the water.
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Review: If you’re willing to spend up for a higher level of performance, it’s hard to beat the YETI Hopper Flip 12. The Hopper is much better insulated than the Campwell, keeping ice frozen for just under four days. It’s also fully waterproof and extremely hardwearing, although weight goes up as a result.
RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Review: Almost identical to the Ultra-Tough Pro listed above, this RTIC offering is another burly soft cooler option. Handles and a shoulder strap make it easy to carry, and its rectangular build nicely accommodates provisions for one to two people on short outings.
