REI Campwell Camping Chair Review

Bottom Line

The REI Campwell proves that comfort and simplicity don’t have to break the bank. It’s in the top 3 of our best camping chairs guide as an affordable and comfortable classic. Our team’s used every iteration of this chair for hundreds of trips. If CleverHiker Founder Dave Collins is packing for an adventure, he’s already put the Campwell in the car – it’s been his go-to for 5+ years.

This REI model gets a slight update from its last version, previously called the Skyward. It’s now an inch taller and just under a pound heavier. Still, this chair is as comfy as ever – it’s cushy but supportive, perfect for lounging by the campfire, enjoying beach sunsets, and kicking it on a patio. The seat height is accessible for small kids to tall adults, and it’s familiar X-frame build is stable. We use this chair year-round, but it thrives in summer. Breathable mesh lets us feel the breeze on hot days, and it dries quickly after an afternoon storm.

We have a few gripes, though. The Campwell’s on the bulky side, and the case is uncomfortable to carry far. This chair isn’t as durable as some – we find its mesh is more vulnerable than thicker materials. The cup holder design is awkward and large, which can lead to containers spilled drinks, and the pocket design isn’t super functional. That said, these are minor drawbacks – overall, the REI Campwell is a practical, budget-friendly chair for most adventures.

Comfort

The Campwell proves you can be comfortable without splurging. We like the mesh on this chair – it’s supportive but has plenty of give, so it’s comfortable for long sessions of sitting. We love how airy and breezy this model is, so it’s a good pick for hot summer days. Senior Content Editor Ian Krammer brings it to Moab in the late spring when nights stay above 50ºF to keep air moving and help him stay cool.

At 15 inches, this chair is an inch taller than the prior version. This is the Goldilocks zone for accessibility – this height makes it easy to get into and out of for both kids and adults. Combined with mesh armrests, this chair earns solid marks for comfort.

Our only gripe? The polyester trim at the seat and headrest edges isn’t as gentle as the rest of the mesh. Some of our testers found the material scratchy and abrasive, although it wasn’t a dealbreaker. Whether you’re at the beach, campsite, or backyard, this chair is a welcoming place to unwind.

Durability

The Campwell is average for durability. Built with a classic X-frame design and chunky plastic feet, we find it feels solid on most terrain. The recycled polyester and nylon mesh, combined with a powder-coated steel frame, supports up to 300 pounds – perfect for a wide range of campers. We also find the joints and hold up well to hundreds of times folding and unfolding with minimal maintenance.

The Campwell handles rain and snow with ease, too. We’ve left our chairs outside in multiple summer downpours in the Colorado Rockies above 11,000 feet. The Campwell was always the first seat to dry, usually in about an hour.

The mesh is fairly abrasion-resistant, making it a good pick for sandy beaches and rugged campsites. Our testing in the damp Pacific Northwest also proves the chair’s frame holds up well in humid, rainy environments without degrading.

However, mesh is still more susceptible to damage than thicker, stronger, and heavier materials – and the Campwell is mostly mesh. You won’t have to baby this chair, but stay vigilant against snagging branches and sharp objects. Also, the nylon mesh melts near heat. Ours has a few holes from rogue campfire ash. That said, these are minor issues given the low price and high functionality of the Campwell.

Portability

​​We like a camping chair that packs light, and the Campwell hits the nail on the head. This version of the chair went up in weight to 8 pounds and 2 ounces, but it’s still light enough to toss into your trunk, carry across a campsite, or schlep for up to a mile or two. Ian’s brought this REI model along for dozens of events in the nearby park, including theater productions and concerts. 

The chair folds down like an umbrella in a one-step design that makes setting up and packing away a breeze. The carrying case has a single nylon strap for carrying over the shoulder, and the chair takes up minimal space, so it slots in well in a trunk or gear room with other camping gear.

That said, the Campwell’s case is unremarkable, and it’s not the fastest to pack or the most comfortable to carry. The single opening at the end of the tube-shaped case takes a bit of work to fit all the material of the chair into the opening, and the cinch cord can snag on the legs of the chair. A nylon strap is useful for carrying over our shoulders, but awkward at best.

Ease of Use

The REI Campwell has some unique elements we appreciate. A mesh pocket on the left side attaches beneath the armrest with a hook-and-loop patch and swings down for easy access to small essentials. The pocket offers a secure place for items thanks to a string and cordlock closure. The Campwell also has a double-wide cupholder – one size accommodates larger bottles and cups like a Nalgene, and the other is for smaller containers like cans.

But we find both designs a bit awkward. The side pocket is a bit too small and floppy for bulky gloves or heavier items like a phone. We also rarely use the armrest attachment, so this feature goes to waste most of the time. The downfall of the two cupholders is they’re linked together with no divider. Small containers tend to tip over quickly, and usually both slots need to be filled to prevent a drink from moving.

These quirks aren’t major red flags, though. This chair is easy to use, and we keep reaching for it time and again.

Should You Buy The REI Campwell Chair?

The REI Campwell is a great pick for budget-conscious campers who want a comfortable and functional chair. With a low price tag, breathable mesh fabric, and straightforward setup, this chair is cushy and convenient enough for campfires, cookouts, and post-hike chill time. It feels airy and breezy on warm summer days, and dries quickly. The Campwell is a good fit for a wide range of body types, and the double-size cup holder adds a bit of convenience. Plus, it’s packed size isn’t unwieldy, so it’s easy to stash away the next time you need a seat. We recommend this one if you’re looking for a classic camping chair for almost any adventure.

That said, the REI Campwell isn’t the best choice for folks who want tons of practical storage or extreme durability. Its large cup holder isn’t the best for single small containers, and we find the side pocket design a bit cumbersome for access and storage. Additionally, the mesh back may not provide the firmness some users prefer in a camp chair. Still, the Campwell gets the job done, and earns its Best Budget Chair award as an affordable and versatile addition to any campers gear closet.

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: Like the Campwell, the King Kong’s an affordable and easy-to-use chair with a classic design. But, this model is considerably bigger, more durable, and has a higher weight limit.

Kijaro Dual Lock Review: The Kijaro Dual Lock is budget friendly and durable as well. Compared to the Campwell, this one is taller, more rigid, and has better cup holders. It’s a good value for campers looking for excellent support.

Amazon Basics Camping Chair Review: The Amazon Basics Camping Chair also has a one-step folding design and a unique side pocket design – it’s a cooler – but it’s even more affordable. The downside? It’s not as durable.