REI Campwell Tenting Chair Evaluation

Backside Line

The REI Campwell proves that consolation and ease don’t have to interrupt the financial institution. It’s within the high 3 of our greatest tenting chairs information as an inexpensive and cozy basic. Our staff’s used each iteration of this chair for a whole bunch of journeys. If CleverHiker Founder Dave Collins is packing for an journey, he’s already put the Campwell within the automobile – it’s been his go-to for five+ years.

This REI mannequin will get a slight replace from its final model, beforehand known as the Skyward. It’s now an inch taller and just below a pound heavier. Nonetheless, this chair is as comfortable as ever – it’s soft however supportive, excellent for lounging by the campfire, having fun with seaside sunsets, and kicking it on a patio. The seat peak is accessible for small children to tall adults, and it’s acquainted X-frame construct is secure. We use this chair year-round, however it thrives in summer season. Breathable mesh lets us really feel the breeze on sizzling days, and it dries shortly after a day storm.

We have now a couple of gripes, although. The Campwell’s on the cumbersome aspect, and the case is uncomfortable to hold far. This chair isn’t as sturdy as some – we discover its mesh is extra susceptible than thicker supplies. The cup holder design is awkward and huge, which might result in containers spilled drinks, and the pocket design isn’t tremendous practical. That stated, these are minor drawbacks – total, the REI Campwell is a sensible, budget-friendly chair for many adventures.

Consolation

The Campwell proves you will be comfy with out splurging. We just like the mesh on this chair – it’s supportive however has loads of give, so it’s comfy for lengthy periods of sitting. We love how ethereal and breezy this mannequin is, so it’s an excellent choose for warm summer season days. Ian brings it to Moab within the late spring when nights keep above 50ºF to maintain air transferring and assist him keep cool.

At 15 inches, this chair is an inch taller than the prior model. That is the Goldilocks zone for accessibility – this peak makes it simple to get into and out of for each children and adults. Mixed with mesh armrests, this chair earns stable marks for consolation.

Our solely gripe? The polyester trim on the seat and headrest edges isn’t as mild as the remainder of the mesh. A few of our testers discovered the fabric scratchy and abrasive, though it wasn’t a dealbreaker. Whether or not you’re on the seaside, campsite, or yard, this chair is a welcoming place to unwind.

Sturdiness

The Campwell is common for sturdiness. Constructed with a basic X-frame design and chunky plastic ft, we discover it feels stable on most terrain. The recycled polyester and nylon mesh, mixed with a powder-coated metal body, helps as much as 300 kilos – excellent for a variety of campers. We additionally discover the joints and maintain up properly to a whole bunch of occasions folding and unfolding with minimal upkeep.

The Campwell handles rain and snow with ease, too. Senior Content material Editor Ian Krammer left his exterior in summer season downpours within the Colorado Rockies above 11,000 ft. The Campwell was at all times the primary seat to dry, often in about an hour.

The mesh is pretty abrasion-resistant, making it an excellent choose for sandy seashores and rugged campsites. Our testing within the damp Pacific Northwest additionally proves the chair’s body holds up properly in humid, wet environments with out degrading.

Nonetheless, mesh continues to be extra inclined to wreck than thicker, stronger, and heavier supplies – and the Campwell is usually mesh. You gained’t need to child this chair, however keep vigilant in opposition to snagging branches and sharp objects. Additionally, the nylon mesh melts close to warmth. Ours has a couple of holes from rogue campfire ash. That stated, these are minor points given the low worth and excessive performance of the Campwell.

Portability

​​We like a tenting chair that packs gentle, and the Campwell hits the nail on the pinnacle. This model of the chair went up in weight to eight kilos and a pair of ounces, however it’s nonetheless gentle sufficient to toss into your trunk, carry throughout a campsite, or schlep for as much as a mile or two. Ian’s introduced this REI mannequin alongside for dozens of occasions within the close by park, together with theater productions and concert events. 

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

That stated, the Campwell’s case is unremarkable, and it’s not the quickest to pack or probably the most comfy to hold. The one opening on the finish of the tube-shaped case takes a bit of labor to suit all the fabric of the chair into the opening, and the cinch twine can snag on the legs of the chair. A nylon strap is beneficial for carrying over our shoulders, however awkward at greatest.

Ease of Use

The REI Campwell has some distinctive components we admire. A mesh pocket on the left aspect attaches beneath the armrest with a hook-and-loop patch and swings down for simple entry to small necessities. The pocket affords a safe place for gadgets because of a string and cordlock closure. The Campwell additionally has a double-wide cupholder – one dimension accommodates bigger bottles and cups like a Nalgene, and the opposite is for smaller containers like cans.

However we discover each designs a bit awkward. The aspect pocket is a bit too small and floppy for cumbersome gloves or heavier gadgets like a telephone. We additionally hardly ever use the armrest attachment, so this function goes to waste more often than not. The downfall of the 2 cupholders is that they’re linked along with no divider. Small containers are likely to tip over shortly, and often each slots must be crammed to stop a drink from transferring.

These quirks aren’t main purple flags, although. This chair is simple to make use of, and we preserve reaching for it repeatedly.

Ought to You Purchase The REI Campwell Chair?

The REI Campwell is a superb choose for budget-conscious campers who desire a comfy and practical chair. With a low price ticket, breathable mesh material, and easy setup, this chair is soft and handy sufficient for campfires, cookouts, and post-hike chill time. It feels ethereal and breezy on heat summer season days, and dries shortly. The Campwell is an effective match for a variety of physique sorts, and the double-size cup holder provides a little bit of comfort. Plus, it’s packed dimension isn’t unwieldy, so it’s simple to stash away the following time you want a seat. We suggest this one should you’re on the lookout for a basic tenting chair for nearly any journey.

That stated, the REI Campwell isn’t your best option for people who need tons of sensible storage or excessive sturdiness. Its massive cup holder isn’t the very best for single small containers, and we discover the aspect pocket design a bit cumbersome for entry and storage. Moreover, the mesh again might not present the firmness some customers desire in a camp chair. Nonetheless, the Campwell will get the job accomplished, and earns its Greatest Finances Chair award as an inexpensive and versatile addition to any campers gear closet.

What Different Tenting Chairs Ought to You Take into account?

Head over to our listing of the very best tenting chairs to learn the way the REI Campwell compares to the competitors. Listed below are our handpicked options:

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Evaluation: Just like the Campwell, the King Kong’s an inexpensive and easy-to-use chair with a basic design. However, this mannequin is significantly larger, extra sturdy, and has a better weight restrict.

Kijaro Twin Lock Evaluation: The Kijaro Twin Lock is funds pleasant and sturdy as properly. In comparison with the Campwell, this one is taller, extra inflexible, and has higher cup holders. It’s an excellent worth for campers on the lookout for glorious help.

Amazon Fundamentals Tenting Chair Evaluation: The Amazon Fundamentals Tenting Chair additionally has a one-step folding design and a singular aspect pocket design – it’s a cooler – however it’s much more inexpensive. The draw back? It’s not as sturdy.