REI Co-op Skyward Review

The REI Skyward is a well-ventilated and lightweight camping chair available for an affordable price. The simple design features unique X-web technology that remains durable while providing a ton of comfort. The carry bag has a sufficient shoulder strap that makes it relatively easy to tote this chair for longer distances from the car, as well as a top loop that's easy to grab when moving the chair around camp or removing it from your vehicle. A single cupholder and a drop-down pocket provide additional storage, while the recycled materials used in the construction help reduce carbon impact.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The comfort of the Skyward design falls in the middle of our lineup. While the unique X-Web technology utilizes X-shape webbing to evenly distribute weight within the seat, it also pulls tight along the upper back, forcing a slouched position through the reinforced mesh fabric. The back panel of the chair is quite a bit lower than other chairs that we tested, and we found this to produce mixed results among our testing team. Some shorter testers found the chair to sit just right, allowing their feet to remain solidly on the ground, and our taller, broad-shouldered testers appreciated the support and maneuverability due to the lower frame.

The slouchy design is not for those seeking an upright posture while they kick back around the campfire. That said, the lower back panel does allow for some to stretch their arms behind the frame and oppose the slouchy position. Overall, this chair offered enough comfort to accommodate many different testers with a variety of different body shapes and sizes.

Portability

Weighing in at a modest 7.3 pounds, the REI Skyward is one of the lighter chairs we tested, significantly increasing its portability scores. The chair comes with a great carry bag that offers both a single shoulder strap and a handle on the top of the bag so you can easily move the chair around your campsite or remove it from a packed vehicle. While some heavier designs feature a backpack-style carry bag, our testing team found the single strap effective and sufficient for the overall weight of this chair.

The shorter length of this chair, as well as the extremely packable mesh construction, help improve portability by reducing overall weight and bulk. The Skyward takes up far less space when loaded up in our rig and is relatively easy to move from one location to another, thanks to its carry bag with a wide shoulder strap and top loop.

Quality

Though more affordable than other chairs in our review, the REI Skyward does not skimp on quality and durability. This chair features reinforced mesh construction that helps to increase comfort and ventilation without succumbing to everyday use. High-traffic areas like the cupholder and armrests are strengthened by a thick plastic trim that increases the design's overall sturdiness. The mesh fabric allows the chair to drain rainwater through the porous fabric and also dry quickly after an afternoon thunderstorm.

Though the frame isn't as sturdy as other models we tested, it features thick-walled steel tubing with a powdered-coated finish that protects the frame from rust. We put the 300-pound weight limit to the test by piling four adults into the modest frame, and the chair remained intact, showing no signs of wear or damage after more than doubling the weight limit (albeit over a short timespan). The legs of the chair have solid grips on the bottom that make it feel more sturdy, even when on uneven terrain. And finally, the carry bag is constructed of a thicker material that we feel confident will withstand many seasons of use.

Ease of Use

The Skyward is similar to other traditional camping chair models that feature an accordion-style design, and it sets up within seconds. Simply remove the chair from its carry bag, pull the structure in opposing directions, and you're good to go. If you're packing up, simply fold the chair into itself like an umbrella before stowing it back into its carry bag. We found it easier to pack if we folded the oblong cupholder into the chair before slipping it back into the carry bag.

A couple of notable features include a single cupholder on the right armrest and a drop-down pocket on the left armrest. Though the cupholder is designed to be versatile and accommodate a wide variety of beverages, we noted that it was difficult for the oblong shape to support beverages such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, or a thermos in an upright position. However, we did find success with one-liter water bottles. The drop-down pocket is the perfect spot for valuables; it even offers a cinch that closes tightly thanks to a string and cord lock so that you can safely stow those smaller items that might be hard to find once the sun goes down. If the pocket is not in use, you can simply velcro it securely below the left armrest. Overall, the Skyward is easy to use and offers notable features within its simple and compact design.

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Skyward?

The Skyward is a great option for those who want a solid chair that won't break the bank. The reinforced mesh effectively sheds water and helps keep you cool in the summertime, while the X-shape technology distributes weight to maximize comfort. The simple design is lightweight, easy to use, and easy to transport, making it a reliable purchase for many seasons.

What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?

If affordability is what you're after, check out the GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro. This camping chair offers excellent support and durable polyester fabric, in addition to a mesh backrest that increases airflow and improves breathability within the design. If you like the traditional, accordion-style design of this chair but are after a higher backrest and more of a heavy-duty frame, check out our favorite camping chair, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong. And finally, if you want to cozy up with a buddy, our favorite two-person option is the stylish Kelty Low Loveseat. Happy lounging!