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REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Review

This low, fully-padded take on a classic lawn chair is great for taking to campfires and outdoor concerts with its backpack straps
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REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Review
Credit: REI Co-op
Price:  $90 List
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Manufacturer:   REI Co-op
By Maggie Nichols ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  May 16, 2022
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 19
  • Comfort - 40% 6.0
  • Portability - 25% 8.0
  • Quality - 20% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

The REI Outward Low Padded combines many of our favorite parts of a super low folding lawn chair with the comfort of full padding through the entire seat and back. Two adjustable shoulder straps let you easily carry it like a backpack, keeping your hands free to bring along a cooler full of picnic essentials — or just walk comfortably without full arms. While all that padding may not be the coolest on a hot summer day, it is exceptionally comfortable. Lacking any pockets, you'll be glad you're close to the ground to set things down. If you like stable chairs that are low to the ground, this is one to consider.
REASONS TO BUY
Fully padded
Backpack straps
Easy to set up
Stable
REASONS TO AVOID
Very low to ground
Narrow frame
No pockets

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Camping Chair
Top Pick Award
Best Seat Support
 Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
Price $90 List
$62.93 at REI
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$58 List
$56.79 at Amazon
$60 List
$59.95 at REI
$35.00 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
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Bottom Line Full of comfortable padding and low to the ground this backpack-carry chair is ready for warming around fires and enjoying music in the parkAlthough heavy, this robust model will provide years of high-comfort seating for campgrounds, soccer fields, and moreA great combination of features and characteristics at a competitive priceA great option for those looking for a lightweight and simple design at an affordable priceEasy to set up and comfortable for taller and larger folks, while helping you save money
Rating Categories REI Co-op Outward L... ALPS Mountaineering... Kijaro Dual Lock Fo... REI Co-op Skyward GCI Outdoor Comfort...
Comfort (40%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Portability (25%)
8.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Quality (20%)
7.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
5.0
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
Specs REI Co-op Outward L... ALPS Mountaineering... Kijaro Dual Lock Fo... REI Co-op Skyward GCI Outdoor Comfort...
Weight 7.3 lbs 14.1 lbs 9.8 lbs 7.3 lbs 8.3 lbs
Weight Capacity 250 lbs 800 lbs 300 lbs 300 lbs 300 lbs
Folded Dimensions (length x width x height) 27.0" x 23.0" x 6.0" 39.0" x 8.0" x 8.0" 45.0" x 7.0" x 7.0" 33.0" x 7.0" x 5.0" 45.0" x 7.0" x 5.0"
Unfolded Dimensions (depth x width x height) 23.0" x 23.0" x 27.0" 24.0" x 37.0" x 38.0" 25.0" x 35.0" x 37.0" 31.0" x 31.3" x 20.0" 25.0" x 35.0" x 37.0"
Seat Height (middle) 7.5" 15.0" 15.0" 14.0" 15.0"
Features Backpack straps, DWR finish 2 cup holders, 2 side pockets, storage pocket behind headrest, adjustable armrests 2 cup holders, side pocket, carrying strap Webbing to tension the seat and back panel, integrated cup holder, drop-down pocket on left armrest, carry bag Beverage holder, small sleeve pocket

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Outward Low Padded is a classically folding camping chair with a hook closure and backpack straps for easy setup and portability. It's fully padded and has no pockets but is low enough to set your items on the ground.

Performance Comparison


rei co-op outward low padded - enjoying being closer to the fire pit as the sun goes down on a...
Enjoying being closer to the fire pit as the sun goes down on a chilly day.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Comfort


If you hate getting in and out of a chair that's super close to the ground, the Outward Low is not the chair for you. On the other hand, if you're sold on the idea of using the earth as your side table, this fully padded folding chair is one of our favorite lowdown options. A rigid frame adds stability and support while the padding — evenly distributed through the entire seat and back — maintains comfort even through hours of campfire enjoyment. Wooden armrests might not be “cushy,” but they do lend a lot of support when you finally decide to vacate your short throne. They don't splay outwards, though, like most camping chair armrests, giving this one a more narrow overall seat and feeling. The front of the seat sits 10 inches from the ground, while the middle section is about 7.5 inches high. Impressively, this low chair doesn't really sag when sat in, offering a unique combination of support and padded comfort that we rarely see in the world of camping chairs.

rei co-op outward low padded - when it comes to being comfortable and low to the earth, we love the...
When it comes to being comfortable and low to the earth, we love the fully padded REI Outward Low.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Portability


Despite its low stature, the beefy build of the Outward Low Padded doesn't quite qualify it for the lightweight category of camping chairs. That said, tipping the scales at just over 7 pounds, it's still on the lighter side of the median chair weight we tested. It doesn't pack down very small, but what it lacks in compactness, it makes up for with ease of carrying. Skipping the carrying case that so many others come standard with, a single hook clips the two sides of the folded chair together and tightens with a tug. Adjustable backpack straps made of wide webbing allow you to carry it hands-free across your back. We're big fans of how easy this chair is to carry, despite its packed-up bulk and weight.

rei co-op outward low padded - we appreciate the ease of transport of this simple folding chair...
We appreciate the ease of transport of this simple folding chair, and how stable it is on any reasonably level surface outdoors once you get to your destination.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Durability


Though a 250-pound weight capacity is nothing to scoff at, it's the standard minimum among competing camping chairs. The Outward Low Padded is made of 300D ripstop nylon with a DWR finish to help repel light rain or spills. Aluminum poles add strength without weighing it down too much. By connecting the front and back poles together with two bracing bars, this chair feels solid and stable, easily withstanding our jumping, plopping, and standing tests. We have no immediate worries about its longevity, even after carefully inspecting every stitch and joint.

rei co-op outward low padded - solid wood armrests add support and classy looks to this low chair.
Solid wood armrests add support and classy looks to this low chair.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Ease of Use


Just like the folding chair set up at a high school graduation, the Outward Low Padded folds shut in just a single direction, making it one of the simplest models to set up even in a relatively simple-to-use category. Hindered only by the narrow opening of the hook holding it shut, getting up and leaving is very easy. When it comes to features, this chair keeps it simple. Aside from the functionality features we already discussed (like padding and backpack straps), this chair has no extras.

A simple hook with an adjustable strap holds the chair closed for...
A simple hook with an adjustable strap holds the chair closed for transportation and storage.
A top handle makes it easy to hoist onto your shoulders for...
A top handle makes it easy to hoist onto your shoulders for hands-free transportation.

Value


The REI Outward Low Padded is a hair on the expensive side compared to many others in this review. For anyone not convinced they'll enjoy this small chair, we think it's worth sitting in before purchasing. However, if you adore this style of a close-to-the-earth folding chair, we think its comfort and ease of transportation are worth the investment.

Conclusion


The REI Outward Low Padded is a fully padded model that will please anyone who's already over the moon about sitting this close to the ground. From its comfortably stuffed seat and back to its super convenient backpack straps, this is our favorite outdoor shorty folding chair.

rei co-op outward low padded - easily take the outward low anywhere without using your hands.
Easily take the Outward Low anywhere without using your hands.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Maggie Nichols