REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.