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REI Co-op Skyward Review

This affordable chair features a lightweight and unique design that maximizes comfort without skimping on durability and quality
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REI Co-op Skyward Review (What's not to love about the REI Co-op Skyward? It offers a simple, easy to use design, that's lightweight and...)
What's not to love about the REI Co-op Skyward? It offers a simple, easy to use design, that's lightweight and comfortable.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $60 List
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Manufacturer:   REI Co-op
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 18, 2023
66
OVERALL
SCORE


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

Our Verdict

The REI Skyward offers a simple and traditional design at an affordable price. It utilizes REI's unique X-web technology with X-shape webbing to distribute body weight evenly throughout the chair's structure to increase overall comfort without sacrificing quality and durability. Though the chair boasts a 300-pound weight limit, our testing team doubled that limit without the structure showing any signs of wear or damage. The drop-down pocket beneath the armrest securely stows your personal items while the oblong cupholder fits a variety of beverage shapes and sizes, though at the cost of some stability. This chair is lightweight and easy to use, making it a perfect option for your next camping trip or backyard BBQ. See how it compares in our camping chair review lineup.
REASONS TO BUY
Great price
Excellent ventilation
Solid structure
Easy to use
Easy to transport
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Not adjustable
Cupholder is an odd shape
Low backrest encourages slouching

Compare to Similar Products

 
rei co-op skyward
This Product
REI Co-op Skyward
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Camping Chair
Top Pick Award
Best Seat Support
Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
 
Price $60 List
$59.95 at REI
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$58 List
$56.79 at Amazon
$35.00 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$60 List
$58.19 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A great option for those looking for a lightweight and simple design at an affordable priceAlthough 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 priceEasy to set up and comfortable for taller and larger folks, while helping you save moneyThis chair provides support and stability while boasting a low profile and a reasonable price
Rating Categories REI Co-op Skyward ALPS Mountaineering... Kijaro Dual Lock Fo... GCI Outdoor Comfort... ALPS Mountaineering...
Comfort (40%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
Portability (25%)
7.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Quality (20%)
6.0
9.0
6.0
5.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
5.0
Specs REI Co-op Skyward ALPS Mountaineering... Kijaro Dual Lock Fo... GCI Outdoor Comfort... ALPS Mountaineering...
Weight 7.3 lbs 14.1 lbs 9.8 lbs 8.3 lbs 7.1 lbs
Weight Capacity 300 lbs 800 lbs 300 lbs 300 lbs 300 lbs
Folded Dimensions (length x width x height) 33.0" x 7.0" x 5.0" 39.0" x 8.0" x 8.0" 45.0" x 7.0" x 7.0" 45.0" x 7.0" x 5.0" 29.0" x 8.0" x 8.0"
Unfolded Dimensions (depth x width x height) 31.0" x 31.3" x 20.0" 24.0" x 37.0" x 38.0" 25.0" x 35.0" x 37.0" 25.0" x 35.0" x 37.0" 21.0" x 23.0" x 24.0"
Seat Height (middle) 14.0" 15.0" 15.0" 15.0" 3.0"
Features Webbing to tension the seat and back panel, integrated cup holder, drop-down pocket on left armrest, carry bag 2 cup holders, 2 side pockets, storage pocket behind headrest, adjustable armrests 2 cup holders, side pocket, carrying strap Beverage holder, small sleeve pocket Mesh back and seat sides, foam-wrapped armrests

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


rei co-op skyward - we love the skyward as a quality camp chair to relax in.
We love the Skyward as a quality camp chair to relax in.
Credit: Trish Matheny

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.

rei co-op skyward - the x-shape technology is built into the design to evenly distribute...
The X-shape technology is built into the design to evenly distribute weight and increase overall comfort.
Credit: Trish Matheny

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.

rei co-op skyward - a single shoulder strap and a lightweight design make it easy to...
A single shoulder strap and a lightweight design make it easy to transport this chair to your next campsite or event.
Credit: Trish Matheny

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.

rei co-op skyward - plastic trim on the skyward helps to strengthen the mesh design and...
Plastic trim on the Skyward helps to strengthen the mesh design and increase the overall quality.
Credit: Trish Matheny

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.

rei co-op skyward - though the oblong design of the single cupholder is meant to be...
Though the oblong design of the single cupholder is meant to be versatile and accommodate a variety of beverages, it lacks stability for glass bottles and aluminum cans (adding a koozie can be helpful).
Credit: Trish Matheny

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.

rei co-op skyward - though the design is rather lightweight and simple, features like...
Though the design is rather lightweight and simple, features like the cupholder and drop-down pocket increase the chair's appeal
Credit: Trish Matheny

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!

rei co-op skyward - the skyward makes it easy to kick back and relax near your favorite...
The Skyward makes it easy to kick back and relax near your favorite stream.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Trish Matheny