REI Co-op Campwell Review

Name: REI Co-op Campwell
Brand: REI Co-op

An inexpensive mattress for casual camping and light-duty backpacking

Credit: Zach Lovell

Price: $129 List

Manufacturer: REI Co-op

By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ September 24, 2026

OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#13 of 18

Comfort - 40% 6.4
Ease of Use - 20% 7.8
Warmth - 20% 6.7
Versatility - 10% 7.0
Packed Size - 10% 7.1

List Price: $129

Check REI price (members get est. 10% back!)

Our Verdict

If you want a durable mattress that's ideal for tenting close to the car, consider the REI Co-Op Campwell. This no-frills design is relatively packable for very short backpacking trips or brief commutes from the car to the campsite, and won't break the bank. It's just under 3 inches thick, and several of our testers found it less comfortable, so we'd recommend the Campwell only to campers who prefer a firmer bed. This mattress is also made with a tough polyester construction, making it a good choice if durability is a priority.

REASONS TO BUY

Well-priced

Packs down relatively small

Robust construction

Can be connected to other pads

REASONS TO AVOID

Very thin construction

Pillow or sleeping bag can slide

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)

	This Product REI Co-op Campwell	Lost Horizon Air & Foam 4.5 inch Single	Coleman Cozy	HomeMate CertiPUR-US	Coleman Silver Springs
Awards		Best Bang for the Buck	Packability on a Budget	Soft Cozyness at a Great Price
Price	$129 List Check Price at REI	$130 List Check Price at Amazon	$100 List Check Price at REI	$67 List Check Price at Amazon	$70 List Check Price at REI
Overall Score	69	86	69	68	63
Star Rating	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
Bottom Line	An inexpensive mattress for casual camping and light-duty backpacking	A top-scoring camping mattress that’s much more affordable than the competition	This summertime camping mattress lands at the intersection of affordability and packability	The most comfy soft pad we tested, and it won't pop. But it is bulky	A narrow pad that's just a little too heavy for backpacking and not quite comfy enough for camping
Rating Categories	REI Co-op Campwell	Lost Horizon Air & F...	Coleman Cozy	HomeMate CertiPUR-US	Coleman Silver Springs
Comfort (40%)	6.4	9.2	7.5	8.0	5.0
Ease of Use (20%)	7.8	8.8	7.5	8.0	8.0
Warmth (20%)	6.7	8.8	3.9	6.0	6.0
Versatility (10%)	7.0	7.3	7.5	5.0	7.0
Packed Size (10%)	7.1	6.7	8.8	3.0	8.0
Specifications	REI Co-op Campwell	Lost Horizon Air & F...	Coleman Cozy	HomeMate CertiPUR-US	Coleman Silver Springs
Thickness	2.5 in	4.5 in	3.5 in	3.0 in	3.0 in
Length	72 in	80 in	74 in	75 in	72 in
Width	25 in	29.5 in	24 in	30 in	20 in
Weight	3.5 lb	9 lb	2.6 lb	9 lb	3.9 lb
R-Value	7	13	3+	None	5
Packed Size	6 in x 26 in	27 in x 9 in	6 in x 11 in	30 in x 17 in	20 in x 7 in
Type	Self inflating	Self, pump, or inflation sack	Pump inflation	Memory foam	Self inflating
Test Model	Regular	Single	Standard	Single	Standard
Bed Material	Recycled polyester	30D & 75D fabric	Brushed knit fabric	Polyester with TPU	75D polyester
Valves	Two valves	One valve	One valve	None	One valve
Accessories	Stuff sack, repair kit	Stuff sack, pump	Stuff sack, pump sack	Stuff sack	Stuff sack, straps

Our Analysis and Test Results

rei co-op campwell - the campwell isn't the softest mattress out there, but it's durable... — The Campwell isn't the softest mattress out there, but it's durable and relatively portable. Credit: Zach Lovell

Likes

The Campwell weighs about 3.5 pounds and is fairly small for a camping mattress. While it's best for roadside camping, this mattress will also work for some backpacking as long as you aren't going more than a mile or two from the trailhead.

rei co-op campwell - for its gear category, the campwell is fairly packable. — For its gear category, the Campwell is fairly packable. Credit: Zach Lovell

The REI Co-Op Campwell also has a unique loop and toggle system that allows you to attach multiple Campwell pads together. Our testers also used these loops to hang the pad to dry.

rei co-op campwell - there are several of these toggles along the outside edge of the... — There are several of these toggles along the outside edge of the Campwell, so you can tether multiple Campwell pads together. Credit: Zach Lovell

The self-inflation system on the Campwell is also fairly effective, though its quick inflation is largely due to a thinner construction, since there's less volume to inflate.

Dislikes

The REI Co-Op Campwell is substantially thinner than most camping mattresses in the review lineup. At just under 3 inches thick, it's only slightly better than a foam pad and makes side sleeping difficult. We definitely do see some campers who prefer a firmer feel, making the Campwell a potentially decent fit for some.

The Campwell also has a slightly slicker surface, which can cause sliding with a sleeping bag or pillow. This is a common issue in lightweight backpacking pads, but camping mattresses often have a more heavily textured surface.

rei co-op campwell - while a more minor setback, the campwell's top can encourage some... — While a more minor setback, the Campwell's top can encourage some sliding. Credit: Zach Lovell

Should You Buy the REI Co-op Campwell?

If you only want a bit more cushion than a foam pad, consider the Campwell. It'll save you cash for other camping gear and is portable enough for casual backpacking, but this isn't the most comfortable mattress out there.

rei co-op campwell - this is a fairly thin sleeping pad, but that might not be a... — This is a fairly thin sleeping pad, but that might not be a dealbreaker for some campers. Credit: Zach Lovell

What Other Camping Mattresses Should You Consider?

Check out the Coleman Cozy if you want a similarly priced camping mattress as the Campwell, but want something more packable and more comfy. If portability isn't a big priority, the Lost Horizon is a thick and affordable model that's very friendly to one's back and neck.

—Zach Lovell