Alright, let me tell you about this camp chair that honestly impressed me more than I expected.
So picture this: you're at a music festival, a beach day, or just chilling at your campsite after a long hike. You want somewhere comfortable to sit that isn't a rock, a log, or the inevitable sandy mess that is every beach towel. Enter the REI Co-op Westward Padded Camp Chair.
The Comfort Factor
Here's the thing about camp chairs — they've come a long way, baby. Gone are the days of those scratchy polyester nightmare chairs that made you feel like you were sitting in a lawn chair from 1992. The Westward actually has padding. Like, real padding. Not just a thin layer of fabric pretending to be cushioning.
I sat in this thing for a solid chunk of time and didn't feel the urge to constantly shift around or readjust. The polyester cushion is firm enough that it actually supports you rather than just flattening out like a sad pancake. And there's this subtle recline built into the frame that lets you lean back a bit — nothing dramatic, but enough to make a difference when you're just trying to decompress.
Okay, But Let's Talk About That Cupholder
I know, I know — cupholder talk is weird. But hear me out. How many camp chairs have that little mesh pocket on the armrest that's supposed to hold your drink but actually just awkwardly pushes against your arm? Yeah, I hate those too.
The Westward has a cupholder hidden underneath the seat that rotates out when you need it. This means you get full use of both armrests AND your drink is still conveniently nearby. Plus, it's wide — like, actually wide. My 32-ounce water bottle fit with room to spare on each side. For anyone who's ever fought with a too-small cupholder, you know this is actually kind of revolutionary.
Carrying This Thing Around
The chair weighs just over 8 pounds, which sounds like a lot until you're wearing it. There are two backpack straps built into the back, so you can slip it on and basically forget you're carrying anything. I've dragged this thing around beaches and campgrounds, and it genuinely felt weightless. Having your hands free to carry other stuff (or just look cool with your hands in your pockets, no judgment) is a game changer.
The Fold Situation
One thing to note: this chair folds in half length-wise, like a classic lawn chair. Many other models, including the popular Yeti Trailhead, collapse inward instead. This makes the Westward wider when closed, so if you're trying to shove it into a tight space or hike with it on your back through narrow trails, keep that in mind. But for car camping, beach trips, tailgating, or general outdoor lounging? It honestly doesn't matter much.
The Price Point
Here's where things get really interesting. The REI Co-op Westward Padded Camp Chair is $130. That's a solid hundred dollars less than the Yeti Trailhead Field Chair, which is Yeti's most affordable option. For a chair that's just as comfortable — and honestly, the cupholder situation is better — that's a pretty compelling argument.
Of course, if you're heading into serious backcountry territory where every ounce matters, you'd probably want something lighter like the Helinox Chair One. And if you're just looking for a budget option that collapses inward for easy packing, Coleman's classic camp chair is there for you.
But if your camping style involves driving to a campsite, setting up for a while, and actually enjoying your time there with some creature comfort? The Westward is a really strong choice. Comfortable, well-designed, and easier on the wallet than the fancy alternatives.
Sometimes the middle ground is exactly where you want to be.
Source: Popular Mechanics Review