REI Campwell 18L Collapsible Cooler Review

The Bottom Line

The REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler combines versatility and style in a portable cooler that’s perfect for day trips and small outings. We’ve found ourselves reaching out to Campbell for everything from grocery store runs to spring picnic hikes in the Eastern California high desert.

Campbell’s lightweight construction and comfortable handles and straps make it easy to carry, especially if you have to hike a distance to your destination. And we’d be remiss not to mention the signature 3-in-one design, which allows the cooler to fold down or transform into a tote or cube depending on your storage needs. This unique feature quickly earned Campbell a spot in our cool gear guide.

Campbell’s 19-quart capacity and limited ice storage are perfect for long trips or large groups. While its overall construction is solid, it’s not as strong as solid-side coolers and won’t hold up to rough outdoor use. But on rare occasions, Campbell has proven itself to be a high quality, versatile, and stylish choice.

How We Tested

We used the REI Campwell during the transition from spring to summer in the high desert of the Eastern Sierra. Using it for everything from grocery runs to delivering cold drinks and snacks during afternoon fishing, we focused on features like insulation, portability, ergonomics, volume, durability, and features to evaluate the overall performance of the Campbell.

Insulation

The REI Campwell is a soft-sided cooler with a soft foam interlayer. We tested ice storage by filling it with ice and leaving it outside in a mixture of sun and shade, with temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. We monitored molting and checked temperature twice a day.

It took two full days for all the ice cubes to melt. At noon on the third day, the cooler reached 40 and 50 degrees – the maximum temperature for safe food storage and the ideal temperature for cold drinks, respectively. If we had kept it out of direct sunlight, Campbell might have lasted a little longer.

The Campbell zipper is a weak point for cold storage. It is not closed or tied, and two pulls leave a small gap. Over time, some of the cold air from inside the cooler will enter this space and zipper teeth, raising the interior temperature.

Unless you fill the Campbell with ice regularly, it’s not a reliable option for multi-day cold storage. The foam padding is much thinner than what you find with many other soft-sided designs, which limits its protective capabilities. As a result, the cool environment is best suited for a day trip – or an easy weekend trip with no decay.

Strength

Campbell appreciates fashion and works with the use of quality materials and components. The outer fabric is durable and tear-resistant, and effective at wicking light moisture thanks to its durable water repellent (DWR) material. We put the Campbell through many conditions, including several storms and intense desert heat, and it performed flawlessly.

REI made a few other smart design decisions. The bottom of the cooler is reinforced with another layer of fabric, and the already strong cables are double stitched to keep them secure. The shoulder strap connects to the body of the cooler with plastic clips. This seems a bit smaller than some of Campbell’s design features and is prone to damage, but we didn’t have any problems in testing.

The Campbell does not have a large drain plug, but the liner is easy to clean with a wipe. As long as you give the cooler a chance to dry completely after each trip, it’s easy to keep it in good condition.

Volume

The size of the Campbell makes it better suited for small groups and short outings. Its 19-quart capacity can hold 12 cans and ice. We found that it has enough room to swallow a day’s worth of food and drinks for one to two people. It can also accommodate a small group on short trips.

The most notable feature of the Campbell is its three-in-one design, which allows it to lie flat or transform into a tote or cube. Loops sewn up and down the corners of the bag around the last two toggles. We found the cube’s flat bottom and tote mode especially useful when hauling containers or cans, allowing for easy packing. The flat mode was useful for storage and transport, creating a slim profile that retracts easily.

The Campbell is tall enough to fit an upright wine bottle. It also has a center pocket on the front, which we found to be perfect for hiding small essentials like a phone, wallet, or keys.

Ergonomics & Portability

The Campbell’s lightweight and portable design makes it versatile for use in front and back areas alike. We’ve used it to keep perishable groceries cold while foraging, and it’s perfect for picnics or a day by the water. Built-in handles make it easy to carry the cooler by hand, while an adjustable (and removable) strap allows it to slip comfortably over the shoulder.

The Campbell weighs 1 pound 2.3 ounces, making it one of the lightest coolers we’ve tested. Its low weight is not easy to drag around. Also, the compact shape allows it to easily fit in the trunk of a car or other hard-to-reach place for transportation. The flexible design also makes it possible to fold the cooler up when not in use or lay it flat to maintain a low profile.

Inside access is a zipper that runs the length of the Campbell top. It creates a wide opening that makes it easy to find what you want. The cooler itself isn’t water-resistant, but the zipper isn’t leak-proof, so you’ll want to be careful to keep the cooler upright.

Features

Campbell doesn’t hold back when it comes to features. REI offers coolers in 8- and 18-liter sizes, both of which come in a choice of three colors. It’s less customizable than most alternatives with no accessories or add-ons available.

As we mentioned above, the three-in-one design is unique, and the front pocket is great for hiding small accessories or important things. You also get an easy-to-clean leak-proof lining, a wide mouth opening for quick access inside, an adjustable and removable padded shoulder strap, and a DWR coating on both the shell and lining to repel moisture.

Should You Buy the REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler?

The REI Campwell 18 L Folding Cooler is a great choice for the regular outdoors. Whether you’re having a picnic or heading out for an afternoon hike, Campbell’s lightweight construction and comfortable carry options make it easy to keep up with short trips. The unique three-in-one design makes it easy to customize the storage space to your needs, and the flexible structure folds flat when not in use.

That said, Campbell won’t keep the snow frozen for more than a day or two. In terms of size, it is best suited for small groups or solo campers. If you need more space or ice storage for several days, it’s worth upgrading to a hard-sided cooler. However, for situations where you don’t need to be very cold for long periods of time, the REI Campwell is a versatile, portable, and affordable option.

What Other Coolers Should You Consider?

If the REI Campwell isn’t what you’re looking for, check out the alternatives below, or head over to our best camping gear guide for more recommendations.

RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Pro Review: One of our top cooler options, the Ultra-Tough Pro is extremely durable. It is waterproof and durable, making it a better choice than Campbell for days or in the water.

YETI Hopper Flip 12 review: If you’re willing to spend the money to get a higher level of performance, it’s hard to beat the YETI Hopper Flip 12. The Hopper is better sealed than the Campbell, keeping ice solid for less than four days. It is also fully waterproof and very durable, although the weight increases as a result.

RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler Review: Almost identical to the Ultra-Tough Pro listed above, this RTIC offering is another cool option. The handles and shoulder strap make it easy to carry, and its rectangular design is well suited for one-to-two person provisions for a short outing.