REI Wonderland Chair Review

The REI Wonderland Chair is an unassuming camp chair. It’s comfortable. It’s sturdy. It’s easy to set up.

But it’s got one simple feature that has stood out above the rest earning it a top spot in our recent camp chair test.

Specs

Carrying

The Wonderland is on the heavy side to carry because it’s a full size camp chair with a steel frame. That said, it has the best carry strap I’ve ever used.

The carry strap is a simple piece of webbing connected at the bottom of the chair, through a loop on one side of the top to the other side of the top. Picking the chair up by the strap, collapses it quickly. A small clip one on side of the top clips to the ring on the other side, keeping the chair collapse. The strap is the perfect length for a shoulder strap to carry to the site or the beach.

A couple dollars in clips and webbing makes this chair so easy and nice to carry. No bag to fuss around with.

Setup

Like most camp chairs, setup is just set it down and pull it open. If you have the carry strap clipped then that needs to be unclipped first. Quick and easy for setup.

The cupholder is usually tucked under so the seat. It swings out to be used if you need it. I try and keep it tucked under the seat so it doesn’t get caught on anything and bent.

Comfort

Comfort on the Wonderland chair is very good. It’s got a nice wide seat and back. It’s similar in size to the Strongback Elite with tons of room. It doesn’t have quite the lumbar support like the Strongback does but for me it felt almost as good.

Cupholder

The cupholder is pretty good on the Wonderland. It’s got a stiff plastic rim with a mesh pocket underneath. It can swing under the seat to be out of the when you’re not using it or carrying. Cupholders often big bent or broken when they stick out so it’s nice to be able to tuck away.

It’s not large cupholder but enough to hold a drink can, regular size phone or or small tumbler. Larger tumblers won’t fit.

Packing

Packing up the chair is pretty quick. I try to slide the cupholder out of the way so it’s protected before packing up.

Pulling the seat up and the back forward will pull everything together. Pulling on the strap on the back will also do the same thing. Once it’s folded, the little clip on the top of the back can be attached, keep it folded. The included strap makes for a nice, easy carry, no bag required.

Size and Weight

The Wonderland isn’t light at 13.4 pounds. It’s big and sturdy and feels like it will last a long time. The weight does get to be a bit much if you’re going to be walking long. I only take it to the campsite or the beach when it’s not a long walk. It’s got a good carry strap which makes it easier to carry than most camp chairs.

Quality

The steel frame and polyester material feel very sturdy. All the connection poles move easily and don’t creak or move when you sit in it.

The wood arms feel nice and are at a good height and angle.

Who is REI?

In 1938, 23 climbing friends decided to get together and start sourcing quality and affordable gear for their adventures.

REI Co-op was born.

Today, they have 23 million members, 16,000 employees, and 181 locations.

They help people get gear and knowledge to explore wild and natural places. They also help protect them too.

They have no shareholders so they can decide to donate $7 million to non-profits that help people get outside and protection those places. Read their Stewardship Report.

And, instead of partaking in the mayhem that is Black Friday they #OptOutside.

Conclusion

What looks like a very basic camp chair, the REI Wonderland nails all our requirements for a great one. The wide back and seat are very comfortable. The cupholder could be bigger but works well for 1 drink can. The steel frame is solid and durable.

What makes this chair stand out is the strap on the back. It doesn’t come with a bag to lose or fiddle around with. The shoulder strap pulls it closed and a small clip holds it folded. It’s a great length for a shoulder strap but can be shortened.

It’s become my to go pick for camping, soccer games, and the beach and with that beefy steel frame and thick fabric, I think it will be for a while.

Verdict: Editor’s Choice – Highly Recommended ^{_{see our rating system}}

Usual Price: $99.95 USD