Airstream Basecamp x REI Co-op Review

My family and I took this pint-sized travel trailer out on the road for a week; here's what I thought by the end of our trip.

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Although I've never camped in an Airstream, trust me, I have the credentials to review one. I used to live full-time in a 31-foot Airstream with my partner and his son. My partner bought his 1983 model used a while back and fixed it up; I moved in a few years ago. Although we eventually had to build a shed and deck for extra storage, we loved living small.

We're also out on the road a lot for my job testing and reviewing outdoor products and because we love to camp. Normally we roll out in a 2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty with a GoFast Camper Shell and Tent. When I recently got the chance to test Airstream's special-edition Basecamp Collab with REI, I jumped at it: it would be a luxurious upgrade from what we normally camp in and feel just like taking home on the road, only a little smaller.

We planned a trip to the Eastern Sierras (specifically Mammoth and June for some birthday snowboarding) and were set to go when, a week before the trip, our truck went on the fritz. Luckily, our friends at Front Runner Outfitters had their last demo vehicle available, recently outfitted with its latest racks and accessories. We stuffed snowboarding gear, camping equipment, two adults, and an eight-year-old into my Toyota Corolla, drove up to L.A. to pick up the Jeep Gladiator from Front Runner, hitched up the Airstream after loading all our gear into it and the truck, and we were on our way into the wild.

After five days on the road living out of the REI Basecamp, here are my thoughts.

Airstream x REI Co-Op Special Edition Basecamp: The Specs

Scott Seiver

2023 REI Co-Op Special Edition Basecamp

Pros

• Says it sleeps 2, but comfortably fits 3
• Plenty of storage and well-organized layout

Cons

• Special edition is much pricier than the original, without many serious upgrades

• Unit Base Weight: (with LP and batteries): 2,700 pounds
• Exterior Length: 16 ft. 2 in.
• Exterior Width: 6 ft. 4.5 in.
• Sleeping Capacity: 2 (we slept 3 comfortably)
• Bathroom: Composting Toilet

The Airstream x REI Co-Op Special Edition Basecamp: What We Think

The special edition, REI-ified Airstream Basecamp is an ergonomic, comfortable compact camping trailer with plenty of useful features and classic Airstream style... just with an outdoors twist. In my mind, the subtle touches from the giant outdoor retailer don't justify the additional dollar signs — but for anyone who loves the outdoors, loves Airstream, and has the extra cash, this thing is pretty badass. If you're used to tent camping or sleeping in your rooftop tent, spending a couple of nights in this cozy little trailer feels like the Ritz.

The REI version of the Airstream Basecamp features netting covers rather than traditional cabinet doors in the kitchen. This brings a casual, homey feel to the modern interior.

Scott Seiver

It's well-designed and functional

Setting foot in the REI Co-Op Special Edition Basecamp feels like stepping into a small spaceship—just camp-ified. The iconic silver metal sheeting acts like a mirror in a small room, making the space feel bigger.

The kitchen packs in a mini fridge, two-burner stove, counter space, and plenty of cabinet storage without dominating the entire space. The wet bathroom has nifty features like a spooling clothesline for hanging wet snowboard gear. Although it's a tight fit, it has enough space to shower without bumping your elbows on everything.

Scott Seiver

Scott Seiver

The convertible dinette and lounge can be transformed into a 76-inch x 76-inch bed. It came in handy at bedtime when all three of us could fit on the bed with shoulder room to spare. There's even a little locking cabinet that can act as a safe for valuables, featuring a cable pass-through for your phone, so you can charge up without dangling cords everywhere.

The REI edition of the Basecamp also includes strings of carabiners, packing cubes for gear and miscellaneous items, and netting over the cabinets instead of traditional doors, creating both a tent and home feel.

Scott Seiver

The price is far from approachable

The 2023 REI Co-Op Special Edition Basecamp starts at $52,900 — not exactly cheap for most of us. Suppose you can afford to finance it, but do you also have a truck or SUV capable of towing it?

For comparison, a Scamp 16' Deluxe Layout camping trailer costs around $25,000 — almost half the price of the Airstream. Though it lacks a few of the nicer features, it's still a wide margin. I loved this thing, and if I had the money, we'd be adding it to our fleet, but it's a hefty price tag you don't have to spend to get outdoors. With Airstream, you're paying for the unit and the design, ethos, and prestige that come with it.

Scott Seiver

The REI Co-Op Special Edition Basecamp ups the ante on sustainability

The Basecamp was already one of the more adventurous and rugged options in Airstream's lineup (after all, how rugged can luxury get?). Still, the special edition collab version with REI takes the off-grid mentality of this little trailer to the next level with several notable features that reduce your impact.

My family and I ran the fridge and heater off the integrated battery, which provides 12-volt power for the entire unit. When we were driving, the refrigerator turned off, and the battery recharged, so when we camped for the night, we had power ready to go. The standard Basecamp comes with two 100-watt, high-performance flexible solar panels on the roof. This edition of the Basecamp includes 360 watts of flexible rooftop solar panels and a 200Ah lithium battery bank for even more off-grid power, which we enjoyed to its fullest extent.

In addition to the clever battery recharging capabilities, another sustainable feature in the special edition Basecamp is the optional composting toilet, which reduces chemical use and eventually turns your waste into usable compost. (We already have a composting toilet in the Airstream we live in full-time and are used to the process; first-time users will have a learning curve.) Alongside the composting toilet, the kitchen sink features an additional faucet with an advanced UV-LED Smart Drinking Faucet, which reduces bacteria and microorganisms in the potable water, transforming it into drinking water.

First introduced in the summer of 2018, the Basecamp X-Package has become one of the most popular optional features for customers looking to expand their travel adventures. Available as an optional upgrade on Basecamp 16 and Basecamp 20 — and as a standard feature on the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 16, the X-Package takes our most adventure-ready travel trailer to the next level with rugged features and durable design.

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What Does the Basecamp X-Package Include?

• A 3” lift kit for added ground clearance
• All-terrain tires
• Stainless steel front stone guard
• Solar front window protection
• Black shadow wheel design

If your ideal adventure is heading off the paved roads and getting as close to the action as possible, the Basecamp X-Package makes it easier than ever. The extra three inches of ground clearance — along with Basecamp's already aggressive departure angle at the rear — means you can tackle more challenging terrain. The stone guard and solar front window protection shield your investment from dings and dents, and the all-terrain tires are ready for almost anything.

Enhancing an Already Versatile and Adventurous Design

For years, Basecamp has been one of our most popular models — not surprising when you consider how versatile a travel trailer it is. Every Basecamp floor plan offers a convertible rear space thoughtfully designed to easily adapt for eating, sleeping, lounging, or storing gear. Loading and unloading are made easy with a large rear cargo hatch and flexible storage space with tie downs. And every Basecamp comes with front panoramic windows that provide incredible views no matter where you set up camp.

With the Basecamp 20, owners have the added advantage of a front convertible dinette that can double as either living and dining space or as a sleeping area at night. Basecamp 20 owners love the ability to leave the rear seating converted to sleeping space while leaving the front dinette set up for eating, working, or relaxing.

And in the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp, owners get the standard X-Package plus several features unique to this model, like a UV LED water filtration system, a recirculating water heater that conserves fresh water, and optional composting toilet. When it comes to solar panels that help harvest the sun's energy while boondocking, owners can choose between 200W or 360W of roof-mounted solar panels. With the upgraded 360W solar package, two 100Ah lithium batteries are included from the factory — providing plenty of power for off-grid adventuring.

An Innovative Upgrade

Like every Airstream innovation, the Basecamp X-Package stays true to the roots of Airstream founder Wally Byam's Credo, which aims "To provide a more satisfying, meaningful way of travel that offers complete independence." The Basecamp X-Package includes premium features designed to enhance customer experience and rekindle the desire to explore the great outdoors. Through these enhanced features, travelers can bring the comforts of home on rugged roads.

Ready to see Basecamp for yourself and explore the upgraded options offered by the X-Package? Find your local Airstream dealer and schedule a visit today.

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Want to learn more about the adventure-ready Basecamp? Download our brochure and dig into the details.

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Download REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp

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