the special edition REI Airstream

August 31, 2022

Words: Wilson Barlow

Photography: Courtesy of Airstream

Camp in Comfort with This New Travel Trailer from REI and Airstream

It’s a match made in heaven… or on the open road. Outdoor gear co-op REI has teamed up with Airstream, makers of the iconic aluminum “silver bullet” camper trailers, for a special edition of their Basecamp model trailer. The collaboration caters to a growing segment of outdoor enthusiasts who prefer the self-sufficiency and freedom of vehicle-supported camping.

The 16-foot trailer has a generous interior space that can be converted from dinette to sleeping area, plus a compact kitchen and bathroom with optional composting toilet and shower head. Campers can stay comfortable off-grid with a recirculating water heater, water purification system, and high efficiency LEDs, powered by an exclusive solar power system with rooftop solar panels and a 200Ah battery bank. REI steps in to provide a 25-piece product kit to outfit campers with everything they need to hit the road, from kitchen accessories to picnic table colors to camp chairs. 

Sustainable features were added wherever possible to help campers reduce their impact. That starts with the famous aerodynamics of the trailer itself, which helps enhance efficiency. Inside, fabrics and laminates are made with Earth-friendlier post-consumer recycled materials, recycled paper, and sustainably grown wood.

inside the convertible sleeping and living area
The convertible sleeping and living area has cushions upholstered in Knoll Delite fabric with 50% post-consumer recycled polyester.
a woman using the kitchen of the Airstream
The kitchen has a propane stove, and refrigerator, plus a kit of camp kitchen utensils from REI that includes knives, cutting boards, and mugs.
a woman works on her laptop at a small table in the Airstream
Wood paneling is plantation-grown Garnica Artisan birch plywood, which boasts 30% weight reduction over standard plywood and low formaldehyde emissions.
A wall-mounted control paneling in the Airstream
A wall-mounted control panel governs the solar panels, water systems, and thermostat.
Storage areas have integral USB charging powered by the trailer’s solar battery banks.
Storage areas have integral USB charging powered by the trailer’s solar battery banks.
vinyl flooring with a raised coin pattern
Flooring is an easy-to-clean vinyl with a raised coin pattern to provide additional traction.
a woman reaches into the overhead storage in the Airstream
The trailer’s four overhead storage racks are painted REI green for this special edition.
the bathroom of the Airstream
In the bathroom of the REI special edition, walls are a waterproof laminate made from 30% reclaimed paper chips that create a colored terrazzo pattern.
the convertible living and sleeping space
The convertible living and sleeping space can be arranged in seven possible configurations.
The trailer is powered by a five-panel solar system.
The trailer is powered by a five-panel solar system.
the special edition REI Airstream
The special edition Basecamp trailer from REI and Airstream.

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