Airstream and REI Co-op Team Up to Introduce a Special Edition RV Model Focused on Sustainability
Few companies’ names are as synonymous with the outdoors as Airstream and REI Co-op. A partnership between the two brands promises to deliver a new Airstream RV model designed with sustainability at its core. The new camper — the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer — is available for pre-order.
The partnership between Airstream and REI Co-op
A joint press release from Airstream and REI Co-op on July 28 announced the partnership between the camping-focused companies. They’re producing a special-edition camper trailer focused on sustainable manufacturing and camping practices.
In addition, the collaboration will aid REI Co-op’s plans to increase its “options for vehicle-supported camping adventures.”
“A rising customer segment that is younger, more diverse, and more spontaneous” is driving the increased backing for vehicle-supported camping, says Isabelle Portilla, divisional vice president of REI Co-op brands product strategy and design.
About the new RV model from Airstream and REI Co-op
REI Co-op’s research shows that a growing segment of REI customers desires a personalized camping experience that’s comfortable, self-sufficient, and suited to their pace. Though some campers enjoy booking reservations at campgrounds, others like boondocking in remote locations. The new REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer begins with the Airstream Basecamp 16 as its foundation.
The Airstream Basecamp 16’s body measures six feet long, seven feet wide, and nine feet tall when equipped with the optional A/C unit. It sleeps up to two adults, carries 21 gallons of fresh water in its onboard tank, and has a net carrying capacity of 800 pounds. Combined gray and black water storage totals 24 gallons, but the optional composting toilet reduces the amount of water needed for toilet duties.
REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer buyers have options for tow vehicles thanks to its 450-pound hitch weight, even with propane tanks and batteries. The Special Edition Basecamp also has a low base weight at 2,700 pounds with propane tanks and batteries but excludes personal belongings and onboard water.
Camping fans typically consider themselves environmentally conscious, and the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer’s design will appeal to them. Airstream’s use of “post-consumer recycled materials” for fabrics and laminates, a sink cover that doubles as a cutting board made from recycled paper, and cabinetry made from sustainably grown wood provide the basis for a camper trailer that focuses on sustainable manufacturing processes.
Other features that reduce the special edition’s natural-resource impact and aid in its off-grid capabilities include:
- a recirculating on-demand water heater
- an optional composting toilet
- a point-of-use water purification system
- an optional “360 watts of flexible rooftop solar panels” designed to provide sustainable electrical service
- an optional 200 amp-hour battery bank.
REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer availability
Authorized Airstream dealerships began taking orders for the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp Travel Trailer on July 28. Its starting MSRP is $52,900. The base price includes a “25-piece REI Co-op product kit” with two REI Co-op Camp Flexlite Dreamer Chairs, an REI picnic table and bench cover set, and other camping-related gear from REI and its partner brands.
