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In July 2022 Airstream and REI released the first Special Edition Basecamp trailer, marking the first time the 92-year-old trailer maker had issued a special edition of its 16-foot Basecamp model. Today 31 July 2023, Airstream has released an upgrade: the larger, more family-friendly REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X, complete with two living areas and room to sleep four people, solar charging, an off-road lift kit, and a 25-piece REI camp gear kit. Deep pocketed outdoorists take note, your future family adventuremobile awaits.
The initial collaboration between REI and Airstream was a clever response to the Covid-fueled trend of “vehicle-based camping” that falls somewhere between overloading and conventional KOA-style car camping. The new 20-foot REI Special Edition Basecamp 20x offers more space and upgraded features in the most sustainable travel trailer to date. Another welcomed collaborations sure to catch the eye of enthusiasts of both storied brands.
As with the first special edition Basecamp, no corners were cut in the customization. Inside you’ll find a fully custom interior featuring sustainable, stain-resistant fabrics from Knoll and laminates made from 100% recycled materials, built-in cabinetry crafted of lightweight birch plywood, a seating area for four up front and and a covetable couch area in the rear capable of sleeping four.
A 260W solar charging system with lithium battery bank is optional for those looking to go fully off-grid. UV-LED water filtration and a recirculating water heater come standard with the trailer, though to improve sustainability, the onboard wet bath can be upgraded with a water-saving composting toilet.
What is the difference between the Airstream 20 and the 20X? The REI Special Edition Basecamp 20x model features a 3" lift kit, larger Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, and stainless-steel front stone guards, and front window solar protection. Exactly as you’d expect from an REI edition Airstream.
Additional storage is thoughtfully integrated throughout, including wall-mounted L tracks and a special floor-mounted bicycle rack system (not pictured). Each trailer comes stocked with a 25-piece REI Co-op product kit, including essential gear from partner brands, including REI branded camp chairs, folding table, and OXO camp kitchen set.
As REI Co-op Creative Director Scott Mosher puts it, “everything you need to take a hot shower, prepare a meal, get a good night sleep, and get up and do it again the next day.” Yes, there is a shower and optional composting toilet (an Airstream first).
When asked to sum up the collaboration in one sentence, Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler said their team “focused on functionality, sustainability, and how we can allow people to get further from the asphalt and stay there longer.”
How much does the REI Airstream Basecamp 20X cost?
The new REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 20X from Airstream cost $62,400 for the base model (compared to the 16 foot Basecamp, which cost $52,900) and is available first to REI Co-op members. The Basecamp 20X has a base weight of 3,500 lbs and can be towed by a range of midsize SUVs nad light duty trucks, making it a lightweight travel trailer great for growing families.
Airstream is one of those rare brands that seem to appeal to just about everyone. The iconic Space Age silver bullet trailers have owned the imagination of generations. And now with the glamping market booming—and real estate prices skyrocketing—the mobile travel trailer space is becoming more appealing to a younger generation of adventure lovers.
Published 07-31-2023
