When you think of camping chairs. You might picture $10 deals in front of a big-box store, but let’s determined our sights a small higher. We expect a good car camping chair to be comfortable, sturdy, and made to last even in rough weather. It should also be able to fold up, so it’s easy to carry. Here are our top picks for 2022. They range from chairs that are easy on the wallet to chairs that put comfort first to fun ones that rock and recline.
Alps Mountaineering Rendezvous
- Measurements: 14 x 20 x 24 in.
- seat height: 6 in.
- Weight: 6 lbs. 13 oz.
- Pros: Our favourite low-slung model.
- Cons: There are more comfortable options if you don’t need a low chair.
As we’ve already said, chairs with low seats work well in places where it’s necessary. Like at an outdoor concert, or when it’s best to be close to the ground, like at a beach. The Alps Mountaineering Rendezvous is the best of these types of chairs in terms of comfort (it reclines so you can stretch out your legs) and quality of materials.
Priced between $50 and $70 online, it’s also a good deal. You can’t raise the seat like you can with the ENO Lounger DL, but you don’t have to pay extra. At a campsite, the Rendezvous is low and not as comfortable as an upright model or the adjustable ENO.
The 600-denier framework and powder-coated steel frame are almost too strong for what they are used for. But we won’t complain about a strong build, even if it costs a little more. Overall, the Rendezvous is a great long-term investment for some uses.
And if you enjoy the low-slung style of the Rendezvous but require to look at other options. Check out REI Co-Camp op’s Low Chair, Mountain Summit Gear’s Ground Chair, and Helinox’s unique Incline Festival Chair, which has legs that can be adjusted to make the chair more stable or let you lean back.
Features
- The TechMesh fabric and powder-coated steel frame give you the most stability and comfort.
- It sits low to the ground and lets you lean back at the right angle to relax and stretch your legs.
- Simple to move and store because it folds up and fits into the shoulder bag that comes with it.
- This chair is flawless for trips to the beach, gatherings around a campfire, outdoor concerts, or sporting events.
- Measurements: 14″ D x 22 “W x 24” H, Weight: 6 lbs. 13 oz.; The weight limit is 300 lbs. and the colour is khaki.
Alps Mountaineering King Kong
- Measurements: 20 x 38 x 38 in.
- seat height: 18-inch
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Pros: A chair that is very roomy and very comfortable.
- Cons: It’s too big and heavy for some campers.
People look for different things in a camping chair. If comfort and dependability are important to you, King Kong is a good choice. All in all, this is the largest and most heavily padded chair on the market. It has a wide 24.5-inch seat, a tall back, and a tough 600-denier seat fabric.
The 800-pound limit seems more like a bragging point than a goal Alps set out to reach. But that still beats the competition (for reference, the REI Camp X above is rated to 300 lbs.). And at between $80 and $100 (Amazon’s color options vary) and often less on sale. King Kong is a great balance of comfort and price. Remember that the Alps Mountaineering King Kong isn’t for people who don’t want much.
It’s one of the overweight chairs at over 13 pounds on this list. Which is 6 pounds more than the Camp X. It also takes up a lot of space in the rear of your car or truck bed, and not every person needs such a big seat (one of our 5’10” testers’ feet were barely touching the ground when he sat down). Don’t get us mistaken. This is a very large and comfortable chair. But you can save money and weight with the Camp X, the Kijaro Dual Lock, or Coleman Quad below.
Features
- The powder-coated steel frame is strong, and the 600D polyester fabric is soft and comfortable.
- Each armrest has a cup holder and a side pocket so you can store as much as you need.
- Includes a convenient shoulder carry bag that makes it easy to move and store the chair.
- The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is one of our best sellers. Once you sit in it, you’ll understand why.
- Dimensions: 38″ W x 20″ D x 38 “H, weighs 13 lbs., and can hold up to 800 lbs.
NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
- Measurements: 25.5 x 36 x 45.5 in.
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Pros: The design is very flexible and easy to use.
- Cons: It’s costly and brings a long time to set up.
Now for something a small bit different: The NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Rocker is equal parts recliner, hammock, and rocking chair. The chair’s mostly meshed body is suspended above its aluminium frame. This lets it swing back and forth, recline, or stay upright, depending on how you position your back and feet.
The Stargaze has a padded headrest and armrest that are both comfortable and useful. It also has a lot of storage space, including a cup holder and a phone pocket. The price is the Stargaze’s most obvious flaw. Simply put, it’s hard to see why you should spend $250 on a camp chair when you might spend a similar amount on a sleeping bag and tent (or less).
Also, the Stargaze takes much longer to set up than the models above, which can be folded quickly and easily. Lastly, the narrow frame doesn’t fit as well as a traditional camp chair for all body types. But even with these complaints, it’s hard to argue against how versatile and funs the design is.
Features
- The Stargaze Recliner Luxury swings gently and smoothly in a way that is meant to make you feel good. You can see the whole night sky because the headrest is comfortable, and the chair can be leaned back far.
- Unlike most rocking chairs, this one can be used on any surface, whether rocky, sandy, or uneven. Utilize the auto-reclining characteristic to find the perfect sitting angle by leaning back and shifting your weight.
- The aircraft-grade aluminium suspension frame is stronger than most camp chairs, but it still folds up quickly and is small. The built-in no-spill cup holder keeps your drinks close by, and the stash pocket is big enough for your tablet, keys, or favourite book.
- Monofilament mesh that doesn’t absorb water is cool and airy, can stand up to the sun, and doesn’t hold water; Setup is simple, takes only three steps, and is easy to understand; Anodized poles on the outside and red ferrules on the inside allow for precise pole connections that make the structure more stable; Includes a padded carrying case with a storage pocket inside to make it easy to move.
- NEMO’s warranty covers it for life; Weight: 7 lb , 2 oz; Size when packed: 23.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 in; max weight: 300 lb
ENO Lounger DL Chair
- Measurements: 23 x 32 x 37 in.
- seat height: 10 in.
- Weight: 4 lbs. 10 oz.
- Pros: The height of the legs can be changed, which is great for going from concert to camp.
- Cons: Less durable than most of the competition and harder to set up.
Eagles Nest Outfitters, or ENO, is best known for making hammocks. But their expertise has helped them make a great Lounger DL Chair. Like the brand’s hammocks, the Lounger has a frame made of aluminum that holds the nylon seat above the ground. And unlike the Helinox Sunset. Which has a similar shape but none of these features. The ENO has a cup holder, and two cargo pockets. And even a pillow for your head to rest on when you lay back.
The Lounger is on this list because of its adjustable leg system. This lets you extend the legs by 10 inches at camp and fold them down by 3 inches for events like concerts or beach days where a lower height is important (or is required). Even though the Lounger’s design is fun and flexible, it falls short in a few key ways. First, it has to last: With a 210-denier seat. It is noticeably thinner and less durable than many of our top picks.
Also, the weight restriction of 250 pounds is pretty low for this category. And the number of joints in the design makes us think it could break down over time. The last thing that could be better is the set-up time. Which many users say is a bit longer because there are so many parts. But if you’re careful with your gear and like the ENO’s height can be changed, it’s a comfortable and useful choice.
Features
- Time to chill out: The DL Lounger is a reliable camping chair with a high back and built-in headrest that will keep you sitting by the campfire for hours.
- Durable material: The Lounger DL is made of 210D ripstop nylon and has a strong aluminium alloy frame. It has two leg heights that you can change and hold up to 250 pounds.
- Prepared for a trip: The DL lounger weighs just under 5 pounds and is easy to set up because it is shock-corded. It happens with a handy stuff sack for when you’re on the go.
- Lounge in style: Your head is supported by the pillow; It has two cargo pockets and a cup holder, which makes it easy to keep snacks and cold drinks close by.
- ENO helps out: ENO loves being outside and shows it by donating money to groups that work to protect our wild places.
Kelty Low Loveseat
- Measurements: 44 x 23.5 x 31.5 in.
- seat height: 13.5 in.
- Weight: 15 lbs. 6 oz.
- Pros: It is very comfortable and well made for the price.
- Cons: It’s bigger and less flexible than a single-seater, and some people won’t like how low the seat is.
Other camp chairs are made for one person, but why stop there? The Kelty Low Loveseat is a great camping choice and can also be used as cheap patio furniture. Importantly, it’s a comfortable choice with a wide (double-wide), and supportive seat slightly angled back. It also has nice details like adjustable armrests and insulated drink holders, and it’s made of steel and tough 600-denier polyester to last for a long time.
Remember that the seat is only 13.5 inches off the ground (most camp chairs are closer to 18 inches), but the Low Loveseat is stable and easy to get in and out of. Despite all of this, you should be aware of some major problems with a double-wide model.
The Kelty Low Loveseat weighs more than 15 pounds and is hard to move because it is so big. It rolls down easily and has multiple grab handles, but it is still hard to move. The other big thing to consider is cost. You can find two chairs that are just as comfortable and save some money.
Some people won’t like how low-slung the Kelty is, but it does come in a standard version with a seat height of 19 inches (tradeoffs include a heavier weight and noticeably larger packed size). But if you want a double chair and don’t mind the tradeoffs that come with it, the Low Loveseat is fun and well-made. And here’s another popular choice in this category that can hold more weight.
Features
- Polyester
- Imported
- The low base makes it good for camping 13.5″ off the ground; simple, slightly reclining design with room for two. There are 42 inches of space to sit on. The 600D polyester fabric is soft, warm, and almost impossible to tear.
- The beach chair is normal: you don’t have to be at the beach to love it, but if you are, the low chair is the best way to relax in the surf without getting wet. The steel frame of this chair makes it a must-have for relaxing outside.
- Insulated drink holders: Each adjustable armrest has an insulated drink holder with enough room for snacks, marshmallows, or a drink on the deck.
- Made to last, with high-quality materials and careful craftsmanship, your buns and back will stay warm on cool nights for years to come. It has a steel frame, fabric that dogs can’t tear, and can hold up to 500 lbs.
- Padded roll tote storage: You don’t have to work hard to move this thing around. The low loveseat folds nicely into the rolling tote that comes with it and can be thrown over the shoulder for easy transport.
Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair
- Measurements: 26 x 35.5 x 37 in.
- seat height: 20 in.
- Weight: 9 lbs. 8 oz.
- Pros: Big and very comfortable.
- Cons: The height from the ground to the seat may be too high for some.
The Dual Lock Folding model from Kijaro is one of the most popular camping chairs because it is both comfortable and of good value. As the name suggests, the chair locks both when it is open and when it is closed. This makes it stable and easy to carry in the stuff sack. And the strong seat and slightly slanted back of the chair make it feel great all around.
The Kijaro can only hold up to 300 pounds, much less than the King Kong chair above, but the chair is still built to last. The Kijaro is a strong contender in our top group of chairs for car camping. The build quality is better than the Coleman Quad above, which is a little cheaper but not as good as the Alps Mountaineering King Kong.
And the seat height was the deciding factor for us, which is why the Dual Lock is ranked here: The Kijaro has a ground-to-seat height of 20 inches, which is higher than the Alps at 18 inches. This can make it hard for some people to keep their feet on the ground.
But for some people, this can be a plus, and the wide, comfortable seat and low price make it a good choice for camping. If you don’t mind the height, the Comfort Pro from GCI Outdoor is just as strong and comfortable and costs only $45.
Features
- This portable Dual Lock chair has a no-sag seat, a durable diamond-ripstop polyester frame, and breathable Mesh on the seat back.
- You can take the Dual Lock chair to tailgate, go camping, or watch your favourite sports teams play.
- Two cup holders, an organizer with zipping and mesh pockets, a carry strap attached to the chair, and a carry bag are all included.
- Up to 300 pounds can be put on it. The weight of the item is 9.4 pounds. The seat is 20 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 22 inches deep.
- Locks open for more stability and locks shut for easy transport.
NEMO Moonlight Reclining Chair
- Measurements: 20 x 20 x 26 in.
- seat height: 10.5 in.
- Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz.
- Pros: This is another well-made and comfortable NEMO design that costs $100 less than the Stargaze above.
- Cons: It’s not as comfortable, supportive, or full of features as the Stargaze.
NEMO has been doing well in the camping chair market lately, and their Moonlight joins the Stargaze as another well-built and comfortable option. The Moonlight doesn’t swing like the Stargaze, but the multiposition reclining system works very well and lets you sit forward or lean back with a simple pull on each side.
The Moonlight is also known for being durable. Its strong aluminium frame and seamless mesh seat give it a high-quality look and feel that inspires confidence while keeping its weight in check. We thought the height of 10.5 inches was just right for sitting around a campfire comfortably, though the deeper seat made it a little harder to get out of.
Overall, we love how simple the Moonlight’s design is, and we think it’s a great choice for campers who care about comfort but don’t want to spend $200 or more on the luxurious Stargaze above. But the Moonlite gives up not only that chair’s ability to swing but also its comfort since it has no padding and very little support for the upper back.
For $100 less, the top-rated REI Camp X above has a noticeably taller back and features like a built-in cup holder and valuables pocket. To be clear, we think the Moonlight’s solid build and well-thought-out reclining feature are more important than its flaws, but its limited features and the higher price will turn some people off.
Features
- Custom-made asymmetric Mesh that fits different body shapes better makes it possible to make the seat look like it is one piece.
- Easy to use, with shock-corded frame parts and a ball-and-socket connection for the seat.
- High-quality, well-made hardware gives you confidence and makes you look good.
- The premium 6061 series aluminium hubs and overlarge 7001 series aluminium tubes are made to be stable and reliable for a lifetime.
- Each pole in the chassis has a different diameter and shape chosen to make it strong and light.
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
- Measurements: 24 x 37 x 40.5 in.
- seat height: 18.1 in.
- Weight: 9 lbs. 14 oz.
- Pros: It’s inexpensive, comfortable, and has a built-in drink cooler.
- Cons: The quality of construction isn’t as good as the Alps King Kong above.
The Coleman Oversized Quad is a popular camping chair that has everything we look for in a camping chair. It has a comfortable padded seat and back panel, is big enough to fit most campers, and is simple to fold up and bring. If you’ve been tempted by the $15–$20 camp chairs you see on the internet, trust us: Spending the extra money is worth it.
The Coleman’s steel frame and tough fabric will last years longer than its competitors, and the built-in cooler in the armrest is hard to beat. What are the problems with the Coleman Oversized Quad? At this price, it doesn’t feel as comfortable or gives you as much confidence as the Alps King Kong above, and the substances are good but not great. For example, if you don’t take care of the frame, it will start to rust.
And for only about $10 more, the Kijaro Dual Lock below is a little lighter and has a better build, but it doesn’t have a cooler built in. Overall, we think the Coleman is worth more than it costs and has more than enough features and uses for most people. For a more expensive option with a similar design, check out Mountain Summit Gear’s Cooler Chair, which costs $75 and comes with a folding table and insulated cooler.
Features
- Polyester
- Imported
- The cooler built-in: Keeps up to four cans cold and makes them easy to get to.
- Comforting hours: Because the seat and back are fully padded
- Convenient features: Side pockets, mesh cup holder, and arm lengths that can be changed.
- It’s 24 inches wide and 18.1 inches tall.
- Designed to last: Up to 325 pounds can be held by a strong steel frame.
Helinox Sunset Chair
- Measurements: 38.6 x 28.7 x 23.2 in.
- The seat height is 18.1 in.
- Weight: 3 lbs. 4.8 oz.
- Pros: The tall back and wide seat.
- Cons: It’s pricey for its few features.
In contrast to their minimalist Chair Zero, the Sunset Chair has a high back and a wide, cradle-like seat to provide comfort and support. Overall, it’s a high-quality camping chair that’s very comfortable and made to last. It has a strong aluminium frame and a thick polyester/mesh seat, and the surprise design makes it easy to set up and allows it to be packed down small.
At 3 pounds and 4.8 ounces, it’s too heavy and bulky to bring on overnight backpacking trips, but this Sunset is well-made, easy to unpack and store, and offers great upper back and neck support for those who want it. The biggest problem with the Helinox Sunset is that it doesn’t have a cup holder or pockets, which makes it hard to store things like drinks and electronics.
Helinox sells some fun add-ons, like a groundsheet, a sunshade, and cup holders, but the chair costs $170, which is already a lot of money. This is enough to drop the Helinox down our list, but it’s still a good option that attacks a good balance between convenience and weight, and many campers love the sling-style seat that makes it easy to sink into. Check out Big Agnes’ Big Six for a similar-looking option with a slightly higher (20-inch) ground-to-seat height and less weight.
Features
- This chair is lightweight, portable, and foldable. It has a taller profile and more ground clearance to make getting in and out easier. It also has side pockets for small items and an adjustable headrest for placing a pillow.
- The chair frame is made of an advanced proprietary aluminium alloy that is both strong and lightweight. It can hold up to 320 pounds.
- The removable seat and zippered carrying case are made of 600-weave rip-stop polyester that is strong, UV-resistant, and easy to clean.
- A single bungee cord inside the tent makes it easy to set up quickly; The assembled chair is 23 inches wide, 28.5 inches deep, and 38.5 inches tall. The seat is 14 inches high.
- Only 3.25 pounds and 4.5 x 5.5 x 18.5 inches when packed in the bag. Five-year warranty from the manufacturer.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
- Measurements: 24 x 25 x 34.8 in.
- seat height: 19.7 in.
- Weight: 11 lbs. 13 oz.
- Pros: Just like Grandpa’s rocking chair.
- Cons: Heavy.
A few of the chairs on our list can rock back and forth, but the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is the most like a traditional rocking chair. GCI does this by putting a “tube” with a spring in the back of the chair. This lets the metal frame move up and down as you push off the ground. When you’re ready to leave, the chair folds down in one smooth motion, and a carrying handle is attached, so you don’t have to stuff it into a bag.
Even though it has a handle for carrying, the Freestyle Rocker is one of the heaviest options on our list and also one of the biggest. Several users have also said that the rocking mechanism gets noisy and squeaky after just a few uses, and the spring-action scheme feels noticeably less sturdy than the rest of the chair.
But the Freestyle Rocker is a fun way to spend an afternoon at camp, even though it might not be as good as other options. And if you like the rocking feature but want something different, GCI makes a lighter Kickback Rocker, a unique Pod Rocker, and a Sunshade Rocker that is perfect for the summer.
Features
- A portable outdoor rocking chair folds up quickly and easily so it can be stored or moved. It also has a backrest made of Mesh.
- Rocking chair for outdoors: A portable folding chair folds flat quickly and easily, making it easy to store and move.
- The powder-coated steel frame is strong and can hold up to 250 pounds. It has padded armrests and a built-in cup holder.
- Quality Construction: The folding chair frame is strong powder-coated steel and can hold up to 250 pounds. It has padded armrests, a mesh backrest, and a cup holder.
- Patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology makes rock outside easy, like on a lawn or patio, camping, or tailgating.
Camping Chair Buying Tips
Comfort
The term “camp chair” refers to almost any chair that can be folded, stuffed into a car, and carried to your destination. Your initial step is to determine what you require to use it for. True “comfort” camping chairs can be big and fancy, as long as you have room in your car. They have higher backs, are higher off the ground, and are the most stable and supportive.
They also have the most features, like cup holders and storage pockets; some can even be sat back in. Because weight isn’t that important, you can get a well-made and comfortable camping chair for a reasonable price, starting at around $50 and going up to $300 for the YETI Trailhead. The REI Co-op Camp X, the Alps Mountaineering King Kong, and the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker are all great options for this group.
Budget
Some people only go camping a few times each summer or don’t want to spend much on their camp chairs. The good news is that budget designs that start at $40 and sometimes go as low as $25 have worked well for us. The Coleman Quad Chair, for example, can often be bought on Amazon for less than $30, is very comfortable and supportive, and has held up well after being used for years.
Indeed, cheaper frames aren’t usually as well made, and the seat and back may be made of thinner materials. Stability and features also tend to get worse as the price goes up. But as long as you don’t buy cheap things, our budget section is a great place to shop.
Lightweight
In the lightweight category, weight and packed size are the most important things. This is for people who don’t need the most comfort and want to take up as little space as possible in their car when camping. The chairs’ dimensions get much smaller, the fabrics and frames get much thinner, and they get small enough to belt to the outside of a backpacking or hiking pack or sometimes even fit inside.
The tradeoffs make them less than perfect for camping and everyday use, but minimalists and people with limited space like the simple design. The REI Co-op Flexlite line and the Helinox Chair Zero are two popular models in this group.
Backpacking chairs versus camping chairs
As with most outdoor gear, the best way to start shopping for a chair is to think about how you’ll use it. Comfort and stability are what full-size camp chairs are all about (ex. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong). Often, they have built-in coolers and footrests that take your relaxation to the next level.
The size and weight of your folding chair don’t matter as much if you’re only going to carry it from your truck to the fire pit. Backpacking chairs are smaller, lighter, and less comfortable than full-size chairs because of how they are made. Essential things to consider are how easy it is to carry and how small it packs down.
You don’t want your chair to make hiking uncomfortable. There are a lot of different kinds of chairs for backpacking. Some models, like the REI Flexlite, are fully backed and fold up like tents, while the lightest ones are little more than folding pads that keep you off the ground.
Double Camp Chairs
Double camping chairs, like the Kelty Low Loveseat shown above, can be a good choice for couples. Most have two armrests and a double-wide open seat for two, but some look like two single chairs that have been joined together and have a storage space or cup holder in the middle. Some problems come with these sets-ups.
The Kelty Low Loveseat weighs 15 lbs. 6 oz., so it’s no surprise that double chairs are much heavier than single chairs. This makes them hard to move. Also, they are usually more expensive than buying two separate chairs. We only put one double camping chair on our list because they aren’t very useful. We’d rather buy two single camping chairs and save a few bucks.
Quality of Construction: How the fabric and frame are put together
We’ve found that price and overall build quality are related, but it’s not as simple. The Coleman Oversize Quad is a cheap camping chair that doesn’t belong on a backpacking trip, but it is strong and reliable because Coleman didn’t have to worry about keeping the weight down. It can take much more abuse than a light model like the Helinox Chair Zero or the REI Flexlite Air.
Backpacking chairs are more expensive because their frames need to be thin but strong, like aluminium, which is more expensive than thick steel. Still, the Coleman isn’t as well made as the Alps Mountaineering King Kong, which has a similar design but costs more. Build quality isn’t just about the frame and rivets; as the price increases, so does the quality of the seat fabric.
Cheap camp chairs have seat fabrics that sag, seams that fray, and mesh that gets holes over time. All models on our list avoid these problems and are made to last for a long time. True, we’d expect the fabric on the cheaper Coleman Quad to fall apart previously GCI Freestyle, but they price twice as much and might not last twice as long.
Weight and Folded Measurements
The question isn’t whether or not the camp chair can be folded, but how. Some chairs fold flat, and the GCI chairs do this by pulling up the carry strap, as you would normally do. The advantage is that it’s pretty thin when folded (around 4 to 6 inches), but it brings up a lot of space in your car (a 30 x 30-inch square) when it’s in there.
It can also be hard to carry on your back, which is why some of these chairs have straps like those on a backpack. The most common type folds in on itself and looks like a torpedo that can fit into a carry bag. These chairs are easier to carry because they are smaller and easier to handle.
Most people don’t worry about how much a camping chair weighs or how much space it takes up when it’s packed since camping gear, in general, is big and designed for comfort. However, chairs used in a backpack are a lesson in creative packaging. The Flexlite Air and the Chair Zero can be packed into very small sizes, but you must put them back together every time.
Setting up any style doesn’t take that long, but the portable chair style takes a little longer. We try to keep the weight of our chairs that can be packed down to under or around 2 pounds so that they don’t add too much to the weight of our packs. Even though a chair isn’t usually on the list of “essentials,” it might be worth bringing it along for a short weekend trip if it only weighs 2 pounds.
Ground-to-Seat
Ground-to-seat height, listed in the above table as “height,” is just the distance from the ground to the bottom of the seat. A low seat height is important for people who go to concerts or sports games and don’t want to bother the people behind them. Also, a low seat height makes your legs feel less comfortable and harder to get in and out.
If you need to stay low, a chair 5 to 9 inches off the ground is best, with the lower options being the safer choice for a concert venue. Also, it’s important to note that ENO’s Lounger DL has legs that can be set at either 3 inches or 10 inches to be used for many different things. But remember that sitting in a taller chair feels more natural for most people.
Some chairs, like the King Kong and the Coleman Oversized Quad, have seats that are 18 inches high. However, we’ve found that the most comfortable chairs have seats between 15 and 18 inches high. Most backpacking chairs sit about 9 to 13 inches off the ground, another area where they have to make concessions. But no issue how tall they are, they should remember that it’s better than sitting on dirt.
Seat Back Heights
Concerts also take into account the height of the seats backs. But it’s also a great way to tell if a chair is good for your back and neck. Backpacking chairs aren’t known for giving good back support because they’re too small and focused on reducing weight to cover much more than the top of your lumbar. Large camping chairs like the Coleman Oversized Quad, the Alps Mountaineering King Kong, and the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding chair will provide the most support.
Weight Capacity
Many manufacturers of camp chairs list the “weight capacity,” which can be useful in many ways. On the high end, the Alps Mountaineering King Kong can hold up to a very healthy 800 pounds, while the REI Co-op Flexlite Air can only hold up to 250 pounds.
Seat size and weight capacity tend to go together, as does overall stability, so we find this spec somewhat useful. Campers who want more comfort and are bigger should stick with chairs that can hold more weight. Minimalists and people who want to carry their chairs farther from their car won’t care much about that number.
Also, it’s important to note that the manufacturer gives the weight capacities, and we haven’t had a chance to check each one. In general, we’ve found that the specs given by the manufacturer are often too high, so we don’t recommend going over them. Most of the time, the weight limit is related to seat size and overall stability.
Stability: The Leg Design
Backpacking chairs are much softer than traditional lawn chairs, and they often have unusual leg designs to create them simpler to pack and save weight. Compared to standard camping chairs such as the REI Camp X or Alps Mountain climbing King Kong, this often makes a big difference in how stable the chair is.
For example, a camping/backpacking option like the REI Co-Op Flexlite Air has thin legs attached to the chair’s middle instead of the sides. This makes it easy to rock back and overturn. Think about how stable and supported your chair will be based on your needs and how far you plan to bring it from your car. If you don’t need an ultralight chair, we’ve found that traditional camp chairs have the best structure.
Cup holders and pockets for storage
Camp chairs don’t have a lot of features, but a few thoughtful extras can be very helpful when it comes to storage. First, let’s talk about drinks. A camping chair must have a place to hold a cup. Storing drinks on the ground is a big no-no when camping. Some of the bigger ones have mesh pockets on the sides, which are great for keeping things close at hand, tucked away, or in place on a windy beach day.
And Coleman’s Oversized Quad goes one step further by adding a small cooler. Most of these characteristics are not found in backpacking models. And the reason is pretty clear: they aren’t very useful when every ounce counts. But if you don’t have to move your chair far, we suggest putting storage first. A model same the Alps King Kong (right) has a lot of storage space if you stay close to camp.
Additional Features: Rotating, Rocking, and Reclining Chairs
As the camping chair market has grown, more unique styles have emerged that can swivel, rock, and recline. On the list above, we put some fun options like the NEMO Stargaze Recliner, which rocks, swings, and reclines, the NEMO Moonlight, which reclines, and the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker.
On the other hand, more moving parts usually mean less durability and a more complicated set-up, and you’ll have to settle more for a more specialized design. We think that tried-and-true models like the REI Co-op Camp X, Alps King Kong, and Kijaro Dual Lock are more popular, cost less, and are all most campers need. But if you don’t like to sit still or want to try something new, there’s no denying it’s more fun.
What About Chairs Can You Carry in Your Backpack?
This article is about camp chairs, usually big, heavy, comfortable, and full of features. They are meant to be carried short distances from your car to a campsite, ball field, or concert. But the REI Flexlite Air and the Helinox Chair Zero are two models above that are sometimes used for backpacking.
Instead of weighing 10 pounds or more, these simple designs weigh only 1 pound and can be filled down small enough to fit in your backpack’s water bottle holster. The Crazy Creek Original Chair, which isn’t shown here, is another option. It’s the easiest to pack, but the legless design makes it much less comfortable.
Most serious backpackers don’t bring chairs because they add a lot of weight, and it’s usually easy to find a log or stump to sit on. But the chairs on the list above are good choices for short backpacking trips or for people who want to be able to use their chairs both at camp and in the backcountry.
What are the best camping chairs?
It requires a keen eye and effort to sort through all available chairs today to locate the most suitable ones for your needs. We’ve compiled a list of the models that we think are the best currently available on the market, whether you’re looking for something compact and lightweight to bring to athletic events or something feature-packed and comfortable for extended periods spent relaxing.
The best camp chairs:
- Coleman Outpost Breeze
- GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
- Alps Mountaineering King Kong
- AmazonBasics Camp Chair
Which camp chair is the most comfortable?
A reliable camp chair is a must-have for any trip to the woods or the beach for people who like to relax and take naps in the sun. We’ve gone through the many chairs on the market to find only the best and most comfortable ones for you to sit back and relax in.
Camp chairs with the most comfort:
- Alps Mountaineering Escape
- GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker
- Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair
- Coleman Outpost Elite
How to get mildew off a camping chair?
When you take your chair out of storage in preparation for a quick vacation to the woods, the very worst thing that could happen is to discover that it is coated in mould. You should calm down and give cleaning the chair you already have a go before running out to get a new one.
Remind yourself that prevention is always preferable to treatment, and do everything you can to dry your chair before putting it away. The following are some simple steps that may be taken to extend the life of your outdoor gear.
How to clean a camp chair that has mould:
- Let the chair wipe in the sunlight for 5–6 hours, and let nature do the hard work to begin with.
- Scrub the fabric with soft soap and warm water to remove any leftover dirt, then rinse and let it dry.
- If any spots won’t come out, use vinegar or alcohol diluted with water to clean them.
- Ensure your chair is completely dry before putting it away, so mould doesn’t grow on it again.
Are chairs for backpacking worth buying?
When it comes to your gear for the backcountry, a chair can either be regarded as an essential piece of equipment or as an unnecessary item that takes up room in your pack. When you want to make yourself more comfortable at camp while cooking, eating, or just hanging out by the fire, investing in a packable camping chair is one of the best investments you can make.
Additionally, it is better to avoid getting on the ground when wet, such as first thing in the morning or after a brief rain shower. People more interested in marking peaks and ultralight trekkers may not find them necessary since they consider them too much of a luxury.
What’s the lightest chair for backpacking?
If you plan on bringing a chair with you on your next excursion into the backcountry, the additional weight you will have to lug around is probably the thing that gives you the most pause. A selection of our favourite lightweight and comfortable chairs has been compiled here.
Camping chairs: Some Final Thoughts
Relax and unwind in comfort with one of these robust camping chairs that can be stored away smoothly in the case of a car. After putting up the tents, tables, and grills, the perfect camping chair is the finishing touch since it enables you to sit down and make the most of your time outside. As you can see from our list, there is no single type of camping chair that is suitable for use on all excursions.
There is a wide variety of design options available for contemporary versions, which range from ones that are as comfy as a couch in the living room to ones that are so lightweight that they don’t even have a back. Because it’s an entirely separate topic, we didn’t even bother discussing camping chairs designed specifically for children.
An ideal camping chair comes in various sizes, giving the user the option to have large, medium, and small chairs, just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. If it endured up to us, we’d have one of each piece of gear waiting for us at home, but the reality is that none of us has enough room in our garages or enough money in our wallets to make it possible. If you make a wise decision right now, in the years to come, you will be able to relax and ponder thanks to your decision elegantly.