How many times have you gone camping and had to spend most of your time sitting down on the bumpy, chilly floor? If you say “often”, then you know how tiring that can be. To avoid that, you need a dedicated camping chair for your next trip. Camping chairs are portable, folding, comfy chairs that can make a great difference when it comes to enjoying your stay at camp. They can be used on the beach, under the pines or in the tent. It is the best way of avoiding having to sit on the ground or on logs.
Camping chairs come in a variety of designs with several of them being lightweight and suitable for backpacking. For some reason, comfort tends to increase the higher the weight of the chair. When looking for a camping chair, you may want to look at the weight to know if it will be suitable for backpacking or car camping. Most camping chairs have mesh backs or sides for better airflow. Some even come with carriage bags for convenient transportation. In this review, we discuss some of the best camping chairs you can find on the market.
Top 10 Camping Chairs of 2020 Reviewed
1. Coleman Cooler Quad Chair
Best Camping Chair with CoolerIf you’re looking for the ultimate camping chair, you won’t find anything better than the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair. It’s extremely comfortable with a fully cushioned seat and back due to the presence of 100% polyethylene foam. There’s a built-in 4-can cooler pouch so you don’t have to get up at all while you’re lounging around appreciating the beauty of nature. There’s also a mesh cup holder that enables you to keep your hands free while eating – an important detail when you’re in the great outdoors with no table in sight. The chair also features a side pocket that can be used for storing your phone, keys, magazine, and books. The carry bag makes the chair easy to transport and stow away. However, the steel frame isn’t rust resistant which can be troublesome since you’ll be exposing the chair to the elements. In addition, because of the pocket and the cooler, it’s not easy to fold the chair just so to be able to insert it inside the bag.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Built-in cooler pouch and side pocket
- Mesh cup holder
Cons:
- Difficult to fold
- The steel frame is not rust resistant
2. TravelChair Slacker Chair
Best Camping Chair for BackpackingThe TravelChair Slacker Chair is the backpacker’s ideal camping chair. It is actually a tripod stool that folds very compactly and weighs only 2.2 lbs. The duck-billed feet makes it easy to use the stool in various ground types. The powder-coated steel frame and rip-stop polyester fabric both ensure the stool’s durability. If you’re looking for on-the-go seating for your next hiking trip, this is the stool to choose. However, this is not ideal for long periods of sitting. It’s also a bit of trial and error to find the best sitting position on this stool as the legs can poke you in places you don’t want to get poked (if you know what we mean). And the strap is too short to comfortably sling over your shoulder.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Durable
- Duck-billed feet
Cons:
- Not for long periods of sitting
- A bit difficult to get comfortable on it
- The strap may be too short for some individuals
3. Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
Best Camping Chair for Bad BackIf you don’t mind lugging 18 pounds with you for the luxury of lounging at your campsite, then the Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair is just what you need. This camping chair was designed specifically for those who want to lay back and relax, maybe some stargazing or a bit of napping. The chair is made of durable textaline fabric suspended by a double bungee system which may not sound comfortable but it actually really is. The headrest is perfect for that nap we were talking about or for providing lumbar support to those who need it. The chair reclines easily and the dual fingertip locking system enables you to set it at your preferred angle. In addition, the powder-coated steel frame is quite durable. Plus, the max weight capacity of the chair is 300 lbs. However, aside from the weight of the chair, the chair is still big even when folded which makes it not easily portable. In addition, the lack of a cup holder ensures that you’ll need to get up from the chair whenever you feel thirsty.
Pros:
- Headrest + lumbar support
- Reclining Positions
- Comfortable
Cons:
- No cup holder
- Not easily portable
4. Kijaro Dual Lock Chair
The Kijaro Dual Lock Chair is the perfect companion for car camping. It’s comfortable with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It features a mesh back for breathability, great for those hot summer days. The durable ripstop fabric ensures that the seat won’t be ripping open when used. And the Dual Lock system prevents the chair from buckling down when you’re seated or opening up suddenly when in transport. The chair also features 2 cup holders, an organizer with zipping & mesh pockets for your phone and keys, a carry bag, and a carry strap that’s attached to the chair. However, the chair’s height may be too tall for some individuals which causes their legs to hang over the edge of the chair. The chair is heavy so it’s not ideal for backpacking. And packing the chair into the bag isn’t easy.
Pros:
- Dual lock system
- 2 cup holders + organizer
- Mesh back
Cons:
- Maybe too tall for some individuals
- Heavy
- Difficult to put the chair into the carry bag
5. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
Best Camping Chair for Heavy PersonIf you want a lot of room in your camping chair, there’s really only one that fits the bill – the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair. The seat is 24.5 inches wide and 20 inches deep which is large enough to fully seat a larger-than-normal individual. The weight capacity of the King Kong chair is 800 lbs. The chair materials are 600D polyester fabric and a powder-coated steel frame. The chair itself is quite comfortable and the adjustable armrests make it even more so to find your own “sweet spot.” There are a lot of storage options that are featured in this chair such as the side pocket, a cup holder, and the mesh back pocket where you can place the carry bag. However, the chair is quite heavy (12.5 lbs) and will not be easy to transport despite the fact that the carry bag can be carried like a backpack. Also, the middle of the seat sags a bit too much for our liking which can make standing up from this chair a tad difficult.
Pros:
- Large weight capacity (800 lbs)
- Wide seat with adjustable armrests
- Lots of storage options
Cons:
- Not easily portable
- The middle part of the seat sags
6. Moon Lence Camp Chair
Best Camping Chair for HikingThe Moon Lence Camp Chair is uniquely designed to provide a high degree of comfort. Unlike most other camping chairs, this model comes in two parts – the frame and the fabric. Like a tent, you set up the high-strength aluminum alloy frame first before stretching the 600D Oxford cloth on top of it. The fabric features a breathable mesh for added comfort. And because the fabric is separate from the frame, it is quite easy to clean. When folded, this 2-lb chair packs into a very small bag that will fit inside your backpack. However, it does tend to sink easily in soft ground. The chair also sits low to the ground which might not be ideal for individuals with sore knees or bad backs. In addition, the chair may not be a good fit with tall people.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Tends to sink in soft ground
- Sits low on the ground
- May not fit well with tall individuals
7. Quik Shade MAX Shade Camp Chair
Best Camping Chair with CanopyIf sitting in the shade is important to you, then a camping chair with its own shade canopy might just be your thing. The sunshade is adjustable – you can lower it, raise it, or tilt it to block the sun wherever it may be. And you don’t even have to leave your chair to do it because there’s an included tension rod. The Quik Shade MAX Shade Camp Chair is made of 300 x 600D polyester fabric which is resistant to mold, mildew, moisture, and stains. It features a breathable mesh back to keep you even cooler under the shade. And you also get two cup holders to keep drinks at hand. There’s even a mesh storage pouch on the side for storing your phone or other accessories. However, the chair is quite heavy and slightly difficult to open and fold back up then placed in the bag.
Pros:
- Adjustable shade canopy
- Generous seat size
- Durable fabric
Cons:
- Heavy
- Difficult to set up
8. Kelsyus Premium Canopy Chair
The Kelsyus Premium Canopy Chair is similar to the Quik Shade model. It also features a quad-style camping chair that we’re all familiar with. The extended sun canopy provides you protection from the sun with 50+ UPF. However, unlike the previous model, this one does not open up with the canopy attached. This is because the canopy also serves as the carry case which makes it quite easy to pack the chair away. What we really like about this chair is that it’s very roomy and quite durable. Plus, the mesh on the seat makes the chair very breathable which adds to your overall comfort. However, the canopy is not adjustable so you aren’t able to shield yourself once the sun moves. The chair is also quite heavy which makes it hard to lug around for long hikes. And you also feel yourself sinking down a bit in the chair.
Pros:
- The canopy also serves as carrying case
- Very breathable
- Very roomy and sturdy
Cons:
- The canopy is not adjustable
- The slight sag in the middle
- Heavy
9. Rock Cloud Portable Camping Chair Ultralight Folding Chairs
When going out camping, you need to travel as light as possible. That is the reason you should ensure you buy only the best ultralight folding chairs. The Rock Cloud Portable Camping Chair folds up to a small package measuring 14.6 by 5.1 by 5.1 inches. Since it is ultralight, you can carry it with you to virtually anywhere you wish to go, whether to a sporting event, the beach, fishing, picnic, backpacking, hiking or camping. It comes with a detachable big foot to prevent it from sinking into soft ground or sand.
The fact that it is ultralight does not mean that it is or the poorest quality. In fact, the folding chair is made from a strong aluminum alloy frame, which can carry up to 265 pounds of weight without caving in. Besides, it is waterproof, rust-proof, and corrosion resistant, three attributes that make it highly durable. It features an ergonomic 3D cutting with a good cloth cover support suitable for sitting over prolonged hours. Setting up this chair is a breeze and won’t take you more than a few minutes.
Pros:
- An ultralight camping chair
- Has an ergonomic design
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Some users required a pillow
- Appears to sit low to the ground
- Not easy to disassemble
10. Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair
Best Camping Chair for Large PersonThe Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair looks much like your average camping chair. It features a steel frame and a nylon fabric. It has a breathable mesh back that keeps you cool during the long, hot summers. There’s also an integrated mesh cup for keeping your drinks within reach at all times. But what really sets this chair apart is the 21.3-inch seat and adjustable arms, allowing you to find your most comfortable position. However, the carry bag is a bit on the flimsy side. The chair is not as comfortable as other models. Also, the cup holder isn’t able to hold large-sized drinks.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh back
- Wide seat and adjustable arms
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Flimsy carry bag
- The cup holder is not for large drinks
- Not as comfortable as other chairs
How to Choose the Best Camping Chair: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Being one with nature requires you to leave luxuries behind – your comfortable bed, your bathroom, your mobile devices, and your WiFi. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring with you a few comforts from home, especially if you want to kick back and relax a bit after a hard day on the trail. A good camping chair or camping tent is a perfect companion for lounging around in the great outdoors. Of course, a camping chair can be used in a variety of situations, not just camping. Picnics, fishing adventures, trips to the beach, tailgate parties, etc. Naturally, you can’t just pick out a camping chair in your favorite department store. If you want to find the right camping chair for your outdoor comforts, you’ll need to learn how to tell the good ones from the bad. Which is why we’ve recommended that you check out our buying guide on camping chairs.
Types of Camping Chairs
There are three main types of camping chairs that you can choose from – the minimal, the regular, and the luxurious
Minimal camping chairs are folding seats or stools that are ideal for backpacking as they’re light and very portable. They also don’t take up too much space. The TravelChair Slacker Chair, for example, folds to the size of a rolled-up newspaper and weighs only 2.2 lbs.
Regular or traditional camping chairs are the ones that most of us are familiar with. A lot of these feature aluminum legs, seat backs, and armrests. Usually, a regular camping chair will come with a bag that enables you to carry it. One good example is the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair.
Luxurious camping chairs are, as the name suggests, designed specifically to provide you with maximum comfort and support. These chairs usually feature reclining positions, leg rests, headrests, and more. These are high-end models that offer the best comfort possible, turning your camping into glamping. The Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair is a good example of a luxurious camping chair.
How Big do You Want Your Camping Chair to Be?
Comfort is key when choosing your camping chair. And nothing is more uncomfortable than a chair you don’t fit into. You need to make sure that the dimensions of the seat are wide enough to accommodate you as well as allow you to switch positions. After all, no one can sit in one position for long. In relation to size, you should also consider the weight limit of the chair. You wouldn’t be comfortable at all falling to the ground when the chair buckles under you. The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair, for example, has a weight capacity of 800 lbs measuring 38″ W x 20″ D x 38″ H.
How Heavy is the Camping Chair?
Speaking of weight, you should also consider how much the chair weighs. You’ll be lugging it with you to the campsite, remember? Obviously, some chairs will be heavier than others. Backpackers, as we’ve already mentioned, need something lightweight. If your camping spot is quite a bit away from your vehicle, you’ll be grateful that you chose something so easy to carry like the Moon Lence Camp Chair. However, if you won’t be traveling far with your chair or won’t mind lugging around extra weight, then something like the Kijaro Dual Lock Chair which weighs 9.4 lbs wouldn’t put you off.
What is the Camping Chair Made of?
Most camping chairs feature aluminum or steel frames. The seating material commonly used is coated rip-stop nylon due to its durability and water resistance. Take note that some camping chairs use thin nylon which can be easy to rip. You need to make sure that the fabric used by the manufacturer is thick and strong. The WildHorn Outfitters Terralite Portable Camp Chair, for example, is made of 600D nylon. For added comfort, you’ll find some camping chairs foam padding. If you’re planning on indulging in water-based activities or camping in rainy weather, you should look for models that use closed cell foam padding which does not absorb water.
How Tall is the Chair?
It might not seem an important detail but, in fact, the height of the chair can greatly your comfort. While lower chairs are perfect for sitting around a campfire, it won’t be so easy to stand up from, particularly if you have weak or sore knees. Taller chairs like the Quik Shade MAX Shade Camp Chair are perfect for sitting around a table. They also place you high above the ground which is ideal if you’re camping in wet or cold weather. Take note that there is no perfect height for a camping chair. You’ll need to determine for yourself what height is ideal for you based on how you’ll be using the camping chair.
How Easy is the Chair to Pack and Unpack?
If you’re buying a camping chair to go camping with, then you’ll need to check how “packable” it is. Minimal camping chairs are easy to haul around because you can just attach them directly to your backpack. Regular camping chairs usually have bags that feature a strap for easier transport. But not all of them are easily opened and packed away into the bag. Make sure to do some testing in the store before you walk out with your chair. The Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair, for example, has a simple collapsible design and a convenient carry bag which makes it much easier to take with you wherever you go.
What Other Features Should I Consider?
When choosing extra features, you need to think about what you plan to do while sitting in your chair. Some camping chairs come with cup holders while others have pockets for magazines. A lot of camping chairs feature armrests which adds comfort but they do add to the weight. Some models even feature extended pads that provide extra cushioning and, when folded out, gives you a place to rest your legs. And then there are some models like the Kelsyus Premium Canopy Chair which include shade to keep you out of the sun while you commune with nature.