Whether you’re planning a vacation to an exotic tourist destination or preparing to host a lawn concert, you’ll eventually need a camping chair. A nice camping chair helps you to relax and unwind after a long day of engaging in a flurry of outdoor activities.
But as you might expect, all camping chairs are not made equal. While you’ll find plenty of chairs that meet most of your needs, there are equally numerous camping chairs that aren’t worth your money. Therefore, an in-depth research is paramount when looking for the best camping chair for your next adventure.
Fortunately for you, we’ve made the selection process easier by rounding up some of the best camping chairs worth investing in.
Features To Look For In a Camping Chair
a) Material
Since camping chairs are ideally intended for outdoor use, most of them are built with weatherproof material.
Your best bet is to go for chairs whose frames are constructed with high-strength, corrosion-resistant metals like titanium and steel alloys.
To enhance the chair’s durability even further, the cover should feature high-tensile, waterproof material like nylon.
b) Weight
Most camping chairs are designed to hold the weight of the average user. Even so, it’s still important to consider the weight of the chair before purchasing it.
As you shall find, some camping chairs are intended for relatively lightweight people, whereas others are perfect for heavier users.
The conventional wisdom is to opt for a camping chair that’s light enough to be carried across different spots as well as heavy enough to support your weight.
c) Packability
It’s easy to confuse lightweightness with packability. However, the fact that a camping chair is lightweight doesn’t necessarily make it packable, as the chair might still feature awkward construction.
Now, the packability of a camping chair mostly comes down to your mode of transportation. Folding chairs are generally recommended for car campers, as you can easily fold and stash them in the trunk or roof of your car.
However, the situation is a bit different for backpackers. Since you want something that will preferably fit inside your backpack, you should opt for a camping chair that’s easy to assemble and disassemble.
d) Comfortability
The comfortability of a camping chair usually depends on its ability to recline or rock.
The primary advantage of reclining chairs over upright camp chairs is that recliners can double up as your bed, especially when you need to take an afternoon nap. Recliners are also ideal for stargazing.
On the flip side, note that the mechanism of reclining or rocking camp chairs tends to add extra bulk to these chairs, which might affect their overall longevity.
e) Appearance
Although it may not seem like much, the appearance of your camping chair matters a lot. And the word ‘appearance,’ in this case, carries two connotations – aesthetic appeal and camouflage.
For instance, if you’re looking for a camping chair for a backyard event, you’d naturally go for one whose appearance matches that of your home. Remember that even after the party is over, the chair will most likely remain in your backyard. As such, it must always complement your house’s aesthetic appeal.
Similarly, if you’re camping in the bush, you’d want a camp chair that comes in colors that blend seamlessly to that of adjacent vegetation. Such chairs offer maximum camouflage and protection from potentially dangerous animals.
f) Price
After all is said and done, you need a camping chair that meets your budget needs. It doesn’t matter if the chair is perfect in all other aspects. If it’s too costly for you to afford, then you most certainly won’t buy it.
It’s important to emphasize that as with most products, the quality and price of camping chairs generally share a linear relationship. Which means that the higher the price, the better the quality.
Of course, you can still get some great bargains. After honing in on your preferred camping chair, compare its price across various retailers and go with the dealer that offers the most affordable rates.
10 Best Camping Chairs
1. GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker
Dimensions: 27.2 inches x 32.5 inches x 31.7 inches (unfolded) and 7.9 inches x 5.9 inches x 39 inches (folded)
Product Weight: 10.6 pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 250 Pounds
Material: Synthetic
Frame Material: Steel Alloy
Color Options: Heathered Indigo, Heathered Pewter Gray, Heathered Red, and Heathered Royal
Pros
• Relatively affordable
• Multiple comfort and convenience features
Cons
• Slightly heavy
GCI Outdoor is a renowned manufacturer of camp chairs and this product is unquestionably one of their best offers ever.
The GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker is a mid-size chair that folds compactly, making it easy to carry from place to place. The chair is designed with a spring-action mechanism, allowing you to rock in it without adding extra bulk to its overall weight. And to enhance your comfort even further, the height of this chair’s seat is lower than that of most standard camping chairs.
Other cool features to love about the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker include a phone pocket and beverage holder.
2. Coleman Portable Quad
Dimensions: 19 inches x 26.96 inches x 49 inches (unfolded) and 7.5 inches x 7.7 inches x 27 inches (folded)
Product Weight: 8.8 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 325 Pounds
Material: Polyester
Frame Material: Steel
Color Options: Black, Blue, Grey/Black, and Red
Pros
• Relatively affordable
• Fairly durable
• Easy to set up
Cons
• Cooler compartments lack proper insulation
Coleman Portable Quad is the ultimate camping chair if you’re looking for a blend of comfort and durability. The chair’s frame material is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant steel, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. Campers weighing as much as 325 pounds can use this chair without exerting any undue pressure on it.
Coleman Portable Quad’s outer covering features polyester, with a fully-cushioned seat and back to offer excellent support and comfort. Besides adding to your overall comfort, the polyester material also makes the chair incredibly waterproof.
There’s also a built-in 4-can cooler pouch that can keep your drinks cold even during hot weather. A mesh cup holder and side pocket conveniently hold your personal items for ease of access.
3. Logo Brands NCAA Collegiate Adult Chair
Unfolded Dimensions: 34.5 inches x 34.5 inches x 22.5 inches
Product Weight: 21 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 250 Pounds
Material: Polyester
Frame Material: Steel
Color Options: Purple
Pros
• Cool and stylish design
• Relatively portable
Cons
• Limited color options
• Fairly heavy
Logo Brands NCAA Collegiate Adult Chair is a great camp chair for sports enthusiasts, particularly fans of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). To ensure that every interest is represented, the manufacturer offers the chair in logos from more than 50 different teams.
The camping chair comes with a mesh back that offers breathability during hot days. Adjustable armrests and two cup holders ensure that your drinks and personal effects are always within reach.
Logo Brands NCAA Collegiate Adult Chair also collapses and folds with ease. You can either stash it in your backpack or use the included shoulder straps to wear it over your shoulders and move around boldly displaying your favorite team’s logo.
4. Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair
Dimensions: 35.4 inches x 26 inches x 45.7 inches (unfolded) and 6.9 inches x 4.7 inches x 45.7 inches (folded)
Product Weight: 9.4 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300 Pounds
Material: Diamond Ripstop Polyester
Frame Material: Steel
Color Options: Cayman Blue Iguana, Hallett Peak Gray, Hanami Pink, Ionian Turquoise, Ireland Green, Izamal Yellow, Kawachi Purple, Maldives Blue, Red Rock Canyon, Victoria Desert Orange, and Vik Black
Pros
• Numerous color options
• Highly stable and portable
Cons
• Nuts and screws come loose often
If you care so much about your posture while using a camping chair (and you should), then Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair might be the most suitable product for you.
The chair offers a comfortable seating experience, thanks to its no-sag seating mechanism. The use of diamond ripstop polyester and breathable mesh on its back makes this chair even more comfortable to use.
Another standout feature of the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair is its ability to lock open and shut. The lock-open mechanism adds extra stability to the chair, while the lock-shut mechanism makes it easy to transport.
5. Sport-Brella Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella
Unfolded Dimensions: 8 inches x 8 inches x 39 inches
Product Weight: 13.5 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 250 Pounds
Material: Polyester
Frame Material: Stainless Steel
Color Options: Midnight Blue
Pros
• Umbrella feature offers extra cooling
• Strong but lightweight
Cons
• Limited color options
As the name suggests, Sport-Brella Recliner Chair with Removable Umbrella features an umbrella, which makes this camping chair especially suitable for use during hot conditions. The best part is that the umbrella is removable. You can move it from side to side or tilt it in any position you desire. You can also detach the umbrella completely from the chair, making it easy to transport the chair from one place to another.
Stainless steel design makes Sport-Brella Recliner Chair strong enough to support a weight of up to 250 pounds, while also lightweight enough for ease of transportation. The chair also comes with adjustable recliner hinges, allowing you to sit upright, lay back, or take a nap.
Other nifty features include a detachable footrest, insulated drink pouch, and a zippered storage compartment.
6. Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chair
Unfolded Dimensions: 22 inches x 24 inches x 26 inches
Product Weight: 2 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 242 Pounds
Material: Oxford Cloth
Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
Color Options: Black, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Orange, and Red
Pros
• Remarkably lightweight
• Portable and ergonomic design
Cons
• Footrest requires a hard, flat ground for stability
The very first thing you’ll love about this folding chair is its incredible lightweight. Weighing a paltry 2 pounds, Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chair is one of the few premium-quality, lightweight camping chairs you’ll ever find.
Coupled with its foldable mesh and metal poles, Moon Lence Outdoor is also one of the most portable camping chairs out there.
But despite being remarkably lightweight and portable, Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chair is highly durable, thanks to the use of high-strength aluminum alloy as its frame material. A soft and breathable seat material allows you to enjoy a comfortable camping experience.
7. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
Unfolded Dimensions: 38 inches x 20 inches x 38 inches
Product Weight: 12.5 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 800 Pounds
Material: Polyester
Frame Material: Steel
Color Options: Charcoal, Deep Sea, Khaki, Light Gray, and Salsa
Pros
• Highly comfortable and spacious
• Can support the weight of heavy campers
Cons
• Might be overly large for some campers
At first glance, ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair comes across as overly large and bulky for the average camper. But that’s by no means a deal-breaker, as the chair has tons of other redeeming qualities.
For starters, ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair can support a weight up to 800 pounds, making it ideal for campers of different body sizes. To deliver on that important area, the chair’s frame is designed using sturdy powder-coated steel.
The manufacturer has also taken your comfort into consideration and included 600D polyester fabric as well as adjustable armrests. A cup holder and side pocket let you store your personal effects for ease of access, whereas a convenient shoulder carry bag makes it easy to transport the chair.
8. Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat
Unfolded Dimensions: 37 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches
Product Weight: 15 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 500 Pounds
Material: Polyester
Frame Material: Steel
Color Options: Canyon Brown, Fallen Rock, and Tapestry
Pros
• Best for 2-people camping
• Multi-use carrying case
Cons
• Lacks center armrest
• Poor breathability
It’s always recommended to choose a camping chair that serves your specific camping needs. But what happens when you’re done camping? Do you dispose of the camping chair or let it lie idle until your next outdoor adventure?
Depending on the design of the chair, you may never have to use it for any purpose other than camping. Now, if you need a camping chair that comes with multiple utilities, you won’t go wrong with the Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat.
Besides featuring the durability required of any high-quality camping chair, Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat is also a low-profile chair, which makes it ideal for use in concerts and other social events. It features adjustable armrests for extended comfort, as well as adjustable cup holders for keeping your valuable items close-by. The product also comes with a strong carrying case that you can also use for other functions, including as a load hauler or for keeping your feet clean and warm.
9. KingCamp Low Sling Camping Chair
Unfolded Dimensions: 22.8 inches x 23.2 inches x 25.2 inches
Product Weight: 6.6 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300 Pounds
Material: Oxford Fabric
Frame Material: Heavy-duty Steel
Color Options: Blue, Cyan, and Rose Red
Pros
• Wide, sturdy base
• No assembly required
Cons
• Somewhat bulky
• Back doesn’t adjust
KingCamp Low Sling Camping Chair is another great general-purpose camping chair to consider investing in. Just like Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat, KingCamp Low Sling is perfectly suited for outdoor events that often have chair height restrictions, such as concerts.
The chair sports a wide, sturdy base and supports up to 300 pounds, making it ideal for both slim and big-bodied campers. There’s no need for assembly and disassembly. Instead, KingCamp Low Sling opens and closes in seconds.
And like most camping chairs on this list, KingCamp Low Sling has a cup holder, allowing you to enjoy the view as you sip away your favorite drink.
10. Helinox Chair Zero
Dimensions: 18.9 inches x 20.47 inches x 25.2 inches (unfolded) and 4 inches x 4 inches x 13.5 inches (folded)
Product Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation: 265 Pounds
Material: Ripstop Polyester
Frame Material: Proprietary Aluminum Alloy
Color Options: Black, Grey, and Sand
Pros
• Remarkably lightweight and packable
• Sturdy and durable
Cons
• Relatively expensive
Helinox Chair Zero is a top recommendation for campers looking for lightweight and durable camping chairs. Weighing just 1.1 pounds, this product is definitely the winner as far as portability goes.
Still on portability, Helinox Chair Zero packs down to a small and compact size, measuring 4 inches x 4 inches x 13.5 inches. So, you can easily slide the chair into your regular backpack if you don’t fancy carrying it in its carry sack.
Despite being impressively lightweight, Helinox Chair Zero also features a strong and durable design, thanks to the use of aluminum alloy as its frame material. For efficient care and maintenance, the chair’s seat and carry sack are made of weather-resistant and machine-washable ripstop polyester.
Final Word
There goes our comprehensive review of the best camping chairs worth your money. As a parting shot, remember always to keep durability and comfort in mind when choosing any camping chair. If possible, try the chair and assess how it accommodates your body before purchasing it.