6 Best Camping Chairs for Outdoor Comfort and Style

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It is impossible to spend the entire time running around like a madman; otherwise, what is the purpose of camping if you are not going to enjoy it?

Kick back, put your feet up, and relax in a comfortable camping chair. Just sit still and watch the mountaintops while your food cooks on the camping stove, and remember why you love camping in the first place.

We’ve done the research and looked into all the critical specs of these camping chairs, so you can choose with confidence.

Best Camping Chairs Reviewed

1. Helinox Collapsible Camping Chair

The Helinox Chair One is a super lightweight, very comfortable, and stylish compact camping chair that packs up smaller than a Sunday paper.

Aluminum alloy, a proprietary product, ensures maximum strength with minimum weight in the poles. Made from durable, 600-weave rip-stop polyester, the removable seat and carrying case are machine-washable.

Setup is quick and simple with a single internal bungee cord that self-assembles the aluminum poles.

It is an ideal choice for camping, concerts, and other outdoor adventure events. The Helinox Chair One comes in a variety of colors and has a manufacturer’s five-year warranty.

We would highly recommend sitting in this chair to ensure fit. The excellent news is that Helinox makes the same style of camping chair in a variety of sizes: the zero, the two, and the large, for example.

Pros

• The product is available in a variety of different colors.
• Simple setup and breakdown.
• The strong build can support up to 320 lbs.
• The mesh prevents water from pooling.
• Easily transportable.
• Simple design with no frills.

Cons

• The price is on the higher end of the range.
• It is not ideal for tall people.

Product Information

• Type/Use: camping, backpacking, fishing, concerts
• Dimensions: 20 x 26 x 21 inches.
• Height: 21 inches
• Weight: 1-2 pounds
• Material: anodized DAC aluminum poles and nylon mesh seat

2. Coleman Camping Chair

With this Coleman camping chair, you can bring a relaxing treasure to the campsite, barbeque, or even your deck.

This folding chair, which is ideal for the outdoors and camping, keeps food, liquid refreshments, and personal bits and pieces within reach thanks to a convenient side table and integrated cup holder.

The aluminum construction makes the frame both light and sturdy. They use weather-resistant fabric for the cushions.

The cushion has just the right amount of fluff without being bulky. This Coleman chair is tremendously comfortable and provides plenty of support when reclining.

The folding side table is extremely stable and solid enough to support beverage cans and plates of food, even heavy ones. All in all, it is a lightweight, ergonomically designed chair that provides superior comfort.

Furthermore, thanks to its collapsible design and convenient carrying handles, this portable camping chair is easy to take with you wherever you go in a relaxed state of mind.

Pros

• Coleman is a well-respected brand.
• The side table with an integrated cup holder provides quick access to food and beverages.
• The seat is comfortable, with padded arms.
• Heavy-duty frame.
• The carrying handles make for simple transport.
• Washable armrest covers.

Cons

• Does not fold up very small.
• The frame is aluminum, not steel.
• It can only support up to 225 pounds.

Product Information

• Type/Use: (camping/fishing/deck/concerts)
• Dimensions: 31.2 x 21.1 x 8.5 inches
• Height: 31 inches
• Weight: 7.12 pounds
• Material: aluminum frame and polyester seating

3. Timber Ridge Camping Chair

Timber Ridge had comfort in mind when designing this chair. This is the go-to chair for those with back problems or any mobility difficulties.

Because the seat sits higher than in other chairs, you can utilize the padded steel chair arms to rise out of the chair with ease.

With a load capacity of 300+ pounds, you’ll never have to be concerned about the chair faltering.

The ergonomic design, padded armrest, high back, and heavy-duty steel frame make it very durable without sacrificing comfort.

It also includes a swivel cup holder on the side of the chair to hold your beverage, hot or cold. You can easily fold it up and slide it into the included carrying bag.

The bag has a large handle that you can slip over your shoulder for simple transport.

Pros

• Easy to open and set up.
• Fully padded seat and arms.
• Ergonomic design creates relief for back issues.
• 300 pounds is the maximum load capacity.
• Oversized seating provides extra comfort for long-term use.
• The chair features a swivel cup holder on its side.

Cons

• It weighs 13 pounds, making it heavy.
• Does not recline and has a pretty straight back.
• It only comes in two colors: black/blue and camo.

Product Information

• Type/Use: (camping, fishing, sporting events, barbecues, and backyard use)
• Dimensions: 38.5 inches by 22.5 inches.
• Height: 38.5 inches
• Weight: 13lbs
• Material: Polyester material and heavy-duty steel frame

4. KingCamp Camping Chair

If you are a bigger guy looking for something sturdy yet comfortable, this undesirable boy is the choice for you.

When it comes to accommodating larger individuals, most camp chairs appear flimsy. But the KingCamp is very stable and well built.

The KingCamp chair stops you from falling or feeling unsafe when you should be comfortable, making it worth every penny.

Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric seat and back; padded armrests to add more comfort; combined with a frame built like a tank, you get a chair that will last a long time.

This chair has some excellent extras, too. Our favorites are the side table and a built-in cooler (that holds eight 12-ounce cans!). It’s simple to relax at the end of the day in this chair. Just grab a snack and a beverage, and you’re good!

Pros

• Super heavy duty.
• Even with all the attachments, the setup is quick.
• It is very secure and won’t break or collapse.
• The large table surface makes room for multiple beverages.
• An insulated cooler bag.
• A cup holder is built in.

Cons

• Conducive to rust.
• Not the best option for portability.
• It comes in one color: black.

Product Information

• Type/Use: (camping, car travel, fishing, tailgating, or the deck)
• Dimensions: 20.9 x 22.8 x 43.3 inches.
• Height: 20.9 inches, from the seat surface to the highest point of the back.
• Weight: 14.8 pounds.
• Material: Breathable, moisture-wicking poly fabric and steel frame.

5. Travel Chair Portable Camping Chair

Want a comfortable place to sit around the fire without bringing a 13-pound chair?

This is a wonderful chair, despite its small size. It takes up almost no space and is pretty comfortable, considering it is a tiny tripod.

And if you’ve trekked into the backcountry, you deserve a comfortable place to sit.

This little guy packs small and weighs only 2 pounds, making him perfect for backcountry camping or fishing.

The Slacker takes only a couple seconds to set up and holds an incredible 275 pounds. Collapse it, wrap the hook-and-loop strap around it, and you’re ready to bug out.

Pros

• The setup and packing process takes 2 seconds.
• 600D Rip-Stop Poly reinforces the structure throughout.
• Easily transportable for longer distances.
• It comes in four colors currently: red, black, blue, and green.
• Carry strap.

Cons

• Not the most comfortable chair.
• No accessories are available.

Product Information

• Type/Use: (camping, backpacking, or sleeping)
• Dimensions: [open] 12 x 14 x 20 in; [closed] 3 x 3 x 24 in.
• Seat Height: 17.5 in.
• Weight: 2lbs
• Material: [seat] 600D polyester, [frame] powder-coated steel.

6. ALPS Mountaineering Camping Chair

This is definitely a beast and makes a fantastic chair for taller or larger people. It’s extremely roomy, the material is comfortable, and it’s a breeze to move around in.

The King Chair remains the strongest (it holds up to 800 lbs) and most reliable and durable quad chair you can find.

Even if you’re a smaller person who doesn’t need the extra weight capacity, the comfort and strength that you’ll gain from this chair are unmatched by any other chair on the market.

You can easily carry this chair on all your camping trips because it folds up compactly and fits in a carry-on bag.

It comes with 2 drink holders, 2 pockets on the side of the arms, and another pocket on the back. It folds up quickly and without much hassle.

This chair has plenty of space for larger individuals, especially when getting in and out of it.

Unfortunately, that same roominess can also cause some discomfort if you sit for long periods of time.

Pros

• This chair is superbly built and designed to last.
• There is a spacious seat, cup holders, and additional storage available.
• Holds up to 800 pounds.
• Limited lifetime warranty.
• Includes a convenient shoulder carry bag.
• It comes in three colors: Deep Sea, Salsa, or Khaki.

Cons

• It is on the heavy side, at almost 13 pounds.
• Seats tend to sag over time.
• Sitting for longer periods of time makes the legs uncomfortable.

Product Information

• Type/Use: (camping, tailgating, BBQs, fishing)
• Dimensions: 38? W x 20? D x 38? H
• Height: Seat is 12’-18’ off ground.
• Weight: 12.5lbs
• Material: powder-coated steel frame and 600D polyester fabric

Things to Consider Before Buying

Which is the best camping chair for you? Are you a taller person? Do you want to add a side table?

Or are you just looking for a comfortable option that is also affordable? These are all beneficial questions to consider when shopping for a new camp chair.

When we were reviewing camp chairs, we asked those questions, but we also looked deeper at the core elements for determining the appropriate camping chair.

Pro Tip: Before you go shopping for a new camp chair, make sure that you know how you’ll use the chair and what kind of extras you might want. This will quickly narrow down your list.

1. Material

There are a host of options when it comes to chair material. Canvas and a heavy rip-stop polyester are typical options.

Both are durable and simple to clean, but polyester can be questionable next to the campfire. Lighter-weight chairs may have a combination of mesh and canvas to help reduce weight.

When it comes to the skeleton of your chair, you’ll see two options: aluminum or light-weight steel.

If you plan on setting your chair by a fire and not moving it, you are great with steel. Portable chairs should have an aluminum frame.

2. Size

Size matters—not only the size of the chair, but also the size of you. If you are over 6’3 or over 250 lbs, your options get more limited.

What about if you’re under 5 feet or 100 pounds?

Another aspect to consider is how and/or where you plan to use your chair. Will it reside in your camping gear, or do you plan to utilize it at picnics or cookouts when not camping?

If you plan to camp in windy locations or if you decide to carry it further away from camp to set up, weight can be a factor.

A weighty chair is not as dangerous if it’s gusty, but it is a disadvantage if movability is a prime attribute.

3. Comfort

Whether you sit for long or short periods, comfort is key. Nobody wants to recover after a long day of camping activities in an uncomfortable chair.

Do you prefer a padded seat or a padded back? Does the chair recline? Do you enjoy putting your feet up?

These are all important comfort questions you need to ask. Each camping chair we tested fit very differently, making us feel a bit like Goldilocks!

Some were too small; others were way too big! Some had a foot rest, some had tables, and some had no arm rests.

Comfort is very individual, depending on your size and build. We recommend trying out some chairs and finding what feels best for you, as well as which chair will improve your napping comfort!

4. Portability

Can you easily carry the chair to and from the campsite?

Not all chairs have built-in handles; some do. Consider the weight of the chair in its bag, and compare that to how far you need to lug it.

Fold chairs with tables attached out of the way for easier transport. If you need a super portable chair, you may need to skimp on the extras.

5. Durability

When conducting research, it’s important to consider how many trips your camping chair will withstand.

Is the chair built rock-solid? Does it have easily replaceable pieces?

If you don’t wish to purchase a new camping chair every couple of seasons, consider investing in a solid, well-made chair that will withstand all the cruelties you and your campmates will dish out.

6. Extra Features

Desired features can be another key determining factor when hunting for the perfect new camp chair.

Side tables that fold down, foot rests to kick your boots up on, and a spot to hold your frosty beverage are some of the more deluxe features of today’s camp chairs.

Some other handy features include pockets for books, stowaway compartments to keep gear and snacks dry, and some camp chairs even come complete with an umbrella.

Think about how frequently you’ll use it, how simple it will be for others to set up, the weather and environments you plan to use it in, and whether you want to relax and take a nap.

Other Uses for a Camping Chair

Despite its name as a camp chair, you can use it for more than just camping.

We’ve already discussed how useful a camp chair can be for fishing, but what about other activities? Where else can your camp chair come in handy? Here are our thoughts:

• Fishing: Depending on the style of fishing you do, whether it’s ice fishing or fly fishing, your camp chair is perfect for your fishing adventure.
• Sporting activities: You don’t have to sit on the grass when you’re watching the kids play sports; bring your camp chair and be comfortable!
• Picnics and BBQs: If you are planning a day at the park or at a friend’s house for a fun barbeque or picnic, don’t forget the camp chairs. Bring extra chairs—you never know if there will be enough!
• Tailgating: If you love to tailgate on game day, don’t forget your chair. Not only will you have a place to comfortably enjoy the pre-game activities, but you’ll also have a place to set your beverage.
• A day at the beach: If you don’t like to sit on hot sand or would rather dry off from swimming without being covered in sand, bring your camp chair.
• Extra chairs for visitors: Maybe you’re hosting the barbeque and need more seats. Pull out your camp chairs to provide extra seating for your guests.

Cleaning Your Camping Chair

Camp chairs can get gross. We’ve all experienced that really rainy camping trip where everything ends up soaked through and covered in mud.

And, if you don’t promptly set everything out to dry, you end up with moldy, mildew-covered chairs, tents, and gear. Don’t fret about this, though; cleaning up your favorite camp chair is relatively easy.

The first step to getting mold or mildew out of your favorite camping chair is to let it dry in the sun. The sun is a great tool for knocking back mold and mildew.

Once your chair is dry, you can start the process of removing the mold, mildew, and dirt. The easiest way to do this is to use a steam cleaner. Hot water will pull out dirt and kill mold and mildew.

However, not everyone has a steam cleaner, so your other option is to roll up your sleeves and hand wash your chairs.

Use a scrubbing sponge and warm water with a mixture of mild soap (dish soap or laundry detergent work well), vinegar, lemon juice, and a touch of baking soda. Your mixture will kill mold and remove dirt.

For easy application, put the mixture in a spray bottle, and you can easily clean your whole chair or just spots. Then, don’t forget to let the chair dry thoroughly in the sun.

Camp Chair Repair

It can be disappointing if your beloved camp chair breaks, especially if it’s a new one that hasn’t seen much use. You may not want to run out and buy a new chair.

Thus, you must repair the chair to make it sturdy and last several camping trips. If you’ve torn the back or seat at the seam, or if a seam has come undone, the simple repair is to sew the seam back up.

This repair is relatively inexpensive, but if you aren’t comfortable with thread and a needle, it may take a couple of tries.

Because most camp chairs are made of heavy canvas material, you will want to buy heavy-duty thread, preferably thread made for outdoor applications, and a thick needle.

If your chair does not have a hole at the seam, the easiest way to repair this damage is with a patch. We’ve found that the simplest way to cover a hole in the seat or back of your camp chair is to add a patch.

If you’re comfortable sewing, you can sew on a homemade patch of canvas or denim. If you aren’t as comfortable sewing, pick up an iron-on patch at your local craft store or even Wal-Mart.

The other common repair requirement is to replace a lost pin. Folding camp chairs often loosens the pins that hold the legs together. An easy solution to this is to find a small bolt and nut that will fit in the existing hole.

Simply push the bolt through the holes and tighten the back nut. If you can’t find a bolt that fits the existing hole, you may need to use a drill to make the hole bigger.

Just remember, opening and closing the chair can loosen the nut, so check the nut frequently to ensure that your chair doesn’t randomly collapse!

Wrap-Up

We understand that a camping chair is not the most exciting piece of gear to research, but trust us, a sturdy camp chair makes for a much more comfortable experience.

Happily, we were able to test some outstanding products that exceeded our expectations and elevated our opinion of camping chairs. We did all of this to help you find the best camp chair to fit your needs.

We want to hear about what products our customers are choosing and why, so let us know which camping chair you chose for your next outing in the comments below.