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We tested 22 of the top camping chairs from Helinox, Yeti, Kelty, ALPS Mountaineering, REI, Cascade Mountain Tech and more to highlight the top-performing designs to consider before your next purchase
Credit: Chris McNamara
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated May 12, 2026
Stop wasting money on flimsy frames that pinch your legs and sag after one season. The right camping chair survives years of campsite abuse, packs down smoothly into a crowded trunk, and provides the rigid support you need to stand up without a struggle.
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is the best overall camp chair for its incredible comfort, ease of use, and fantastic price. It includes storage and cup holders.
Our favorite budget pick is the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair. The Kijaro offers a non-slouchy seat and is easy to get in and out of. For an upgrade pick, check out the Yeti Trailhead, which one tester said was “more comfortable than my office chair”.
To find the ultimate outdoor throne, we spent months putting 22 of the most promising camping chairs through a gauntlet of real-world use. From desert campouts to crowded family reunions, we sat, napped, and hauled these chairs everywhere to identify the most durable and comfortable options.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on May 12, 2026, to include three new and updated products.
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is our favorite camping chair. The King Kong is so comfortable that it's consistently one of the first chairs our test team grabs whenever we gather around a campfire. The slightly padded fabric makes it ideal for long lounging sessions, and the seat is exceptionally roomy—if a bit slouchy—with an incredibly stable frame. We've found the reinforced fabric to be super durable, and the chair's listed maximum weight capacity is 800 pounds. “This chair sets up in seconds, and I love the storage features — there are two cup holders, two side pockets, and a smaller pocket behind the headrest,” our tester remarked.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
14.1 lbs
Weight Capacity
800 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
15.0"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Cylinder / Shoulder bag
Cup Holders & Storage
2 cup holders, 2 side pockets, rear headrest pocket
All this comfort and added reinforcement come at a cost. Extra features add several pounds, making the King Kong one of the heaviest single-person chairs in our lineup. There is no headrest, so it's not our first pick for an afternoon snooze. “I think this chair will stand up to all of your needs for camping, tailgating, fishing, or anything else,” says one tester who is clearly stoked on the design. If you're shopping for a comfortable chair or use a camping-specific chair regularly and don't mind a bit of bulk, we highly recommend the King Kong.
The King Kong is a stable and user-friendly accordion-style chair with tons of room in the seat and backrest, providing comfort for a variety of body shapes and sizes.
The Yeti Trailhead is the perfect camping chair for all you self-proclaimed glamping enthusiasts. The Trailhead is hands down one of the most luxurious chairs we've tested, featuring ergonomic positioning, impeccable durability, and superb comfort to enhance your outdoor experience. “Maybe this speaks poorly of my workspace, but this chair is more comfortable than my office chair,” one tester sheepishly admitted. We think you'll love Yeti's proprietary FlexGrid fabric, which stays breathable while delivering plenty of lumbar support. Nearly every detail of the design, from the intuitive setup to the stable crossover style, even the carry bag, is designed to last and provide a luxurious experience in the backyard or the campsite. If you're packing it for your next sporting event or picnic, you'll appreciate the carry bag's quality, from the heavy-duty zipper to the adjustable straps for a more custom fit.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
13.3 lbs
Weight Capacity
500 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
16.75"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Cylinder / Backpack straps
Cup Holders & Storage
1 adjustable cup holder
Unfortunately, the Trailhead is large and weighs 13.3 pounds, so it might not be the right option if you're looking for a lightweight chair to tote to the park for a quick hangout. And we have to mention the cost — for a camp chair, “I was shocked by the expensive price tag,” says our lead tester. However, our testers are confident you won't be disappointed in this investment if you want a quality chair for the long haul.
The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer is a unique design that combines the ultralight performance of a backpacking chair with the comfort of a mid-size lounger. The design features a high backrest with broad support that better distributes pressure, while the seat vents enhance comfort and breathability. “The Flexlite Camp Dream's four-leg construction felt stable, and the rubberized feet kept the chair in place, even on slippery granite slabs,” says our lead tester. The pockets are versatile enough to hold a variety of beverages and keep small items within arm's reach. This iteration also offers much easier assembly than its predecessor. The Helinox Sunset Chair is similar, but features a higher backrest. However, it's pricier, and we found it a bit more challenging to set up.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
3.5 lbs
Weight Capacity
300 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
10.5"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Cylinder / Zippered pouch
Cup Holders & Storage
2 mesh pockets
Although this chair features a DWR finish that increases durability and water resistance, “I found it to run a little hot on summer days with lots of sun due to the lack of mesh included in the construction,” says one tester. The design also forgoes armrests, and the stuff sack lacks a shoulder strap. Still, the Flexlite Camp Dreamer is perfect for those who want the performance of a mid-size lounger with a lightweight and packable design that's easy to use, no matter where you are.
If you're tired of the classic camping chair slouch, the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair is your answer. The frame holds the seat and back fabric taut by locking it open, providing a firm foundation. A comfortably angled back panel promotes relaxation rather than rigidity. All this added support, combined with one of the tallest seat heights we tested, makes the Kijaro a natural standout for users who need a more stable base. And you can leave the annoying carry bag at home. This chair has an adjustable shoulder carry strap attached to the back of the frame. “Once locked closed, I found it easy to hoist up and head out without carrying an additional storage bag,” says one tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
9.8 lbs
Weight Capacity
300 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
15.0"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Cylinder / Shoulder bag
Cup Holders & Storage
2 cup holders, side pocket
The chair's interesting design makes the folded package exceptionally long—just shy of four feet. “The length makes it less ideal for stuffing in the trunk, though I still think it's more than doable,” one tester commented. While previous iterations made us think twice about durability, we experienced no issues during our recent testing period. Time to ditch chairs that promote slouching and enjoy the ergonomic, upright support the Kijaro is known for.
The Kijaro offers upright and ergonomic support that sets it apart from other designs that promote slouching and curved lumbar positions that cause discomfort and soreness after use.
The Kelty Low Loveseat amazes us with its incredibly comfortable two-person design. This double chair was very stable and had a lower seating height than most traditional camping chairs. While our shorter testers' feet rested comfortably on the ground, Kelty also makes a version that's several inches taller. Made of durable materials, this chair can withstand the rigors of seating multiple people and even dogs for extended periods. “After three straight years of regular use and some severe sun exposure, I've noticed that the fabric is fading a bit but is still as comfortable as the first day I got it,” says lead tester Trish Matheny. “This chair has grown on me the longer I've owned it”, Trish says, a credit to its impressive longevity and comfort.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
15.5 lbs
Weight Capacity
400 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
7.0"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Cylinder (Roll-Tote) / Shoulder strap
Cup Holders & Storage
2 insulated adjustable drink holders
Aside from the overall size and weight, our biggest complaint was how popular the Low Loveseat was with our friends, leaving us less time to enjoy its outstanding attributes. “Any time I got up from the fire to grab something, I didn't have anywhere to sit when I returned, as friends immediately snagged my seat,” Trish said. As a padded chair, it's also less breathable on a hot day, but with light colors, we hardly noticed.
Though you can get a basic camp chair in the $15-$20 range at a big-box store, we find those chairs often break or rip easily. The Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile is the best simple chair we've found, offering respectable durability and solid performance for around fifty bucks. At 21 inches, it has a fairly wide seat and back to match widely splayed arms along the padded 'armrests'. “It's not the most supportive seat that I've tested, but it's above average among its competition, leaving slouchy folding sports chairs in the dust when it comes to supporting your full weight in a semi-reclining position,” says one tester. A mesh panel keeps air flowing across the spine even on a hot day, while the low-to-the-ground positioning is perfect for those who like to soak their legs in the river on a hot day or get closer to the fire when the temperatures drop. This chair is user-friendly and portable, thanks to its X-shaped design and 7-pound weight, and it packs easily into its own carry bag with a shoulder strap. If such a low chair isn't right for you, we also love the similarly-priced Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair, which is much easier to get in and out of and has great seat support.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
7 lbs
Weight Capacity
250 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
5"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Cylinder / Shoulder bag
Cup Holders & Storage
None
Unfortunately, there's nowhere to stash your favorite beverage or your latest novel within the Cascade Mountain Tech's design. Also, there are no large pockets for snacks, magazines, or books; however, you're so low to the ground that you can easily rest comfort items nearby. (If you want a pocket for everything, check out the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong.) The Cascade Mountain Tech features a design best suited to flexible individuals and may cater to a younger user group, given the 5-inch seat height, which can be difficult to get in and out of. The chair is also limited in padding, with padding only along the bars your arms rest on. “I appreciate the padding along the bars, but it would be nice to have a little padding in the seat as well as traditional armrests that extend away from the compact design,” says one tester. But if you're seeking a compact chair on a budget and don't mind the unique low-rider design, the Cascade Mountain Tech may offer the best return on your investment.
The Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile is our favorite affordable camping chair that features a simple design that's easy to use, comfortable, and features enough quality to provide performance for multiple seasons of use. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Helinox Chair One is one of the lightest and most packable camping chairs that we tested. The perforated polyester seat material helps reduce load and improve breathability while offering greater comfort on hot summer days. We reach for this chair when space is limited, or when we need to be conscious of every ounce during a backcountry jaunt. We think you'll love the user-friendly setup that will have you relaxing by the fire in less than one minute.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
2 lbs
Weight Capacity
320 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
14.0"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Small Cylinder / Zippered pouch
Cup Holders & Storage
None
Although this design doesn't offer the comfort of padded material or armrests, we're confident its durability will make up for it in overall packability. Measuring 14 inches long and weighing only two pounds, the Chair One is the standard for lightweight, compact performance. If you're looking for a lightweight seat that's even easier to use, something like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 from our backpacking chair review requires no setup and works well in the backcountry. ].
Of all the collapsible chair designs we tested, we think the Chair One sets the industry standard for lightweight, packable performance. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Best Choice Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner quickly became the most coveted recliner chair amongst our testing team. Its heavyweight design features a sturdy,d durable metal frame,e complete with an adjustable headrest and sunshade. “Whether upright or reclining, I couldn't help but notice how this chair prioritizes comfort, thanks to the bungee cord attachments and the breathable textile that offers some flexibility in the fabric,” our tester said. The frame has additional rubber grips on the legs for stability and grip on uneven terrain or slick surfaces.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
21.0 lbs
Weight Capacity
250 lbs
Measured Seat Height (middle)
17.0"
Packed Shape/Carry Style
Flat-fold / Built-in handle (No bag)
Cup Holders & Storage
Removable 2-cup holder
Although the chair folds easily, it weighs 21 pounds (the heaviest in this review) and takes up more space than most other chairs. “The Zero Gravity chair probably isn't the best choice for those seeking a highly portable or lightweight camping chair,” one tester commented. But if you have a camper, RV, or pickup truck with enough space to transport this bad boy, you will not be disappointed in the comfort it provides. Other options, like the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, weigh less and are easier to transport; however, they don't offer the same level of reclining comfort. Just don't be surprised when you and your friends are fighting over whose turn it is to sit in the Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner.
The Zero Gravity Canopy is best for backyard use because of its heavyweight, durable frame, plus sun shade, a pillow, and an accessory tray to keep everything you need within reach. Credit: Trish Matheny
Product Comparison Table
Camp chair testing with friends around Bishop in the Eastern Sierra. Credit: Chris McNamara
How We Tested
We did extensive research and considered dozens of models during our never-ending search for the best camping chairs. We purchased every chair and tested them for months while hanging out with our friends. We cart them on weekend camping trips, set them up at family reunions, spend late nights around the fire pit, watch sporting events, and hang out at all-day backyard barbecues. During our testing period, we paid close attention to the details that matter in a camp chair, such as how well the cup holders and pockets work. We weighed and measured them, carried them all over, and jumped into them to see what they could handle. What follows is a comprehensive discussion of our in-depth findings from months of lounging.
For more nitty-gritty specifics on our testing process, see our How We Test article.
Debating the pros and cons of each camp chair in Joshua Tree. Credit: Chris McNamara
Why Trust GearLab
Teaming up to bring you this review is Maggie Nichols and Trish Matheny. Maggie is a seasoned multi-sport athlete and appreciates gear that makes for high-quality downtime when it's time to kick back and relax. She has taught workshops and guided extensively worldwide on topics as diverse as snow camping and expedition kayaking. Over the years, Maggie has spent extended periods living out of backpacks and her teardrop trailer, arrangements where packable comfort items go a long way. Trish spent years living out of a pop-up camper and appreciates durable gear that saves space without sacrificing performance. After many years spent adventuring and rock climbing, Trish is happy to trade her former crashpad seat for the comfort of the right camping chair. Maggie and Trish enlisted friends and family to test and judge every chair in this review. This crowd included children, numerous people over 6 feet tall, several dogs, a dozen senior citizens, and a flock of Girl Scouts, ages 12 to 80.
Our testing team spent countless hours testing each model with comfort, portability, quality, and overall ease of use in mind.
Analysis and Test Results
Camping chairs have many uses besides camping. We use them at the beach, at backyard barbecues, hanging out on the sidelines of a soccer game, or tailgating and enjoying outdoor concerts. However, not all chairs are made for the same use or comfort. We evaluated each model across myriad tests in four mutually exclusive, thorough metrics. Each model's performance in every test then determines its score for that metric. We break down performance by metric to get into the specifics of each model.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
In our experience, most camping chairs with any durability start around the $50 mark. We've found a handful of great chairs in that price range, namely the Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile, our low-seated budget pick, or the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you can get our favorite chair, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, which we often see on discount and highly recommend.
We think the Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile is perfect for those on a tight budget who don't mind the unique low to the ground design that's perfect for soaking in rivers and getting close to the campfire. Credit: Trish Matheny
We also like the GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro as a decent budget pick, especially for taller folks and anyone who might need a little help getting up from a seated position. The Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair is also a great value and has fantastic seat support. Finally, the Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat is worth mentioning; it provides two seats, which lowers the price per seat.
The Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat comfortable seats not one but two happy campers, thereby reducing the cost per seat and increasing the overall value. Credit: Trish Matheny
New to the lineup this season is the Onetigris Tigerblade, an affordable yet durable collapsible design that outperforms its price point. The extra frame stability inspires confidence in the chair's construction, especially for larger users. We love the easy setup and packable design, which takes up little space to store and is easy to transport.
The Onetigris Tigerblade outperforms its modest price tag making it our favorite affordable and collapsible camping chair. Credit: Trish Matheny
Comfort & Ergonomics
Factors we considered when evaluating comfort were armrests, lumbar support, a headrest, back ventilation, and the chair's overall design.
There are several chairs that we think are exceptionally comfortable. The ALPS King Kong is roomy and slightly padded, has large/adjustable armrests, and remains cozy in that slouchy kind of way while offering pretty good support in a tall, spacious seat. Similarly, the Kelty Low Loveseat is comfortable with large padded seats but is much lower to the ground and fits two people instead of just one. Another two-seater, the Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat, isn't padded but still offers decent comfort and a higher seat height that some of our taller testers appreciated.
Though the Kelty Low Loveseat is low to the ground, most folks found it to be super comfortable and easy to use. Credit: Trish Matheny
If you prefer a less slouchy, flatter, and more supportive seat, the Kijaro Dual Lock has a taut seat that locks into place so it doesn't sag under your weight. The GCI Comfort Pro has a similar shape and design but lacks Kijaro's locking mechanism and is slightly less supportive. Still, it offers more support than most in this category, making it easier to get in and out of the car. Perhaps the most comfortable of all chairs with a locking mechanism is the Yeti Trailhead. This camp chair stood apart from the competition thanks to its innovative FlexGrid fabric, which offers a ton of comfort while alleviating pressure points and conforming to your body. We also think the Helinox Sunset Chair is surprisingly comfortable, offering a high back and supportive shape that enhances rest-day comfort while lounging around camp.
The Yeti Trailhead features a FlexGrid fabric that offers all day comfort by conforming to your body and alleviating pressure points. Credit: Trish Matheny
Recliners like the ALPS Mountaineering Escape and the Best Choice Zero Gravity are in a league of their own. If the Search and Rescue team (a group that camps and lives outdoors during their work season) has anything to say about the comfort metric, the Zero Gravity was the most coveted and sought-after design throughout testing. The Zero Gravity offers top-notch relaxation, whether seated or reclining, thanks to a breathable textile fabric that distributes your body weight.
The Best Choice Zero Gravity features an adjustable pillow, sunshade, and is comfortable whether seated or fully reclining. Credit: Trish Matheny
The latest iteration of the Nemo Stargaze is also worth considering if comfort is at the top of your list. We love the padded backrest, frame, and seat that increase comfort whether seated or reclined. While the design no longer includes mesh interwoven with the fabric, we appreciate the thicker, padded fabric that reduces pressure points and makes it easier to relax.
The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X features comfort for all shapes and sizes, although those with smaller torsos will better appreciate the padded back and headrest. Credit: Trish Matheny
Portability & Packed Size
Given the variety of ways you can use a chair, it is essential to choose a product that is easy to move and transport. Factors that affect a chair's portability are its packed size, weight, carry bag, and overall transporting experience.
The REI Flexlite is the lightest chair in our award-winning lineup, weighing only 1.7 pounds thanks to its lightweight, packable construction. It also comes with a super-light carry bag with a small loop of webbing as the carry strap, making it easy to toss into a backpack or carry under your arm to the campsite. While we love its portability, we were less impressed by its quality and stability, especially for larger people.
The REI Flexlite is the lightest and most portable chair in our review.
Thanks to their light weights and compact designs, the Helinox chairs are the clear winners in this category. The Chair One weighs a mere two pounds yet boasts a 320-pound weight limit. The chair supplied durability for a variety of body types (thanks to a heavy-duty polyester construction and anodized aluminum alloy poles) without adding a ton of weight to the compact design.
The Helinox Chair One prioritizes portability thanks to a lightweight and compact design, yet it remains durable thanks to 600D polyester and an anodized aluminum alloy frame.
The Onetigris Tigerblade is our favorite affordable, collapsible design, though it is slightly heavier than the Flexlite and Chair One. The Tigerblade weighs 3 pounds and comes with a slightly larger carry bag featuring a durable zipper and ample space to stow the chair. The extra weight comes with increased stability in the frame, as well as durable 600D polyester fabric, which may be a worthy trade-off for some.
The Onetigris Tigerblade is the heaviest of all the collapsible chairs that we tested, but it is still highly portable and the most durable option of the designs we tested. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Helinox Sunset Chair breaks down and folds into a surprisingly compact carry bag. Despite its high back and impressive durability, this model weighs just 3.2 pounds and is one of the lightest chairs we tested. We love that its carry bag can also double as a headrest pillow.
The Sunset Chair's carrying bag also doubles as a personalized headrest to maximize comfort. Credit: Trish Matheny
The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer is similarly lightweight, weighing just a few ounces more and packing away into a case nearly as small as that. Though heavier and not as packable, the Yeti Trailhead and ALPS Mountaineering King Kong also feature a backpack-style carry bag that makes portability a bit easier.
The King Kong is perhaps not the most packable at 14.1 lbs, but the backpack straps definitely helped us commute to a pretty vista for sunset. Credit: Trish Matheny
Camping chairs with weight and dimensions that put them in the middle of the pack are often great choices for transport. For example, the Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile weighs only 7 pounds and has both a handle on top of the carry bag and a single shoulder strap, making it a great choice when trying to get from the car to the campsite. The low-profile design also packs into a smaller carrying size of 8x26 inches, making it easier to store and increasing its portability.
Whether utilizing the strap for your hand located on top of the carry bag or throwing over your shoulder, the Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile is easy to use and transport thanks to its lightweight design. Credit: Trish Matheny
The ENO Lounger DL and the Nemo Stargaze Reclining also score well in this metric because of their similar abilities to be broken down into smaller segments and stuffed into a small carrying case. At 4.6 and 7.7 pounds, respectively, they're also reasonably light. For that matter, the 7.1-pound ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous is also a reasonably portable chair with a low profile.
Our testers also love the Kijaro Dual Lock, which has a built-in carry strap on the back of the frame that locks into place so you can still toss it over your shoulder, even if you forget your carry bag.
Camping chairs vary in their portability. We appreciate models that have bags with handles.
Although not the lightest chair in the lineup, or even close, really, the Nemo Stargaze is our favorite portable recliner, thanks to its 14-pound construction that easily fits inside the durable, roll-top, carry bag. While 14 pounds is a lot for a collapsible chair, it's pretty light considering the stability and versatility of the reclining design. The carry bag features a padded and adjustable shoulder strap to customize the fit for comfort, and it also includes handles to make it easier to maneuver the chair outside the bag or load it into a vehicle. If you're headed to a campsite with an open view of the stars, we think you'll love packing the Stargaze along for a relaxing weekend.
The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X remains easy to transport (despite its 14 pound frame) thanks to its carry bag with adjustable shoulder strap. Credit: Trish Matheny
Durability & Build Quality
Most folks are familiar with the adage “When you buy cheap, you buy twice”. We're always looking for durable chairs made from high-quality materials. To properly test these chairs' ability to stand up to real-life abuse, we stood on them and plopped very heavily into them. We sat in them and bounced up and down and in every direction. Some chairs barely moved. Some chairs nearly fell over. And some chairs were so creaky that we questioned how long they would last if treated this way consistently. We also scrutinized every seam, pole joint, and material to evaluate any wear and tear or potential flaws.
Unsurprisingly, the chairs in our tests rated to hold 500 pounds seemed to be more durable. After several months of testing, the steel frames and 600-denier nylon fabric construction of the King Kong (rated to 800 pounds!) and the Kelty Loveseat showed no signs of wear or tear. Their frames didn't shift or creak under load. And while their high-denier fabric is not as breathable as the mesh on some other chairs, it is more durable than most. Since both of these chairs were very popular with our testers, they sustained several ember burns from being around so many campfires. Despite these small, melted holes, the fabric showed no other signs of strain or wear.
Another chair worth mentioning is the Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat, which features a solid, high-quality design and supports up to 500 pounds. Our testing team exceeded that weight limit by more than double without permanently damaging the overall structure. Though the fabric is thinner and less padded than that of the Kelty Low and King Kong, durability remains high.
We take our quality testing very seriously. Our testing team piled many adults into each frame to carefully test the limit of the overall construction.
The Yeti Trailhead features a perforated, breathable material that resists UV damage. This luxurious chair is rated for 500 pounds. It returns your investment by providing a durable crossover frame that increases sturdiness and stability, with grippy feet that hold the chair in place. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the REI Flexlite, which is great for folks after a lightweight camping chair that, unfortunately, sacrifices some stability and durability. That said, we successfully piled three adults into the frame without causing permanent damage.
Although the REI Flexlite doesn't inspire the most confidence in quality and stability, it still supports the weight of 3 adults, far exceeding its capacity without permanent damage. Credit: Trish Matheny
The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X is one of the highest-quality designs we tested. The steel frame provides a stable base of support, while the 6 points of contact and rubberized feet help secure the frame. While we don't recommend “plopping” into this chair due to the auto-reclining mechanism, which could cause it to swing out from under you, we think you'll be able to use this design for many seasons ahead.
The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X design features high quality fabric on top of a well-crafted frame and 6 points of contact for increased stability. Credit: Trish Matheny
Setup & Extra Features
Ease of use encompasses how hard it is to set up and take down each chair and how well the features enhance (or not) the overall experience. After all, the odds of you wanting to take a chair with you anywhere are probably lower if it's challenging to set up or the features are aggravating. Fortunately, most of the chairs we tested were reasonably straightforward — even the more complex packable chairs were a cinch after a small learning curve.
Most traditional models, such as the ALPS King Kong, the GCI Comfort Pro, and the Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile, require only pulling apart two opposing vertical frame pieces to set up. The Mountain Summit Loveseat is similar to these traditional frames, but it seats two people and is easy to set up and break down despite its heavier design. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is also impressively easy — pull the two sides apart with a large, labeled handle, and you're good to go. We found this rocker much easier to use than the GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker. Additionally, our testers preferred the rocking mechanism on the Freestyle Rocker and found it felt more fluid than on the RoadTrip Rocker.
The Freestyle rocker pictured in the second frame features a more fluid rocking mechanism that was preferred by our diverse testing team.
While the Yeti Trailhead is somewhat more involved than simply pulling opposing corners, the instructions are easy to follow.
The instructions covering the spacious Yeti Trailhead armrests are easily removed once you grasp the intuitive setup. Credit: Trish Matheny
The super-portable models have a more elaborate setup. The Helinox Chair One and Sunset, ENO Lounger, the REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer and Flexlite, as well as the Onetigris Tigerblade all have a separate frame and fabric seat that had to be assembled. Most of them aren't difficult, but it's more involved than setting up any of the traditional chairs. We love options like the Tigerblade that don't require a fight to position the fabric over the frame.
Camping chairs like the Helinox Chair One are very portable yet require a little extra time to setup. While very easy to use, some take a little more muscle to secure the final attachment. Credit: Trish Matheny
A chair that we specifically wanted to call out in this category is the ENO Lounger DL. This chair has several poles arranged in an odd configuration, which we found complicated to assemble. It was always a long process to get everything back into its designated storage bag, and it never quite went the way we wanted. This is a chair we would leave set up and drag around to avoid the hassle of disassembly and reassembly. That said, as with anything, the process gets easier the more you do it.
Our testers preferred to leave the ENO Lounger set up rather than spend extra time and effort breaking down the complicated pole systems, which could be difficult to fit into their respective carrying cases.
The new and improved Nemo Stargaze EVO-X design is much more user-friendly than previous iterations; in fact, we were relaxing in less than a minute. Remove the chair from the carry bag, pull apart the steel frame and snap it into position, flip the seat, and voilà, you're ready to relax by the fire or beneath the stars. The Stargaze is no longer a hassle to assemble, making it our favorite portable recliner to set up in the backyard or the campsite when you're ready to kick back and relax.
The Nemo Stargaze EVO-X features a user-friendly setup and breakdown that will have you relaxing in less than a minute.
How to Choose a Camping Chair
The Search and Rescue site was the perfect location for testing camping chairs, our crew spent countless hours testing every detail of each model. Stu graciously tests the rocking chair performance of the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker which we prefer over the GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker. Credit: Trish Matheny
Types of Camping Chairs
Over the years, we've tested camping chairs in various shapes and sizes, as well as several niche designs for specific purposes. We found that each model could be classified into one of three types: traditional camping chairs, portable camping chairs, or specialty chairs. The more traditional camping chair designs tend to be heavier and less portable, while offering the greatest comfort. Chairs like the Best Choice Zero Gravity or Yeti Trailhead are great examples of traditional designs at their finest. [/faq]
Recliner options like the Best Choice Zero Gravity are better choices for those with space inside their RV or camper, or simply better left at home due to their heavyweight performance that maximizes comfort. Credit: Trish Matheny
Portable camping chairs tend to prioritize compact, lightweight portability at the expense of some comfort and durability. Camping chair options that specialize in portable performance tend to weigh less, pack down smaller, and use aluminum rather than steel in the frame construction. Models like the Helinox Chair One, the Helinox Sunset, and the REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer are great examples of portable options in this review.
Kick back and relax in the comfort of this compact and durable camp chair. Credit: Trish Matheny
Finally, specialty chairs provide a niche that crosses the line between packability and traditional chair options. The Nemo Stargaze Reclining is a great example of a specialty chair, as it's quite expensive and designed for reclining, allowing stargazers to enjoy the comfort of a camping chair. If you're interested in a less traditional model, such as a recliner or a rocking chair, they will likely fit into this category.
The Nemo Stargaze chairs are the perfect examples of niche designs that will make your friends jealous at the campsite.
Typical Uses for Camping Chairs
When purchasing your next camping chair, it is important to consider the specific use you expect it to serve. Are you interested in a packable design that is lightweight and compact so that you can sit comfortably in the backcountry? Are you looking for the most comfortable chair you can find for ultimate relaxation at home? Do you want a chair that offers upright positioning for better back support? The list goes on. Overall, our testers highlighted camping chairs that were perfect for the backcountry, the beach, and the campsite, as well as those that are better left at home.
It is important to consider the specific use for your camping chair as some options specialize in portability, while other options are heavy and better left at home.
Other Camping Chairs to Consider
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker - If you don't mind the additional weight and storage space of a full-size travel rocker, this is our favorite of all the rockers that we tested. The rocking mechanism is a smooth, hydraulic back-and-forth motion; the armrests are padded, and the cupholder is accessible. While not the lightest or most portable option, our testers love the comfort and relaxation this unique design offers.
Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat - This model may not have achieved the popularity of the Kelty Low Loveseat. Still, our testing team was impressed by the comfort for two that this construction provides at a more affordable price. If you find the Kelty difficult to get in and out of, the Mountain Summit Loveseat may be a better choice for you, thanks to its full-size leg design. Two seats provide ample space for you and your friends, and separate drink holders keep your favorite beverage accessible. It's 15 pounds, but if we were dragging it out of the trunk at the campground, we didn't mind one bit.
GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro Rocker This is rocker version of the GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro. How does it compare? For the extra rocking feature, you pay nearly double the price and incur a 3-4-pound weight penalty. But if you love reclining, this chair is amazing.
Compared to the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker, the Comfort Pro rocker offers slightly more traditional seat comfort but is a bit more expensive and much less compact when folded. Get the Freestyle Rocker if you love reclining but want to fold it into a compact package.
Helinox Sunset Chair - The Sunset chair is perfect for those who appreciate the packability and lightweight construction of the Helinox Chair One but prefer a higher backrest. This chair includes a clever feature — you can attach the carrying bag as a headrest for extra comfort during an afternoon of relaxation. The Sunset Chair weighs 3.2 pounds and packs into a travel-friendly package that could even be carried into the backcountry if you were willing to carry the weight for the luxury of a great seat. Just be aware that this packability and extra comfort come with a higher price tag.
Our diverse testing team spent hours evaluating various rocker designs and found the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker to be the superior choice. Credit: Trish Matheny
Conclusion
Our testers understand that selecting the most comfortable seat can make or break your outdoor experience, so we've highlighted our favorite models along with the best application for each design. Whether you're looking to relax, have a place to set your beverage, or want the best chair for lounging around the campfire, you'll find it in our review. To identify the best selection in the lineup, we evaluated each chair based on comfort, portability, durability, and user-friendliness. The best design is highly dependent upon your lifestyle and primary use of the chair, whether you're sunbathing, car camping, hanging at the campfire, or looking to relax on the back deck. We hope our comprehensive testing notes and evaluations help you select the best camping chair for your next adventure.
It's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it. Our testing team hopes that all our time testing their camping chairs helps you to better select the best option for your specific needs. Credit: Trish Matheny
