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Sick of a numb bum and ready for comfort? We bought 17 of the best camping chairs and spent months rigorously testing each model side-by-side. We took these chairs camping in the desert, packed them into cars, carried them to family reunions, and napped in them on the beach.
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is the best overall due to its incredible comfort and ease of use at a fantastic price. It has storage in addition to cup holders. If you want to save a little more weight and money and are willing to sacrifice some comfort, the GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro is our best option for a tight budget.
We've also tested the best backpacking chairs if you need to go lighter and smaller than this review covers.
Editor's Note: Our camping chair review was updated on November 2, 2024, to include new products from Best Choice, Alps Mountaineering, Helinox, and more.
Fits just about anyone, comfortably padded seat, super robust, plenty of storage, simple to use
Durable and sturdy design, amazing comfort, quality fabric and materials
Seats two people, comfortable padded design, stable and durable, easy to set up and take down, handy cup holders
Highly packable, perforated fabric for better breathability, rubberized feet for stability, only weighs 2 pounds, higher weight capacity, easy to use, relatively affordable for a collapsible chair
Fully padded, backpack straps, easy to set up, stable
Seats two people, easy to use, stable design, two functional cupholders, no durability issues
DWR finish for water-resistance, side slits for additional venting, two pockets for drinks or small items, easy to use, easy to pack into spacious stuff sack

Lightweight and packable, comfortable, good neck and back support, durable ergonomic design
Carrying strap is built-in and easy to use, set-up is casual, exceptional support for your back, lightweight
More affordable recliner, comfortable, easy to use, solid design, functional accessories
Great price, excellent ventilation, solid structure, easy to use, easy to transport, lightweight
Easy to set up, tall angled back, supportive, high seat height, less expensive
Supportive, very durable, low profile, easy to use
Reasonably affordable for a recliner, padded armrests, adjustable footrest, easy to use, carry bag included, comfortable position for reclining
Supportive, easy to set up, wide, easy to get in/out of, reasonably priced, decent quality construction
Hammock-like comfort, many pockets and features, adjustable seat height, padded armrests, foot attachments prevent sinking in loose and sandy terrain, thick over-the-shoulder carry bag
Simple to use, attached cooler storage, inexpensive, single strap carry bag included, rubberized feet for stability
Easy to setup, backrest supports an upright position, good option for tailgating close to your car
Cons
Fairly large and heavy, holds water, not breathable
Very expensive, heavy
Poor ventilation, heavy, bulky
Frame lacks sturdiness, no padding, lightweight design sacrifices comfort
Very low to ground, narrow frame, no pockets
Heavy, bulky, design lacks padding for added comfort and insulation, armrests are not adjustable
Expensive, minimal accessories, stuff sack doesn't have straps
Expensive, no arm rests
Fabric can get dirty easily, cup holders could be larger
Heavy, requires lots of storage space, limited portability
Not adjustable, cupholder is an odd shape, low backrest encourages slouching
Very tall seat, limited pockets, no locking mechanism, long when packed
Very low to ground, no head/neck support
Chair is not functional except in recline, when unbuckled, the footrest is difficult to adjust and a tripping hazard, creates distance from campfire, cupholder limited to cans
Rockers need maintenance, a bit stiff for some, doesn't pack small, limited accessories, awkward to carry
Expensive, limited comfort beyond reclining position, difficult to pack into carry bag
Complicated pole system, less sturdy, cup holder tippy and shallow, not very comfortable, expensive
Not vary durable, doesn't easily fit into carry bag, poles feel rickety, "headrest" difficult to use, lacks comfort, cup holder only holds aluminum cans
Low quality, difficult to carry and breakdown, drink holders are shallow, lack of padding, small cooler leaks
Bottom Line
Our favorite among all contenders, this robust chair makes camp lounging a simple and comfortable affair
A favorite amongst our group of testers for its superior comfort, sturdy cross-over design, and lasting durability
Like a portable love seat, this two-person chair is surprisingly comfortable and durable for you and a friend
This lightweight design is perfect for those who are seeking a highly portable chair that can offer sufficient comfort thanks to a breathable and user-friendly design whether you're hanging in camp or packing it into the backcountry for an overnight
This low, fully-padded take on a classic lawn chair is great for taking to campfires and outdoor concerts with its backpack straps
Though one of the heavier chairs that we tested, the stable design provides seating for two at a more affordable price
Packability meets hammock-like lounging with nearly rocker-like movement in this lightweight, low-to-the-ground camping chair
With impressive upright support for the lumbar spine all within a compact and ergonomic design, this chair is our favorite for packability
Taking the slouch out of camping chairs, this highly supportive model is easy to get in and out of
Although this heavy design lacks some portability, it makes up for it in terms of seated and reclining comfort within a high quality construction
This affordable chair features a lightweight and unique design that maximizes comfort without skimping on durability and quality
A tall chair with a simple set up that's easy to use and less expensive to buy
This is a stable supportive chair with an exceptionally low profile for those times when you want to sit but still be discreet
While this is a solid choice for those looking for a more affordable recliner option, it doesn't function well as a chair and prevents you from getting close to the fire, limits the beverages it can hold, and it is heavy and cumbersome to carry
This is a supportive and easy to use rocking chair that's available for a reasonable price
Although it features a niche design with a very expensive price tag, if you find yourself gazing at the stars often, this chair offers a unique and supportive reclining position that sets it apart
If you want the comfort of a hammock without the hassle of trees or complicated hanging systems, this expensive chair provides low-to-the-ground comfort thanks to padded armrests and a headrest
While this camping chair is very affordable, the design lacks quality and promotes slouching
Unfortunately all of the positive attributes of this camping chair are overshadowed by the poor quality and lack of durability within the design
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is our favorite camping chair and one of two we deem the most comfortable. The King Kong has consistently been the first chair snagged whenever our test team gathers around a campfire. The slightly padded fabric makes it ideal for long lounging sessions, and the seat itself is exceptionally roomy — if a bit slouchy — with an incredibly stable frame. The listed weight capacity is 800 pounds, and as a result, the reinforced fabric is very durable. Testers appreciated all of the functional storage features, including two cup holders, two side pockets, and an additional small pocket behind the headrest. The setup of this chair is super simple and only takes a matter of seconds.
All this comfort and added reinforcement come at a cost. With extra features come several extra pounds, making the King Kong one of the heaviest single-person chairs in our lineup. It also doesn't offer a headrest, so it's not the best pick for an afternoon snooze. That said, we think this chair will stand up to all of your needs for camping, tailgating, fishing, or anything else. 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. Those looking to maximize comfort in a lightweight package should check out the Helinox Sunset, which also offers a personalized headrest.
The GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro is a simple chair that offers solid performance for less than you might expect. It has a fairly tall seat and back to match widely splayed arms, offering plenty of space to sit high above the ground. It's not the most supportive seat we 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. The angled back continues that level of support without making you feel like you're collapsing in on yourself the longer you sit. A mesh panel keeps air flowing across the spine even on a hot day, while a single cup holder perfectly fits your favorite refreshing 12-ounce canned beverage.
Unfortunately, there's nowhere to stash your favorite oversized tumbler on the Comfort Pro. Furthermore, there are no large pockets for snacks, magazines, or books — just one small pocket that's sized to hold your smartphone. With full-length crossed steel bars running the entire back of the chair, this chair becomes quite a long package, made slightly more awkward by the lack of adjustability of the carry strap. And for those with shorter legs, the 20-inch high front edge might lead to dangling feet. But if you're taller, larger-framed, or older and want a supportive seat that's easy to get out of, this budget-friendly model easily fits the bill. Shorter folks might prefer the inexpensive REI Co-op Skyward, which sits lower to the ground.
If you're looking for a luxurious camp chair to enhance your glamping experience, look no further than the Yeti Trailhead. This ultra-durable and ergonomic design features maximum comfort, making our testers want to trade this camp chair for their office chairs. The FlexGrid fabric is supportive of the body while also allowing for breathability due to the perforated material.
Everything about this chair speaks to luxury, from the intuitive and easy setup to the cross-over style, which enhances stability and sturdiness. The carry bag is thoughtfully designed and features not one but two straps, allowing for options depending on how far you need to carry. Even the zipper on the carry bag is heavy-duty and designed to last. Unfortunately, this chair is large and weighs 13.3 pounds, and the price tag is a bit shocking. However, our testers are certain you won't be disappointed in this investment if you want to purchase something for the long haul. Those who aren't ready to invest can still enjoy a comfy, stable, and durable seat at a fraction of the price with other options like the top-performing ALPS Mountaineering King Kong.
The Kelty Low Loveseat amazes us with its incredibly comfortable two-person design. This model was very stable, with a lower seating height than most traditional camping chairs. While the feet of our shorter testers rested comfortably on the ground, Kelty also makes a version that's several inches taller. Made of durable materials, this chair can stand up to the trials of seating multiple people and even dogs for extended periods. After three straight years of regular use and some severe sun exposure, it's fading a bit but is still as comfortable as the first day we got it. This chair has grown on our lead tester the longer she has owned it, a credit to its impressive longevity and comfort.
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. As a padded chair, it's also less breathable on a hot day, but with light colors, we hardly noticed. For its comfort and durability, as well as its ability to seat a couple of friends, we think this chair is worth considering. If you're shopping for a one-person design, the REI Co-op Skyward sports a breathable mesh that's great for hot weather.
The Helinox Chair One is the lightest and most packable camping chair that we tested. The perforated polyester seat material helps lighten the load of the design as well as provide more comfort on hot summer days thanks to increased breathability. Our testing team found themselves reaching for this chair when space was limited or we needed to be conscious of every ounce on a backcountry jaunt.
Although this design doesn't offer the comfort of padded material nor armrests, we're confident the durable design will make up for it in overall packability. Measuring 14 inches long and weighing in at only two pounds, the Chair One is the standard when it comes to lightweight and compact performance. If you're on a tight budget, the GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro is a great pick featuring armrests, but it's not nearly as lightweight.
The Helinox Chair One is by far the most packable option that we tested, yet boasts enough strength to withstand the elements thanks to durable 600D polyester fabric and anodized aluminum poles.
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 disperses pressure points, while the vents included in the seat increase overall comfort and breathability. The four leg construction helps enhance stability while the rubberized feet keep the chair in place, especially on slippery granite slabs. The pockets are versatile enough to hold a variety of beverages as well as keep small items within arm's reach. This iteration also offers a much easier assembly when compared to its predecessor.
Although this chair features a DWR finish that both increases durability as well as water resistance, it can run a little hot on summer days with lots of sun. The design also forgoes the comfort of armrests and the stuff sack doesn't feature a shoulder strap. That being said, the Flexlite Camp Dreamer is perfect for those who want the performance of a mid-size lounger, within a lightweight and packable design that's easy to use, no matter where you are. If you don't mind sacrificing a few accessories and a high backrest, check out the Helinox Chair One for an even lighter and more packable camping chair.
For anyone sick of that sports chair slouch, the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair is the model you've been waiting for. The frame holds the seat and back fabric taut by locking open to provide a firm foundation. A comfortably angled back panel promotes relaxation rather than rigidity. All this added support, along with one of the tallest seat heights we tested, make the Kijaro among the most natural chairs to stand up out of. And feel free to 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, it's easy to hoist it up and head out without carrying an additional storage bag.
The interesting design of this chair makes the folded package exceptionally long — just shy of four feet. The length makes it less ideal for stuffing in the trunk, though it's still more than doable. While previous iterations made us think twice about durability, we experienced no issues during our recent testing period. Time to ditch those chairs that promote slouching and experience the comfort of ergonomic and upright support the Kijaro is known for. Those who want both great back support and packability should check out the Helinox Sunset.
The Best Choice Zero Gravity Canopy Recliner quickly became the most coveted chair amongst our testing team. The chair features a heavyweight design that features a sturdy and durable metal frame complete with an adjustable headrest and sunshade. The chair prioritizes comfort whether you're seated or reclining thanks to a breathable textile that has a little flexion thanks to the bungee cord attachments. The frame features additional rubber grips on the legs for stability and grip on uneven terrain.
The Zero Gravity chair is not the best choice for those seeking a highly portable or lightweight camping chair. Although the chair easily slides into a folded position, it weighs in at 21 pounds (the heaviest in the review) and requires more space than most other chairs in this review. That being said, if you have a camper, RV, or pickup truck with adequate space to transport this bad boy, you will not be disappointed. 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 Best Choice Zero Gravity chair was easily the most coveted design that we tested, offering top notch comfort in a variety of positions while supplying enough durability to withstand the elements during a entire season at 9,000 feet.
Credit: Trish Matheny
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Our testing team combined humans of various shapes, sizes, and ages to consider the best use for each camping chair design that we tested.
Credit: Trish Matheny
How We Test Camping Chairs
We've researched and considered dozens of different models during our neverending search for the best camping chairs. We purchase every chair and use them to hang out with our friends for months of use. 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 details that matter in a camp chair, like 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.
To test all these camping chairs, we used four comprehensive metrics:
Comfort (40% of overall score weighting)
Portability (25% weighting)
Quality (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
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 amounts of time living out of backpacks and her teardrop trailer, arrangements where packable comfort items go a long way. Trish spent years living out of a popup camper and can appreciate durable gear that saves space without sacrificing optimal 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 recruited the help of friends and family to test and judge all the chairs 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, spanning ages 12 to 80 years old.
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 are useful luxury items that can be used while camping and barbecuing, hanging out on the sidelines of a soccer game, on the beach, or tailgating and enjoying outdoor concerts. However, not all chairs are made for the same style of use or comfort. We evaluated each model across myriad tests in four mutually exclusive, thorough metrics. How each one performs in every test then determines its score for that metric. Here we break down their performances by metric to get down to the specifics of each model.
What's the Best Value?
Usually, you get what you pay for. Not so with camping chairs. The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong was the top-scoring chair and was one of the best values. That said, if you want something lighter and about half the price, the GCI Comfort Pro is our top value choice. 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, upping its value by decreasing the price-per-seat cost.
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
Comfort
Comfort is our most highly weighted metric, accounting for 40% of the overall score for each camping chair. After all, deciding to buy a chair instead of sitting on a log, crashpad, or the ground means you probably value comfort quite a bit. So don't waste your money on one that isn't comfortable. 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 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. Though the Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat doesn't offer the same padded comfort as the Kelty, it is still quite comfortable and offers a higher position above the ground 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 locks into place, stopping the seat from sagging. The GCI Comfort Pro has a similar shape and design, but it lacks the locking mechanism of the Kijaro and is slightly less supportive because of it. Still, it offers more support than most in this category, making it easier to get in and get out of. Perhaps the most comfortable of all the chairs that feature a locking mechanism is the Yeti Trailhead. This camp chair stood apart from the competition thanks to its innovative FlexGrid fabric that offers a ton of comfort while also 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 increases rest day comfort while lounging around in 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 Tuolumne Search and Rescue team has anything to say about the comfort metric, the Zero Gravity was the coveted and most sought after design throughout the testing season. The Zero Gravity supplies excellent comfort 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
Portability
This metric is the second most important rating criterion that we evaluated, accounting for a quarter of each product's overall score. Given the variety of ways you can use a chair, it is mandatory to choose a product you won't mind moving and transporting. Factors that affect a chair's portability are its packed size, weight, carry bag, and overall transporting experience.
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 anodized aluminum frame technology offers durability without adding a ton of weight.
The Helinox Chair One prioritizes portability thanks to a lightweight and compact design, yet remains durable thanks to 600D polyester and an anodized aluminum alloy frame.
The Helinox Sunset Chair breaks down and folds into a surprisingly compact carry bag. Despite having a high back and being impressively durable, this model weighs just 3.24 pounds and is the one of the lightest chairs that we tested. If that's not enough, its carry bag can also double as a pillow for a personalized headrest.
The carry bag for this lightweight camp chair 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. We also appreciate the REI Co-op Outward Low Padded. It's fairly lightweight, and though it doesn't fit into a small compact package, it has backpack straps for hands-free carrying. While not as packable considering weights that exceed 13 pounds, 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
The ENO Lounger DL and the Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury 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 ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous is also a reasonably portable chair with a low profile.
The Nemo Stargazer chair features a very well-made carry bag for the 7 1/2 pound chair thanks to a durable zipper, adjustable shoulder strap, and long-lasting material.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Weighing in at 7.3 pounds, the REI Skyward is also a somewhat light model. It's a bit shorter than most traditional chairs, and we always felt that bringing it with us was totally worth it. 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 if you forget your carry bag.
One of the lightest and most packable camp chairs compared to one of the heaviest and highly featured camp chairs that we tested.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Quality
Like most things you spend money on, you want your chair to be made from high-quality materials and thusly durable. 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 had some creaky results that made us question how long they would last if consistently treated this way. We also scrutinized every seam, pole joint, and material to evaluate any wear and tear or potential flaws.
Unsurprisingly, the chairs rated to hold 500 pounds or more scored well here. 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 didn't show any 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 that some of the other chairs have, 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 and high-quality design that holds up to 500 pounds. Our testing team more than doubled that weight limit without permanently damaging the overall structure. Though the fabric is thinner and less padded than the Kelty Low and King Kong, the durability remains high.
Quality tested and approved thanks to five friends that were willing to pile onto the King Kong in order to exceed the 800 pound weight limit.
Figuring out how to fit all the friends.
Doing our due diligence to fully push the limits of this chair.
Now 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.
Though its mesh appears thin and less substantial, the REI Skyward has proven quite durable. It has a 300-pound capacity which is about average for this group, but it feels very solid and stable even when jumping into it. And though we don't recommend leaving your chair out for full seasons of UV exposure, this is one of the few models we've actually done this to. After over a year and a half of sitting outside in a high-elevation environment (5000 feet above sea level), the only difference in this chair is a slight fading of the canvas-like material. Another camp chair that features a perforated and breathable material that also resists damaging UV rays is the Yeti Trailhead. This luxurious chair is rated to 500 pounds and returns your investment by providing a durable cross-over frame that increases sturdiness and stability with grippy feet that hold the chair in place.
Plastic trim on the Skyward helps to strengthen the mesh design and increase the overall quality.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Ease of Use
Ease of use encompasses how hard it is to set up and take down each chair and how well the features work to 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 of the traditional models, like the ALPS King Kong, GCI Comfort Pro, and REI Skyward, only require pulling apart two opposing vertical frame pieces to be set up. The Mountain Summit Loveseat is similar to these traditional frames, yet features seating for two people and is easy to set up and break down despite its heavier design. The REI Outward Low Padded simply unfolds like an old-school folding chair. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is also impressively easy — just pull the two sides away from each other with a large labeled handle, and you're good to go. While the Yeti Trailhead is somewhat more involved than simply pulling opposing corners, the instructions make it easy to follow along.
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, and REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer 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.
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
Two chairs that we specifically wanted to call out in this category are the ENO Lounger DL and Nemo Stargaze Luxury Recliner. These chairs have several poles in an odd configuration that we found complicated. It was always a long process to get everything to fit back into its designated storage bags, and it never quite went how we wanted. These were the chairs we would leave set up and drag around to avoid dealing with disassembly and reassembly. That said, as with anything, the process gets easier the more you do it.
The saucer-like space of this camping chair helped prevent our testers from sinking deep in sand.
Our testers preferred to leave the ENO Lounger and Nemo Stargazer setup rather than spend extra time and effort breaking down the complicated pole systems that were difficult to fit into their respective carrying cases.
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.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Types of Camping Chairs
Over the years we've tested camping chairs of various shapes and sizes, along with several niche designs with specific purposes. We found that each model could fit into three different types, namely, traditional camping chairs, portable camping chairs, and specialty chairs. The more traditional camping chair designs tend to be heavier and less portable while supplying the greatest amount of comfort. Chairs like the Best Choice Zero Gravity or Yeti Trailhead are great examples of traditional designs at their finest.
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 and lightweight performance while sacrificing some comfort and durability. Camping chair options that specialize in portable performance tend to weigh less, pack down smaller, and offer aluminum instead of steel in the construction of the frame. 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 specializes in a recliner position for those who want to gaze at the stars while experiencing 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 Stargazer is the perfect example of a niche specialty design; this expensive chair is comfortable only when fully reclining and checking out the stars.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Typical Uses for Camping Chairs
When considering the purchase of your next camping chair, it is important to consider the specific use you will expect the chair to provide. Are you interested in a packable design that is lightweight and compact so that you have the option to sit comfortably in the backcountry? Are you interested in the most comfortable chair you can find for ultimate relaxation in the comfort of your own home? Are you interested in chairs that offer upright positioning for better back support? The list goes on. Overall, our testers highlighted camping chairs that were perfect for the backcountry, the beach, the campsite, and those that are better left at home.
While the heaviest design that we tested, the chair does easily fold into a thinner frame that can be easily loaded into a compact car, pickup truck, or RV.
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.
The luxury of having a comfortable seat while camping or lounging in your backyard can add a lot to the outdoor experience. In addition to making relaxing, eating, and drinking more comfortable, you can maximize your lounging enjoyment. To find the best overall competitor in our fleet, we rated each one's comfort level, size, portability, durability, and ease of use. Whether you're car camping, lounging around the campfire, or sunbathing after a dip in the deep blue, the best model for you will ultimately depend on your lifestyle.
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.
