When you tell someone you're bringing along a camping chair for your weekend adventure, most of us picture a heavy folding chair that's so-so to sit in and can get put in a carry case and slung over your shoulder to take along. But that's just scraping the surface of what a camping chair can be! In reality, you no longer have to give up convenience or comfort to spend the weekend lounging at a campground or on the beach. Just like you, we are stoked that new options are out there for setting your bum in the outdoors. But how many options there are! It's almost overwhelming how many types and styles (and prices) of camping chairs exist in today's market. You can pick up camping chairs not just from an outdoor store, but from a grocery store, general shopping center, and even a gas station.
However, as you may have surmised, not all chairs are created equal. Fortunately for you, we have done the legwork to get you matched with the chair that will best suit your needs. We have researched and tested waves of chairs, not once, not twice, but several times over multiple years and hundreds of hours of lounging to bring you the best chairs out there. We used these chairs to car camp, hang at the beach, cheer on our favorite sports teams, enjoy backyard barbeques, and at crowded game and movie nights. We tested these chairs to the max and rated them on their comfort (obviously), portability, ease of assembly, and durability. This article is meant to guide you through the surprisingly challenging process of choosing the right camping chair to suit your needs. If that sounds like what you're aiming for, then read on!
Types of Camping Chairs
We tested a couple of types of chairs, as well as a handful for specific purposes. Mostly, though the chairs we tested can be divided into more traditional camping chairs, packable models, and specialty chairs. Mostly, the traditional chairs were a bit higher from the ground and weighed more, while the packable chairs tended to be a bit smaller, a bit lighter, and require a bit more set-up. The specialty chairs are somewhere in between and are made with more specific lounging styles in mind, like swinging or rocking. If you're searching for a camping chair with more space, that's easier to get in and out of, and a cinch to set up, you're probably searching for a traditional camping chair. If you're looking to carry this chair a mile down the beach, cart it around to all your friends' summer get-togethers, or take it along on your mountain bike adventure, you're probably going to be happier with a packable chair, or even a backpacking model.
Related: Best Backpacking Chair of 2024
We found that traditional camping chairs are a bit more comfortable and less portable. Most of them have higher seats, making them easier to get in and out of, which is great if you've got sore knees, are tall, or just generally not interested in sitting less than a foot off the ground. These models also tend to be larger, giving you more space to move around and find several comfortable positions.
These chairs are also easier to set up - most required simply pulling two sides apart to extend the frame and voila! However, these chairs tend not to be particularly portable, easily weighing more than 10 pounds. This isn't too much to handle if you're only chucking it out of the back of your van or walking across a parking lot, but if you're heading half a mile down the beach, this amount of weight is going to feel more noticeable with each step.
The packable models are - you guessed it, packable! For the most part, they are relatively small and lightweight. As these products break down further than traditional models, they also require more time and effort to put back together. The fabric comes off the poles, and the poles break down into smaller segments to fit into an included carrying case.
We also tested some specialty chairs, some of which cross boundaries into packable or more traditional style chairs. Specialty designs typically prioritize a niche design purpose such as beach-going, stargazing, or reclining. These options are often more expensive and for those seeking a very specific purpose for their camping chair. Some companies are even featuring portable rocking chair designs for those who want upright support, padded armrests, and the ability to rock and roll in their campsite.
Typical Uses for Camping Chairs
To help guide your purchase, we first recommend considering how you might use your camp chair. Below, we list several typical use scenarios.
Car Camping & Tailgating
These activities demand a lot of comfort. Car camping and tailgating typically don't involve a lot of walking, so bulk and size aren't much of an issue. Superior value and durability are always preferred, but let's face it: after a long day of hiking or climbing, you don't want to collapse into the chair that is the best bargain, you want to sit in the model that is the most comfortable. Chair designs that offer more square footage in the seat and backrest, feature additional padding in the seat, armrests, or provide a headrest can really up the ante when it comes to comfort. Other comfortable and luxurious options feature a flexible polyester or nylon that helps to evenly disperse your body weight throughout the fabric, alleviating any pressure points and therefore increasing the comfort of the design. These chairs are often more expensive and become the coveted seat of the testing team.
Beach
Bringing a camp chair to the beach is an excellent way to read, sunbathe, and lounge all day long (without getting sandy or straining your neck to read). For beach use, we recommend seeking out a mesh chair and trying to choose a lighter color that won't get too hot in the sun. The mesh will keep you well-ventilated as you soak up the sun. It's also important to purchase a chair with a wide base or wide feet or to plan ahead to find ways to keep your chair from sinking into the sand while you lounge. We did find that some models without these wide feet can be easily fitted with discs or other add-ons to keep them from sinking until you're resting on the ground.
Excellent beach day options often weigh in at less than half the weight of their traditional counterparts. These designs are typically close to the ground, provide a ton of comfort to better promote relaxation, while also offering a lot of space accommodate a variety of body shapes and sizes. Chair designs that feature a breathable mesh in the construction are great options for the beach, as the breathable mesh will dry faster than other thicker nylon designs. If your chosen beach is unusually hot, or you anticipate a lot of sand getting tossed your way, mesh options can be a great consideration. Additionally, chairs with well-designed feet to prevent sinking combined with a low weight and size, can become your favorite beach day accessory.
Hanging Out in Your Own Backyard
Your backyard, patio, porch, balcony, or whatever outdoor space you have is a space most of us cultivate to both look and feel like a fun or relaxing space to enjoy the great outdoors from the comforts of our own homes. While you may choose to put patio furniture, a hammock, or even your old couch outside, an excellent camp chair may also do the trick.
This is where a lot of those specialty models come into play. Love your living room rocking chair? Some companies are now providing designs that have spring-loaded rockers that supply upright positioning along with the ease of sitting and getting out of a higher seat. Want to kick back and stare into the night sky while contemplating whether or not we're alone in the universe? There's niche chair designs built specifically for that purpose. Inviting over some friends to roast marshmallows over the fire pit? Consider a loveseat option that will keep you cozy side by side as you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Additional Considerations
Now that you've considered what activities you might like to use a camping chair, start thinking about how those uses may translate into your specific needs. For example, do you have kids? If so, storing your belongings within easy reach may be an essential feature for you. From snacks to sunscreen, you need quick and easy access to an array of necessary items. If you live in a rainy climate or plan on using a chair for water activities, make sure to check out the models that dry the fastest. For particularly tall or older shoppers, maybe consider some of the models with higher seat measurements. They are significantly easier to get in and out of and will make you more inclined to want to use the chair. Looking for the most portable option? Be ready to sacrifice a little bit of comfort and accessories to keep the design compact, lightweight, and easy to transport.
Special Features
The final decision to make when purchasing a camping chair is whether or not you want extra bells and whistles with your chair. Several of the chairs we tested have additional features, from as simple as a small pocket or adjustable headrest to as complicated as cup holders, multiple laptop-sized storage compartments, and padded armrests. In general, the packable models tend to have fewer features, but even still we found a few that can hold a phone, book, or beverage nearby or cradle our heads with a nice headrest. The traditional models more frequently have extra features including insulated cupholders, high supportive backs, and over-sized storage compartments with extra pockets to keep organized. Yes folks, camping chairs these days can do so many things!
We hope this article helps you to find the chair that's right for you. Read up on the chairs that interest you to find your perfect new bum-holder!
