Best Camping Chairs 2021
In this Guide
For some people, camping is an opportunity to stretch their legs on a hiking trail, go hunting, and get absorbed with nature. For others, it is a way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re more of the latter type, a comfortable camping chair is a must. By comfort not only do we mean relaxation but also comfort in terms of affordability and transport. Here are some of the best camping chairs of 2020:
Factors to consider while buying a camp chair
While you’re on the hunt to buy a camp chair make sure to consider the following factors to find the ideal chair, which matches all your requirements:
1. Comfort
Comfort is a subjective term, especially when it comes to camp chairs. The most comfortable camp chairs are the ones with tall backs, farther off the ground, and offer the best support and stability. Additional features include cup holders, storage pockets, and the ability to recline. Chairs that have proven to be exceptionally comfortable include Alps Mountaineering King Kong, GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker, Kelty Low Loveseat, and the Helinox Beach Chair.
2. Budget
Camping is a recreational activity for most people, therefore people prefer camp chairs which are light on their pocket. For example, the Coleman Quad Chair is available for less than $30 on Amazon and offers high levels of comfort and support, and it’s also durable, holding up after many years as well. The REI Camp X chair is also light on your pocket and comfortable as well.
3. Weight
Weight is one of the most important factors to consider while buying a camping chair. In a lightweight chair all chair dimensions shrink, the fabric and frames become thinner, and the chair packs up to fit inside a carry bag. The best camping chairs which fit in this category include: REI Co-op Flexlite line and Helinox Chair Zero.
4. Material
The price and material of a chair are correlated. Budget camping chairs, such as, the Coleman Oversize Quad is durable and reliable. Backpacking chairs are slightly more expensive because they’re made of aluminum, with thin frames. The best chairs for this category are REI Co-op Camp X or Alps Mountaineering King Kong.
5. Ground to seat height
The ground to seat height depends on the type of event you’re going too. If it’s a concert, then low seats are ideal because you won’t be blocking the view of those sitting behind you. However, low seats can be uncomfortable, especially for tall people. So make sure your seat is approximately 5-9 inches of the ground. For events where seating height is not an issue, he King Kong and Coleman Oversized Quad are best because they are approximately 18 inches off the ground.
6. Seat Back Height
The seat back height is a direct indication of how comfortable the chair is. The seat height also determines the amount of support given to your neck and back. Backpacking chairs do not fit the criteria of neck and back support because they are focused on being lightweight. Chairs with the ideal seat back height are large camping chairs, such as, Coleman’s Oversized Quad, Alps Mountaineering’s King Kong, and Kijaro’s Dual Lock Folding chair.
7. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is correlated with the seat size and stability of the chair. Comfort seekers and larger campers should stick to chairs with higher weight capacities, such as the King Kong Chair. Minimalists, should go for REI Co-op Flexlite, which weighs only 250 pounds.
8. Stability
The stability of the chair depends on the leg design. Backpacking chairs are light weight but they often have un-conventional leg designs, making them lose balance, as demonstrated in the REI Co-Op Flexlite. Traditional camp chairs, like the REI Co-op Camp X and Alps Mountaineering King Kong offer the most foolproof structure- they are ultra-solid and stable.
9. Storage
Traditional camp chairs do not come with built in features mostly. However, certain camp chairs come with built in cup holder and side mesh pockets. Both these features come in very handy to store objects. The Coleman’s Oversized Quad takes a leap and comes with a built in cooler.
10. Ease of Setup
The ease of setup refers to how simple it is to assemble and de-assemble a chair. Almost all chairs are easy to assemble. Traditional camping chairs such as the ALPS King Kong and REI Camp X are the easiest to assemble as they only require pulling apart two opposing vertical frame pieces to be set up. These are followed by the GCI Freestyle Rocker and the Kijaro Dual Lock Chair. Chairs which are relatively difficult to assemble include Helinox, ENO Lounger, and Nemo Stargaze. The Helinox, ENO Lounger, and Nemo Stargaze Luxury Recliner are the most difficult to assemble, due to the poles and odd configuration.
Most comfortable camping chairs
1. Best Camping Chair for a bad back
I. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Durable and sturdy |
 Heavy and bulky |
| Insulated |
Dries slowly |
| High seat |
Not easy to move around |
| Adjustable armrests |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 800 lbs
- Product weight: 13 lbs
- Dimensions: 38 x 20 x 38 inches
- Frame: steel
Product description:
The King Kong Chair is one of the strongest and most durable chairs found in the market. It can support up to 800lbs easily. I winters, the chairs quilted cushions will insulate your body, so your back won’t get cold and you won’t get a backache. However, the chair heavy and bulky, make it hard to non-potable. It also takes quite some time to dry when wet and may get too warm in the summers.
Rating: 4/5
2. Best Camping Chair with a footrest
I. BCP Zero Gravity Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leg support and high back and headrest |
Heavy and bulky |
| Sturdy and durable |
Expensive |
| Reclines |
|
| Breathable and quick-drying |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 250lbs
- Product weight: 17lbs
- Dimensions: 32.5 x 25 x 33.5
- Frame: steel
Product description:
The BCP zero gravity chair is one of the most comfortable chairs available in the market- it has a high back with a headrest, neck pillow, reclining options, and full leg support. With the lockable reclining system, the chair glides into an ergonomic zero-gravity position, after which the chair automatically adjusts according to your body weight. Additional features include a removable tray, cup holders, phone holders, and a tablet holder. Despite this, the chair is not compact and very heavy to carry.
Rating: 4.5/5
II. Alps Mountaineering Escape
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with an adjustable and removable footrest |
Low weight limit |
| Comes with a cup holder |
|
| Easy to transport and carry |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 225 lbs
- Product weight: 10 lbs
- Dimensions: 32 x 26 x 41 inches
- Frame: steel
Product description:
The Alps Mountaineering Escape is a traditional looking, sturdy 600-denier polyester fabric and powder-coated steel frame camp chair, with a low weight limit of 225 pounds. What makes this chair unique is the adjustable and removable footrest to match your height. The compact foldable design, coupled with a carry bad makes transportation and storage easier.
Rating: 4.5/5
3. Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable |
Bulky |
| Sturdy and durable |
Long packed size |
| Comfortable |
|
| Breathable and quick-drying |
|
| Comes with cup holders |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
- Product weight: 9.5 lb
- Dimensions: 26 x 35 x 37
- Frame: steel
Product description:
It is a simple yet comfortable chair, giving you a premium seating experience with no-sag seating, durable diamond ripstop polyester, and breathable mesh on the seatback. It is approximately 19 inches off the ground, making it comfortable for tall and average-height adults. The chair is portable and comes with shoulder straps, making it easy to carry. Other features include a cup holder and a carry bag.
Rating: 4.5/5
4. REI Camp X Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable |
The cup holder isn’t secure for small bottles or cans. |
| Comfortable |
|
| Breathable mesh construction |
|
| Dries quickly |
|
| Large cup holder |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Product weight: 7 lbs.
- Dimensions: 31 x 31.25 x 20
- Frame: steel
Product description:
REI Camp X Chair is another simple yet affordable and comfortable camping chair suitable for hot weather. It is made up of a very breathable mesh with supporting webbing straps, keeping you cool on hot days. It also dries quickly if it gets wet. The chair also comes with cup holders which can accommodate large bottles as well. The drop-down pockets are also useful for holding other items, such as cellphones. The chair comes with a stuff sack, making transportation and storage easier.
Rating: 4.25/5
5. NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High back/ headrest with a pillow |
Expensive |
| Reclines and rocks slowly |
Slightly time-consuming to setup |
| Breathable and quick-drying |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Product weight: 6 lbs
- Dimensions: 45.5 x 36 x 25.5
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
This chair is famous for its comfort and uniqueness. The Stargaze Recliner Luxury swings smoothly and gently, with a relaxing motion and the comfy high back cradles your head and neck. The chair comes with a built-in auto-reclining feature- all you need to do is lean back and shift your body weight, while the chair finds the perfect angle. The high price of the chair is compensated by its durability, sturdiness, and portability. The Water-resistant mesh resists the buildup of odor-causing bacteria and stands up to sun exposure. Additional features include padded armrests, cup holders and a stash pocket
Rating: 4.5 /5
Lightweight Camping chairs
1. Lightweight portable chair
I. REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and compact |
No armrests |
| High back headrest with detachable pillow |
Takes a while to setup |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Product weight: 3lbs
- Dimensions: 36.5 x 23 x 12.5 inches
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
The REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer is a portable, lightweight, and compact, with a high back and detachable pillow. The seat eliminates tension zones, making it suitable for all types of bodies. It is easy to set up and the seat is abrasion and water-resistant, preventing moisture and stain buildup. The absence of armrests is compensated by the elbow rests and pockets.
Rating: 4.5/5
II. Helinox Chair Zero
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very light and compact |
No armrests or cup holders |
| Portable |
Low seat |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 265 pounds
- Product weight: 1 lb
- Dimensions: 8 x 9 x 10 inches
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
The Helinox Chair Zero is one of the most luxurious camping chairs out there. Not only is the chair as light as a feather, it is resistant to harsh weather conditions and UV rays. The seat material is washable and the chair comes with a 5-year warranty. However, due to its minimalistic features, the chair isn’t ideal for campfires.
Rating: 4.5/5
III. Helinox Sunset
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and compact |
Expensive |
| High backrest |
No armrests or cup holders |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 320lbs
- Product weight: 3lbs
- Dimensions: 23.2 x 28.7 x 38.6 inches
- Frame: DAC Aluminum
Product description:
The Helinox Sunset Chair is amongst the lightest chairs with a high back and a headrest, making it one of the most comfortable chairs available also. Due to a single shock-corded pole structure, you can set up the chair within seconds. The chair is also equipped with breathable mesh on the back and sides, as well as a storage sack. For increased comfort, a Helinox pillow is also available.
Rating: 4.75/5
IV. REI Co-op Flexlite
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and compact |
Not very comfortable |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Product weight: 1lb
- Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 20 inches
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
For a seat weighing 1 pound only, the REI Co-op Flexlite is comparatively comfortable and at a seat height of 11 inches, making it tall enough for most. The latest model has a ripstop seat instead of a mesh, which eliminates tension zones and provides comfort to a wider range of bodies. The seat is also abrasion resistant and has a durable water repellent finish to prevent moisture buildup and stains. The seat also folds down easily and can be stuffed in the complimentary carry bag. The only downside to the REI Co-op Flexite is that cup holders and armrests are missing.
Rating: 4/5
Best folding camp chairs
1. Smallest folding camp chair
I. Crazy Creek Hex 2.0
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight |
Legless |
| Packs down very small |
Not extremely comfortable |
| Very durable |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Product weight: 1 lb
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 15.5 x 16.5 inches
- Frame: 70D coated ripstop nylon.
Product description:
The Crazy Hex 2.0 is an affordable legless chair most suited for hiking, backpacking, camping, boating, and stadium use. Since it’s legless, it can also be used as a mat. The 8mm high-density cored EVA closed-cell foam provides maximum insulation and comfort without added bulk. The outer shell is made of durable 210D coated ripstop nylon, which protects it from the wet ground. The chair also roles up to only a 4-inch diameter with an attached strap for carrying. To add to all these unique qualities, the chair also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Rating: 4.5 /5
II. Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable |
No armrests or cup holders |
| Very lightweight and portable |
Low seat |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 242 pounds
- Product weight: 2lb
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
Day trips and backpacking is made easier with the Moon Lence Chair! Not only is it light on your pocket, but it is also lightweight, compact, and portable. It packs down small and is very easy to carry. However, it doesn’t have armrests or cup holders. The missing armrests and cup holders are compensated by the ergonomic seat design, made up of soft and breathable net, which makes sitting very easy and comfortable. The chair is also super easy to clean as it can be washed with soapy water.
Rating: 4.4/5
III. Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Carry strap attached to the back |
Stains easily |
| Angled back |
Very long when packed |
| Locking mechanism makes it more stable |
Not overly durable |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300lbs
- Product weight: 9.8lb
- Dimensions: 35.40 x 26.00 x 37.40 Inches
- Frame: steel
Product description:
Kijaro is a replacement for your average camping chair. By locking open, the frame holds the seat and back fabric taut to give a firm foundation, and the seat is situated well above ground level. The back is comfortably angled, retaining its cozy feeling. The chair is also equipped with adjustable shoulder straps, eliminating the need for carry straps. It also comes with attached cup holders and a side storage pocket. On the flip side, the chair isn’t very durable.
Rating: 3.5/5
IV. Helinox Swivel Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stable construction |
Expensive |
| Can swivel |
Pushing the weight limit for backpacking |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 265 pounds
- Product weight: 2lbs
- Dimensions: 21 x 20 x 28.3 inches
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
The Helinox Swivel Chair brings the comfort of your home chair outdoors. The chair is comfortable and very supportive considering its size. This lightweight folding and camping chair has a single-pole structure and is very easy to setup. Additional features include breathable mesh on the sides and a storage sack with a daisy chain included.
Best Portable Chairs Rating: 4.5/ 5
1. Best portable chair for a sporting event
I. Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Super durable |
Expensive |
| Comfortable |
Heavy |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
- Product weight: 13 lbs
- Dimensions: 30 x 36 x 25 inches
- Frame: FlexGrid fabric for seat
Product description:
Despite being expensive, the Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair is ideal for sporting events, camping, and concerts. Not only is it durable and comfy but it is sufficiently large and easy to fold, with a sleek design. The supportive, UV rayed FlexGrid fabric is comfortable when you are taking off load. Additional features include an adjustable cup holder and a hand carry bag.
Rating: 4.8/5
II. REI Flexlite Camp Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-light and compact |
No armrest or cup holder |
| Breathable |
Low seat |
| Dries quickly |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Product weight: 1lb
- Dimensions: 25 x 20 x 20 inches
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
The Flexlite Camp Chairs is amongst the most portable chairs available for backpacking and camping. The seat eliminates the tension zones and provides comfort all for body sizes. The 4 legged design makes the chair stable and the chair folds down easily. The seat is abrasion resistant and water repellent, which prevents moisture from seeping in.
Rating: 4/5
Camping Seats
I. Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and durable |
Not breathable |
| Insulated and adjustable cup holders |
No center armrest |
| Multi-use carrying case |
Heavy and bulky |
| Affordable |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 500lbs
- Product weight: 15lbs
- Dimensions: 44 x 23.5 x31.5
- Frame: steel
Product description:
The Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat is the perfect camping seat for two. It is durable with a strong steel frame, thick quilted fabric, and quality construction. It has a low base, approximately 13.5 inches off the group, and a slightly reclining design. However, the chair is a bit heavy and difficult to move around. The carrying case wraps around the chair and buckles, making it easy to pack up. The case has multiple uses- it can be used to carry firewood or serve as a ground cloth as well. Additional features include adjustable armrests and insulated cup holders.
Best Outdoor Chairs Rating: 5/5
I. Amazon Basics Camping Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable and comfortable |
Bulky |
| Padded seat and back |
Not breathable or quick-drying |
| Built-in water cooler |
Less durable than other chairs |
| Comes with cup holders and a storage pocket |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300lbs
- Product weight: 8lbs
- Dimensions: 38 x 24 x 36 inches
- Frame: steel
Product description:
The Amazon basic camping chair is one of the affordable and simple camping chairs, with a fully cushioned seat and back for comfort. It also comes in different sizes to accommodate a variety of body shapes. The heavy-duty steel frame makes it durable. The chair folds up and can easily fit inside your car trunk. Additional features include a Built-in beverage-cooler pouch, cup holders, and storage pockets. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Rating: 4.5/5
II. GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rocking motion |
Heavy/ bulky |
| Sturdy |
Flimsy cup holder |
| Durable |
Slightly shallow seat |
| Comfortable |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Product weight: 13lbs
- Dimensions: 31 x 26 x 24
- Frame: Powder-coated steel
Product description:
The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocking Chair is famous for its comfort and durability. The Patented Spring-Action Rocking Technology delivers smooth rocking motion anywhere outdoors and the taut seat provides the perfect back support. The chair also comes with padded armrests and a built-in cup holder. However, it isn’t quite portable and is bulky, making it difficult to fit in small cars.
Rating: 4.5/5
III. Helinox Beach Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stable in sand |
Expensive |
| Portable |
Difficult to setup |
| Comes with an attached pillow |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300lbs
- Product weight: 3.3lbs
- Dimensions: 27 x 24.5 x 3.5 inches
- Frame: Aluminum
Product description:
The Helinox Beach Chair has all characteristics you desire to have in a chair- its portable, comfortable, and durable. That’s not all, it also comes with a storage sack and an attached pillow. Despite being low, the flat legs will keep your feet away from the sand. The only downside for the Helinox chair is its overall cost and the fact that it’s difficult to assemble.
Rating: 4/5
IV. Therm-a-Rest Uno
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight |
Not very practical |
| Can turn into a table |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 250 lb.
- Product weight: 2lbs
- Dimensions: 14 x 16 x 21 inches
- Frame: 6000-series aluminum
Product description:
The Therm-a-Rest Uno Camp chair is a low slung chair designed especially for camping, outdoor concerts, and traveling. The unique feature for the Uno chair is the solid disc base which provides a concrete base and stores the leg and seat for transportation. Another hack is inserting the poles into the bottom side of the disc, turning the camp chair into a small table! The chair also packs into a compact disc that fits in your bag.
Rating: 4 /5
V. ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and durable |
Not very comfortable for campsites |
| Reclines |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Product weight: 6.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 14 x 20 x 24 inches
- Frame: steel
Product description:
The ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair is a low seat ideal for outdoor concerts or the beach. The Sturdy powder-coated steel frame and TechMesh Fabric offers stability and breathable comfort, allowing you to lean back, relax, and enjoy. It comes with a storage bag and is easy to collapse and carry. This chair is guaranteed to last for a long time. The only thing missing is cup holders, otherwise, the ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair is a standout in terms of comfort, durability, and price.
Rating: 4.5/5
Best RV Camping Chairs
I. Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable |
Less durable |
| Breathable mesh back to keep you cool on sunny days |
Upright back makes it uncomfortable |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Product weight: 5lbs
- Dimensions: 35.5 x 8 x 8 inches
- Frame: steel
Product description:
The Coleman Broadband Mesh portable folding chair is the ideal chair for campfires without being exhausting your pocket. The nylon mesh fabric on the back makes it breathable and triggers a cooling process. The chair has a built-in cup holder and comes with a carry bag as well. However, due to its upright backrest, the chair is a bit uncomfortable.
Rating: 4.5 /5
II. Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable and comfortable |
Not as good as the King Kong Chair. |
| Comes with a built-in cooler, cup holders and storage pocket |
Features at a Glance:
- Weight capacity: 325lbs
- Product weight: 9lbs
- Dimensions: 24 x 37 x 40.5 inches
- üFrame: steel
Product description:
The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair checks all the boxes for a comfy camp chair. Not only does it have a 24 inches wide, roomy, full cushioned seat, it also has a fully cushioned back, 4 can coolers, 4 cup holders and a side storage pocket. The collapsible folding design makes it easy to transport and store. The steel frame also make it last for a long time. For the given price, the Coleman Chair is likely to overthrow its competitors.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Conclusion
Having the luxury of owning the perfect camp chair is rare indeed. They not only improve your outdoor experience but they also make relaxing, eating and drinking a lot easier. While hunting for your ideal camping chair make sure you have a relatively flexible budget, and compare the comfort level, along with size, portability, durability, and ease of use of each chair.
