SIT BACK AND RELAX –
Sitting on the grass or forest floor can be fun, but less so when it’s damp after rain. This is where one of these best camping chairs can really help to enjoy your adventure outside. Whether you are camping on a mountain or simply enjoying an outdoor concert, one of the best camping chairs could be the difference between you enjoying the whole experience or you trying to find a place to rest.
Not every camping chair is made for everyone. Some people like larger seats, some people like their chairs to have some height, and some people like to have multiple cup holders because they love having drinks (no judgement here!). Thankfully, there are a ton of great camping chairs available with a wide variety of different features to choose from.
We have compiled a list of some of the best camping chairs in our buyer’s guide that cover a wide range of types, strengths, features, and prices. Follow our best camping chairs buyer’s guide that can help you make the right choice at the right price.
Find the best chair solutions for your camping family
Buying a camping chair sounds straightforward, right? It’s just a chair, after all. Wrong! It is not just a chair, it’s a vehicle for comfort and relaxation and there are several factors you need to consider before plopping down a significant amount of your hard-earned money. Don’t worry, all the factors will make sense once you’ve finished reading this guide.
The comfort factor
You are going to be spending a lot of time on your camping chair, so it makes perfect sense that it should be comfortable for you. As a guy with a wide build, a small chair would definitely be uncomfortable for me. Similarly, if you are purchasing a camping chair for a kid, it should be small and not too tall that the kid cannot sit by themselves in it.
However, camping chairs that are superbly comfortable are often bigger in size. If you have the space to carry and transport them easily, there is nothing better than a large, comfortable chair you can pop right outside the tent and enjoy the evening. Comfort is also subjective, so something that is comfortable for you may not be for someone else. Take some time to consider what is important to you to help you choose the most comfortable camping chair. For superb comfort factor check out the Alpha Camp oversized camping chair.
The budget
If you are one that goes camping regularly, investing in a good quality chair that is going to last a long time is the best way to go. However, if you rarely go or go just once or twice a year, getting a chair that gets the job done and doesn’t take a lot of storage space would be the best choice. There are a ton of budget camping chairs available, and many of them are made out of sturdy materials despite their low price. However, if you are going super low on the budget, you will sacrifice some of the features or build quality. We think the MARCHWAY ultralight folding camping chair delivers good return for your spend.
The weight
Weight is another important feature that often gets ignored while purchasing online. If there limited space in your car or truck then getting a lightweight camping chair make it a lot easier to transport. If you’re going on a hike and need to carry your equipment, a heavier camping chair is going to slow you down significantly. There is a lightweight category dedicated to making your life easier while transporting the camping chair, these lightweight camping chairs shrink drastically when they are folded up and packed. The frame, the fabric, and the structure are designed in such a way that the chairs don’t take a lot of space and are easier to carry by yourself.
Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing a camping chair is the folding mechanism. Some chairs simply fold flat, and some crumple up into a cylinder-like shape. The smaller the chair becomes when folded up, the easier it will be to carry around. The Cliq camping chair is crazy-light and about the size of a drink bottle when folded up.
Build quality
In my experience, the build quality is directly related to the price. However, are always exceptions to the rule and a number of camping chairs are priced reasonably well without sacrificing quality. But if you are looking for a good camping chair that is going to last you a couple of years, you are better off spending a little more on better material. Often the lightweight category doesn’t have sturdy materials simply because they are trying to keep the weight down.
The design and dimensions
Ground to seat height
There are a few factors to consider about the design and dimensions of the camping chair you are getting. First and foremost is the ground-to-seat height. If you want to take your camping chair to shows and concerts and don’t want people behind you to get annoyed, you should consider a low seat height. However, a lower seating position can be hard to get into and is a bit uncomfortable for longer durations of time. It’s a simple fact that the taller chairs are more comfortable if you are an average height person. The Sportneer portable lightweight folding camping chair is nice and low, great for festivals (and it comes in a pack of two!).
Back height
Another feature you need to consider is the back. A camping chair with a comfortable back should provide support for your back and neck. Most of the camping chairs are not going to be comfortable like a regular office or work chair, but the manufacturers try to make them as comfortable as they can. If you have back issues and need proper support, a camping chair with a higher back is the way to go. Combine that with a cushion, and you have very comfortable seating. Try the Pacific Pass Directors chair for good back support.
Leg design
The legs of a camping chair are much lighter than standard ones, and they are also designed to support different positions for easy portability. The legs are also sometimes made with light materials, so the overall chair is easier to carry around. In my personal experience getting a standard camping chair is the best way to go unless you are planning to walk a chair for a couple of miles, even for that there are dedicated backpacking chairs available. You don’t need an ultralight camping chair to enjoy your camping trip, a standard leg design is more than enough.
Extra features
Usually, camping chairs are just chairs, you can sit on them, and maybe play musical chairs with them, but there isn’t a lot you can do. However, there are some bells and whistles that can certainly make your sitting experience more pleasurable. One of the best features is a cup holder, this is a dedicated holder built inside one of the arms of the chair. Some fancy chairs even have two cup holders for double the drinks.
Some luxurious camping chairs also come with padding, that’s right, there are camping chairs that will make you take a nap simply because they are too comfortable. A friend that definitely wasn’t me fell asleep in a padded camping chair and had a moustache drawn on his face, so be aware of the consequences.
Some camping chairs also come with side pockets that are made out of mesh material. This allows you to hold some essential items with you while sitting. I usually place books inside the chair’s pocket when I’m not actively reading.
The best camping chair options
Even though all products on this list are chairs, they bring something unique to the table, pun not intended. We highly recommend that you browse through the whole list for an idea of what the market has to offer, and who knows, you may find multiple great camping chairs for your outdoor adventures.
Want to look at more chair options? Check out our buyer’s guide.
