Trust us: A good camping chair is far more comfortable than sitting on a cooler. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Camping is the ultimate way to unplug, unwind, and spend time with friends. And while we love hiking, biking, and all of the adventures that go along with camping, one of our favorite parts is sitting around the campfire with friends and family. As kids, we’d spread out a blanket and call it good, but as an adult, good camping chairs make all the difference.
Camping chairs make everything more comfortable and, therefore, more enjoyable, and who doesn’t want that? Sure, it’s something else to lug around, but having somewhere to park when your legs are tired is worth its weight in gold. And these days, there are plenty of options out there, from fully decked-out thrones to lightweight stools, and even camping couches!
We got our hands on the best camping chairs of 2024 and tested them on many trips to camp, the beach, and the backcountry. Read on for our top picks as well as our honorable mentions. And if you’re curious about how these chairs stack up against one another, take a look at our Comparison Table. Or, if you’re wondering what to look for in a solid camping chair, check out our Buyer’s Guide.
The Best Camping Chairs of 2024
Best Overall Camping Chair: ALPS Mountaineering Getaway
Best Lightweight Camping Chair: NEMO Moonlite
Best Luxury Camping Chair: YETI Trailhead
Best Budget Camping Chair: Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad
Most Comfortable Camping Chair: NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
Best Double Camping Chair: Kelty Low Loveseat
Best Overall Camping Chair
ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair ($81)
Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat Height: 12 inches
Pros: Built-in arm cooler pocket, breathable mesh fabric
Cons: Sits low to the ground
At first glance, we didn’t think we were going to love the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair. But after testing, it turns out to have everything we could possibly want in a camping chair, and then some.
The Getaway Chair sports a powder-coated steel frame that is compact and foldable. The mesh fabric is breathable and quick drying, which is a big plus for us as we’re frequently in and out of the water. In addition to a cup holder, the Getaway Chair has a built-in arm cooler pocket that is the perfect size for stashing a few drinks. At the end of the day, the entire thing packs into a backpack-style carrying pack, which makes it easy to transport. This chair sits a little low to the ground, which could be a problem for some but was a non-issue for us.
If you do a lot of your camping near water or an area that is especially warm, you will love the breathability of the Getaway Chair. Plus, the low-to-the-ground design allows you to really lean back, relax, and drink in the view. In the end, the features plus the great price on this ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair made it our top pick.
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NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair ($160)
Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat Height: 10.5 inches
Pros: Lightweight, durable, made from recycled materials
Cons: Challenging to set up at first
Ideal for lingering over campfires deep in the backcountry, the NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair combines packability and comfort into one lightweight chair. The quality of the chair is immediately evident: it features oversized tubes, forged aluminum hubs, a seamless seat design, and a simple reclining system.
100% post-consumer recycled materials are used in the mesh, edge binding, and webbing to make the chair as sustainable as possible. The setup was a little challenging at first, but once we got it down, it was easy enough. After the teardown, the chair packs easily into a zippered case.
In general, we’re not huge fans of the sacrifices in comfort that lightweight camping chairs make — unless we’re backpacking and need to save weight — but the NEMO Moonlight Reclining Camp chair was definitely more comfortable than most of its class and is a great option for backpacking as well as car camping.
If you’re looking for luxury, you should opt for a different chair. But, if you’re tight on space or want a chair that’s easy to pack and carry, the Reclining Camp Chair is sufficiently comfortable and incredibly lightweight.
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Upgrade Camping Chair
YETI Trailhead Chair ($300)
Weight: 13 lbs
Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
Seat Height: 16.75 inches
Pros: Incredibly durable
Cons: Expensive, doesn’t pack down small
The YETI Trailhead Chair delivers the quality and comfort of an at-home chair, but it’s portable. The lightweight crossover frame makes it easy to pack and transport the chair, while the FlexGrid fabric is UV-resistant and can support up to 500 pounds. This chair does not pack down small, but it does come with a two-strap carry bag to help you transport it. The Trailhead Chair also comes with a cupholder, so you can sit back and comfortably sip on a cold one.
We love how well-made, durable, and comfortable this chair is, and while it’s great for car camping, we wouldn’t use it for any trips that require much walking. The YETI Trailhead Chair finished just behind the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair because it’s less packable and due to the very high price point.
If you’re looking for a super sturdy chair that is sure to last for years to come, the Trailhead Chair is a good pick. Unlike some camping chairs, it sits high up off the ground, so you are guaranteed to be comfortable and have a good view.
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Best Budget Camping Chair
Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair ($30)
Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 18.1 inches
Pros: Mesh back, built-in cupholder
Cons: Not the most durable option
Coleman’s Broadband Mesh Quad Chair is your classic camping chair. It doesn’t have any frills, but it gets the job done. The steel frame can support up to 250 pounds, has a cup holder, and the mesh back allows the breeze to pass through, a key feature in hotter weather. At the end of the day, the chair packs into an included carrying bag for easy transport.
Where the Broadband Mesh Quad Chair (and any budget-oriented camping chair, really) suffers is in the durability department. However, with the proper care (a.k.a. not leaving it out in the elements for months on end), these chairs can stand the test of time, and if anything happens prematurely, they’re backed by a one-year warranty. The Broadband is by no means a luxury chair, but it’s a classic camping chair that’s comfortable and by far the most affordable of all the chairs on our list.
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Most Comfortable Camping Chair
NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair ($300)
Weight: 7 lbs 15 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat Height: 12 inches
Pros: Reclines, padded headrest
Cons: Expensive, hard to get out of
The NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair combines the comfy feel of a hammock with the easy setup of a chair. The chair sports a unique design with tensioned straps supporting the seating area, allowing it to recline and swing. The Reclining Camp Chair is super comfortable — it has a padded headrest, and you can recline it to your preferred angle.
While the swing-like design is fun and comfortable, you can definitely tip over if you’re not careful. And it is a little harder to get out of, so it may not be the best chair for older folks. The chair is easy to set up, and it packs down into a carrying case with an adjustable strap.
The aluminum frame helps keep the chair light despite its generous size when set up. The price is steep, but this is one of the more unique chairs we tested, and it’s ultra comfortable and well made. If you’re someone who likes to rock back and forth or lean back and look at the stars, the Reclining Camp Chair is right up your alley.
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Best Double Camping Chair
Kelty Low Loveseat ($130)
Weight: 15 lbs 6 oz
Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
Seat Height: 13.5 inches
Pros: Seats two, carry bag transforms into a foot mat/dog bed
Cons: Doesn’t pack down super small
Kelty’s Low Loveseat is a comfortable, double-wide chair that’s perfect for couples and families. To make the chair as comfortable as possible, Kelty designed the Low Loveseat with a lower-to-the-ground and slightly reclined design, which we can attest is extremely comfortable.
The chair is made from a powder-coated steel frame for durability and padded, quilted seats for enhanced comfort, especially on chillier nights. The armrests are slightly adjustable, which is a nice touch but not groundbreaking, and they have wide insulated and split cup holders, great for any kind and size of beverage.
The Kelty Low Loveseat packs up in a unique way: The chair rolls up very easily into a padded carry bag. The chair isn’t small when it’s packed up, but it does seat two, and the carry bag completely unfolds and can double as a dog bed, foot mat, or bonus ground seat when not in use. If you prefer to sit solo, the Kelty Lowdown Chair is equally awesome for maximum lounging.
Kelty also makes the loveseat in a higher-off-the-ground version (simply titled the Kelty Loveseat), the height of a normal camp chair for a more upright seating position, and better compatibility with tables and other camp furniture. And for larger groups, Kelty also makes the Lowdown Couch, which has seating room for three people.
Our team loves sharing the Low Loveseat with their spouses. If you’re sitting solo, it’s excessive, but if you like to sit with your S.O., friend, and/or kids, it’s a great option and only a little larger than a regular camping chair. And, in terms of comfort, the Low Loveseat is one of the most comfortable on our list.
Want to learn more about the Kelty Lowdown Loveseat? Read our full-length review.
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Best of the Rest
Best Camping Chair for Kids
REI Co-op Camp Chair Kids ($40)
Weight: 4 lbs
Weight Capacity: 125 lbs
Seat Height: 11 inches
Pros: Packs down small, lightweight
Cons: Doesn’t come with a bag
Sure, kids can use an adult camping chair, but they’ll be even more stoked on a chair that’s their size. The REI Co-op Camp Chair Kids’ is the perfect chair for young campers. It’s lightweight, packable, durable, and comfortable. The Kid’s Camp Chair weighs just four pounds, packs down to 5 x 25 inches, and includes a shoulder strap, so it’s easily manageable for kids.
Made from heavy-duty, thick-walled steel with a powder coating, this chair is durable enough to withstand adventures and your kiddo’s rambunctious play. To top it off, the chair includes a mesh pocket on the armrest for drinks and other small items. Although the chair can support up to 125 pounds, in our experience the size is too small for most kids that weight.
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Helinox Chair Zero ($150)
Weight: 1 lb
Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
Seat Height: 8.5 inches
Pros: Lightweight, packable
Cons: Not the most comfortable
The Helinox Chair Zero is lightweight, compact, and portable. Weighing in at 1 lb 2 oz and measuring 13.5 inches long when packed, the Chair Zero can nevertheless support up to 265 pounds. The Chair Zero frame is made from advanced high-tech aluminum alloy that is lightweight yet strong. The chair has a space-saving hub-and-pole design similar to a tent, so it can be a little tricky to figure out set up and tear down at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fairly straightforward.
The Chair Zero gets the job done, especially if you are tight on space or trying to cut weight. But the Chair Zero finished runner-up in the lightweight category because NEMO’s Moonlight Reclining Camp Chair allows you to sit deeper, has a slightly higher back, and is more stable (but it did weigh 12 oz more, so pick your poison). But the Chair Zero does come in a High-Back version as well. We recently got our hands on it and felt that it was an upgrade to the classic Chair Zero thanks to the added back/neck support (but it does weigh 0.44 lbs more). Check out our full review of the Helinox Chair Zero for more information on this lightweight backpacking chair.
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Stable Rocking Chair
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker ($77)
Weight: 11 lbs 12.8 oz
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 19.7 inches
Pros: Rocking-style chair, built-in cupholder
Cons: Rocking function doesn’t work on all surfaces
If you’re a fan of rocking chairs, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is the chair for you. The camping-style rocking chair features patented spring-loaded shocks that allow you to enjoy a smooth rocking motion. We really enjoyed the rocking feature, but it’s best suited for campgrounds with flat surfaces — the chair didn’t perform as well in sandy or rocky areas.
Weighing in at 12 pounds, this isn’t the lightest chair, but it folds down easily and has a convenient carrying handle. The mesh backrest is comfy and allows for air to filter through. GCI also makes the same chair with a side table if you’re looking for a place to set things down while you chill. Although this chair does collapse, it doesn’t get super small and it’s heavy, so if space/weight are important it may not be the best match.
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Big Agnes Big Six Armchair ($250)
Weight: 3 lbs 14 oz
Weight Capacity: 3oo lbs
Seat Height: 20″
Pros: Lightweight yet comfortable
Cons: Learning curve to set up, no headrest
With the Big Six Armchair, Big Agnes has successfully bridged the gap between weight and comfort. The Big Six only weighs 3 lbs 14 oz, but it expands into a full-size chair with back and neck support. The seat is also wide, so you don’t feel squished like you do in some lightweight chairs.
Like most lightweight chairs, there’s a bit of a learning curve to setting up the Big Six Armchair. But once you get it figured out, the process is quick and painless. It’s also super packable, which is a huge selling point for a full-size chair.
Our team loves that the Big Six comes with two cup holders, allowing them to relax by the campfire with beverages galore. The only thing that could make the Big Six more comfortable would be if Big Agnes added a headrest. But all in all, if you want a light chair that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, the Big Six is a great choice.
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REI Co-Op Wonderland Chair ($100)
Weight: 13 lbs 7 oz
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Seat Height: 16 inches
Pros: Wide seat, treated with a durable water-repellant finish
Cons: Doesn’t come with a bag, large/heavy to transport
REI Co-Op’s Wonderland Chair has a similar feel to an Adirondack chair, but it’s much more portable (barely). The Wonderland Chair features wooden armrests, which give the chair a cool aesthetic, coupled with a tensioned seat material that makes it super comfortable.
The polyester seat is treated with a durable water-repellent finish, so light rain is a non-issue. Unlike some chairs, the seat is nice and wide, so you don’t feel squished. The chair folds, making it easy to set up and tear down, and it includes a carrying strap. The Wonderland chair doesn’t come with a bag and is on the large and heavy side, so it loses major points in that area. But it’s definitely a comfortable chair!
Check Price on REICascade Mountain Tech Hammock Chair ($64)
Weight: 5 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 16 inches (camp mode), 10 inches (beach mode)
Pros: Lightweight, adjustable
Cons: Set up challenging at first, can be wobbly in the sand
The Cascade Mountain Tech Hammock Chair is a lightweight, portable, adjustable camping chair that draws inspiration from the hammock world. The Hammock Chair features a sling design with a high back that can be adjusted to have a low or high back. We really like the adjustable features of this chair and the fact that it has a camp mode (legs folded out for a higher vantage point) and a beach mode (legs folded down for a lower, more relaxed sitting position), so it transitions well between the campground and the beach.
The chair is made from an aluminum frame that is lightweight and durable and easily packs down into a carrying case. Assembly can be a little tricky at first; we highly recommend reading the instructions and referring to the images online. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not bad. For a lightweight chair, this is one of the more comfortable options we’ve come across and we recommend it if you want something that’s light but has some added comfort features.
Check Price on AmazonALPS King Kong Chair ($80)
Weight: 13 lbs
Weight Capacity: 800 lbs
Seat Height: 19 inches
Pros: Capable of supporting up to 800 lbs, average holders, and a mesh storage pocket
Cons: Heavy and bulky
ALPS Mountaineering got the name spot on with its “King Kong Chair.” Capable of supporting up to 800 pounds, the King Kong is a big chair capable of supporting a heavy load. Featuring a powder-coated steel frame and quilted 600 D polyester, the chair is supportive yet comfortable.
While the chair does pack down into a carrying bag with adjustable backpack straps, it’s pretty large and isn’t the most portable option. The foldable design is simple to set up and tear down, and we appreciated the beverage holders on the arms and the mesh pocket on the back. The King Kong is a great option for folks on the larger side or those who like to sit with a child or loved one in their lap, but might be a bit excessive for other users.
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Dometic GO Compact Camp Chair ($150)
Weight: 9 lbs 6.2 oz
Weight Capacity: 280 lbs
Seat Height: 16 inches
Pros: Sturdy, comfortable, rear seat pocket
Cons: Back is very reclined, color varies from online depiction
The GO Compact Camp Chair is plenty wide and super stable but packs down small into a convenient carrying case for easy storage and transport.
Made from heavy-duty 600-denier fabric and aluminum with beechwood armrests, this chair is durable while still remaining lightweight. The back of the seat reclines a fair bit, which some of our testers weren’t huge fans of, but others found comfortable for chilling at the campground. All testers agreed it would be nice if the seat was adjustable so you could choose between a reclined and a more upright position.
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GCI Outdoor ComPack Rocker ($115)
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 16 inches
Pros: Rocking technology, padded headrest and seat
Cons: Heavy for a lightweight chair, not as comfortable as a traditional chair
As the name suggests, the GCI Outdoor ComPack Rocker is a compact chair that allows you to have a comfortable rocking-chair-style experience anytime, anywhere. The ComPack Rocker features shock-cord retention that allows the chair to easily break apart and pack down small. The chair features a padded headrest and seat for added comfort.
And while the rocking isn’t extreme, it’s enough for a gentle sway, which adds to the overall experience. At the end of the day, the ComPack Rocker packs into a convenient carrying case with a shoulder strap for easy transport. At 7.5 pounds, the ComPack rocker is right in the middle between a comfortable and ultra-lightweight chair.
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Weight: 1 lb
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 11 in
Pros: Lightweight, bluesign-approved fabric
Cons: Lateral stability isn’t as good as other similar chairs
REI Co-Op has taken the popular aluminum and nylon packable chair design and put its own take on it by making a base that is longer than wide. This has its own pros and cons. The plus side is that it’s more stable on an incline, something that is common out in the wild. The downside is that it’s not as stable from side to side, however, most of us would opt to sit on a downhill slope rather than a sidehill slope.
At 1 pound, it’s as light as anything else on the market and has plenty of comfort to suit your keister after a long day in the elements. Using bluesign-approved recycled ripstop nylon, it’s also a positive move as a consumer. The nylon is susceptible to fire embers, though, so make sure you aren’t leaving it by the fire without someone sitting on it. And while sitting on the Flexlite Air, it’s an ideal fire companion, whether at the beach or high up on a mountain.
Check Price on REICrazy Creek Hex 2.0 ($65)
Weight: 1 lb 5 oz
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Seat Height: 0 in
Pros: Lightweight, setup in seconds
Cons: Hard to get in and out of with tired legs
Crazy Creek has a loyal following of devotees who take these chairs to all manner of places. Once you try it, it’s easy to see why. The rocking motion you can get from it is unmatched by other more rigid chairs with a frame and footing. One of their newest styles is the Hex 2.0, which uses closed-cell foam to make an insulated cushion for surprisingly good comfort.
Although this is a favorite in the backpacking circuit for its lightweight comfort and ease of use, we also love it for outdoor concerts on the lawn where you can sit (and rock, in more ways than one) in comfort without sneers from those behind you bemoaning you blocking their view. Being that it’s on the ground, it may not be as easy to get in and out of as other chairs with some ground clearance, but it’s also nice to be low to the ground for a number of reasons. Just make sure you inspect what’s around you first.
The chair also comes in a longback version as well as an extra-long “Power Lounger” that can double as a sleeping pad.
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Decathlon Quechua Tripod Stool ($10)
Weight: 2 lb 3 oz
Weight Capacity: 240 lb
Seat Height: 16 in
Materials: Polyester
Pros: Cheap, simple, lightweight
Cons: No backrest, needs level ground to be comfortable
Sometimes you don’t need any bells and whistles and just need a place to park your keister for a moment or two. The Quechua Tripod Stool from Decathlon serves this purpose and won’t break the bank to get you there. At $10, it’s cheap enough to buy a few extras for your friends. It’s also small enough to strap to your backpack if you want (though it’s a touch heavy for the size).
Sure, it might be uncomfortable to sit on for a few hours, and it’s not really a chair per se, but it’ll help you rest some weary bones for a bit until you’re ready to get back on the trail. It’s also great for guitar players by the campfire where other chairs might have armrests getting in the way. Either way, it’s not a bad addition to the kit, considering the number of things that you can buy for $10 gets smaller by the day.
Editor’s Note: The Decathlon Quechua Tripod Stool is currently sold out and the brand is in the process of developing a new version. We’ll keep a lookout for the update and test for consideration in this guide.
Whether you’re camping in a redwood grove or at the beach, having somewhere to park your tushy is a must. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Best Camping Chairs Comparison Table
| Camping Chair | Price | Weight | Weight Capacity | Seat Back Height | Extras |
| ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair | $81 | 8 lb | 300 lb | 12″ | Cup holder, cooler |
| NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair | $160 | 1 lb 14 oz | 300 lb | 10.5″ | Adjustable back |
| YETI Trailhead Chair | $300 | 13.3 lb | 500 lb | 16.75″ | Cup holder |
| Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair | $30 | 6 lb 4 oz | 250 lb | 18.1″ | Cup holder |
| NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair | $300 | 7 lb 15 oz | 300 lb | 12″ | Cup holders |
| Kelty Low Loveseat | $130 | 15.38 lb | 400 lb | 13.5″ | Insulated cup holders |
| REI Co-op Camp Chair Kids’ | $40 | 4 lb | 125 lb | 11″ | Cup holder |
| Helinox Chair Zero | $150 | 1 lb 2 oz | 265 lb | 8.5″ | None |
| GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker | $77 | 12 lb | 250 lb | 19.7″ | Cup holder |
| Big Agnes Big Six Armchair | $250 | 3 lbs 14 oz | 300 lb | 20″ | Cup holders |
| REI Co-Op Wonderland Chair | $100 | 13 lb. 7 oz | 300 lb | 16″ | Cup holder |
| Cascade Mountain Tech Hammock Chair | $64 | 5 lb | 250 lb | 16″ | Cup holder |
| ALPS King Kong Chair | $80 | 13 lb | 800 lb | 19″ | Cup holder, mesh pocket |
| Dometic GO Compact Camp Chair | $150 | 9 lbs 6.2 oz | 280 lb | 16″ | Rear mesh pocket |
| GCI Outdoor ComPack Rocker | $115 | 7.5 lb | 250 lb | 16″ | None |
| REI Co-Op Flexlite Chair | $100 | 1 lb | 250 lb | 11″ | None |
| Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 | $65 | 1 lb 5 oz | 250 lb | 0″ | Adjustable reclining mode |
| Decathlon Quechua Camp Stool | $10 | 2 lb 3 oz | 240 lb | 16″ | None |
How We Tested Camping Chairs
As surfers and outdoorsy people, we’ve spent a lot of time sitting in not-so-comfortable places (a cooler, a stump, rocky beaches, to name a few). Trust us: A good camp chair is a worthy investment. And we know what to look for, having spent years testing options from many brands. We put that knowledge to the test by selecting a variety of camping chairs to try out for this review.
To test, you guessed it, we sat in all varieties of camping chairs — spending quality time around campfires and back porches and setting up side-by-side comparisons on comfort, portability, and ease of use. We made sure to run our tests in various climates and locations, such as the island of Oahu in Hawaii, the mountains of Colorado, and all over California, from the Sierra to the beach. Our testing team was spearheaded by Rebecca Parsons and Steve Andrews, both with years of camping under their belts.
Since we first ran this review in the spring of 2023, our team has spent more time testing each of the chairs and has updated our notes and descriptions for each chair accordingly. We also added a few more lightweight camping chair options and removed a few chairs that we didn’t feel were up to the same standard as the rest of the chairs on our list.
The Alps Mountaineering Getaway Chair was our overall top pick for camping chairs. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Best Camping Chairs Ratings Table
| Camping Chair | Comfort | Set-Up | Portability | Quality | Overall |
| ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair | 7 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 8.25 |
| YETI Trailhead Chair | 9 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 8.75 |
| Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair | 7 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 7.75 |
| NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Kelty Low Loveseat | 10 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8.75 |
| Helinox Chair Zero | 5 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| REI Co-op Camp Chair Kids’ | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
| GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8.5 |
| Big Agnes Big Six Armchair | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| REI Co-Op Wonderland Chair | 9 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 8.25 |
| Cascade Mountain Tech Hammock Chair | 7 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| ALPS King Kong Chair | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 8.25 |
| Dometic GO Compact Camp Chair | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.75 |
| GCI Outdoor ComPack Rocker | 7 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8.25 |
| REI Co-Op Flexlite Chair | 5 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 7.75 |
| Decathlon Quechua Camp Stool | 4 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 7.5 |
Best Camping Chairs Buyer’s Guide
Types of Camping Chairs
Classic Camping Chairs
Classic camping chairs tend to weigh a bit more (five pounds or more). They are usually best suited to use on the back porch at home, for car camping trips, or at the kid’s soccer and baseball games. They often come with some extras like cup holders, padded carrying bags, or built-in coolers and storage. If space and weight aren’t an issue, a classic camping chair is a good bet because they’re more comfortable than options designed for minimizing weight, and feature all the bells and whistles that can add to the experience. Some classic camping chairs that we tested include the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair, the YETI Trailhead Chair, and the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair, among others.
Level up your camping experience with a comfy spot to put your booty. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Lightweight Camping Chairs
There’s no hard and fast rule on what constitutes a lightweight camping chair over a comfort-oriented classic camping chair. But typically, a lightweight chair is going to be five pounds or less (usually in the one to two-pound range). Lightweight chairs pack down small, are well-suited to backpacking, and are therefore incredibly portable. Lightweight chairs don’t usually have any frills or extras, and they’re not usually as comfortable as their heavier counterparts. On our list, the NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair, Helinox Chair Zero, Crazy Creek Hex 2.0, and REI Co-Op Flexlite Chair all weighed in at under two pounds, with a few others falling in the two- to five-pound range.
What to Look for in Camping Chairs
Comfort
Comfort is one of our top priorities when considering a camping chair. The floor is free, so if we’re spending money, we want a chair we’re excited to sit in and comfortable to rest in after a long day of exploring. Classic camping chairs are more comfort-oriented than lightweight chairs, with higher backs, more stable legs, and other extras.
A high-back (and a headrest if you can get it) like those in the Cascade Mountain Tech Hammock Chair are the biggest game-changers for comfort, letting you fully recline and take the weight off. It’s also worth deciding (for yourself) whether you prefer a regular chair height like the YETI Trailhead Chair or a lower-to-the-ground model like the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair. Low camp chairs provide the comfort of stretching your legs out but sacrifice the ability to sit at a regular-height table.
The Kelty Low Loveseat carrying case expands into a thinly padded foot mat/dog bed. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia
Setup
You may not think that a lot goes into setting up and tearing down a chair. Usually, you’d be right. But some of these chairs are a little trickier than others. We’re after a chair that’s easy to set up and packs down easily (we don’t want to have to wrestle it back into its bag after the end of a long trip). This is where a true camping chair (as opposed to a lightweight or backpacking chair) really shines — usually, a single motion to unfold the chair is all that’s required. Lightweight camp chairs, on the other hand, mostly require some sort of tent-like setup (a hub-and-pole design). The Kelty’s Low Loveseat is a true camping chair and setting it up is a cinch, whereas lightweight chairs like the Helinox Chair Zero require a few extra steps.
Lightweight chairs utilize pole systems, making them a little more work to set up than traditional camping chairs. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Portability
There is definitely a big difference in portability between a backpacking chair and a camping chair. A backpacking chair needs to be super lightweight and packable, but a camping chair can be a little bulkier. However, we find that whenever we go camping we end up bringing a lot of stuff, so we don’t want something that’s too bulky.
The Helinox Chair Zero may be more work to set up, but it sure does pack down small. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
This is where a solid carry bag often comes in handy — it’s a pain to have to decide between wrestling a chair back into the poorly designed bag or leaving it out of the bag to become a hassle later (we usually pick the latter). Or, for some chairs like the Kelty Low Loveseat, you simply wrap a piece of fabric around the chair to secure it.
The ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair is the ultimate camping chair. It’s comfortable and durable, has a built-in cup holder, and comes in a convenient backpack-style carrying pack.
The REI Flexlite chair in action, making a riverside coffee that much more enjoyable. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Quality
While it can be difficult to assess durability out of the gates, quality is fairly apparent. We want a chair that is well-made and will withstand the test of time. As much as we love REI, we don’t want to make annual trips to purchase a new chair. Chairs with steel frames and powder coatings like the YETI Trailhead Chai hold up much better than cheap, plastic chairs.
Other Camping Chairs Considerations
Lightweight camping chairs like the Helinox Chair Zero are great if you’re backpacking or are tight on space. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Weight
Depending on how you plan to use your camping chair, weight is something that may or may not be important to you. If your goal is to use your chair for both car camping and backpacking, then you’ll definitely want a chair that falls into the lightweight category like the NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair. But, if you exclusively plan on using your chair for camping right next to your car, you may opt for a heavier, more comfortable option like the Kelty Low Loveseat. We’re after a chair that’s a happy medium: It doesn’t weigh a ton but is also comfortable. The ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair is a great example of a chair that strikes that balance nicely.
The Kelty Low Loveseat may not be the lightest chair but its high-quality construction and padding make it plenty comfortable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Weight Capacity
It’s also a good idea to check out the weight that the chair can support. Most chairs can support somewhere between 250 to 300 pounds. But, if you need something that can support additional weight, there are chairs like the ALPS King Kong Chair that have a weight capacity of 800 pounds.
Packed Dimensions
If you’re tight on space, packing dimensions are important to note before purchasing. Backpacking-style chairs like the NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair and the REI Co-Op Flexlite Chair tend to pack down much smaller than camping chairs but typically require more work to set up and collapse (and are less comfortable). Take a look at the chair’s description to determine the packed size and decide if it will work for your setup.
Camping chairs are perfect for the campsite, the park, or the beach. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Height
Height, both the ground-to-seat height and the seat-back height, are important to consider when purchasing a chair. Some chairs sit low to the ground, like the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair, while others have you elevated well off the ground, like the YETI Trailhead Chair. When it comes to seat-back height, some seats come up high, offering neck and back support, while others are cut lower and don’t offer much by way of support. Lightweight backpacking chairs usually have a low seat back with minimal support as they aim to keep weight low. More traditional camping chairs, where weight isn’t an issue, typically offer more support.
The NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair rocks but is simultaneously stable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Stability
Have you ever gone to sit in a camping chair and promptly toppled right over? Because camping chairs are often used on uneven terrain, you’ll want to make sure your chair has a good base to stabilize it. Chairs with a wider leg base tend to be heavier but also more stable (a good idea for grandma or someone who is less steady on his or her feet). Another thing to look for in a stable chair is broad feet at the end of the chair’s legs to prevent sinkage in soft sand or soil. We found that the ALPS Mountaineering Getaway Chair, YETI Trailhead Chair, and Kelty Low Loveseat were all reliably stable chairs.
Price/Value
The range of prices for camping chairs is insane. On our list alone, chairs ranged from $30 to $300. Our most affordable option is the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair. Some of the cheaper chairs aren’t as comfortable and don’t last as long. But the most expensive chairs on our list didn’t seem insanely better than, say, a mid-tier option. Camping chairs that fall at that mid-price point tended to be the best of both worlds: They were well-made and comfortable without breaking the bank.
Headrests make camping chairs even more comfortable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Extras
Although they’re not essential to the lounging experience, some chairs come with extras like cup holders, mesh storage compartments, headrests, and coolers. The more we used the chairs, the more we came to appreciate the cup holder feature, and it’s definitely something to look for when purchasing a chair. Some amount of storage space is a key feature in our book, but we know it’s not a dealbreaker for everyone.
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Editor’s Note: Going camping? You’ll need more than just a chair. Check out our Gear Guides for Best Camping Tents and Best Car Camping Gear. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
