The Best Outdoor Camping Chairs

A lawn chair may seem like a minor purchase, yet it can enhance your enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures on a bright day. Whether you use it while camping, in your backyard, or at the park, a lawn chair makes all the difference. Since the season of rebirth is here again (and outdoor activities are far and away the safest form of entertainment throughout the epidemic), you could be thinking about buying a new chair to make your time outside more comfortable. We asked 17 reliable sources, including soccer parents, campers, and other outdoorsy individuals, about their favorite outdoor chairs. We know how frustrating it’s to purchase a chair that’s too heavy or rips easily, so we wanted to save you the trouble. Onward for their top picks, which include rocking chairs that rock backward and forwards, cradle you in “zero gravity,” and are made to collapse down to fit into a tote bag. In this article, we listed the best outdoor camping chairs, which are lightweight chairs with a canvas seat and backrest and simple to set up.

Best Outdoor Camping Chairs

1. Crazy Creek Original Chair

We have added a list of the best camping chairs on the market, including this lightweight chair that many campers are likely to have seen before. The Crazy Creek Original Chair has been made the same way for more than 30 years and is perfect for those who value go-anywhere seating but don’t want to commit to storage space. The Crazy Creek Original Chair, which collapses flat and has handles for transporting it to and fro, is praised by him and his other fans for its portability and construction. They understand that some users may initially feel apprehensive about the legless element, but he promises, “you may still be comfortable because you have a seat back and soft bottom.” You sit on the bottom part of the chair, and your weight supports you while you lean back.” The lawn chair is designed to make you feel as though you’re suspended in mid-air, similar to crossing a suspension bridge.

The Crazy Creek is more than just a chair. It can also be used as a sleeping pad. “You can unhook the straps and lay it flat.” She notes that it is also waterproof, making it easy to wipe clean. If you like rock and love tie-dye colors, you’ll be pleased to know there are six styles to select from, including this teal one. Experts say that the brand’s lifetime warranty is hardly ever necessary because the products are high quality and last a long time.

 

2. Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping & Sports Chair

This four-legged chair is more traditional in appearance and comes recommended by two parents who say it is much more comfortable to sit in than other camping chairs they have set up along the sidelines of their kids’ games. One camper also loves how portable the chair is and its sturdiness. The other lawn chairs are less expensive but don’t have enough seat support. Getting in and out of those types of chairs is more challenging. This chair is designed to keep you upright, so you never have to sink into it.

Furthermore, he enjoys the two cupholders and additional zip pockets because it affords him enough space to keep drinks and other essentials close by. Several people watched many of their games from this chair and gave it to others because they liked it so much and even took it to the beach. They agree that its seat “does not sink, making it easier to get out of,” adding that it locks into place when it is open and folded up, making it easier to carry with or without the “carry bag.” The seat is wide enough to never feel like a tight squeeze. Available in 12 at the time of writing, the range of colors lets you add a fun pop of color to your campsite.

 

3. Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair

Three others told us that, in their opinion, the ideal lawn chair is frequently a very cheap and basic choice like this one. The chair is cheap and lightweight, easy to set up, and its bright color ensures that you won’t lose it. “The Coleman Quad chair outlasted year after year, unfolded in one piece, and was as comfortable as many of the higher-end camping chairs from famous gear manufacturers.” It’s never a “huge hassle” to carry it from car to campsite because the chair comes with an “accompanying carry sack.”

 

4. GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Chair

Out of the four people we asked all recommended different rocking lawn chairs. Rocking lawn chairs make “endless children’s sports games more pleasant and are much easier on the lower back,” according to a mother of softball-playing kids who showed us a rocking chair tattoo on her ankle. When you’ve “rocked,” every other chair appears dull by comparison. This model from GCI is his favorite rocking lawn chair. We chatted a lot, and this brand came up most frequently. It folds like a normal heavy-duty pop-up chair, but it’s far more powerful. It’s got a metal construction, which is fantastic, and the fabric is long-lasting. It also has nice hard plastic armrests, and a beer can holster. But what we like best about the chair is its patented locking mechanism. It works like this as you push back on the two metal piston on the back legs, they compress and store energy. When you release them, that stored energy decompresses and rocks you forward. It takes a little push to prop the chair, but once it’s in place, it’s extremely comfortable. The mechanism can be adjusted so that the chair sits still and doesn’t rock.

 

5. GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair

If you want a rocking chair with more give, go for this less-expensive GCI model. It has a more flexible sling seat. He refers to it as “a rocking chair that you can take anywhere.” The Fliss is also lighter than the RoadTrip rocker, weighing in at roughly 12 pounds. It can be deployed in a few seconds.

 

6. GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker Portable Folding Low Rocking Chair

There are several people who are also a fan of GCI’s spring-loaded rocking chairs. The Firepit Rocker, which sits lower to the ground than most chairs, finds height to be more relaxing. After sitting in this chair, no one wanted anything else. It folds flat and is easy to transport.

 

7. Cascade Mountain Tech Low Camping Chair

This low-down chair doesn’t rock but has everything you need in an outdoor chair. The lawn chair is light but strong, and the mesh back prevents you from getting too hot when sitting in direct sunlight. Additionally, its compact size takes up less space than other traditional lawn chairs.

 

8. GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Chair

This GCI chair is the “ultimate backyard comfort if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line, luxurious chair to relax in outdoors. Zero-gravity recliners that keep your entire body off the ground are nothing new, but GCIs are the first that allows you to lock the backrest while your feet are still lifted securely. It’s great for conversation around the fire, helps to reduce pressure points, and is also wonderful to sleep in. Though he does caution that it’s better for someone who doesn’t intend to move it around a lot since the chair weighs 19 pounds and isn’t “as portable as other chairs.”

 

9. Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair

If you’re looking for a luxurious, recline-friendly outdoor chair that you can move and use, this “fantastic” 6.5-pound camp chair “for the past season,” and I would recommend it to anyone looking for the most comfort (and who has a little extra to spend). After you’ve set it up correctly, it’s incredibly comfortable, with a swinging, rocking, and reclining combination that appears like a mind-blowing engineering feat for a portable chair.

 

10. Ostrich Chaise Lounge

This chair “folds up nicely despite its large size,” and it comes with a strap for you to carry it around. Once hoisted, it also has a hole for your head, as you see on a massage table, so that you can lie on your stomach and body.

 

11. Helinox Chair One Camping Chair

This chair is ultralight and only two pounds. It’s recommended because it has the ability to be packed down to the size of a fanny pack and becomes more necessary for users since we check up continuously. It’s the perfect balance of durability and comfort. I have seen other chairs that are lighter break down before, but I’ve had this same chair for five years now. It is no wonder this chair is a favorite of Amazon customers because its praise from reviewers landed it on our list of the best lawn chairs you can buy on Amazon. The “shock cord” sets the poles in place by itself, allowing the user to stretch out the fabric seat over their body easily. This makes it so easier for the person using it.

 

12. TravelChair Joey Chair Portable Compact

The Beach Chair Portable Compact by TravelChair is a foldable chair that can be tote-friendly when folded but is even more stable while unfurled, thanks to the structural design of its legs. This chair’s legs are equipped with an umbrella foot for added stability on uneven or wet ground, something that neither the Helinox nor Flexlite chairs possess. In addition to its comfortable and supportive seat, this chair is also lightweight and easy to assemble; the aluminum frame “quickly snaps into place via an internal cord.”

 

13. Kamp-Rite Outdoor Camp Folding Director’s Chair with Side Table & Cooler

It took me one uncomfortable weekend away to realize that chair selection is everything. Finally, my grandma’s old chair was so uncomfortable that I had to get rid of it. It didn’t only solve her comfort issue but also came with a built-in pop-up side table, a cooler, and a cupholder, so you didn’t have to pack as many other things. Although it’s three campsite essentials in one, you can easily carry and store it since it still folds flat.

 

Guide to Choosing the Best Camping Chair

You’ve likely sat in a camp chair or two at some point. They’re a must-have for any bonfire, sporting event, or camping trip. On extended treks, some backpackers even take specialized lightweight models. If you’re looking for a good camping chairs, beware that not all of them are created equal. Keep reading to learn more about camp chair construction, the differences between models, and essential features for finding your ideal place to relax outdoors.

Backpacking Chairs vs Camping Chairs

The best place to begin your search is deciding how you’ll use your chair, as is true with most outdoor equipment. Full-size camping chairs are designed for maximum comfort and stability. These loungers often have additional features like built-in coolers and footrests to make your relaxation even more enjoyable. If you’re only carrying your folding chair a short distance, size and weight aren’t as important.

Backpacking chairs tend to be smaller, lighter, and far less comfortable than their full-size counterparts by the very nature of their design. The two main factors you need to take into account are how much weight it can carry and how small it is when packed away; nobody wants a chair that makes hiking more difficult than necessary. Backpacking chairs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are entirely supported folding tents, while the lightest versions are little more than the folding pads that make a barrier between you and the ground.

Comfort

It goes without saying that a chair is useless if it’s uncomfortable to sit in. Front-side chairs are more likely to be a problem because of their convenience and heavier usage. You can choose chairs with luxurious materials and plenty of extra features without worrying about how difficult they are to carry. The taller the back and wider the seat of your chair, the more comfortable it is in general.

It’s not to say that you should be resigned to backcountry discomfort. A high-end backpacking chair’s lightweight, compact design makes it more difficult to get in and out of than a full-sized alternative. Crossover models, on the other hand, can function double duty by being reasonably comfortable regardless of where you take them.

Setup and Packed Size

The simplest way to set up most camping chairs is by pulling apart the collapsed back portion similarly. Some of these chairs have locks or other mechanisms to prevent them from opening and shutting suddenly when in use or transit. There are more complicated chairs with accessories, such as tables, awnings, or footstools, which take somewhat longer to put together.

Some chairs fold flat but outside of your classic design that collapses to fit into a carrying case. The GCI Outdoor RoadTrip Rocker Chair and the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair are two great examples of this. Though they are more difficult to transport and take up considerably more space in your vehicle, utilizing a solid frame is the only way to pack these valuable features. Helinox has found a fantastic method to convert their Zero Camping Chair into a rocker.

Smaller, lightweight chairs have a more extensive setup than expected because they’re supposed to fold down to occupy as small space as possible (for example, Helinox Chair One). The majority are formed of tent-like poles and a single fabric piece. The poles break down, and the seat of fabric is wrapped around them to fit the whole thing in a case or bag. They’re similar to tents in that they require some effort and practice to set up. You must be able to get your chair up and off your feet in a matter of minutes with a little patience and practice. Simple chairs require almost no setup beyond finding a good piece of land to haul down.

Weight and Durability

The weight of a backpacking chair is more significant than a camping chair. Typically, frontside equipment is created to be both comfortable and durable. Why should you care if your chair and tent are heavy if the longest distance you have to carry them is from your vehicle to the campsite? It is assumed that the more a chair weighs, the more durable it is likely to be in the long run. Taking a look at the chair’s carrying capacity is a good clue. The greater the weight that a chair can accept, the more sturdily it is built and hence the longer it can endure.

To put it another way, bringing a chair on extended backpacking trips is a tough sell for anyone, especially people who are carrying heavy loads. If you’re the type who loves to keep things light and fast, then it’ll be difficult to justify the extra bulk this chair brings. It does not make too sense to bring a full-sized chair with you if your main goal is just tagging peaks. A chair is a more reasonable luxury item for weekend treks, forest trails, and slackpacking. You should be well-served by any chair below the 3lb mark, even though you still want to watch weight.

Remember that backpacking chairs are made of lightweight materials, so be cautious when using them. Camping chairs are generally more durable than other options, with the exception of brands like Thermarest, which are designed for lightweight and simple options. These types of camping chairs are nearly indestructible.

Pockets, features, etc.

By design, backpacking chairs are simple to carry and have highly lightweight features, but having a few pockets for your phone or other items is a good idea. When it comes to more casual styles of camping pockets, cupholders, built-in coolers, tables, footstools, awnings, and all kinds of luxuries, a design that allows you to stay put for a while is essential. Depending on the person, a cupholder and a cooler might be just as essential to comfort.

The price begins to rise when you start adding on features. People who are conscious of their spending may be able to rationalize foregoing the retractable awning in favor of pair of sunglasses and a ball cap. The most important factors for your chair are comfort and dependability, and you can get all of that for a fraction of the price of a fully-equipped lounger.

Specialty Designs

There are certainly some unique models worth investigating with so much diversity and innovation in the world of camping chairs. A variety of new furniture items, such as rocking chairs, loveseats, and recliners, have become available for purchase. These specialized chairs will generally be used in the front country, where the extra weight won’t pull you down. Despite the complexities of their construction, you can get them for reasonable rates because they’re much less expensive than something with a simpler design.

FAQs

Q1. What Is the Most Comfortable Camping Chair?

Different people have different opinions on the most comfortable camping chair. It largely depends on your height and body type.

The Helinox Chair One Camping Chair is one of the most comfortable, and it’s flexible but supportive but not too rigid. The Cascade Mountain Tech Low Camping Chair received excellent scores for both comfort and stability from our testers, but there is a price to be paid. The GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Chair is a winner if you want to lay back and take a nap.

Q2. How Do I Choose a Camping Chair?

Consider how you’ll use the chair before making your purchase. A small, lightweight chair is ideal for backpackers or hikers camping. If you plan to go camping in your car or simply hang out in your backyard, select the camping chairs with maximum features and comfort.

You should also think about your mobility and height. If you have knee issues or any other mobility concerns, lower chairs can be more challenging to get in and out of. Not only do taller people need chairs that are a bit higher, but they also prefer them.

Finally, consider the characteristics you’d like. Is a cupholder essential? Perhaps you want a rocking camp chair for maximum comfort? Whatever the case, chances are you can find a camping chair that fits your outdoor-loving needs.

Q3. What is the lightest camping chair?

The Crazy Creek Original Chair is the lightest camping chair on our list and only weighs 1 pound. At only 1.95 pounds, this chair competes with the TravelChair Joey Chair Portable Compact for being one of the lightest chairs on today’s market.

Q4. What features should I look for in a camping chair?

Camping chairs should be as comfortable as possible. A headrest, back cushioning, and adjustable armrests are all aspects to search for in a comfortable chair.

It’s also essential to have storage, especially if you’re going to put your cup or phone down. Many camping chairs today come equipped with coolers that allow you to chill a drink while you sit.

Finally, camping chairs should be portable since camping can require hiking to your camping spot. Look for a lighter chair weight to easily carry it around to your destination. A carrying case also makes it easier.

Q5. Which camping chair is right for us?

When deciding whether or not to purchase a camping chair, consider the following factors:

• Where you will use it.
• How portable do you desire it to be.
• What kind of weight capacity it has.
• What price range you’re comfortable with.

Any choices on this list are excellent options that only depend on your requirements.

Conclusion

Many people don’t think about how important it is to have a comfortable seat while camping or spending time in their backyard, but it can make a difference. You can maximize your lounge enjoyment by combining rest, eating, and drinking with something more comfortable. We evaluated each one’s comfort level, size, portability, durability, and ease of use to find the best overall competitor in our fleet. The best model for you will finally depend on your lifestyle, whether car camping, lounging around a campfire, or sunbathing after taking a dip in the deep blue.