What can the best camping chair offer you that other chairs can’t? Sure, you can fold it up and you can use it to enjoy the great outdoors without having to sit on the ground.
But what else can it do for you?
Coming Up
The Quick Answer
A good camping chair is durable and easy to carry. It can hold your beverages and various important knickknacks.
This sucker is comfy, sets up in 2 seconds, and offers incredible support for the back (patent pending design). Not only does it provide comfort, it’s designed to be stable even on rough terrain.
(Also, if you’re looking specifically for camping chairs with umbrellas, check out our review of those here.)
Camping Chair Reviews
Where do you start looking? Here is a quick overview of the best camping chairs you can buy in 2018.
1. Strongback Elite Folding Camping Chair (Best for Backpacking)
This could be the best product for you if you want an extremely lightweight chair that offers sufficient back support. Its weight capacity is 300 lbs.
Lightweight chairs are the best choice for backpacking or commuting. You can use them for outdoor events such as concerts too.
But this chair doesn’t require a bag if you want to take it on hikes, as it comes with its own carrying case that folds up into a backpack with comfortable straps.
Durability is an important consideration, and this steel-enforced chair is sure to last a long while without sagging. The material is guaranteed weather-resistant. You also get a cup holder on one side, as well as extremely cushioned armrests.
This chair was designed to offer lumbar support that will leave you relaxed and fresh even after hours of sitting. In particular, this is a good choice for tall people. The frame is also designed to offer enough support for anyone with back pain.
Pros:
- Easy to carry; folds up into backpack
- Designed for tall Users
- Lumbar support
- Durability
- A versatile chair, good for hikes
Cons:
- Folding can be complicated
- Smaller users may find this chair uncomfortable
- It tends to squeak a little
Who It’s Best For
This is the best camping chair for backpacking because of the lightweight design. It’s particularly recommended for tall people looking for both back support and comfort.
2. KingCamp Lumbar Support Chair (Best for a Bad Back)
Living with a backache and the need for constant lumbar support when sitting
can limit one’s choices while picking the most comfortable camping chair. Therefore, we’re here to help with the selection process.
We absolutely understand that different surfaces and positions can cause you some strain and later on problems with your back. So we chose a camping chair specifically designed for back support.
The KingCamp Lumbar Support Camping Chair will, just like its name says, support your lower back and lumbar region so you can explore the outdoors despite your back problems.
This item doesn’t just come with the support padding, but also with a stuff sack, cooler bag, cup holder, head storage pocket, and side pockets. The chair is padded and structured so that it secures you from tipping back.
It is made from high-quality materials and padded for comfort, so maximum durability and user satisfaction are guaranteed.
This seat is also very firm, so even if you have bad knees, it offers absolute support to your body.
The KingCamp Lumbar Support Camping Chair is perfect for use in the outdoors for camping, picnicking, traveling, and even the indoors as a portable seat or for the patio. It is easily transportable, as it comes in a small stuff sack and can be folded to a size of 38 inches.
Pros:
- Comes with a transportation bag
- Offers lumbar support
- Three different pockets
- Has cooler bag integrated
- Supports up to 350 lbs of weight
Cons:
- Higher priced
- Less comfortable neck rest
- Too big for short people
Who It’s Best For
If you are a person with a bad back and size Large, that values comfort, this is the perfect pick for you. With the best camping chair, you can now enjoy your camping trip, with no need to worry about how you’re going to get up and have a backache tomorrow.
Additionally, this chair is an excellent choice if you are a bigger person and never seem to fit perfectly into any other camping chair.
If interested, we actually put together a few additional recommendations specifically for folks looking for camping chairs for a bad back.
3. Strongback Low Gravity Beach Chair (Best for Posture)
In addition to providing good lumbar support, how can a camping chair be good for your posture?
This beach chair will place you 4’’ above the ground. This can ease the pressure on your legs, especially if you’re on soft terrain. The backrest is extremely comfortable, and the armrests are low enough not to strain your shoulders and upper back.
Every part of this chair is padded and durable, armrests included. The strong frame guarantees comfort and stability. Hence, this is another good choice for people with back issues.
Since the feet of this chair are extra-large, you can be sure it won’t sink into the sand. You can take it on hikes as well. Just like STRONGBACK’s Elite Folding Chair, you can put the Low Gravity Beach Chair is a very durable, backpack-like carrying case.
This chair has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. Because it’s made from sun-resistant material, it stays in good shape even after extended use.
Pros:
- Great balance due to low seat
- Legs designed for soft terrain
- The material can withstand the sun and saltwater
- Folds up into backpack
- Well-positioned armrests
Cons:
- May be too heavy to carry long distances
- Little neck support
- Higher priced compared to other beach chairs
Who It’s Best For
If you want a very well-balanced chair for a walk on the beach or a picnic, this one could be the best camping chair for you. Although the seat on this chair is low, you get good lumbar support and very comfortable armrests.
4. GCI Outdoor Folding Hillside Chair (Best for a Tall Person)
This elegant chair was designed with tall people in mind. If you’ve been having difficulty with uncomfortably small camping chairs, this one is the right choice for you.
The Folding Hillside Chair is designed to stay stable on slopes. There is a strap and buckle system you can use to adjust this chair on uneven terrain. You also have the option of buckling it up after you fold it, making it easier to carry.
This chair is made from waterproof polyester, making it a great choice for waterside lounging. You can carry it with ease and pack it into a canoe. As this is an extremely lightweight camping chair, you can take it backpacking too.
It comes with a drink holder or other neat pockets that will guarantee you’ll always have your stuff at hand as you lounge.
Pros:
- Comfortable for tall people
- A great choice for slopes and hills
- Reclining backseat
- Very lightweight
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- No armrests
- No neck support
- Sinks into the sand
Who It’s Best For
You should go for this chair if you want the comfort of reclining at different angles, especially if most chairs are too low for you. It’s a great chair for a snooze!
5. Coleman Oversized Quad Chair With Cooler (Best Oversized Camping Chair)
You can get camping chairs in various price ranges, and the quality varies wildly as well. But if you want to get the best camping chair for your money, you might want to go for the Coleman Oversized Quad Chair.
This camping chair is made from polyester and its weight capacity is 325 lbs. It is wide and designed for comfort above everything else. Although it isn’t a reclining chair, it’s great if you want to kick back and relax.
The armrests are wide and comfortable. They come with a spacious pocket and cup holder. But what makes this chair stand out is the cooler built into the armrest. It can fit four cans and it’s great if you like having cold beer at hand, or fresh drinks for the kids.
Although it may be too bulky for backpacking, this chair is fairly lightweight and easy to transport. It can handle different terrains, and you can clean it very easily.
Pros:
- A good hardy chair for frequent use
- Comes equipped with a cooler and well-designed pockets
- Soft and comfortable
- Wider than most chairs
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Flimsy carrying case
- Little neck support
- More difficult to fold up
Who It’s Best For
If you’ve been hunting for a plus-sized chair that can resist a bit of wear and tear, this may be the best camping chair for you.
6. MOON LENCE Outdoor Folding Chairs (Best Portable Camping Chair)
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and perfect for a short hike,
then the Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight chair is the one for you.
We recommend this chair because it’s both durable and lightweight at the same time. With its mesh sides and short legs, it’s perfect for a day out hiking.
Imagine you’re climbing a hilltop and once you finally get there, you pack out this beauty and enjoy the view. One of the best fantasies, we believe. With this chair, it’s possible.
The chair is made from oxford cloth and mesh, for maximum protection and airiness, but comes with an aluminum frame that offers durability and comfort. The seat is ergonomic and fits almost any body type.
The biggest pro is, if you ask us, the small packed size. It can fit any backpack for hiking and carry-on luggage for camping or traveling. The Moon Lence chair is low-maintenance, this means a fast clean-up and easy setup. The frame can be washed with a wet cloth and the mesh seat is additionally machine-washable.
It’s versatile in any way, one can use it for hiking, backpacking, traveling, fishing, biking, and any other activity, since it’s easily portable and light. We believe that this is the best portable chair out there.
Pros:
- Highly lightweight with only 2 pounds
- Highly durable frame
- Low price
- Perfect for short use
- Designed for backpacking and hiking
Cons:
- No armrests
- No cup holders
- Not designed for sitting in it too long
Who It’s Best For
If you are a backpacker, traveler or hiker, that’s always on the run for some adventures, this camping chair is the one you were always looking for. You can bring this set of camping gear anywhere with you since it’s designed to be lightweight.
Once you’ve reached your destination, pop it up and enjoy the rest you deserved. So if you relish short camping breaks, this reclining camping chair is what you were looking for. If you plan on spending more time enjoying the view or the company at your campsite, we are afraid that this isn’t the perfect choice for you.
7. POP Design the Hot Seat Heated Portable Chair (Best Heated Camping Chair)
If you’re planning on spending a cool night outside in your camp, or if you’re
winter camping, you might want to consider getting a heated chair. The POP Design Hot Seat chair would be a great way to start your cold adventure.
This chair doesn’t just offer heat when it’s most needed, but also ample storage. Rarely do you see a seat so full of storage possibilities. It runs with five different pocket options for keys, sunglasses, cups, batteries, and anything else you can think of.
We do need to say that the chair doesn’t include a battery but acquiring one is very easy nowadays. The battery can last for hours, and the best part of the chair is the integrated heating seat.
It’s also a folding camp chair with a security lock and the possibility to recline. The best part we believe is the extra-long armrests made of plastic.
Pros:
- Heated seat
- Lots of storage options
- Size for the average adult
- Durable frame and materials
- Portable and foldable with travel bag included
Cons:
- No battery included
- Hard and narrow armrests
- Weighs 11 pounds
Who It’s Best For
This chair is the perfect pick for anyone wanting to keep as warm as possible during their camping trip. Sadly, this chair, which weighs 11 pounds, isn’t meant to be carried around all the time.
This means, if you’re planning on camping in a harsher climate or sitting for a longer time, it’s a great fit.
8. SUNNYFEEL Double Folding Camping Chair (Best Double)
Looking for a love seat or just a double camping chair? The Sunnyfeel Double
Chair will do the trick.
It is designed so that two people can comfortably sit on it and it still offers them enough space to move around and enjoy their day comfortably. This folding camping chair is designed so that it offers enough storage space in two pockets and is durable, for withstanding the weight of up to 300 pounds.
Setting up the chair is effortless and fast, in just 2 simple steps. The chair is definitely an extra-large out on the market, even the cup holders can fit two drinks into them. With this chair, everything is double, even the comfort.
Pros:
- Double collapsible chair
- Extra-large cup holders
- Fits two adults
- Carry bag with shoulder strap
Cons:
- Thin material
- Only one hand rest per person
Who It’s Best For
The Sunnyfeel Double Folding Chair is specifically designed for lovebirds out there that enjoy camping together. It offers both parties enough storage space and durability for the whole day.
So if you enjoy sitting together and just appreciating the sunny day somewhere outdoors, this chair is everything you were looking for.
9. ONIVA Picnic Directors Folding Chair (Best Picnic Chair)
One of the best picnic chairs on the market is our featured no. 9, the Oniva
Picnic Directors folding chair. It can hold up to 300 lbs with its sturdy frame, designed to look like it’s straight from Hollywood.
This deluxe sporting chair comes with amazing benefits like padded armrests, back straps, 3 pockets, and a foldable side table that offers multiple possibilities.
This chair pleases the eye since it comes in different colors and prints like camouflage, plaid, tropic, and stripes. Perfect for the move, because it comes with back straps for easy transport, even when the weight is 12 pounds.
The ONIVA chair is built to last on both beach, outdoor picnics, camping, and travel adventures. All you need to do now is say: Lights, camera, action!
Pros:
- Comfortable and oversized
- Comes in different prints
Cons:
- Weighs 12 pounds
- On the expensive side
Who It’s Best For
If you love directors chairs and want to get one for your next picnic trip, this is the best camping chair for you. It even fits any style, with the different available prints.
Other than that, if you don’t like this type of chair, adding how pricey this item is and the weight, this chair might not be the right fit for you.
10. PORTAL Oversized Quad Camping Chair (Best Rocking Camp Chair)
This chair has it all: it’s an oversized camping chair, rocking camping chair, and
one of the best high back camp chairs out there. What else could one wish for?
In addition, it holds a side storage with four pockets. But here comes the best part: When placed on a leveled surface, it can be used as a rocking camping chair. The folding system of this chair is amazing, with a lock for both portable and open positions.
The seat weighs 16.5 lbs, which might be a downside when carrying it outside. But the durable padded material and headrest make up for it when rocking back and forth in one of the best camping chairs on the market.
Pros:
- Rocking camp chair
- High back
- Easy folding system
Cons:
- Hard and narrow armrests
- Weight 16.5 pounds
- On the expensive side
Who It’s Best For
Rocking chairs are not just for grandmothers anymore, you can now take them with you on your camping trip as well. This is the perfect thing to get for someone that rocks their chair all the time, with the added foldability and outdoor use.
11. CLIQ Camping Chair (Best Folding Camping Chair)
Have you ever seen a camping chair that is so foldable? We surely haven’t, so
far. Therefore we added the last but not least CLIQ Camping Chair to our Best Camping Chair list.
It is ready for the beach, mountain, or forest in the smallest portable size ever. When folded together, it weighs 3.6 pounds and takes up the space of a bottle, a really minimal camping chair.
But that’s not all, this chair can withstand up to 300 lbs and unfolds to be ready in just five seconds with the push of a button. The arms are made of metal for extra support and a mesh back is added for extra lightness and airiness.
Pros:
- Reclining camp chair
- Easy folding system
- When folded, is the size of a bottle
- Setup lasts 5 seconds
- Lightweight camping chair
Cons:
- No armrests
- Expensive for a minimal chair
- Not durable
Who It’s Best For
If you’re looking for a truly minimal-sized chair for your next hiking trip, then you definitely found your match. The CLIQ Camping Chair is innovative and takes virtually no space up when folded together.
It’s a perfect fit for anyone wanting a light chair to carry when backpacking and on longer tours of camping, hiking, and traveling. To be fair, this is a small lightweight reclining chair, but it does have its cons which might include durability and easy breakage.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Your Camping Chair
It doesn’t matter if you are planning on buying your first and best camping chair, or if you’re already an expert and looking to broaden your camp chair collection.
We understand how hard it is to choose the right one, when there is so much going on in the camping gear world of today. We are constantly bombarded with lighter, sturdier, and even better gear for the outdoors. It’s getting harder and harder to choose the right and most comfortable camping chair for yourself.
Let’s look at what makes every chair practical and useful:
Insulation
An often forgotten segment of every chair is how well it can retain heat. Depending on what you need, your perfect chair should capture or block the sun’s rays. Next time you’re shopping for your chair, have this in mind.
Accessories
What makes any chair unique is what it has to offer, enough storage space, pockets, and drink holders are an excellent addition. But one should always have in mind that the more accessories an item has, the more it weighs.
Portability
A key factor, depending on the type of use, would be the chair’s portability. This isn’t just about whether a chair has back straps or comes with a portable bag, it’s very important how a chair folds up. The size and weight form an important factor in this case. An oversized camping chair will take up more space than a collapsible chair.
Usability
Last but not least, comes the most important factor that can make or break a chair. If you need half an hour to figure out how to position and set up a chair, no one is ever going to use it. The best you can look for is a chair that you can set up in a few easy steps or even better, in five seconds.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Best Camping Chair
In this article, we want to help you with the question: How to choose the best camping chair? We have listed some of the possible uses for your future perfect camping chair. Every chair needs to be practical for its end-user, or it’s going to end up as a waste of money, and no one wants that.
So, let’s take a quick look at the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing the right fit for you:
Types of Camping Chairs
Another specification we need to look at when choosing our best camping chair is the type of chair we would and want to use. Not all camping chairs are the same, they come in different shapes, sizes, and styles.
One needs to make sure that they choose the best chair there is for their needs, between:
- Camping stools
- Traditional camping chairs
- Portable chairs
- Low profile chairs
- Reclining and rocking chairs
- Double camping chairs
- Directors folding camping chairs
When choosing the right fit for you, make sure to look at all the options available on the market and after reading our article, make an educated choice in favor of the perfect chair.
Intended Uses for Camping Chairs
When shopping for the best camping chairs one needs to also have in mind the types of activities they engage in. If not, they might pointlessly buy a product and just forget about it.
Therefore, we believe that using a chair in line with its intended use is a must. This article will now present different outdoor activities by listing the recommended camping chairs that go with them.
Camping
Camping is one of our favorite pass times since there is nothing better than spending precious moments in the great outdoors with the family. Almost all chairs go with this activity, so here is a short list of what to take into consideration when buying a camping chair:
- Traditional camping chairs
- Portable chairs
- Low profile chairs
- Reclining and rocking chairs
- Double camping chairs
- Directors folding camping chairs
Our favorite in this category would definitely be the Strongback Low Gravity Beach Chair, or our Best for Posture choice.
Backpacking
When traveling with a huge backpack and using only the things that you carry with you, that’s called true backpacking. There are different types of this activity like thru-hiking, travel backpacking, or just hiking.
No matter the name, all categories need a minimal lightweight chair to rest upon. Here is a list of our favorite choices for this activity:
- Camping stools
- Portable chairs
- Low profile chairs
Our best pick in this category would be the CLIQ camping chair or Best Foldable chair from our choices, we believe that they made this engineering marvel specifically for backpacking. The lightness and firmness of the product make it a must-have for any backpacker out there.
Fishing and Hunting
Is there anything better than sitting back and waiting for that catch? There’s probably no better thrill in the outdoor world. For fishing and hiking, one needs the perfect portable camping chair to fit their needs.
This type of collapsible chair must be easy to carry and as comfortable as possible since a lot of time will be spent using it. One can consider these chairs:
- Camping stools
- Traditional camping chairs
- Portable chairs
- Low profile chairs
- Directors folding camping chairs
Our pick in this category goes to the GCI Outdoor Folding Hillside Chair or winner in the Best for a Tall Person choice. Most beaches and rivers or lakesides are inclined so we believe a hillside chair would be a great choice when it comes to fishing, and the same goes for hunting too.
Beach
Everyone’s favorite summertime activity is going to the beach, you can almost smell the salt in the air and feel the sunscreen on your skin. If it’s all about comfort when it comes to you, we’ve got the best chairs you could buy:
- Traditional camping chairs
- Double camping chairs
- Directors folding camping chairs
We think that the ONIVA picnic directors folding chair or our Best Directors chair choice is the best one out there for the beach. This chair has enough storage, portability, and an extra collapsible table on the side. But the deal setter for us are the cool designs, made for almost anyone.
Traveling
Are you planning a longer trip to Europe or just want to set out into the wild with the family? You will need a collapsible chair on your adventure, to make everything easier. We believe you need one of these:
- Camping stools
- Traditional camping chairs
- Portable chairs
- Double camping chairs
- Directors folding camping chairs
Our favorite pick for traveling would be the MOON LENCE Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chairs with carrying Bag or Best Lightweight champion. This chair’s weight and portability make it our item of choice.
After reviewing all the possibilities and categories the best camping chairs could fall under, we should probably review what every type of chair is meant for. Here is a short wrap up of our buying guide so far:
| Type of chair | Best use |
| Camping stools | Backpacking, fishing, hunting, tactical, traveling. |
| Traditional camping chairs | Camping, fishing, hunting, picnicking, tactical, beach, traveling. |
| Portable chairs | Camping, backpacking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, tactical, beach, traveling. |
| Low profile chairs | Camping, picnicking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, tactical, beach, traveling. |
| Reclining and rocking chairs | Camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, tactical. |
| Double camping chairs | Camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, tactical, beach, traveling. |
| Directors folding camping chairs | Camping, fishing, hunting, tactical, beach, traveling, picnicking. |
Conclusion
You may need to do a bit of clicking around before you get to the best camping chairs of your dreams. But when you find the right one, it’s going to become an essential part of your vacations.
Want more camping gear? Check out our other reviews on: