We evaluated the ease of use, comfort, portability, and durability of each. Testers refrained from checking the prices of the chairs until they’d judged all their other attributes. Whether you want to sit upright for a snack break or lean back to lounge with a good book, Nemo’s Moonlight Reclining Chair is great to have on hand.
The Helinox Chair One weighs about 2 pounds, compresses smaller than a 2-liter bottle of soda, and is the most comfortable and easy to stow of the three top backpacking chairs we tested. Like competing chairs, the Chair One has a nylon and mesh seat and aluminum legs, which are linked with shock cord (the chair legs are made out of the same material as high-end tent poles). Outdoor furniture is not one size fits all, so think carefully about your unique needs before committing to a style. Shorties (like yours truly) may be uncomfortable in seats that are too high to rest their feet on the ground while their backs are flush against the chair.
The seats should be at least partially water resistant and treated to stand up to harsh UV rays. You can stow this featherlight, compressible chair in a backpack or even a work bag. Select a chair with a built-in canopy, which will give you a little ozark trail camping chair patch of cool at any campsite or cookout. She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine, SkyLife Magazine, Playboy, Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com.
While the heaviness of this camp chair might prevent me from using it on a long journey, the carrying case with backpack straps makes it easier to take with me while keeping my arms free and shoulders comfortable. While the price means not everyone can have this camp chair, if you can swing it, it really is better than the rest. Many camping chairs come with added features you might want to look out for, like cupholders, storage pouches, and even zip-up cooler bags. Durable camping chairs, which are often more costly, come with sturdy frames made of steel tubes or other metals that stand up to heavy weights, repeated folding and unfolding, and occasional moisture. Generally speaking, the lightest chairs out there won’t deliver as plush of a sitting experience as bulkier products that weren’t meant to accompany you on backpacking adventures.
If you’re looking for a chair to take on the move, opt for something weighing under 2 pounds that can be stored as compactly as possible. These no-frills seats are more tolerable for resting your terrain-tested feet than for enjoying multiple meals, drinks, and the company of other campers around a fire. For this special purpose, you’ll need a rocker made from a water-resistant, flexible material with a foldable frame. ozark trail camping chair Some require little or no assembly and can be spread open and set on the ground. Collapsible rocking camping chairs have removable rocking rails; these take a little more effort to put together, but they provide smoother rocking motions. These Ozark Trail camp chairs are perfect for taking with you to kids’ sports games, camping trips, firework displays, or simply having them around so you can lounge in your backyard.
It also allows the chair to automatically balance your weight if you tuck a leg under your body or lean a bit forward, which can cause stationary chairs to tip. Nothing is worse than finding yourself forced to play musical chairs around the campfire. If you’re camping with a group, make sure enough chairs have been purchased and packed for everyone. Since different chairs will be best for each individual based on body ozark trail camping chair type, age, and personal preference, it’s a good idea to have a collection of chairs that suit a variety of needs. Some campers may need a high back with extra support, while others may prioritize a style that’s low to the ground. Some of the 29 chairs we tested had unique features that set them apart from the crowd but fell short in categories that kept their score too low to make our list of recommendations.
The chair itself isn’t the most comfortable option—the seat height feels a little low and the back plank and seat lack any cushioning. The two-piece construction also makes the chair feel a bit wobbly when leaning from side to side. The chair looks to shine the most at the beach, where you can dig the wood into the sand, and the aesthetic is a perfect match. Thanks to this affordable camp chair’s built-in insulated cooler, you can leave the kombuchas in the heavy cooler in the shade while you stash a few cans (with ice, of course) in your chair.
Finally, we made sure to keep price in mind, so you can find a long-lasting and comfortable chair no matter your budget. Heavier, larger chairs will start to weigh on you as you walk and can be far more cumbersome to store. That said, these chairs oftentimes have heavier weight limits and are more comfortable to sit in. If you are traveling by car or for short distances, you can splurge on the bigger chair.
So you can easily misplace a carry sack on a dark night in a crowded field, especially if you’re in a large group or have a lot of stuff. At a fireworks show and at the beach, we appreciated a chair that was ready to go without even 30 seconds of hassle. The Everywhere Chair closes like a book—simply lift the padded strap and go. Portable outdoor chairs are also helpful for anyone who doesn’t have the room or budget for permanent backyard furniture. And they can save your back, make it easier to juggle a picnic plate and a cold beverage, and generally help you to relax comfortably outdoors. Camping trips, beach days, picnics in the park, outdoor movies and theater performances, a fresh-air get-together with friends—there are countless occasions when you might use a camp chair.