Our testers didn’t have any ongoing gripes with this chair, though one complained of feeling a crossbar under the seat. The chair distributes weight quite well, and we never felt off-balance while reclining. However, we did find it quite awkward to get out of the chair while reclined, so be sure to put it back into the upright position before getting up. If you simply want a chair to sit in for watching your kid’s soccer game or for relaxing in the backyard, you can prioritize comfort above portability.
It can withstand a whole lot more abuse when compared with a lightweight model like the Helinox Chair Zero. Backpacking chairs cost more because they require thin but strong frame materials, like aluminum, which is more expensive than thick steel. That said, the build quality of the Coleman is still lower than the similarly designed but more expensive Alps Mountaineering King Kong. Double camping chairs, like the Kelty Low Loveseat above, can be a nice choice for couples. Most have two armrests and an open double-wide seat for two, although some resemble two single chairs fused together with a middle storage compartment or cup holders between them.
The fact that the chair holds an impressive 325 pounds makes it ideal for big and tall buyers. It’s certainly not the lightest camping chair on this list, but we were still surprised with coleman sleeping bag the relatively reasonable 8.5 pounds, especially considering the table attachment. Beyond the comfort of the seat, the most impressive part of the Trailhead is the sturdiness of the frame.
Testers noted that the seat is fairly narrow at the top, which could be an issue for broad-shouldered folks. Our testers liked that this chair also had a wider seat than some of our other choices, coleman chair which makes it comfortable if you like to sit cross-legged or have wider hips. Testers noted that it has a more relaxed seat, which might be uncomfortable for those who want a little more support.
The pocket is backed with the same high-tensile fabric that makes up the rest of the seat, and the mesh is divided into three separate compartments. 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. Do a quick online search for director chair-style camp chairs and you’ll see that most options look relatively similar.
Finally, we sent the chairs out to put them to the test on real campgrounds, hikes, and other outdoor events. Testers provide periodic updates to report on the chairs’ performances over the course of six months. The Ozark Trail Oversized Mesh Chair from Walmart, although similar to our pick in size, was far less comfortable, with rough-feeling material that was obviously of lower quality. We later found, after six months of frequent use, that the stitching along one arm had come unravelled and that the small straps holding up the back of the armrests had both ripped in half.
And the chair’s strong seat and slightly reclined back offer an excellent feel overall. The Kijaro’s 300-pound weight capacity falls well short of the burly King Kong above, but the chair still is made to last. Nemo’s Moonlight above is our favorite lightweight and portable camp chair, but you shave even more weight with an ultralight design like Helinox’s Chair Zero. In addition, the shock-cord design means that the Chair Zero packs down to a compact size that’s easy to pack down and carry and fits on the inside or outside of a backpack.
The durability of the seat materials is paramount, since a torn seat can render your chair useless. The seats should be at least partially water resistant and treated to stand up to harsh UV rays. We review 20 of the most popular synthetic insulated jackets and tested the top models for months in conditions as diverse as mountains in Arizona to snow storms near Bend, Oregon to walking a toddler in Portland.