I found that the hardest part about using the chair was deciding how I wanted to stock the cooler. This Coleman camping chair also did a great job staying dry when the sun came out, and I started to sweat. It never managed to soak through, though I doubt that would be the case in any kind of rain. REI’s Flexlite Chair has been replaced by an entire flock of Flexlite chairs; the one that is the closest to replacing the original Flexlite in the lineup is the Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair. The design, size, and weight is nearly identical, but the nylon fabric has been replaced with polyester. Coleman recalls an era of bold retro lines and geometric forms, featuring an outstanding functional design infused with savoir fair.
You can pick one up at just about any big-box store (sometimes for as little as $10), order one with your favorite sports team’s logo, or pay a premium for a similar model from Cabela’s or REI. 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. Overwhelmingly, the Coleman came out on top, with campers praising its comfort and stability. Any appropriate exchanges, credits and refunds will be issued for the purchase price of the returned item(s); taxes are refunded in accordance with applicable state law. With the exception of refunds for damaged or defective merchandise, shipping, delivery, and handling charges are nonrefundable, and return shipping or pickup fees may apply. Refunds are made based on the payment method used at the time of purchase.
The back of the chair does go up behind where a head could theoretically be (based on height and posture). However, unless you hit the exact right position, the unsupported fabric does very little to hold your head up. For more details on what to look for in your next camp chair, head over to our buyer’s guide. And to see how the above-listed stack up, our top chairs page offers a detailed comparison. Comfort is king when it comes to camp chairs, and we’ve put some serious man-hours into finding out which is the best for every occasion. The mesh cup holder has a soft plastic grommet stitched into the armrest fabric, reinforcing the mesh and helping the cup holder retain its shape so you have effortless access to your beverage of choice.
Just a thin layer of foam that adds something to the polyester does the job without making it feel like you’re sitting in a pile of mashed potatoes. We aren’t particularly impressed by the durability of this chair either. Nothing broke during our testing, but we have some serious doubts about this chair’s ability to last for years.
But if you want something comfortable enough to watch an all-day soccer tournament and durable enough to bring back every season, we don’t think this one is a winner. It had some thickness, with at least a couple layers of fabric making up the body, but this doesn’t help the integrity. The armrests are technically adjustable, though they are only attached through round discs, making it easy to accidentally push them down with your elbow during a routine readjustment. Coleman advertises this chair as having a headrest, which we think is a bit of a stretch.
Like most chairs of this type, the Coleman Oversized Quad comes with an over-the-shoulder carry bag. Always have a cold drink within easy reach at the campsite, tailgate, or kids’ ball game thanks to the cooler built into the armrest of the Coleman® Camping Chair with Built-In 4-Can Cooler. The fully cushioned seat and back mean you’ll enjoy hours of relaxing comfort. We aren’t particularly impressed by the durability of this chair either. Nothing broke during our testing, but we have some serious doubts about this chair’s ability to last for years.
For $60, REI’s Co-op Skyward Camp Chair is a super reliable option that will last you for years. However, since many campers prefer chairs at a traditional height, the Kelty Lowdown narrowly missed winning our coleman canopy Best Overall pick. This affordable, durable, comfortable chair is tailored to those who like their refreshments. The cooler pocket fits four standard cans and zips up to insulate your beverages of choice.
The poles are quite thin, and despite having a steel frame, everything feels rather rickety. Ours also came with some sloppy seams, and the carry bag is very thin and fragile. Again, nothing broke on this chair during our few months of testing, but we are skeptical of its longevity.
If your chair isn’t holding up anymore, it may be time for a new one. Those curious should head over to our buyer’s guide for everything you need to know about what your criteria should be. From there, our best camp chairs of the season can give you side-by-side comparisons of some of the top picks across the industry. As is the case with coleman chairs any outdoor gear, you want to make sure that you store the chair somewhere dark and dry when not in use. Mold is always a killer when it comes to things like camp chairs, but UV light may be the biggest cause for concern. Tempting as it may be, don’t leave your chair set up on a nice day with the intention of coming back in a few hours.
Plus, when you’re ready to pack it up, all you’ve got to do is fold it and slide it into the included carry bag. The portable chairs are the perfect size and weight to bring along to the pool, sports games, or to use as extra seating for outdoor hangouts. We also let two boys, ages 1 and 5, play with them and sit on them in the backyard for six months. After all that, we concluded that the REI Co-op Camp Chair – Kids’ is the best choice for anyone who wants to buy a practical, portable outdoor chair for a small child.