The Chair One is rated to hold up to 320 pounds—more than any other lightweight chair we tested aside from the Moon Lence. Several Wirecutter staffers have owned the Coleman chair for years, using it on camping trips, in backyards, and at sporting events. For the most part, it’s held up well, but one common quibble is that the seat bottom begins to sag after several years of use. Senior editor Kalee Thompson, who wrote a previous version of this guide, has been regularly using the Coleman chair she originally tested in 2016. Aside from the color fading and the cooler pouch deteriorating, her chair has held up to years of backyard hangs and camping trips. In summer 2023, she bought a newer Coleman Cooler Quad Chair to compare to her 2016 model, and she found them to be more or less the same.
At a little over 7 pounds, it’s also the lightest traditional chair we tested—but it had the lowest weight capacity (250 pounds). It’s currently low in stock, but REI tells us this chair will be widely available again over the summer. These chairs are designed for comfort rather than support, so they are not recommended for those who need extra support. If you are looking for a chair that can support heavier weights, you should consider a different type of camping chair. The King Kong camping chair has a weight limit of 800 pounds.
You want to make sure that your chair can support your weight without tipping over. This is especially important if you plan on using your chair on soft ground or uneven terrain. Look for chairs with wide legs or feet, as they will provide better stability on these types of surfaces. Some chairs even come with adjustable feet that can be lengthened or shortened to suit different terrains.
If you plan on hiking, you may want to consider a lightweight chair with a lower weight capacity to reduce the weight of your pack. Overall, it is important to find a camping chair that is both safe and comfortable. Look for chairs with wide legs or adjustable feet for stability on different terrains. Consider chairs with padded seats and back support for extended periods of time. And don’t forget to check the surface of the chair for comfort, especially if you plan on using it for long periods of time.
Over 37 years ago, the Original Chair revolutionized outdoor seating comfort. Crazy Creeks now offers a range of chairs made with the most durable fabrics, carbon fiber stays, and a custom stitching process. As a testament to their durability, we proudly ozark trail camping chair offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY on all Original & Hex 2.0 Chairs. These chairs are water-resistant, versatile, built to last, and lightweight, making them easy to carry wherever you go. It can hold a lot of supplies, and it’s easy to carry and set up.
The cupholders on the L.L.Bean Kids’ Base Camp Chair aren’t as roomy as those on our picks, and they’re not as adept at holding stubby water bottles or mugs of hot chocolate. You can stow this featherlight, compressible chair in a backpack or even a work bag. Nothing is worse than finding yourself forced to play musical chairs around the campfire. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions.