Durability – Check the fabric and the material of the chair because the weather conditions will not be the same every time you go camping. So, check the material of the body, legs, and cushion fabrics before buying. Whether you’re looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t ozark trail canopy hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered. 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. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or not, having a reliable camping chair can make a world of difference.
“I should have bought these a long time ago,” one reviewer says, raving about their portability. “They are compact and easy to fold. My 3-year-old can mostly unfold it; he just needs help extending the sides.” GCI Outdoor makes several rocking chairs, and we plan to try more of them to see if they’re any better than the Freestyle Rocker, which we weren’t enthusiastic about.
It’s a simple addition that makes a world of a difference. The side table flips up, and the chair itself folds away so it’s easy to pack up and go. The 4-pound, steel-framed REI chair has an attached carry strap, rather than a carry bag (which the other chairs have). After a couple of camping trips, we concluded that a strap is more convenient than a bag—it’s quicker and easier for a kid to grab the chair and go, without parental help.
It’s very comfortable and I absolutely love the cooler with the attached bottle opener,” praises one reviewer. “I got these chairs to replace my old-school bag chairs after sitting in my sister’s flat-bottom style bag chair—SOOOO much better than the old saggy bottom and slouchy back style. Totally worth the money if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in one,” writes one review.
So the next time you’re having a drink, raise one up to these guys for their tremendous impact on our modern party and event rental industry. 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.
After eight years of consistent use by senior editor Kalee Thompson’s two young boys, the REI Co-op Camp Chair is, she reports, faded and worn but still holding up. The Renetto Original Canopy Chair is the best chair with a built-in canopy. Camping chairs have many different looks, feels and benefits.
This folding chair is made from durable polyester fabric wrapped around a steel frame for long-lasting comfort and convenience. An included carrying bag makes it easy to bring this chair with you almost anywhere you go. The camping chairs I looked at varied in price from $15 to $100, and as I pored over reviews, I focused on value and longevity, not just what was cheapest.
Sturdy arm rests and sits a little higher from the ground, making it a great choice for taller people. These lightweight, portable chairs are great for camping, sporting events, and backyard BBQs. Their smaller footprint makes them perfect for tighter spaces.
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. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). The Helinox Chair One is the best chair for anyone who needs a lightweight, portable chair. You can stow this featherlight, compressible chair in a backpack or even a work bag.
This Kijaro pick is highly rated across many retailers as being one of the best on the market. It features a unique locking feature for mobility and extra stability. It’s also easily foldable, can hold up to 300 pounds and has unique features such as a cup holder, mesh pockets and a carry bag. The Great Outdoors is pretty great—until you find yourself sitting on hard rocks around the campfire (or Solo Stove). That’s where a good camping chair comes in, so you can actually feel comfortable while getting your friluftsliv on. Heck, you can even use them while watching your kid’s t-ball game.