The Coleman camping chair is big and durable, and of all the upright chairs that our panel of campers tested, it was the most comfortable. The Helinox Chair Zero L isn’t inexpensive, but that’s probably because it’s made with high-quality, ultralight materials. The camping chair weighs just over one pound, but the aluminum frame can hold up to 265 pounds. The steel frame allowed our testers to use the reclining back confidently and lounge in the chair at just about any angle. The adjustable cup holders accommodate anything from a soda can to a beer growler (yes, you can have up to 64 ounces of beer in your cup holder). Cooler aside, we also like the Coleman chair’s side pocket (don’t leave those bottle tops in the woods) and cushioned backrest.
However, since many campers prefer chairs at a traditional height, the Kelty Lowdown narrowly missed winning our Best Overall pick. That’s why we’re keen on the SunnyFeel camp chair, which packs into the size of a (slightly heavy) tote bag and comes with a storage sack. Unlike other similar camp chairs, you can sling the SunnyFeel over your shoulder rather than awkwardly carrying it just above the ground.
Before we tried the Renetto Original Canopy Chair, we had never considered buying a shade-equipped camp chair. The shaded Renetto chairs were consistently the first seats snagged at a beautiful but harshly exposed Indian Grove group campsite. Like most chairs of this type, the Coleman Oversized Quad comes with an over-the-shoulder carry bag. They’re ideal for buyers who experience back or butt pain when sitting in one spot for too long. Because the chair swings, it’s easy to adjust your seating position or rest your feet on a nearby cooler or bench.
If you do need a fits-in-a-knapsack chair, we recommend the Helinox Chair One. We found this model to be slightly more comfortable and easier to pack than other, similar chairs. The Renetto Original Canopy Chair, a cleverly designed specialty seat, is ideal for anyone who wants sun protection and doesn’t mind a heavier, bulkier chair. Despite the Renetto’s weight, our testers found it easy to carry and simple to set up and adjust.
The right chairs can make or break a camping trip — no one wants to go into a s’mores-induced sugar coma while squirming in a flimsy foldable. And if you’re lugging all your gear on a backpacking journey, a portable seat you can properly rest on is even more crucial. Knowing which brands and models to trust is the first step to creating your own outdoor oasis. Rocking chairs are relaxing and provide therapeutic benefits for elderly people and others who enjoy rest and relaxation. Old-fashioned versions can be comfortable, but they cannot be folded up and taken on camping trips or to sporting events.
The Wonderland camping chair has a polyester fabric seat treated to be water repellent, and the steel tubing feels noticeably sturdy. While the chair is too heavy to take with you on a hike, the carry strap and lock-in clip make it easy to sling over your shoulder to and from different locations. It can be a little bit heartbreaking to find a gorgeous relaxation spot — with nowhere to hang up your favorite hammock. Thanks to Eagles Nest Outfitters, you can have the comfort of hammock lounging without needing trees, trying to transport a clunky free-standing hammock, or being beholden to the location of trees on your campsite.
Camping chairs aren’t exclusively for camping, nor is all camping the same. 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. While more durable options are often more expensive, keep the upfront cost of the camp chair in context with its long-term durability. If the chair lasts for several years, the initial cost is well worth it in comparison to a cheaper camp chair that might tear or break after just a couple of seasons. This can help prevent the fabric from damage and fading over long periods of use. The fabric should also be strong enough to hold significant weight—likely a rigid yet flexible woven material like the seat on our top pick, the Yeti Trailhead chair.
Anecdotally, we found that this chair category in general is more popular among women than among men, who generally prefer a higher, upright seat. The Renetto chair ozark trail hammock chair usually comes in between 8 and 10 colors and is rated to hold up to 350 pounds. “This is the Platonic ideal of your camp chair,” one of our campers gushed.
Coleman’s heavy-duty outdoor chair with a side table can transform your camping mealtimes. An aluminum side table flips up when you’re ready to feast and includes a cup holder. The chair’s ozark trail camping chair backrest is slightly angled, and those who prefer firm support enjoyed the strong, taut fabric. Thanks to the extra space for cup handles, mugs easily fit in the beverage slot.
A few of the lightweights we tested were cozy enough to sleep in for some campers, while others found them to be too narrow to comfortably fit their shoulders. If lumbar support is a must, it could be worth transporting a bit of extra weight to have a super sturdy chair on your site. The industry is flooded with options for portable chairs, from compact seats that are light enough for extended treks to heavy-duty rocking chairs that let you recreate your living room on the campground. Each comes with a convenient carrying bag that you can sling over your shoulder.