The best camping chairs for comfort and ease of use

To find the best camping chair, shoppers should consider durability, comfort, size, and weight. Figuring out what’s most important to you depends on how and where you plan to use it.

“I want to be able to pack my camping chair easily in my car or even my luggage if I am flying somewhere for a road trip,” says Renee Hahnel, a travel blogger and author of Roaming America: Exploring All the National Parks. “Plus, I absolutely need to focus on overall weight and size when backpacking. Every ounce counts.” Hahnel adds that it’s important to think about how much space camping chairs take up at home. 

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With that in mind, the Kelty Lowdown camping chair is our pick for best overall camping chair. It combines practicality and comfort with a durable steel frame, quilted fabrics, adjustable armrests, and a modest recline. Read on for more of our top picks for camping chairs in other categories.

Best overall camping chair: Kelty Lowdown Camping Chair

Buy it now at Backcountry

Why we like it: The Kelty Lowdown is a great overall camping chair for most people. It’s constructed of heavy-duty steel with a slightly reclined design and quilted fabric for lounging. The low base helps keep the chair stable on uneven terrain and is less likely to block peoples’ view at outdoor concerts. The adjustable armrests have insulated, expandable beverage holders that fit standard-sized cans and extra large water bottles. We also love that it comes with a padded storage wrap that doubles as a picnic blanket or dog mat.

Keep in mind: The Kelty Lowdown is heavy and the back isn’t high enough to support your head. Some people may find it difficult to get out of.

Product details: Weight: 7 pounds, 6 ounces | Size: Unfolded 29 x 21.5 x 20 inches; folded 32.5 x 8 x 8 inches | Weight capacity: 350 pounds | Material: Powder-coated steel, polyester

Best rocker camping chair: GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair 

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker has a sturdy steel frame and patented spring-loaded shocks that help ensure a smooth rocking motion. Padded armrests and a breathable nylon mesh back panel keep campers comfortable and cool in warmer weather. It folds flat for easy storage, assembles quickly, and comes with a built-in handle—all great aspects for traveling, picnics, tailgates, or evenings by the campfire. It also has a universal cup holder.

Keep in mind: The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is heavy. The cup holder isn’t big enough for extra large containers.

Product details: Weight: 11 pounds, 12.8 ounces | Size: Unfolded 31 x 26 x 24 inches; folded 31 x 26 x 5 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Powder-coated steel, polyester, nylon

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Best camping chair with arms: Kijaro Dual Lock Chair

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: This sturdy chair from Kijaro is our pick for best camping chair with arms. Not only does it have supportive armrests with cup holders, it has a dual-lock system that secures the chair when it’s folded and when it’s opened. This system also helps keep the canvas on the seat and back taut, so the chair is less likely to sag. We also like that the adjustable strap is attached to the back of the frame so you can carry it in or out of the included storage bag.

This camping chair is also pretty comfortable. It has an angled back with a breathable mesh back panel. Two cup holders and a zippered mesh side pocket for securing valuables are bonuses. 

Keep in mind: The Kijaro is a heavy camping chair. When folded, it’s nearly four feet, so it may be challenging to transport or store.

Product details: Weight: 9.5 pounds | Size: 26 x 35.5 x 37 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Material: Diamond ripstop polyester, coated steel

Best camping chair for kids: REI Co-op Kids’ Camp Chair

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: This robust, yet lightweight, portable camping chair is a great choice for kids. Durable materials (heavy-duty, anti-rust steel and polyester) make it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures in the woods or at the park. The shoulder strap helps keep the chair closed when it’s folded. There’s also an uncomplicated button lock to help prevent the chair from collapsing, plus an armrest pocket for drinks and snacks.

Keep in mind: The seat height is 11 inches, which may be too high for smaller kids. It doesn’t come with a storage bag.

Product details: Weight: 4 pounds | Size: Unfolded 24.5 x 26.5 x 16.25 inches; folded 5 x 25 inches | Weight capacity: 125 pounds | Material: Polyester, powder-coated steel

Best lightweight camping chair: Helinox Chair Zero

Buy it now at Backcountry

Why we like it: At just one pound, the Helinox Chair Zero easily tops our list for best lightweight camping chair. We love that it sets up quickly thanks to a corded pole system (similar to some tents). The scoop-style seat is made of UV-resistant, machine-washable polyester, with two mesh panels in the seat back. It’s also very compact; just roll it up and stuff it into the included ripstop nylon bag.

If you’re concerned about the tentpole-style legs sinking into sand, mud, or snow, you can try adding a groundsheet. It’s also a good option if you’re planning to travel light.

Keep in mind: Because it prioritizes weight, the Helinox camping chair may not be the most comfortable or durable.

Product details: Weight: 1 pound | Size: Unfolded 20.5 x 18.9 x 25.2 inches; folded 13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches | Weight capacity: 265 pounds | Material: Ripstop polyester, aluminum

Best budget camping chair: Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad camping chair is a great affordable option for car camping, sitting on the sidelines, or picnicking at the park. The steel frame chair is sturdy yet easy to set up, with a cooling mesh back panel, a roomy seat, and adjustable armrests. It also folds neatly into the included bag.

Keep in mind: The Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad is a bulky, heavy camp chair that reviewers noted may face long-term durability issues. The single cup holder isn’t large enough to fit cups with insulating foam sleeves, such as koozies.

Product details: Weight: 6 pounds, 4 ounces | Size: Unfolded 35.8 x 31.1 x 21.3 inches; folded 35 x 5.1 x 4.7 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Steel, nylon mesh

Best luxury camping chair: Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The Yeti Trailhead ticks all the boxes for a high-end camping chair. The lightweight frame is constructed in a crossover style that assembles in two steps. The feet are widely spaced and grip well for stabilization. We also appreciate that the chair incorporates the company’s UV-resistant fabric that conforms to the body for extra comfort. The fabric also locks into place when you set up the chair, supporting up to 500 pounds, according to the company.

The cup holder docks on either side of the chair, without taking up additional armrest room. And the carrying bag has two straps, so you can sling it over one shoulder or both, backpack-style. All in all, this is a good option for campers looking to invest in a camping chair for the long haul.

Keep in mind: The Yeti Trailhead is heavy, bulky, and pricey. It doesn’t come with zippered pockets for securing valuables.

Product details: Weight: 13.3 pounds | Size: Unfolded 24 x 29.9 x 36.3 inches; folded 10 x 8 x 43 inches | Weight capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Yeti’s “FlexGrid” fabric

Best hammock camping chair: Eno Lounger DL Chair

Buy it now at Backcountry

Why we like it: We love this hammock-style Eno Lounger DL Chair for its light weight, versatility, and comfort. The corded, anti-rust aluminum frame sets up quickly, plus you can adjust the feet in two heights. 

The hammock-inspired seat is made with ripstop nylon and has reinforced corners for added durability. This camping chair has a high back with a built-in pillow, plus cushioned armrests. The two stretchy cargo side pockets are large enough to fit a book or tablet. When you’re ready to pack it up, just stuff it into the carrying case, which has adjustable shoulder straps for comfort. Overall, this hammock-style camping chair is a great option for festivals or sitting around the campfire.

Keep in mind: The pole system can be difficult to disassemble, so it may take some practice. The hammock-style camping chair is also lower to the ground, so it may be tough for some campers to get in and out of it.

Product details: Weight: 4 pounds, 10 ounces | Size: Unfolded 37 x 32 x 23 inches; folded 23 x 7 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Ripstop nylon, aluminum

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Our review process

To help determine the best camping chairs, we took many factors into consideration. We sifted through third-party reviews and assessed each brand’s reputation. We also looked at the quality of materials and key features. Here’s what we researched:

• Third-party reviews: We checked reviews by customers who have bought and used each camping chair, noting their insights into performance, features, and flaws.

• Brand reputation: A brand that is trustworthy and reliable are key factors for determining quality, safety, and whether chairs will last.

• Durability: Construction, materials, and fabrics are crucial for camping chairs. They must be able to stand up to daily and repeated use, support weight for long periods of time, and withstand the elements.

• Portability: We also looked for a lightweight chair that’s compact when folded and has a built-in handle or carrying sleeve for easy transport.

• Comfort: Features such as adjustable armrests, reclining seat backs, breathable fabrics, footrests, inflatable cushions, rocking motions, and head and lumbar support all contribute to comfort.

What to know about camping chairs

Weight

Consider how far you need to carry a camping chair. Hikers and backpackers may want to go for something lightweight. Picnickers can afford to prioritize comfort and additional bells and whistles.

Packed size

A chair that folds flat is suitable for tailgaters and concert-goers. Hikers should look for camping chairs that can be stowed in a backpack. Consider the size of your storage space too.

Comfort

If a camping chair’s size and weight aren’t an issue, look for extra padding, adjustable armrests, and lumbar support.

Height 

Low camping chairs are great for concerts with height restrictions or extra stability on uneven ground. However, people with back or knee issues may find chairs closer to the ground harder to get in and out of. Look for adjustable camping chairs.

Weight capacity

Chairs with a higher weight capacity tend to be more stable and durable. They’re also a better option for campers who want to hold small children or infants in their laps.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight can a camping chair hold?

Most camping chairs have a weight capacity of around 250-300 pounds. A heavy-duty chair can hold up to 800 pounds.

What’s the best material for a camping chair?

Lightweight aluminum or heavy-duty steel are common frame materials. Ripstop nylon and polyester can resist tears and UV rays. They also tend to last longer than lightweight nylon or breathable mesh materials.

What is the standard height of a camping chair?

The average seat height of a camping chair is about 19 inches.