The outdoors hold a special appeal for those looking to take a break from the daily grind. And there is no better way to supplement that feeling of stress-free relaxation than with the best camping chair.
After you are done hiking, trekking, swimming, you can take a breather on your camping chair while sipping on your favourite beverage, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the woods while reading a book. The chair transforms into an ideal, essential outdoor accessory. Along with a cozy camping blanket, a good camping chair will definitely upgrade your adventure!
How To Choose the Best Camping Chair
Before we dive deep into the world of camping chairs, here’s a quick snapshot of what you should expect from the best products:
They should be an appropriate size for your frame, be comfortable enough for you to sit in and enjoy the outdoors, and come within a budget. You also need to ensure that the supporting frame is strong and solid. That said, let’s now take a look at some of the top outdoor chairs.
The Top 13 Camping Chairs in 2023
Caravan Sports Infinity
The ultimate word in comfort with an old-school vibe
Few can match the ultimate comfort provided by one of the best camping chair. The Caravan Infinity’s design is a throwback to a more relaxed, laid back time, but its spirit is very much new-age.
The corrosion resistant frame can easily handle weights up to 300 pounds. And the adjustable headrest will certainly please those of you looking for maximum comfort on your outdoor trip. One of the chair’s USP is that it can be adjusted to a variety of angles and positions to suit your personal style.
The issue with the Caravan is that it is quite the heavy chair to lug around. Especially if you are backpacking.
Pros
- Sturdy, corrosion-resistant frame.
- Adjusts to a variety of angles.
- Headrest.
Cons
- Heavy.
Kijaro Dual Lock Chair
Practical, functional, but a visual style that will divide opinion
The Kijaro is a camping chair that will divide opinion for its modernist aesthetic. The sleek silhouette may appeal to some of you and may repel some of you. But its practicality and functionality will be appreciated by all.
The ergonomics of the chair is impressive, considering it provides sag-free support, keeping your spine in a healthy, neutral position. The armrest has cup holders that serve a variety of purposes – right from holding beverages to your smartphones. Despite its sleek profile, the chair can easily accommodate 300 pounds. And its economical pricing makes it a darling among the budget conscious.
The issue with the Kijaro is primarily its visual appeal. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Pros
- Versatile and practical.
- Sleek design.
- Economical.
Cons
- Visual style may not appeal to everyone.
Coleman Quad Chair
A comfortable full-feature outdoor chair
You can trust Coleman to make one of the best camping chair that takes into consideration your particular needs during an outdoor trip. The Quad Chair is the epitome of the top quality and top construction that has been associated with the brand over the years.
You can trust the heavy duty steel frame to last nearly a lifetime, and last in any kind of outdoor environment. The cushioned backrest will make you feel as if you were lounging at home rather than in the woods or at the beach. The standout feature of the Quad Chair is the cooler sleeve that hangs on both armrests: You will not feel the heat even on a warm, sunny day.
Where the Quad Chair lets you down a bit is in the style department. The saggy look feels unsophisticated.
Pros
- Easy to fold and transport.
- Generous storage pockets.
- Economical pricing.
Cons
- Lacks style.
The King Kong
Big on features, big on style, big on size too
ALPS Mountaineering has produced an outdoor chair with a name as interesting as its features.
The King Kong is an apt title as the chair can easily hold up to 800 pounds, thanks to its ultra-strong frame that is durable to boot. The 600D polyester construction can easily accommodate even the most thickset among you without breaking a stitch. There is no doubt that ALPS has produced a heavy -duty camping chair.
On the downside, the dimensions of the King Kong make it a bit difficult to handle on your own, unless you are a bodybuilder.
Pros
- Heavy-duty chair.
- Durable and strong.
Cons
- Difficult to handle on your own.
Kelsyus Canopy
One of the most innovative designs on the list
When it comes to outdoor folding chairs, the Kelsyus Canopy gets a ten-on-ten for its originality and innovation. There is perhaps no other chair on the list that has thought of providing shelter and shade when you are outdoors. The canopy that sits on top provides ideal protection from the harsh sun when you are at the beach, or even from light drizzle when you are in the woods. The Kelsyus also provides a comfortable seat and enough storage pockets to hold everything from beverages to phones to books.
Where the Kelsyus Canopy falls short is in the style department. It is an acquired taste when it comes to visual aesthetic.
Pros
- Original, innovate design.
- Generous storage pockets.
Cons
- Lacks visual panache.
- Expensive.
Rendezvous Folding Chair
A straightforward chair that offers straightforward performance
This is your archetypal, no-nonsense outdoor chair that will do everything you ask of it, and more, without breaking a sweat. The lightweight chair can hold heavyweights up to 300 pounds and not let out a single groan. The sturdy frame offers a stable base whether you are on sand or on dirt terrain. The mesh lining that runs along the back of the chair will keep you ventilated and cool throughout your outdoor trip.
The best feature of the Rendezvous is that you can fold it up and take it anywhere you go because of its lightweight nature.
The one negative about the Folding Chair is that it does not offer the storage space as some of its peers.
Pros
- Lightweight nature.
- Sturdy design.
- Easy to handle.
Cons
- Lack of storage pockets.
Broadband Quad Chair
Interesting name, impressive features
The camping chair does not offer free Wi-Fi or any sort of internet connectivity. What it does offer is a comfortable, sturdy accessory that you can take along on your camping trip or on a beach trip.
The Broadband offers a wide seat that allows you to lounge around just like you would on your couch. The mesh-covered backrest provides proper ergonomic support when you sit while keeping things cool and breezy. And you have a cup holder to hold your beverage or your smartphone.
The Quad Chair is one of the best camping chair for its overall attributes and economical cost.
One of the chair’s weakness is that it does not offer storage pockets like some others on the list.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Easy to carry around.
- Sturdy.
Cons
- Lack of storage pockets.
Quik Chair
An all-round performer that offers value for money
If you are looking for an all-rounder that ticks all the boxes for an outdoor chair, then the Quik Chair is a near-perfect choice.
There is perhaps nothing that the chair cannot handle: The strong frame along with 300D polyester fabric construction handles heavy loads with ease; you can fold it and pick it up in one single motion; the armrests are fitted with storage pockets to hold your beverages, smartphones, sunscreens.
Perhaps the most alluring aspect of the Quik Chair is that it is as light on your pockets it feels light in your hands.
The only issue here is that the styling feels a little more saggy and little less sophisticated.
Pros
- Versatile.
- Economical.
Cons
- Style.
The Slacker
The ultimate statement in minimalism
This is not so much a chair as it is a stool. But then again, if your mission is to secure a lightweight, portable seat, TravelChair’s Slacker promises to be a prized possession.
All you have here is a tripod, and a sturdy one at that, with a high density cloth fabric attached on top of the three legs. It may not look like much, but the chair-cum-stool can easily hold the heaviest of you.
The purpose of the Slacker is to provide the ultimate lightweight seat that will fit right in your backpack.
Since it is only a seat, there is no backrest, no storage pockets and no armrests. You can count them among the negatives.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight seat.
Cons
- Extremely lightweight seat.
MAX Shade
The big daddy of camping chairs
The MAX Shade is the big daddy among folding camping chairs. In fact, you may feel you are right at home on your couch rather than the outdoors: Such is the MAX Shade’s effect.
The highlight of the chair is the large canopy that offers the perfect screen from the elements, including sun and light rain. What it also offers is a certain amount of privacy, especially on a busy beach. The backrest and armrests make you feel comfortable and cosy; you also have cup holders and storage pockets to hold everything you need.
Because of its features, the MAX Shade is among the larger camping chairs, which makes it difficult to carry around: One of its negative traits.
Pros
- Large canopy.
- Storage pockets.
Cons
- Difficult to carry around.
Folding Director’s Chair
Aura and authority in a folding chair
For all those of you whose boyhood fantasy was to be the next Spielberg, the Director’s Chair comes closest to realising your dream, if your adult self chose another profession.
The foldable chair is one of the most stylish on the list, blessed with an aura of authority similar to the one a director carries around set. Apart from its style, the chair also features a host of add ons that should appeal to those looking for a versatile outdoor accessory: A side tray can hold your beverage, books, and other gadgets and valuables. There is a storage pouch as well that can hold additional items.
Where the Director’s Chair feels a little less special is with its pricing. There are lighter, more versatile options available at the same price range.
Pros
- Stylish.
- Versatile.
Cons
- Expensive.
Portal Camping Chair
Super comfortable and super stable
If you are looking for the ultimate comfort and stability, then the Portal is one of the best camping chair. It offers a hard hand-rest, much like a proper office chair, and a sturdy backrest that provides optimum support for the spine. The base offers absolute stability even on trickier surfaces. The overall construction is strong and the fabric used for the seat is top-notch.
Because of its sturdy design, the Portal is a bit heavy to lug around: One of its drawbacks.
Pros
- Comfortable.
- Stable.
Cons
- Relatively heavy to carry around.
The Loveseat
Share love and the outdoors with your partner
Last, but not the least, we have the Loveseat. One look at the chair and you will know why we had to include it in the camping chair review. There is no other accessory on the list that accommodates more than one person. The Loveseat has so been named because you and your partner can share a cosy seat together in the woods or out on the beach: A great concept for couples and even families.
The best part about the Loveseat is also its Achilles heel: The chair can feel large and heavy to transport.
Pros
- Perfect for couples and families.
Cons
- Large and heavy frame.
Best Camping Chair – Expert Speak
When you are in the market to buy lightweight camp chairs, there are three important factors for you to consider:
- Size – Some of you may prefer a big chair while some of you may prefer a more compact option. When it comes to size, the experts opine that that chair should have enough room for you to be comfortable in.
- Comfort – Speaking of comfort, the material should be skin-friendly and provide enough cushion. At least the seat should be well padded to support your weight and frame.
- Price – Depending on how often you will use the camping chair and where you will use it, you may not want to invest top dollar on an outdoor accessory. That said, the experts suggest you choose quality that comes within a budget.
Best Camping Chair – The Winner
After considering all aspects, the Rendezvous Folding Chair emerges as the winner in this particular segment. They are sturdy, comfortable, multifunctional, and economical to boot. There’s nothing more you could ask for from the best camping chair.
