Some people want super wide chairs with all sorts of 'amenities' such as umbrellas, storage bags, tables, and cup holders/coolers built-in.
On the other end of the spectrum, backpackers need their chair to be as light as humanly possible and they don't need frills.
They want a light, compact camping chair.
Chairs have been made with every need in mind.
Here we cover the ins and the outs of what's out there for your consideration.
Generally, chairs are made to fit into one of these categories:
Portable
Back Support
Durable
Comfortable
Shaded
Best Of All Worlds
Things to Look For In A Camping Chair
Well, how will you be using it?
Backpacking?
Hanging around the fire?
Working outdoors daily on your computer?
Before you jump into buying a chair, decide how you will mostly be using your camping chair.
Photo courtesy: Brock Brinkerhoff
Portability (Backpacking Chairs)
If you are going to be hiking a lot with your chair for long distances, or even short ones for that matter, you are not going to be happy with an 8 lb chair.
This means you are likely not going to want a traditional chair that tends to come with lots of features.
There are now camping chairs that can pack as small as a 2 liter bottle and weigh around one pound.
If you are only going to be using your chair around a campfire, then a traditional chair may work better for you, although many of the small portable camping chairs are quite comfortable as well.
The smallest and lightest have legs that are made by DAC, who also makes the lightest aluminum tent poles.
The construction is made to be easy to put together with the shock cord on the insides much like tent poles.
DAC technology- Helinox Chairs
They almost put themselves together.
There aren't many parts and set up takes a little under 2 minutes.
These tiny chairs fit easily in your backpack.
Durability
Sure, pretty much anything we purchase we want to be as durable as possible.
Not all camping chairs are the same in this regard, either.
However, most chairs out there are quite durable.
They must be, considering how much wear and tear they receive.
They get thrown in the back of trucks, get burned from embers, deteriorate from the sun, and more.
However, if you go out and get a $10 camp chair from the drugstore, don't expect it to be comfortable or to last long.
They are made cheaply TO be cheap.
Kelly's fading Cabela's chair. Needed the pillow for back support. Kelly now has a Chair One.
Back Support
Honestly, not many camping chairs can boast this feature.
Many camp chairs are quite sunken around the back area and this might not work very well if you have back issues.
They offer no support whatsoever.
Therefore, you end up sinking into the camp chair with a rounded lower back.
This won't bode well for those with any kind of back issue.
If you sit in one enough, you could even create back issues for yourself.
You have a couple of choices in this matter.
You can either get our recommended chair that does have back support, or you can always have a pillow on hand to use at your lower back while using your chair.
This is a top priority for pretty much any camp chair, regardless of the other features you may want it to have.
Again, luckily many of the camp chairs out there are quite cozy.
Still, some camping chairs win over the others in this category, regardless of size.
Who doesn't want to be comfortable while camping?
Keeping your butt back in the seat will help your back with support.
The smaller backpacking chairs are fairly supportive in this regard as is the Strongback Chair that we recommend.
Still, most of our picks are rated as quite comfortable by most users.
Amanda Watson
Watsons Wander
I've tried nearly every kind of camp chair out there.
Zero gravity chairs that allow you to recline and snooze, canvas folding chairs with built-in footstools and drink holders, retro folding camp chairs, and even a camp chair with straps so I could wear it on my back.
Eventually, they all failed me. They were too heavy, too cheaply made, or simply too uncomfortable.
After struggling to find a chair that fit all my needs, last summer I finally broke down and shelled out the bucks for a Helinox Chair One.
It only took a week of use to realize that all my chair dreams came true with the Helinox. This chair is well made, lightweight, easy to set up and take down, and best of all... incredibly comfortable!
Aside from the comfort, my favorite feature is how portable this chair is.
I can put it in my backpack, my kayak, or throw it in a canvas tote along with a bottle of wine and some munchies for happy hour at the neighbor's RV.
One thing to note: The Chair One is not the best choice for tall people. My husband is 6'4" and finds that the back of the chair is too short and the fact that it's so low to the ground makes it hard to get out of.
Fortunately, he found a solution in the Helinox Sunset Chair. With a taller back and a higher ground clearance, this chair is tall person approved!
There are a few camping chairs out there that come with a built-in shade.
This is great for those who need to be out of the sun or are using a computer and need the shade so they can see their computer screen.
We all know that skin cancer can be caused by sun exposure, so having the convenient shade built-in to your chair makes it that much easier to keep yourself skin cancer-free.
It's not always possible to stay under an awning or to wear a hat.
For times like these, having an umbrella of sorts above you will help you stay in the shade.
As you can see, there are many different things to consider when looking for a new camping chair.
The way you camp, your bodily needs, weight, and durability are four of the major things you should consider before making a buying decision.
If you are in the market for a new chair, read on below for our camping chair reviews.
We found the best overall, best for bad backs, best for larger people and much more.
We have tried out most of these chairs, but not all of them.
Some we have narrowed down the competition through logic, reviews, and friend's opinions.
Still, the final decision is going to be your own butt in the seat.
Too bad you can't try out sitting in them through the internet.
Camping Chair Reviews
We wanted to pick out the best camping chair out there for you but we found that 'best' depends on the needs of the individual.
There is no one best camp chair.
There are types and general favorites but there is no fits-all-needs-and-wants chair for everyone.
Therefore we decided to find the general 'greatest hits' best camp chair for you but your own butt is going to have to be the chooser for your best camp chair.
It's too bad that we can't try a chair over the internet yet.
Maybe someday...
We chose what we thought would be the most sought-after categories for folding camping chairs.
Best Overall Camping Chair
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair With Built-In Cooler
Pros
Built-in cooler for 4 beverages
Comfortable
Affordable
Durable
Fade-resistant
Stable
Cons
Not light enough to tote long distances
Steel legs prone to rusting
The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair is a super popular folding camping chair among campers due to its low price and superior comfort/durability.
The attached 'cooler' also makes it a hit among users.
The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair has a mesh cup holder, so hey, actually you drinkaholics can keep 5 drinks with you all at one time!
You won't have to get up for hours! Heh.
Lots of reviewers and users claim this is the most comfortable camping chair they have found.
This is the perfect quality folding camp chair with its comfortable padded seat, tall back, and roominess.
For the price tag, you are getting pretty good quality materials that will last a long time if well taken care of.
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair Video Review
The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair is one of the only folding camping chairs that has a built-in cooler bag.
It also includes a mesh pocket for storing your phone, keys, headlamp, or whatever you want to keep in there.
It is a very stable chair and it keeps your amenities close by.
There are less expensive knock-offs by REI and Wal-Mart, but the quality difference is very clear when you look at them side by side.
The Coleman is worth the extra few bucks in that it will last longer.
The fade resistance of the Coleman is also pretty staggering.
Kelly of Camp Addict has had a Coleman folding camping chair since 2002, and it has YET to show any signs of fading.
Not to say that their current line of chairs is still that good in regards to quality.
Of that, we are unsure, when it comes to fading potential.
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair Features and Specs:
Mesh cup holder
Side pockets
Steel frame
Arm height is adjustable
24-inch seat
Comfortable 18.1-inch sitting height
Supports up to 325 pounds
Carry bag included
1-year limited warranty
Built-in cooler
Best Super Compact / Lightweight Camping Chair
Helinox Chair One
Pros
Great for backpackers
Very light and small
Very comfortable for an ultralight camping chair
Easy and fast setup
Hardy light aluminum legs
Cons
Price
No Frills
The Helinox Chair One is one of the lightest ultralight camping chairs on the market today.
This is a best bet for backpackers who need an ultralight backpacking chair.
It's one of the smallest camp chairs out there.
Other Helinox Chair One Sizes
Helinox offers three sizes of their Chair One lightweight camping chairs.
To view the other two sizes (other than the original size reviewed here), click on 'Continue Reading..." directly below to open up the Helinox Chair One review and scroll to the bottom of it.
If your torso is short enough to let your head rest on the back of your Helinox chair (or if you have a high back camping chair model), you can purchase the Helinox Headrest.
Fully assembled size: 23" wide x 21.5" deep. Seat height: 14.5", Seat Back Height: 29"
Packs down to 14.5" long x 4.5" wide x 5" deep
Weight: 2 pounds 1 Ounce
Helinox Chair One XL
The Helinox Chair One XL gives you the most seating area of all the Chair One models, while sitting 4.5 inches higher off the ground than the original.
Continue Reading Renetto Original Canopy Chair Review
It's a pretty ingenious design as there are no 'wasted' parts i.e. a separate bag that is useless when the chair is in use.
Instead, the bag becomes the topper which again becomes the bag when putting it away.
You'll never lose the bag. We love it!
The topper can be overhead while in use or it can be stored away behind the chair.
You don't even have to get up to put the shade up or back down.
The chair is spacious and comfortable, sporting two drink holders and 16mm wide thickness in the legs, much sturdier than any other chairs on the market.
We suppose this chair should be able to compete with the King Kong chair, but somehow it is only rated for 350 lbs compared to the King Kong's 800 lbs.
The actual bag also comes with storage space, both for when you are using it as a carrying case and also for things like your spare keys for underneath the canopy.
They now offer a hide-a-way footrest sold separately as well and they claim it is easy to install.
This way you can have a shaded camp chair with footrest.
Also offered are detachable side flaps for the awning for further sun protection.
Renetto Canopy Chair
Renetto Original Canopy Chair Features and Specs:
Weight: 15 pounds
Back Height: 21 inches
Seat Depth: 19 inches
Ground-to-Seat Clearance: 18 inches
Chair-to-Canopy Head Room: 35 inches
Folded Dimensions: 38" x 9" x 9"
Pole Thickness: 16mm
100%UV and water resistant
Best Camping Chair with Back Support
The Strongback Elite
Pros
The most comfortable chair for your back
Light and portable
Dual shoulder straps on carry bag for backpack style, hands-free carrying
Ergonomically healthy
300 lb capacity
11.9 lbs
Cons
Too heavy for backpackers
Price
It's true that not many camping chairs have good, or even ANY lower back support.
This camp chair has excellent lower back support that can keep you more comfortable for longer.
Strongback offers other folding camping chairs besides the Elite (their flagship product).
Click on 'Continue Reading..." directly below to open up the StrongBack Elite Chair review and scroll to the bottom of it for additional StrongBack Chair options.
Continue Reading Strongback Elite Chair Review
This company claims that their patented lumbar support on the Strongback line of camping chairs aligns your body posture.
This should ease neck tension and provide relaxation of the muscles of the body.
Makes sense.
We have sat in these chairs and we agree that the back support is second to none in the camping chair world.
The Strongback Elite is relatively light though it's not the lightest chair on the block at 11.9 pounds.
The backpack style carry bag is very helpful, adding to its mobility while being easy on your back to carry.
The Strongback Elite camp chair is not the cheapest chair on the block.
But if you spend a good deal of time in a camping chair, this model could save you money on the chiropractor.
Who wants to have a painful back?
If your back is janky, this could be the camping chair for you.
Strongback Elite Folding Camp Chair Dimensions
The legs are made from powder coated steel.
The camp seat material is a heavy duty Polyester 600D wear and tear resistant fabric.
The Strongback Elite camping chair should last a long time.
Strongback Elite Camping Chair
Strongback Elite Folding Camp Chair Features and Specs:
Ergonomic seat that prevents leg pinching
Frame integrated lumbar support
Solid padded armrests
Cupholder
600D polyester fabric that is tear and wear resistant
Fabric is available in multiple color options
Black powder coated steel legs
Carry bag with dual shoulder straps
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Chair Size in Use: 28.5" Wide x 27" Deep x 36.5" High
Seat Height (off ground): 19 inches
Seat Width: 23 inches
Chair Size Folded: 11" Wide x 6" Deep x 44" High
Weight: 11.9 pounds
Other Strongback Chairs
Besides the Strongback Elite camp chair, there are a few other options in the the Strongback Chair lineup.
The Strongback Guru is a smaller version of the Strongback Elite.
The Strongback Low G sits low to the ground.
The Strongback Low G Recliner is a reclining version of the Low G.
Strongback Guru Folding Camp Chair
The Strongback Guru folding camp chair is a smaller version of the Strongback Elite, built for people with a smaller/shorter build.
Camp Addict Marshall actually prefers this size over the Elite and he's not exactly short (6 foot and 170 pounds).
See the image directly below to compare the dimensions of the Strongback Guru to the Strongback Elite.
Strongback Guru vs. Strongback Elite Size Comparison (click to enlarge)
The Strongback Guru has two cupholders in the arms, but doesn't have the same solid padded arms the Elite has.
Otherwise, the Guru shares the same material and capabilities of the Elite (including the integrated lumbar support), just in a smaller form factor.
Strongback Guru Folding Camp Chairs Features and Specs:
Ergonomic seat that prevents leg pinching
Frame integrated lumbar support
Dual cupholders
600D polyester fabric that is tear and wear resistant
Fabric is available in multiple color options
Black powder coated steel legs
Carry bag with dual shoulder straps
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Chair Size in Use: 32" Wide x 27" Deep x 34" High
Seat Height (off ground): 16 inches
Seat Width: 19.5 inches
Chair Size Folded: 6" Wide x 6.5" Deep x 40" High
Weight: 10.5 lbs
Strongback Low G Beach Chair
The Strongback Low G sits 4 inches off the ground, making it an ideal beach chair or one to bring to a festival or music event.
It shares the same integrated lumbar support of the other Strongback camp chairs, but has a slightly different arm style.
The Strongback Low G comes in a recliner version (see below) and is constructed with the same fabric and frame material as other Strongback folding chairs.
600D polyester fabric that is tear and wear resistant
Fabric is available in multiple color options
Black powder coated steel legs
Carry bag with dual shoulder straps
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Chair Size in Use: 20" Wide x 23.5" Deep x 24" High
Seat Height (off ground): 4 inches
Seat Width: 20 inches
Chair Size Folded: 8" Wide x 8" Deep x 30" High
Weight: 8.5 lbs
Strongback Low G Reclining Beach Chair
Strongback Low G Recliner Showing Both Positions
The Strongback Low G Recliner is the same as the 'normal' Low G beach chair with the exception of having feet that fold back (or forward, depending on how you look at it) to give it two positions - one reclining and one 'normal'.
Kelly Beasley is co-founder of Camp Addict and loves sharing her enthusiasm for the RVing lifestyle. As a full-time RVer since May 2015, Kelly's playful writing style helps make learning about the sometimes dull subject of RV products a bit more interesting.
Marshall Wendler
Camp Addict co-founder Marshall Wendler brings his technical expertise to help explain RV products in an easy to understand fashion. Full-time RVing since April 2014, Marshall loves sharing his knowledge of the RV lifestyle.
I too have tried a number of chairs- some too low, some a total trip hazard when trying to get in or out, some too heavy, some too bulky. Best ones I have found so far, and the ones I buy again are the GCI rocker chairs. They rock on any surface due to the rocker shock system and hold up well. The only issue is storage. The folding ones are really long and the director style folds flat but requires the space of a flat directors chair. Love them so much have gotten rid of all other styles to fit in our storage bay.
Oooh, yes, those are nice! It all depends on the user’s needs. For me, I got so tired of finding a place to store my two ‘regular’ chairs and hated having to move them any time I needed to get into the back of my truck.
Now, I have the Helinox Chair One. I can easily store it under my bed it’s so small! Still not as ideal as others as far as setting it up.
Sometimes I wish for a more ‘luxurious’ seat, too. But I am not willing to have two chairs. So for now, the Helinox is for me! Glad you found your “best butt”. ????
We’re on our second set of Alps Mountaineering chairs. The first set we purchased in Moab about 3 years ago. We abuse chairs! We leave them out in the sun, snow and rain and these still lasted 3 years! We just purchased another set of Alps Mountaineering chairs, this time we went big and got the King Kong models in Blue a month ago. Way more comfortable than the previous ones! We’d buy these again. I’ve tried the strongback chair, it’s ok but double the price and for me it’s harder to pack up. i just make my own lumbar support using an outdoor pillow.
Great to hear you like your Alps Mountaineering Kongs! Those chairs are BEASTS! I have done the same- put a pillow in the chair for my back. It gets really testy at times, so I sure do like the Strongbacks, too.
Thanks for the input on these chairs for others to read. A little social proof goes a long way!
You need to try the Kijaro Dual Lock chair. Hands down the most comfortable chair I’ve ever sat in. It locks open so you don’t sag down in the seat and make it easy to get out of the chair as well. Lots of vibrant colors to choose from.
At this time we are not aware of any seller of just the cloth parts of a camping chair. Anyone else have any information on this? We welcome your input to help Ed out!
I suggest to go to a fabric store, or search online for outdoor fabric. Look for an outdoor upholstery material that will have UV-resistance and/ or mildew resistance. Awning-type material and backpack cordura is a good start. Get a yard or two and patch your chair using a needle and dental floss. It might not be pretty, but a DIY repair job might work on an injured chair.
Look into the fire pit rocker by GCI outdoors. Sturdy frame and comfortable. Not a chair you want to be lugging into the woods but for RV camping it is great. When we found this chair we have showed all of our camping friends. Now all of our camping friends have bought their own. They are a bit expensive as far as camp chairs go but worth every penny.
Yes, that’s a pretty good/comfortable/unique product for sure! If you want a rocking chair at your campsite, these are great! Thanks for the input so others can benefit, and Camp On!
our campfire is party central so we carry 8 chairs for guests. Most of us have knee, hip or back issues and all prefer strong and solid arm rests that can carry full body weight when getting in or our. Nobody Like’s the fabric slings
I can only handle sitting in my chairs for a little bit. Time to invest in something comfy so my body stops screaming at me every time I get up out of my chair.
Keep enjoying those party central campfires and Camp On!
I too have tried a number of chairs- some too low, some a total trip hazard when trying to get in or out, some too heavy, some too bulky. Best ones I have found so far, and the ones I buy again are the GCI rocker chairs. They rock on any surface due to the rocker shock system and hold up well. The only issue is storage. The folding ones are really long and the director style folds flat but requires the space of a flat directors chair. Love them so much have gotten rid of all other styles to fit in our storage bay.
Oooh, yes, those are nice! It all depends on the user’s needs. For me, I got so tired of finding a place to store my two ‘regular’ chairs and hated having to move them any time I needed to get into the back of my truck.
Now, I have the Helinox Chair One. I can easily store it under my bed it’s so small! Still not as ideal as others as far as setting it up.
Sometimes I wish for a more ‘luxurious’ seat, too. But I am not willing to have two chairs. So for now, the Helinox is for me! Glad you found your “best butt”. ????
We’re on our second set of Alps Mountaineering chairs. The first set we purchased in Moab about 3 years ago. We abuse chairs! We leave them out in the sun, snow and rain and these still lasted 3 years! We just purchased another set of Alps Mountaineering chairs, this time we went big and got the King Kong models in Blue a month ago. Way more comfortable than the previous ones! We’d buy these again. I’ve tried the strongback chair, it’s ok but double the price and for me it’s harder to pack up. i just make my own lumbar support using an outdoor pillow.
Hey Paul!
Great to hear you like your Alps Mountaineering Kongs! Those chairs are BEASTS! I have done the same- put a pillow in the chair for my back. It gets really testy at times, so I sure do like the Strongbacks, too.
Thanks for the input on these chairs for others to read. A little social proof goes a long way!
See you guys down the road! ????
You need to try the Kijaro Dual Lock chair. Hands down the most comfortable chair I’ve ever sat in. It locks open so you don’t sag down in the seat and make it easy to get out of the chair as well. Lots of vibrant colors to choose from.
Where can I buy just the cloth part. I have a perfectly good extra large
frame & a torn cloth .
Hi Ed,
At this time we are not aware of any seller of just the cloth parts of a camping chair. Anyone else have any information on this? We welcome your input to help Ed out!
I suggest to go to a fabric store, or search online for outdoor fabric. Look for an outdoor upholstery material that will have UV-resistance and/ or mildew resistance. Awning-type material and backpack cordura is a good start. Get a yard or two and patch your chair using a needle and dental floss. It might not be pretty, but a DIY repair job might work on an injured chair.
Look into the fire pit rocker by GCI outdoors. Sturdy frame and comfortable. Not a chair you want to be lugging into the woods but for RV camping it is great. When we found this chair we have showed all of our camping friends. Now all of our camping friends have bought their own. They are a bit expensive as far as camp chairs go but worth every penny.
Hi Ryan,
Yes, that’s a pretty good/comfortable/unique product for sure! If you want a rocking chair at your campsite, these are great! Thanks for the input so others can benefit, and Camp On!
our campfire is party central so we carry 8 chairs for guests. Most of us have knee, hip or back issues and all prefer strong and solid arm rests that can carry full body weight when getting in or our. Nobody Like’s the fabric slings
Wow, Don, you do it up right! Eight chairs? ?
I can only handle sitting in my chairs for a little bit. Time to invest in something comfy so my body stops screaming at me every time I get up out of my chair.
Keep enjoying those party central campfires and Camp On!
You should try the STRONGBACK Elite. With its solid arms with padding, lumbar support that is superb and way better than any chair I have tried.