We’ve rounded up this year’s best camping chairs to guide you through the different ways you can comfortably kick back in nature. At a minimum, we looked for camp chairs that are lightweight, easy to pack down and provide a comfortable seat. We’ve included many different types of chairs on this list for every type of camper, from self-inflating seats to big comfortable reclining chairs.
Our coveted Best Overall camping chair pick is the Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair for its combination of lightweight materials, packability, durability, and comfort. In addition, we love that it sits high off the ground and is super easy to assemble. Below, we’ll go through our other top choices for camping chairs, as well as a buying guide to help you choose the right one for you.
Best Overall Camping Chair
Get the ultimate comfort when you’re camping with the Big Agnes Mica Basin Armhair. This lightweight (2 lb 13 oz) but spacious camp chair sits high off the ground for maximum comfort, and also has two cupholders. It’s also ultra-compact and easy to pack down into its stuff sack.
With a hubless colour-coded frame, it’s not only lightweight but also easy to assemble. You can be confident that the durable polyester material with a water-resistant coating will last a long time as well. On the downside, it may still be too heavy for a multi-day trek.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Sits high off the ground
- Ultra-compact
Cons
- A bit heavy (2 lb 5 oz)
Product Type
Other Favourites
Helinox is renowned for making durable and lightweight camping chairs, tables, and cots. So it’s no surprise they’ve made another appearance in our list with their Helinox Playa Chair.
What makes the Playa Chair so aptly named is its thoughtful design. Splayed legs make it perfect for set-up on sandy terrain, while its low-profile keeps you close to the ground and balanced. The 600 weave polyester seat is UV and weather-resistant. Comfy winged armrests and a built-in cupholder make it easy to relax and soak in your surroundings.
Weighing a total weight of 4 lbs 3 oz, this is not a chair you want to lug over long distances. That said, it has an impressive weight capacity of 320 lbs (145 kg). Oh yeah, and the included stuff sack doubles as a pillow. Neat, eh?
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Designed for sandy terrain
- UV/weather-resistant
- Sturdy
- Pillow
Cons
- Heavy
Product Type
Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Chair
As the name suggests, this sturdy chair provides plenty of room for comfortable relaxation. With 2 feet of sitting room, it accommodates up to 600 lbs.
Sink into the cushioned seat and back, and reach for your favourite drink in the insulated cup holder. A waterproof zippered sleeve keeps your smartphone protected while letting you use the touchscreen.
When the campfire sizzles out and it’s time to head home, the Coleman Big-N-Tall easily packs into its storage case. Great for camping, but not recommended for backpacking given its size & weight.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Plenty of sitting room
- Sturdy
- Padded back and seat
- Affordable
Cons
- Too large for backpacking
Product Type
Eureka Tagalong Recliner Chair
Relax wherever you are in the great outdoors with the Eureka Tagalong Recliner Chair. Its standout feature is that it lets you sit upright or recline with a nice high back. This chair is also super durable with a frame made of aluminum and a cover made of strong polyester. Although, it’s probably best for car camping because of the weight (4 lb 12 oz) and high price tag.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Multiple angles
- High back
- Super durable
Cons
- Not that lightweight
- Price
Product Type
Sea-to-Summit Air Chair
Perhaps the most unique approach to the camping chair on our list is the Sea-to-Summit Air Chair, which, in fact, is no chair at all. Rather, the Air Chair is a lightweight and clever pad converter that can quickly transform your Sea-to-Summit sleeping pad into a comfy recliner.
The 70D base is durable and tear-resistant, while high-friction areas are reinforced with Hypalon patches. Elastic gussets keep your sleeping pad from slipping out of place and from rubbing against rough surfaces. 20mm adjustable straps hold the frame together and allow you to precisely adjust the chair’s angle.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Clever design
- Lightweight
- Easy to pack
- Durable
Cons
- May not be compatible with other sleeping pads
Product Type
Klymit LayFlat Hammock
Upgrade your comfort while sleeping, napping, or relaxing on the trail with the Klymit LayFlat Hammock. The smart design gives you an open and flat surface thanks to the spreader poles.
There are also dual foot straps for more stability, so you can also use this hammock for taking naps and sleeping! Plus, it’s pretty lightweight (3 lb), so you can bring it on longer treks.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Sturdy build
- Lightweight (3 lb)
- Lays flat
Cons
- A bit big
Product Type
Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat
If you’re a thru-hiker looking for an ultra-lightweight camping seat, the Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat is perfect for you. It compacts to the size of a Nalgene and has a closure bungee to keep it secure. Its featherweight (4 oz) means it’ll barely add any weight to your pack while adding a lot of comfort.
The 1.5 inches of thick foam keeps you comfortable, and the self-inflating seat has an adjustable valve for firmness.
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight (4 oz)
- Cushy foam
- Very compact
Cons
- Fabric is rather thin
- Questionable durability
Product Type
What to Look for When Buying a Camping Chair
Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a camping chair:
Style
Camping chairs come in three main styles or types. These are chairs, stools, and pad converters. Let’s take a look at what distinguishes one from the other, and the advantages of each.
Stools
A stool is a chair minus a backrest (who knew, right?). Because of this, camping stools are typically lighter than camping chairs. Their frames are also made of lightweight metal or carbon.
While stools are a lighter and more compact option, keep in mind that they won’t offer the same degree of lumbar support.
Chairs
Easily the most recognizable style of the bunch, camping chairs are composed of two parts: a seat and a frame. The frame which holds the chair together is usually made of a durable and lightweight metal or carbon.
For frameless chairs (like the Sea-to-Summit Deluxe Delta Core V Self-Inflating Seat), the back can be folded down to create a thicker seat, or opened to lean against a hard surface. Chairs can also take the form of a hammock, such as the ENO AirPod Hanging Chair.
Pad Converters
Pad converters are lightweight contraptions designed to transform a sleeping pad into a chair. They are generally frameless, instead relying on durable fabrics to hold the sleeping pad in place, with adjustable straps to create a chair-like angle (think Sea-to-Summit Air Chair).
Packability & Size
When it comes to camping chairs, you can find very affordable options at your local big box store—no doubt an economic choice for car camping. But, for those seeking a hiker-friendly alternative, you’ll have to look to the real outdoor companies listed above.
Always check the dimensions for the camping chair you fancy both when packed and when set-up. Cross-check this against how much room you have in your backpack.
Weight
Both the weight of the chair and the weight capacity of the chair are important metrics to consider. The former refers to the item’s mass, while the latter tells you how much it can support.
By choosing something that can tolerate a weight greater than your own, you can be sure it will maintain its shape over time and never break under your butt.
Features
Things like can and bottle holders are common in traditional camping chairs; however, ultralight versions of camping chairs are more minimalistic with their features, mostly foregoing arms altogether.
Occasionally you’ll find a camping chair with a head or footrest, which can be a nice touch. Otherwise, most features are limited to pure functionality, like locking mechanisms, height adjustment, and high-tech materials.
FAQS FOR CAMPING CHAIRS
How much weight can a camping chair hold?
Always check the specs listed online or on the product tag.
How heavy is too heavy for a camping chair?
This all depends on how far you’ll be rucking it around and how much weight you can handle. Some camping stools are less than a pound, which is ideal for ultralighters on the move.
How do you clean a camping chair?
Most camping chairs have been weather-proofed. As such, it’s generally not recommended to throw it in a washing machine, as this can remove the coating or shrink the material.
Instead, a simple rinse under warm water with a light soap (think Dr. Bronner’s Original) will usually do the trick. You can also use a toothbrush dipped in a water-vinegar solution for especially tough stains and caked-on dirt.
CONCLUSION
Technological advances in material science have revolutionized the camping chair (who’d’ve thunk?). Now, what was once a glamping luxury is an ultralight essential for any happy outdoor adventure.
For its all-around versatility as a comfortable, lightweight, durable, and portable camping chair, we recommend the Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair.
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Sara
September 3rd 2021