There are few things in life as relaxing as sitting directly in the glow of a roaring fire, listening to good tunes with friends and family, and enjoying the view.
The summer is here already, so if you’re going on a camping trip soon, it won’t be complete without an awesome chair to sit on. But, let’s face it: a standard camp chair from your typical brick-and-mortar retail conglomerates like Target just won’t cut it. Sure, maybe for your 12-year-old, but not for your 40 and over back and knees.
If you’re looking for a camping chair that will make your camping trip more comfortable, read on, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the best camping chairs available on the market.
What To Look For In a Good Camping Chair
You will not appreciate the benefits of having a good camping chair until you have the misfortune of using a bad one. A good camping chair is lightweight, durable, and easy to use. What’s the point of a camp chair if it’s too heavy or requires a doctorate in mechanical engineering to open or close? You shouldn’t be required to read an instruction manual to open and close a camping chair.
A good camping chair is also comfortable. Technology has gone a long way since the 1980’s. The chairs are night and day from what we used to use back then. I’m still surprised I have all my fingers. When you’re 40 or over, you need a chair that’s going to take care of your back and not put undue stress on your knees when you’re trying to get in and out of the chair.
Good camping chairs aren’t just for camping in the great outdoors. A good camping chair is versatile so that you can use in your backyard, on the beach, at your child’s soccer game, or wherever. True to Murphy’s law, you’ll never have a camping chair with you when you need one. That’s why we keep at least one chair in our car trunk. We think you should, too.
At the end of the day, just a little thought about a critical aspect of your camping kit — that is, your camping chair — goes a long way to making sure your experience is pain free, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Best Camping Chairs for Hiking / Backpacking
Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair
The Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight is, as the name indicates, ultralight. When you’re backpacking on the trail or in the backcountry, you want a comfortable chair that keeps you off the ground and is light to carry. At only 19 ounces, you won’t even know you’re bringing this chair. More importantly, even though this chair is lightweight, it doesn’t mean it’s flimsy. On the contrary, this chair is solid and durable. I’m 6’0,” and about 200 pounds, and this chair fits me fine.
Helinox Chair Two Ultralight, High-Back, Collapsible Camping Chair
The Helinox Chair Two Ultralight High-Back Collapsible Camping Chair is only 2.7 pounds. It has an adjustable headrest design and a high back for added comfort. When you need an ultralight chair but want maximum comfort, upgrade to this Helinox.
Best Camping Chairs on a Budget
Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler
The Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler is a time-tested classic, dependable camp chair that just gets the job done. It’s comfortable enough, easy to fold and unfold, and has tremendous durability, making this chair an excellent value.
OneTigris Camping Backpacking Chair
The OneTigris Camping Backpacking Chair is the chair to get if you need a lightweight chair to take with you for your backpacking trip. We’re not sure how they make this chair so comfortable with seemingly little padding. But, whatever they’re doing, it works. The chair weighs about 2.5 pounds and is durable enough to hold us dads on the hefty side.
Kijaro XXL Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair
Kijaro XXL Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair is, as the name suggests, a big chair. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and easy as heck to get in and out of. When you sit on this chair, you will not sag. This chair is particularly great for the big and tall crowd.
Best Camping Chairs for Comfort
ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Chair Padded Moon Round Chair Saucer Recliner
The ALPHA CAMP padded moon round chair will make you feel like a king. Of course, your kids will ask you if they can sit in your chair. It’s not light — nearly 14 pounds — but all that weight goes to one of the most luxurious camping chair experiences you will ever have.
Coastrail Outdoor Folding Camping Chair High Back Padded Lawn Chair with Foldable Cup Holder
The Coastrail Outdoor Folding Champing Chair is a rocker. If you’ve never tried a camp rocking chair, then you don’t know what you’re missing. The ability to rock back and forth in front of the fire in a comfortable, quiet, solid chair is pure heaven. Even if you’re a larger dad, this chair will not creak.
EVER ADVANCED Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner
The Ever Advanced Oversize XL Zero Gravity Recliner isn’t going to be the chair you bring with you on a backpacking trip. But for just about anything else, if you want extreme comfort, then this nearly 20-pound chair will get you there in no time. You can put your legs up on this chair and just zone out or take a long nap.
Best Camping Chairs If You’re Big and Tall
ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Folding Chair Heavy Duty
The ALPHA CAMP oversized camping folding chair is THE heavy-duty chair you’ve been looking for. Do you need some extra room for your backside? Do you want a comfortable chair that will not make your back sore? Do you want a chair that will not fall apart after the first camping trip? Then this chair is the one you’ve been looking for. It’s not light — about 14 pounds — but you can rest assured that this chair will hold you without it creaking.
Outdoor Portable Camping Chair
The Outdoor Portable Camping Chair gets the job done, plain and simple. It’s high enough so that it’s easy to get in and out of. This is particularly useful if you are having any knee issues. Also, the chair isn’t your typical bucket camping chair so the Outdoor Portable will give you a firmer ride. So if you have back issues, such as tightness or strains, the Outdoor Portable will do the trick.
LivingXL 500-lb. Capacity Heavy-Duty Portable Chair
The Living XL 500-lb Capacity Heavy-Duty Portable Chair is the one to get if you need a durable, sturdy, and comfortable chair. If you’re on the heavy side, you know how some chairs buckle after you sit on them. Forget the embarrassment. The Living XL chair will never disappoint you.
The Bottom Line
A good camping chair isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Don’t just go to your local drug store or large-scale retail conglomerate and pick up “any old camping chair.” You’re not 18 anymore. Your back and knees deserve better support. Get a chair that genuinely meets your needs and provides you with the comfort and durability that you should come to expect from a well-made chair.
The Review Dads hope you find the perfect chair for your next camping adventure. Let us know what you ended up with!
Happy trails.
We only recommend products The Review Dads have used themselves. All opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.