One of the most basic but essential pieces of camping equipment is the camping chair. Aside from your tent and sleeping bag, a good, solid camping chair can make all the difference to your outdoor adventure. Just being able to sit back and relax in a comfy chair around the fire or under the shade of the trees, is important for any camper or backpacker.
Although a camping chair may not be considered an absolute necessity by many campers or outdoor enthusiasts, my camping experiences have proven to be more enjoyable since I have invested in a camping chair. However, as there are so many designs out there how do you choose the right camping chair that will fit your needs?
The 6 Best Camping Chairs
- Coleman Camping Chair
- Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair (Our Top Pick)
- KingCamp Camping Chair
- Kamp-Rite Director’s Chair
- ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
- WildHorn Outfitters Outdoor Folding Camp Chair
Our Top Pick for the Best Camping Chair
Our top pick for the best camping chair is the Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair. As a traditional style of camping chair, the Kijaro gives you an exceptional level of comfort and support and there is plenty of room to relax. The “snag-free” polyester material is strong and the breathable mesh on the back of the seat keeps you cool on those hot summer days.
You can sit in the chair and feel secure with the dual locking system that locks the chair firmly into place, and even though it does not have a side table, there are 2 cup holders for your favorite beverages, a storage pocket, and with 10 bright colors to choose from, you will able to find a Kijaro to suit your lifestyle.
Check the price on Amazon
Before you set out to find your perfect camping chair, ask yourself some important questions:
- What will you be using your camping chair for?
- Do you enjoy camping where you spend a few days at the same campsite? Some campsites have picnic tables that are functional but they can be quite uncomfortable, while other sites may not have any kind of seating at all. This is where a camping chair comes in handy.
- Are you a beach lover and would prefer to have a comfy seat that you can sit on instead of lying on a towel that can get covered in sand?
- Do you have a backyard pool and need to have a few extra chairs for your next pool party?
- Are you a backpacker who would like a camping chair that is suited for your fast-paced lifestyle?
Camping chairs are not just limited to camping, they can be used for a wide range of outdoor activities such as camping, backpacking, sporting events, the beach, the pool, and even gardening.
Camping chairs come in 2 styles: traditional and portable. Your choice will not only depend on what kind of outdoor activity you will use the chair for, but also the individual specifications and accessories that are unique to these 2 types of camping chairs.
Traditional Camping Chairs
Sturdy and Durable Frames
Traditional camping chairs have sturdy frames and are made from durable powder-coated steel, which makes the chair strong and long-lasting. Most traditional camping chairs can support a lot of weight up to 350lbs, while some models can support up to 800 lbs.
Strong and Supportive Material
Traditional camping chairs give you a very good level of lumbar support with thick padded canvas material on the back and seat of the chair, and breathable mesh to keep you cool on hot summer days, and they may also have adjustable hand rests.
Some chairs have a high back that gives you even more support and as they sit higher off the ground, it is a lot easier to get in and out of the chair.
As traditional camping chairs are built from strong steel, they can be heavier and a little bulkier. However, this type of camping chair is the ideal choice if you just want to relax around the campfire or pool.
However, if you are looking for a more lightweight camping chair that you can transport easily and carry with you while you are backpacking along your favorite trail, then a portable camping chair is your best fit.
Portable Camping Chairs
Lightweight
As the name suggests, portable chairs are the ideal choice for backpackers who need a portable seating option so that they can travel light and move fast, but still have somewhere comfy to sit. As well as being the perfect choice for backpacking, portable camping chairs are a great choice for the beach, and for around the pool.
Even though they are made from strong rust-resistant aluminum, portable camping chairs are smaller and lighter in weight and they usually sit lower to the ground.
While they are comfortable with good padding and support, portable camping chairs do not offer the same level of comfortability as the traditional camping chair.
Compact and Easy to Transport
Portable camping chairs are compact and they fold up easily to fit into a large backpack. Some camping chairs have Velcro straps so that you can attach them to your backpack, or they may have a carry bag with a comfortable shoulder strap that makes it even easier to transport the chair.
Even though they are lightweight, some portable chairs sit very well on unstable terrain such as sand or mud, such as the WildHorn Outfitters Outdoor Folding Camp Chair that has sink-resistant Terragrip balls at the end of the chair’s legs. Portable camping chairs are also easy to clean and come in a range of attractive colors.
Additional Accessories
Drink Holder, Side Table, and Storage Space
The best type of camping chair is one that comes with additional accessories such as 1 or 2 drink holders, a side table, and extra storage space. My camping chair has a side table and a drink holder and I could not imagine going camping without these 2 accessories.
Most camping chairs have the drink holders integrated into the arms of the chair and there is a mesh pocket to make sure that your drink stays cool. Another innovative idea is a drinks cooler where you can store up to 12 cans of your favorite beverage. A side table is also a very handy space to keep your food or reading material on.
Storage space such as a side or back pocket is also a great idea as you can keep your cellphone, car keys, or wallet close at hand. One thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to additional accessories such as a side table or an ice cooler, is that they can make the chair heavier and bulkier.
However, if you do not need to carry the chair on long hiking trips, these additional accessories are a great idea as you can have everything you need close by, and all you have to do is just sit back and relax and enjoy your favorite outdoor activity.
6 Best Camping Chairs – Reviews
1. Coleman Camping Chair
Whether you love camping, picnics, fishing, or patio barbecues, the Coleman Camping Chair will improve your level of comfort.
This sturdy heavy-duty steel frame can support up to 225lbs and it is very easy to get in and out of it. You can sit back and relax in this supremely comfortable seat that has a stylish gray/black fabric which has a slanted padded back and padding on the armrests.
For your convenience, the chair has a side table with an integrated cup holder that gives you easy access to food, a cold drink, or other personal items.
The chair folds flat to save on storage space in the back of a car or the garage.
Lightweight and portable, the chair has built-in carry straps for effortless transport from one location to another.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for camping, picnics, fishing, and patio barbecues
- Side table with integrated cup holder provides easy access to food and personal items
- Offers a supremely comfortable seat with padded arms
- Heavy-duty steel frame can support up to 225lbs
- Collapsible, folding design with carrying handles for easy transport
- Lightweight
Cons
- Side table is not ideal for heavy items
- Bit pricey
- Only one color
2. Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair
With the Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair, Kijaro combines 3 key features to bring you a great camping chair: support, comfort, and portability. With innovative technology, Kijaro has designed a superior camping chair that is made from durable steel, and the patented dual lock system makes the chair feel solid and secure when you sit on it.
At the press of a button, the chair locks firmly into place, and when you need to pack it away, it locks securely into a compact folded position. The built-in carry strap makes the chair easy to transport or you can store it away in the carry bag.
One of the highlights of this camping chair is its “snag-free seating” with durable Diamond Ripstop Polyester, which also contributes to the chair’s high level back support as well as the cushioned head and seat. The mesh on the back of the chair allows for the air to flow freely through the material to keep you feeling cool and comfortable.
The Kijaro camping chair has 2 good-sized cup holders and a side organizer with a mesh pocket and zip to hold your car keys or cell phone.
You can choose from a large range of attractive colors and the chair can support up to 300lbs, and it weighs about 10lbs. Although the chair can be heavy to carry and a little cumbersome in the carry bag, this does not detract from the superior design, level of support, and comfortability.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Superior design
- Sturdy
- Very good back support
- Very comfortable
- Breathable mesh
- Easy to open and close
- Two cup holders
- Handy organizer pouch
Cons
- Can be heavy and awkward to carry
3. KingCamp Camping Chair
Perfect for any indoor and outdoor activities, the multi-use KingCamp Camping Chair is a comfy addition to any home, camper, boat, or patio.
This moon saucer chair has a curved ergonomic design and the well-padded 600D Oxford fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking so you can relax in exceptional comfort while you watch a sports game or sit around a campfire.
Designed for kids and adults, the durable and sturdy reinforced steel frame measures 33 x 28 x 32-inches and has a weight capacity of up to 264lbs.
The camping chair has a convenient large bag pocket on the back which holds magazines, accessories, and personal items. Extremely portable, the chair opens and folds up in seconds into a compact 25 x 8-inches size and slides into a carry bag for storage. You can easily carry the lightweight chair with the handy shoulder strap.
Stylish as well as versatile, the KingCamp chair comes in 2 attractive colors; gray and red.
KingCamp offers a 1-year limited warranty on the camping chair.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Multi-use chair is perfect for the backyard, lawn, camping, sporting events, indoor and outdoor activities
- Durable and sturdy reinforced steel frame supports up to 264lbs
- Plenty of room for kids and large adults
- Exceptionally comfortable curved ergonomic moon saucer design
- Well-padded breathable, moisture-wicking 600D oxford fabric
- Large pocket on the back for magazines and personal items
- Built-in cup holder
- Opens and closes in seconds
- Foldable design
- Carry bag with carrying strap for easy transport and storage
- Lightweight and portable
- Two attractive colors: gray and red
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for people over 264lbs
- Lower circular bar may be uncomfortable for people with longer legs
4. Kamp-Rite Director’s Chair
Once you choose the Kamp-Rite Director’s Chair, it will become an indispensable camping companion. This super comfortable camping chair has been designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. The chair’s sturdy frame is constructed from lightweight, reinforced aluminum, which also makes the chair easy to open and fold down.
For a very good level of comfort, the heavy-duty polyester fabric on the chair and the oversized padded seat and curved armrests provide all-around ergonomic support.
You can relax in style, with everything you need for a great weekend or holiday as the chair has a built-in side table with a cup holder, and an ice cooler that can hold up to 12 cans of your favorite beverage, which can also be detached to refill with ice, and for easy cleaning.
The chair is a little heavy, weighing at 13lbs, but it can support weight up to 350lbs. It may be more expensive, but with its high level of comfortability and extra handy features, it is worth the extra dollars.
Pros
- Great camping chair
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy construction
- Smart ergonomic design
- Convenient side table and removable cooler
- Easy to fold away and carry
Cons
- Seat is not very deep
- Heavy
5. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
A top quality camping chair, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is the perfect camping companion.
Whether you are sitting around the campfire or waiting for the fish to bite near the water’s edge, the super-strong King Kong chair will give you a very good level of support and stability.
ALPS Mountaineering has designed this monster camping chair with a sturdy frame that is constructed from high quality patented powder-coated steel, which can support weight up to a whopping 800lbs, and as it is extra wide, there is plenty of room to relax in.
The chair’s material is made out of strong and durable 600D padded polyester fabric, with loads of cushioning in the back and seat areas. As well as being able to keep you comfy and cozy, the chair has adjustable armrests, and there is plenty of storage space with a large pocket that is attached to each armrest, and a mesh back pocket and there are 2 beverage holders.
Although this chair weighs a tad more than other camping chairs at 13lbs, it is easy to set up and fold down to be stored away in your vehicle, and it also comes with a very handy heavy-duty carrying case.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Plenty of room
- Strong and sturdy construction
- Can support up to 800lbs
- Padded material
- Adjustable armrests
- Lots of storage space
- Two drink holders
- Easy to set up and fold down
- Carrying case
Cons
- Heavy
- Not enough cushioning at the front of the chair
6. WildHorn Outfitters Outdoor Folding Camp Chair
If you are an avid backpacker or beach lover, the camping chair from WildHorn Outfitters is the perfect fit. The Terralite chair is made from heavy-duty aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum that supports up to 350lbs, but it is incredibly lightweight at only 2.55lbs.
Breathable mesh keeps you cool and unique FreeFlex™ technology allows the chair to flex and conform to your body and terrain.
As well as its rust-proof and super-strong material, the compact camping chair is ideal for the beach or hiking tracks that may have muddy conditions. The secret to its success is the Terragrip all-terrain balls, which are designed to be sink-resistant, provide ultimate traction, and also keeps you well supported.
These balls have a new and improved design that allows you to easily slide and lock the balls into place.
One of the other highlights of the Terralite camping chair is that it is very easy to set up, just unfold the frame, stretch the material over the frame, attach the Terragrip feet and you are ready to sit back and enjoy the campfire or watch the sunset over the mountains.
You can store your phone or water bottle in the side integrated pocket. If you need to pack up fast, the chair folds down quickly and also comes with its own mesh carry bag, or attach it to your backpack with the secure clip. The Terralite chair comes in 4 colors: midnight/graphite, olive/copper, Deep blue/graphite, and stone/blue.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Very good design
- Lightweight
- Flexible frame
- Strong material
- Sink-resistant feet
- Very compact and portable
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
Cons
- Material can be a bit tight at first but stretches over time
- Not ideal for long periods of sitting
Our Top Pick for the Best Camping Chair
Our top pick for the best camping chair is the Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair. As a traditional style of camping chair, the Kijaro gives you an exceptional level of comfort and support and there is plenty of room to relax. The “snag-free” polyester material is strong and the breathable mesh on the back of the seat keeps you cool on those hot summer days.
You can sit in the chair and feel secure with the dual locking system that locks the chair firmly into place, and even though it does not have a side table, there are 2 cup holders for your favorite beverages, a storage pocket, and with 10 bright colors to choose from, you will able to find a Kijaro to suit your lifestyle.
Check the price on Amazon
