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. But as there are so many designs out there how do you choose the right camping chair that will fit your needs?
| Image | Product Name | Weight Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Eureka Director’s Chair | 300 lbs | $$$$ |
 |
Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Camping Chair | 300 lbs | $$ |
 |
KingCamp Moon Leisure Folding Camping Chair | 260 lbs | $$$$ |
 |
Kamp-Rite Director's Chair with Side Table & Cooler | 350 lbs | $$ |
 |
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camping Chair | 800 lbs | $$$$ |
 |
Wildhorn Outfitters Terralite Portable Camp / Beach Chair | 350 lbs | $$$$ |
Our Pick for the Best Camping Chair
Kijaro Dual Lock Folding 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 two cup holders for your favorite beverages, a storage pocket, and with 11 bright colors to choose from, you will able to find a Kijaro to suit your lifestyle.
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 two 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 two 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 350 lbs, 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, but this type of camping chair is the ideal choice if you just want to relax around the campfire or pool. But 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
Light-weight
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 like sand or mud, like the Wildhorn Outfitters Terralite Camping Chair that has sink-resistant Terragrip balls on 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 like one or two 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 two 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 like 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 like a side table or an ice cooler, is that they can make the chair heavier and bulkier. But 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 Chair Reviews
1. Eureka Director’s Chair
Whether you are camping in the great outdoors or watching a sporting event with your buddies, the Eureka Director’s Chair has loads of comfort and extra functional features that will make it one of your favorite camping chairs. The chair's frame is constructed of powder-coated steel, which means it is super strong and guaranteed to be long-lasting. The sturdy legs mean it will not sink into the ground.
Eureka has designed this camping chair with very good support features like the seat area, backrest armrests, which are padded with foam. If you are camping during the warmer months, the 3D spacer ventilated mesh in the lumbar panel will keep you cool and comfortable.
As well as the superior support features, the Eureka camping chair has a very handy and sturdy side table that is made from laminated fiberboard and the plastic cup holder can hold most sized cups. This is such a comfy and functional camping chair, all you have to do is sit back and relax and enjoy a steaming cup of cocoa on a cold winter's night or an ice cold beer on a hot summer's day.
The chair can support weight up to 300 lbs, and it is easy to open and fold down for storage. If you prefer a chair that does not have a table, Eureka also makes a high backed chair that is designed with additional support for your head, neck, and shoulders, a side pocket for your bottle of water, and a 6 loop webbing daisy chain for clipping on your car or RV keys.
What we like:
- High quality
- Solid and sturdy frame
- Spacious and very comfortable
- Very good back support
- Handy side table and cup holder
What we don't like:
- Takes up a lot of space when packing
- Heavy
- Cup holder only suitable for small cups
2. Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Camping Chair
With the Kiljaro Dual Lock Folding Camping Chair, Kijaro combines three 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 in 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 two 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 300 lbs, and it weighs about 10 lbs. 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.
What we like:
- 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
What we don't like:
- Can be heavy and awkward to carry
3. KingCamp Moon Leisure Folding Camping Chair
For maximum comfort and easy portability, the KingCamp Moon Camping Chair is a great choice. If you are chilling out around the campfire or just need an extra seat for visitors at your pool party, this super stylish camping chair is an essential camping item and will be a favorite with your guests.
The KingCamp chair is made from durable steel and high quality, heavy-duty polyester fabric, which is designed with a choice of dual colors, red and black, blue and black, or green and black, and the padded seat and arms gives you a very good level of stability and comfortability. The chair is relatively lightweight at 10 lbs and it can support weight up to 260 lbs.
If you need to keep your keys or cell phone close at hand, there is a large pocket on the back of the seat. This compact chair is a backpacker's dream as it folds up easily and there are handles on the back of the chair and it has a carry bag with a comfortable shoulder strap.
Cleaning and maintaining the chair is easy, just use a damp cloth and wipe it over, and to make sure that the seat remains stable, just check and tighten the screws on a regular basis. To get long-term use of your KingCamp chair make sure that you do not leave it out in the rain or hot sun.
What we like:
- Very good value for money
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy
- Good padding
- Portable
- Nice bright colors
- Easy to open and close
- Easy to clean
What we don't like:
- Too low to the ground
4. Kamp-Rite Director's Chair with Side Table & Cooler
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 13 lbs, but it can support weight up to 350 lbs. It may be more expensive, but with its high level of comfortability and extra handy features, it is worth the extra dollars.
What we like:
- Great camping chair
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy construction
- Smart ergonomic design
- Convenient side table and removable cooler
- Easy to fold away and carry
What we don't like:
- Seat is not very deep
- Heavy
5. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camping 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 800 lbs, 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 two beverage holders.
Although this chair weighs a tad more than other camping chairs at 13 lbs, 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.
What we like:
- Very comfortable
- Plenty of room
- Strong and sturdy construction
- Can support up to 800 lbs
- Padded material
- Adjustable arm rests
- Lots of storage space
- Two drink holders
- Easy to set up and fold down
- Carrying case
What we don't like:
- Heavy
- Not enough cushioning at the front of the chair
6. Wildhorn Outfitters Terralite Portable Camp / Beach Chair
If you are an avid backpacker or beach lover, the portable and comfortable camping chair from Wildhorn Outfitters is the perfect fit. The Terralite chair is made from heavy duty aircraft grade 7075 aluminum that can easily support up to 350 pounds, but it is incredibly lightweight at only 2.6 pounds.
As well as its rust proof and super strong material that has double reinforced stitching on the seams and pole sockets, 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 balls you can attach to the chair's feet, which are designed to be sink-resistant and to keep you well supported. You can choose to use the Terragrip balls or just use the chair with the standard feet.
One of the other highlights of the Terralite 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.
If you need to pack up fast, the chair folds down quickly and also comes with its own mesh carrier, or attach it your backpack with the Velcro straps. Taking care of your Terralite camping chair is easy as the chair's cover is machine washable.
What we like:
- Comfortable
- Very good design
- Lightweight
- Strong material
- Sink-resistant feet
- Very compact
- Portable
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
What we don't like:
- Small
- Not ideal for long periods
Our Pick for the Best Camping Chair
Kijaro Dual Lock Folding 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 two cup holders for your favorite beverages, a storage pocket, and with 11 bright colors to choose from, you will able to find a Kijaro to suit your lifestyle.
