If you are the kind of person who likes to relax around a campfire or hold a drink and put your feet up on a log somewhere in the woods, then a camping chair is an absolute essential for your outdoor adventures.
Unlike normal chairs, camping chairs are designed to be versatile, with folding features, cup holders, side trays and even coolers forming part of their functionalities.
Moreover, some more portable versions can double up as backpacking chairs or concert chairs.
That said, we’ve pulled together a list of 9 camping chairs that are not only suitable for a camper but also tailgaters and travelers alike.
We aim to help you find the best camping chair that suits your needs and we’re confident you’ll find one in this post.
That said, let’s take a rundown of our select products:
Top 9 Best Camping Chairs
1. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
This ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is the most popular chair among camping enthusiasts.
Made from the powder-coated steel frame, the chair scores high marks when it comes to durability and is sturdy enough to handle up to an incredible 800lbs.
The back and seat feature 600D polyester material with padding for enhanced comfort.
Another benefit comes from its wide armrests with adjustable height. They even have cup holders so you can hold a beer or soda and water bottle at the same time.
Each arm also has a storage bag hanging off it, providing space for a book, smartphone, gaming device, headphones, or even snacks.
There’s even another mesh storage compartment on the back of the seat and this one is ideal for keeping larger items.
It does come with a storage bag, which has double straps for carrying your King Kong Chair like a backpack.
This frees your hands for other things you need to carry. All things considered, this top-rated chair is a great recommendation for any serious camper and it comes at a good price.
2. KingCamp Heavy Duty Steel Camping Folding Director Chair with Cooler Bag and Side Table
This is one sophisticated chair that’s designed to offer maximum comfort. It starts with an extra-large seat that can support up to 330 pounds, thanks to the rugged steel frame used in construction.
The seat height is 17.3 inches and width 20.8 inches. As for the fabric, KingCamp used durable, wear-resistant oxford fabric to ensure this chair will serve you for years, while the armrests, seat, and back have thick padding for extra comfort.
But what really sets this chair apart from the competition is the special cooler bag on its left side.
It provides space for keeping your drinks cool and fresh, making it handy for when the weather is hot.
Then there’s the side table on the right side where you can place your drinks and snacks while chatting with friends.
Besides, this chair is designed to fold up after use and that makes for space-saving storage.
Also, KingCamp fully stands behind this product with a lifetime warranty so there’s no question about the quality.
For camping, fishing, picnic, tailgating or relaxing on the deck, you’ll struggle to find something better than this chair.
3. Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler
Coleman is a famous name in the manufacturing of outdoor equipment and this chair, they have a heavy-duty offering designed for the modern camper.
Built with a 4-can cooler pouch, it’s the perfect chair that lets you keep your cool drinks within reach.
Also built into the right armrest is a cup holder that ensures a refreshing drink is always around.
Then there’s a handy side pocket to keep your mobile devices, keys or snacks at your fingertips.
The chair is built from a strong steel frame that is hard-wearing and durable, ensuring you’ll seasons of enjoyment to come.
Even the armrests height are adjustable to suit different persons. The back and seat are fully cushioned for cozy relaxation and enhanced support.
Weight capacity is stated to be 325 pounds and the collapsible, folding design makes the chair a breeze to set up and transport.
Arguably the best of the best camping chairs on the market, this Coleman is worth every penny.
4. Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair
The Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair is another campers’ favorite largely because of its affordable price.
You don’t get any bells and whistles, but a well-built chair that locks into a steady position for you to have a comfortable pose, with no sagging like some other cheap chairs.
The back is pretty wide to offer a snug fit and there’s a mesh construction at the center for breathability especially on those summer afternoons.
Each armrest has a cup holder to keep your drink within easy reach, whether you are right or left-handed.
There’s also a compartment on the right arm for you to store items such as smartphones, GPS devices, and maps.
As for weight capacity, it’s a fair 300-pound limit which is suitable for almost any adult.
This chair also comes in a wide range of colors so you can easily match your style.
When you’re done with your excursion, just lock it shut and throw it in the back of your vehicle.
It even comes with a carry strap and carries bag should you need to transport it in the woods. Overall, this one makes the perfect budget chair.
5. Timber Ridge Director's Chair Folding Aluminum Camping Portable Lightweight Chair
If you are looking for a simplistic design, this Timber Ridge Director’s Chair is the real deal. Its seating width of 21 inches and 14 inches seating depth doesn’t seem generous for larger folks but the chair is sturdy enough to hold up to 300 pounds.
The padded armrest along with breathable fabric makes it very comfortable to use on those hot summer afternoons.
The right arm has a flip-down side table for drinks, phones, or storage for a book or such small items.
When it comes to construction, it makes use of a sturdy aluminum frame and polyester fabric.
The whole thing weighs a mere 6.8 pounds and the simple design folds in seconds for easy setup and storage.
In terms of application, this chair is suitable for a picnic, traveling, barbecue and, of course, camping.
It also comes with a 1-year warranty against defects in workmanship and material.
6. MOON LENCE Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chairs
What a beauty we have here! The seat mimics a baby stroller but without the cover, and it can hold up to 242 pounds.
The unique and ergonomic seat is perfect for lazing at a campsite, while it has a mesh construction at the back to keep you cool in hot weather.
A great thing about this chair is that it’s incredibly portable that it can be carried in a backpack in its folded size.
The chair is easy to set up and fold down, as well as a breeze to clean; simply clean by soap water or sweep off the dirt.
However, the lack of armrests and cup holders doesn’t do it justice as far as car camping is concerned.
It’s rather a chair for getting up off the ground. At just 2 pounds, it makes a decent option for backpackers, hikers, concertgoers, tailgaters, campers, and anyone seeking comfort without much weight.
7. Helinox Chair One Original Lightweight, Compact, Collapsible Camping Chair
Here’s another portable camping chair that the manufacturer claims it’s lighter than a bottle of wine.
This particular one is the black/blue version, but you can get the black mesh, clover and crimson options at varying prices.
The frame is built from cutting-edge proprietary aluminum alloy to offer maximum strength while keeping the weight low. This chair can hold up to 320 pounds.
The seat fabric features UV-resistant, 600-weave rip-stop polyester for durable and easy of cleaning as this material is machine friendly.
It’s also the same fabric used for the chair’s carrying case. Setup is easy and quick using an internal bungee cord that helps assemble the aluminum poles.
This one also has no armrests but the way it’s made allows your arms to rest easy on the sides.
There’s no doubt that you’ll have an easy time dealing with this 2.1-pound camping chair. It even comes with a 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
8. ALPHA CAMP Oversized Moon Saucer Chair
Looking for a camping chair that’s generous on space? You can never go wrong with this ALPHA CAMP Oversized Moon Saucer Chair.
The open dimensions are 35.4’’ by 31.5’’ by 35.4’’, far bigger than any other chair in this post. For its size, it’s no wonder it also weighs more than many other chairs.
The Moon Saucer Chair is made from a heavy-duty steel frame to ensure great support and durability.
The seat and back feature thick padding so that you enjoy leaning on the chair.
There’s a cup holder on the right arm for you to keep a refreshing drink at arm’s reach or even store your phone in it.
Another thing to love about this chair is the weight capacity of 500 pounds.
It also benefits from ‘extra support’ provided by durable plastic wrapped around the poles. This also prevents the pole from damaging the fabric.
All in all, a great choice for large persons or anyone who doesn’t want to squeeze into a chair.
9. PORTAL Camping Chair Folding Portable Quad Mesh Back
Lastly, we have this camping chair from PORTAL. The mountaineering product folds out to 23.6 x 18.5 x 36.6 inches and can hold up to 300lbs.
The seat is made from 600D poly canvas that offers the perfect surface for a camper.
Moreover, this fabric can withstand any type of weather, thus good for camping during both warm and cold seasons. For the frame, it uses powder-coated steel which is highly resistant to rust as well as hardwearing.
The back features a mesh construction at the center to keep you cool during hot weather, while triple-reinforced corners prevent the fabric from tearing.
The armrests are rigid yet comfortable thanks to proper padding and each have a cup holder to keep a water bottle within reach.
This chair is relatively light at 9.65 pounds and it comes with a carry bag for easier transportation. The manufacturer also backs it up with a 1-year warranty.
Choosing the Best Camping Chair
Before we get into the product reviews, however, let’s pinpoint the important features to consider when buying a camping chair.
Dimensions
Look at the width, length, and height of the chair in its fully open size. People come in different sizes and that’s why you need a chair that your body will fit nicely on.
Every chair lists have its dimensions listed somewhere in the description so it should be easy to know.
Consider also the height and width of the seat. If a seat is too high, your legs will be hanging down and over time you’ll feel uncomfortable.
A low seat, on the other hand, will have your knees too high, something that makes it hard to get off the chair.
Maximum capacity
Every chair also lists how much weight it can bear. Most chairs fall in the range of 300 – 350 pounds, with some going south or north of these figures. Ideally, the more weight it can handle, the better for your peace of mind when relaxing on it.
Seat fabric
Polyester is a common material for the seat because it has good resistance against tear, stains, and water, and it doesn’t fade easily.
Some top-of-the-range chairs use oxford fabric, which is thicker, quick-drying, warmer, and more durable than polyester.
Frame material
Obviously, you want a sturdy frame that won’t buckle under pressure.
Aluminum and steel are two popular choices for camping chairs. They are both strong, resilient and rust-resistant, though the former is more lightweight than steel.
Keep in mind that the frame largely contributes to the overall weight of the chair.
Additional features
This is where things like cup holders, storage pockets and side tables come into play.
These are quite convenient features if you’re to have a cozy stay outdoors.
You just have to select the ones that add the icing on the cake for you. Note that some chairs have none of such features.
Conclusion
Camping chairs are great additions to any outdoor venture. They can fit people of all sizes and are easy to set up and transport after you’re done.
We hope this guide has been useful to you finding the best camping chair for your next trip.
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