The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

There’s no better way to end a day outside than being gathered around the campfire. While we’ve all spent many an evening sitting on the ground or balancing on a log, it’s hard to beat the pleasure and rejuvenation of sitting in a good camp chair.

In order to find the best camping chairs, we’ve spent countless hours testing chairs in a variety of locations and weather conditions. From the wilds of the Desolation Wilderness to the swamps of Apalachicola, from birthday parties at the park to relaxing somewhere with a view, our testers have spent countless hours setting up, taking down, and, well, sitting.

While testing and ranking camping chairs, we focused primarily on comfort, value, and portability (such as size and weight). Secondary considerations included durability, ease of setup, and additional features (like cupholders and pockets).

And while there’s no single “best” chair that will suit everyone, we’ve broken the list into categories that should help you identify the best chair for your needs. For even more help finding the best camp chair, refer to our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ at the end of this article.

Otherwise, scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:

The Best Camp Chairs of 2023

• Best Overall Camp Chair: REI Co-op Skyward Chair
• Best Budget Camp Chair: Coleman Portable Quad Chair With Cooler
• Best Rocking Chair: GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair
• Most Stable Camping Chair: ALPS Mountaineering King Kong
• Best Campsite ‘Couch’: Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat
• Best Heated Chair: GOBI Heat Terrain Heated Camping Chair
• Best Camping Chair for Kids: REI Co-op Kids’ Camp Chair

Best Overall Camp Chair

REI Co-op Skyward Chair

Specs

• Weight 7 lbs.
• Dimensions 34.25" x 24.75" x 24.5"
• Cupholders One pear-shaped cupholder for a variety of beverage containers
• Pockets One smaller mesh drawstring pocket for small items
• Weight capacity 300 lbs.

Pros

• Simple, lightweight design
• Made primarily of mesh for easy cleanup and breathability
• Comes with a shoulder bag for easy transport

Cons

• Mesh could cause concerns for long-term durability
• Not a tall seat height for ultimate lounging

Mallory Paige

The Skyward Camping Chair ($60) from REI Co-op is an updated version of the lightweight Camp X chair — a popular classic. As a part of the Skyward series that includes tents and other camping accessories, this camping chair is a no-frills seat that is easy to transport and pop open from backyard barbeques and soccer games to campgrounds near and far. 

For ultimate all-around comfort, simplicity, and stability, we reach for the Skyward almost every time. The price is moderate, the features are just what you need, and the weight is light and easily manageable for a variety of arrangements and activities, making it a solid choice for a daily driver.

A predominantly mesh seat makes this chair easy to clean and dry if it gets wet. A spacious cup holder and a drawstring pocket keep your favorite beverage along with your phone and keys close by. The four flat, sturdy, square-shaped feet stayed well-planted on the ground during our testing, making the chair level and secure while standing up and sitting down.

While the mesh back and seat make for easy cleanup and great breathability, we found that in the colder weather, our bums got extra cold in this seat. While this could prove to be an advantage in warm summer months, it’s definitely a disadvantage in the wintertime or if there is a cool breeze. 

Also, being primarily made of mesh and polyester, there could be concerns about durability. But we were satisfied in our testing period by the durability of the chair, finding that it could take a beating as we threw it in the back of our truck and tossed it around from backyard to campsite. It doesn’t provide neck support, and the seat height reaches 10.5 inches, so it’s not the ultimate or largest lounge chair.

But for those who want a simple, hardworking, all-around camp chair, the Skyward is our go-to choice.

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Best Budget Camp Chair

Coleman Portable Quad Chair With Cooler

Specs

• Weight 9 lbs., 4 oz.
• Dimensions 18.1” x 24” x 9.1”
• Cupholders One mesh cupholder
• Pockets One hanging side pocket with two mesh compartments
• Weight capacity 325 lbs.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Built-in cooler

Cons

• Less portability
• Long-term durability

Mallory Paige

Just $40 and it comes with a built-in cooler? Yep, this Coleman Camping Chair is a bargain hunter’s dream. And to top it off, we found it impressively comfortable during our initial testing foray.

At 24 inches wide, it provides a roomier seat than the smaller backpacking options we’ve reviewed. It also has a taller seat height and a more upright back, which makes getting in and out easier. The fabric of the seat itself is actually two layers sewn around a thin layer of foam, which truly raises the comfort level when sitting in this chair for long periods of time.

Adding a unique touch, the handy built-in cooler is insulated to keep your beverages or snacks chilled and can fit up to four 8-ounce cans. You’ll need to supply the ice, but in use, we found that the insulated sleeve kept beverages chilly throughout the day.

A carrying bag is included, but you wouldn’t want to haul this for long distances, and the steel frame can rust if left out in the rain. But for hanging in the backyard, sitting on the sidelines, or car camping, this portable chair is a solid option.

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Best Rocking Chair

GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair

Specs

• Weight 10 lbs., 9.6 oz.
• Dimensions 32.5" x 31.7" x 27.2"
• Cupholders One tall mesh pocket on right arm
• Pockets One tall hanging pocket on left armrest with enough room for a phone
• Weight capacity 250 lbs.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Rocker
• Easy fold-up

Cons

• Large size
• Less portability

Mallory Paige

You know what takes campfire gazing to the next level? A relaxing, comfortable rocking chair. The Kickback Rocker ($67) delivers comfort and gentle rocking in a stable and easy-to-pack package. With a full lineup of camping chairs around the fire, this is among the first chairs to be sat in.

At nearly 11 pounds, it’s certainly not ultralight, but it’s not unmanageable either. We especially like how easy it is to set up. Simply fold it open, and you’re ready to relax.

And despite the rocker design, the chair isn’t difficult to get up and out of or to sit down in. The overall frame is a bit lower to the ground, so taller users might notice they need to lean back for the chair’s support.

Comfortable and sturdy, the steel frame is powder-coated for longevity in the elements, and the ripstop polyester material is fair for casual use. The cup holder and phone holder pockets keep essentials at hand, and the included carrying case makes it easy to haul when slung over your shoulder.

The rocking leg design makes the Kickback Rocker best for more level, flat surfaces.

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Most Stable Camping Chair

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong

Specs

• Weight 13 lbs.
• Dimensions 38" x 20" x 38"
• Cupholders Two mesh cupholders
• Pockets Two hanging side pockets
• Weight capacity 800 lbs.

Pros

• Extremely sturdy
• Backpack-style carry case included

Cons

• Heavy

Mallory Paige

If you’re worried about your camp chair blowing away, this robust ALPS Mountaineering chair is your go-to choice. The King Kong ($80) has a heavy, rigid frame. And with super sturdy, tough feet, this chair is unlikely to topple over.

There are two hanging pockets off of each armrest, and the uppermost section on the backside of the chair back has a full-width hanging mesh pocket for miscellaneous stashes.

With an adjustable fit, the angles of the arms can be tinkered with via two buckles. A powder-coated steel frame and 600-denier polyester fabric make the chair stout against wear and tear.

When we sit in this chair, it’s one of the most supportive, stiff options out there, which is great if your back is achy or for folks who prefer an upright brace. The King Kong chair back is also relatively high, and we really appreciate that extra backing when we’re feeling tired — plus the seat is deep, reinforcing our hamstrings.

If you don’t mind hauling a heavier-set chair in and out of your rig or on a short walk to the park, this is an excellent option, especially for breezy weather. A shoulder bag with two backpack-style shoulder straps makes the trek easier, too. While a bit pricey, it’s one of the best camping chairs you can buy.

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Best Campsite 'Couch'

Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat

Specs

• Weight 15 lbs., 6 oz.
• Dimensions 44" x 23.5" x 31.5"
• Cupholders Two insulated cupholders
• Pockets None
• Weight capacity 400 lbs.

Pros

• Campfire snuggling
• Adjustable cupholders

Cons

• Heavy
• Bulky

Mallory Paige

Get cozy with this Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat camp chair ($140). The steel frame is plenty strong (even for two people) and can easily handle 400 pounds. And the quilted fabric is pliable, which is nice for multiple folks sharing the same seat.

We like that the seat is slightly reclined for comfort, and our testers found the shorter height of the Low Loveseat allowed for a more relaxed lounge. But tall couples may prefer the standard loveseat, which is a few inches taller off the ground.

Those with a few more members of the family or dogs might want to check out the even lengthier Lowdown Couch — our new favorite in 2023.

The armrest cupholders have a divider so you can fit both larger and smaller bottles. Although it certainly isn’t the lightest chair on the list, we were still impressed with how easily it packed up.

The carrying bag simply clips around the chair and has a comfortable carrying strap. You wouldn’t want to hike any distance with this, but for campfire nights or outdoor concerts, the Low Loveseat is a top pick.

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Best Heated Chair

GOBI Heat Terrain Heated Camping Chair

Specs

• Weight 11 lbs.
• Dimensions 25" x 39" x 17"
• Cupholders One built-in cupholder
• Pockets None
• Weight capacity 325 lbs.

Pros

• Chair provides battery-powered warmth

Cons

• Too rigid for some
• An investment

Mallory Paige

While it’s a firmer choice among camp chairs, the GOBI Heat Terrain Heated Camping Chair ($199) provides a nice boost of warmth for chillier nights or for those who feel sensitive to the cold. The lower back and seat both radiate heat, and the exact temperature is controlled by the user for a toastier outdoor experience.

Thanks to a portable, rechargeable 7.4V battery (which conveniently doubles as a charging port for a phone), you can bask in a warmer backside for up to 9 hours on the low setting at 113 degrees F.

For more warmth, you can ramp up the heat to 122 degrees F (with a 6-hour limit) or to the highest setting, which is our favorite on a cold night — 131 degrees F for up to 4.5 hours.

The steel frame is stable, and the polyester material is resistant to wind and light rain. The material isn’t very padded and feels rather rigid, but if staying warm is your priority, we recommend giving this heated camping chair a try.

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Best Camping Chair for Kids

REI Co-op Kids’ Camp Chair

Specs

• Weight 4 lbs.
• Dimensions 24.5" x 26.5" x 16.25"
• Cupholders Single pocket serves as a cupholder or as a pocket for small trinkets in the right armrest
• Pockets No additional pockets
• Weight capacity 125 lbs.

Pros

• Light, portable mini version of the adult chair

Cons

• Best for kids 9 and under

Mallory Paige

Make s’more time even more fun for your kids with this pint-sized REI Co-op Camp Chair ($40). Our little testers love that they can carry their own chair and easily climb in and out of it without help. This design remains a top-seller for kiddos.

At 4 pounds, it’s light enough for even young children to drag into place. And with a seat height of 11 inches off the ground, it works well for a range of children. The kid testers in our group especially seemed to like having a miniature version of the adult chairs around the fire.

Thankfully, this chair features a locking mechanism that keeps the chair from shifting about as young ones wiggle around in it, and it’s easy enough for small fingers to operate once it’s time to pack up camp.

It proved impressively sturdy and stable as well, even as a 3-year-old repeatedly climbed in and out. We found that it was best for kids under 9 years old, but that will depend on the height and weight of each kid. Overall, we’re confident it’s the best camping chair for kids.

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Best of the Rest

ENO Lounger DL Chair

Specs

• Weight 4 lbs., 10 oz.
• Dimensions 37" x 32" x 23"
• Cupholders Single hanging cupholder
• Pockets Two elastic sleeve pockets
• Weight capacity 250 lbs.

Pros

• Comfortable sitting position
• Padded armrests and head pillow
• Two elevated sitting heights

Cons

• Complicated to set up
• May be too low for some campers

Mallory Paige

Hammock hangers rejoice, this is the camp chair for you. The ENO Lounger DL ($140) slings low and cradles you when you sit down, making for one very comfortable seat. And it’s no one-trick pony either, as the impressive storage pockets will attest to.

With a design that sits somewhere in between a camping and a backpacking chair, the Lounger DL is a packable seat that makes no concessions in the comfort department. A lightweight aluminum frame assembles easily with shock cord construction and stretches a hammock-inspired swaddle that boasts a padded head and armrests.

The chair itself is height adjustable with a high and low option, allowing you to adjust for terrain differences (or to gain the optimal marshmallow roasting angle). We will note that the Lounger DL is a bit more complex of a design than many camp chairs, and will require some more setup time than most other options. But once it’s assembled, it’s easy living.

And rounding out this chair is an impressive amount of storage space, which comes in the form of two stretch elastic cargo pockets big enough to fit a tablet and a single hanging cup holder. This amount of storage ability trumps many of the other camping chairs we’ve tested to date.

Perfect for kicking back after a long day on the trail, or even setting up for an afternoon concert, the Lounger DL chair was easily one of the most comfortable camping chairs we’ve tested to date.

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YETI Trailhead Camping Chair

Specs

• Weight 13 lbs.
• Dimensions 29.9" x 36.3" x 25.1"
• Cupholders One below the right armrest
• Pockets None
• Weight capacity 500 lbs.

Pros

• Durable
• Comfortable
• Super stable

Cons

• Heavy
• Expensive

Mallory Paige

Let’s get this out of the way first, if you’re looking for the cheapest chair, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for an incredibly comfortable, durable, and stable chair, you’re in the right spot.

At 13 pounds, the top-rated YETI Trailhead ($300) falls in the middle ground of acceptable camp chair weight. The FlexGrid fabric is uniformly supportive and UV-resistant. It’s also pleasantly breathable on hot days.

It folds up easily and packs into a carry bag complete with backpack straps. The Lockdown feature on the back of the chair ensures it won’t accidentally fold up on you. And we like the wide, grippy feet.

In addition to camping, we’ve used this chair for many months as a daily office spot. It shows no signs of wear, and we’ve been comfortable throughout.

It may be overkill for a quick, casual campout, but if you want a super-comfortable, super-stable chair, this is it. When grilling out with Grandpa or offering Mom a spot to relax by the fire, this is the chair we reach for. It’s one of the best camping chairs money can buy.

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NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair

Specs

• Weight 8 lbs., 11 oz.
• Dimensions 41" x 37" x 27"
• Cupholders One on the left armrest
• Pockets One zippered pocket on the right side
• Weight capacity 300 lbs.

Pros

• Fun
• Hammock-chair hybrid

Cons

• Expensive
• Takes longer to get in and out

Mallory Paige

If a hammock and a camp chair had a baby, it would be the Stargaze ($300). This suspended chair allows for rocking on any type of terrain, and the tall back provides full neck support.

Newly updated for 2023, the Stargaze has a brand new groove — adding a more intuitive pole design with fewer steps to set up, as well as a fit more accommodating of broad shoulders, and a larger padded headrest.

Our Hunt + Fish Editor downright loves this chair. She raved in a review, “The aircraft-grade aluminum base is heavy-duty, built with a low center of gravity that provides stability on all types of ground. The chair is a monofilament mesh with fabric reinforcements. Built into the chair are a drink holder and a pocket for phones and other knickknacks.”

Some of our testers noticed it takes longer to sit down and stand up out of this design. You need to put your hands on the arms (there’s even a sign on the chair instructing you to do so).

And if you go too quick, you can pinch your fingers — like if you’re trying to quickly hop out of your chair if flighty embers kick up out of the campfire, which happened to us. But in a calm setting where being nimble isn’t a priority, our crew all loved being able to lean back, look up at the sky, and simply rock.

And while this design is tailored to rocking, it’s not a good choice if you prefer to sit up straight. But if you’re looking for a unique chair and don’t mind making the investment, the Stargaze will serve you well.

If you want more information about this chair, check out our full review of the Stargaze Chair.

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REI Co-op Wonderland Chair

Specs

• Weight 7 lbs., 13 oz.
• Dimensions 21” x 24” x 35”
• Cupholders One that swivels out under right armrest
• Pockets None
• Weight capacity 300 lbs.

Pros

• Design-forward
• Versatile
• Comfortable, high seat

Cons

• Bulky
• Heavy
• Expensive

Mallory Paige

The new REI Co-op Wonderland Chair ($100) elevates the average camping chair to the next level. Absent are the mesh and metal construction of your run-of-the-mill camping chair, and in their place is a design-forward, comfortable camping chair with sturdy construction, pleasing colorways, swivel-out cupholder, and glazed wooden armrests. 

It’s clear that this chair is made with high-quality materials. Its recycled polyester seat fabric is also treated with a durable water-repellent finish allowing it to stand up to the elements. Its frame is constructed of coated aluminum to keep the total weight of the chair down, and the chair feels overall sturdy and well-constructed, with REI boasting a 300-pound weight capacity to boot. 

Weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces, this isn’t the lightest camp chair on the market. It is large and arguably cumbersome, and figuring out how to collapse it with its strap takes some time to get used to. It will take up a large amount of space in a small car, and might not be the best choice for those who are space and weight conscious while packing for their next camping trip.

Although the Wonderland has a high price tag and is a bit on the bulky side, we loved this chair for its versatility as it can complement your patio, be taken to the beach, or be deployed by the campfire on your next overnight. 

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Helinox Chair Zero High-Back

Specs

• Weight 1 lb., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 32.5" x 20.5" x 21.5"
• Cupholders None
• Pockets None
• Weight capacity 265 lbs.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Portable
• Taller chair back compared to OG design

Cons

• Not super stable
• Narrower seat

Mallory Paige

The original Chair Zero from Helinox revolutionized the backpacking chair world. Suddenly, bringing a chair on the trail — whether backpacking a short distance or hiking up high for a sunset picnic — seemed not only doable but rather reasonable.

It weighs just a pound and packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle. And now, the Chair Zero High-Back ($180) offers an extended amount of back support — an additional 7.5 inches — with less than a pound difference.

It sacrifices a little stability in order to maximize portability but still manages to be very comfortable. The Chair Zero was more popular with our smaller testers, but it does accommodate people up to 265 pounds, and our 6-foot tester fit in it just fine.

When moving from side to side, the material is a bit loud. And if the weather is gusty, make sure you don’t leave this chair solo! It can easily take flight in a strong breeze.

If you need a chair that stays solidly planted while you get up or down, look at some of the heavier, sturdier-footed choices on our list. Or if you prefer a chair that’s easier to stretch your legs out while sitting in, check out the larger frames listed.

But if you don’t have much storage space and want an easy-to-transport chair you can easily buckle to a backpack, the Helinox Zero High-Back is probably the best camping chair for the job.

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Klymit Ridgeline Camp Chair

Specs

• Weight 2 lbs., 12.8 oz.
• Dimensions 28" x 21" x 39"
• Cupholders None
• Pockets One small mesh pocket hangs off the left side
• Weight capacity 265 lbs.

Pros

• Tall chair back
• Mesh panels provide aeration

Cons

• Not the sturdiest feet
• Narrower pod shape might not be preferred by those with broad shoulders or hips

Mallory Paige

Our taller testers and those with chronic shoulder or backaches welcomed the extra length of this chairback on the new Klymit Ridgeline Camp Chair ($79).

Simple, streamlined, and delivering a tall back that reaches toward the sky, the design also features a lightly padded headrest, so you can lean your head back and rest well-supported.

Built out of aluminum alloy, the frame is lighter than some of the steel options that are high-ranked, but aluminum can also be a tad less durable in the long haul depending on user care. The fabric is 900-denier polyester blended with mesh, so it’s tenacious and allows for a breeze on a warm day.

With aggressive nobs, the feet dig into the ground. But given they aren’t broad and flat, they aren’t as stable as some other designs among our top picks. Also, given the light weight, this chair can totally take off with a strong wind and no one anchoring it down.

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GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger

Specs

• Weight 20 lbs.
• Dimensions 43.1" x 35" x 30.3"
• Cupholders None
• Pockets One hanging mesh pocket
• Weight capacity 300 lbs.

Pros

• Recliner
• Nap-worthy
• Breathable

Cons

• Heavy
• Doesn't pack small

Mallory Paige

Does your idea of a good camp chair include catching a few Zs? Then you’re going to love the Zero Gravity Lounger ($130). It’s the ultimate camp recliner and our favorite nap-inducing chair. We liked that you can simply lounge back and then lock your desired spot into place.

The mesh back is breathable, and it folds up easily. It doesn’t pack down particularly small or include a carrying case, but it’s easy enough to carry around the campsite or backyard.

The armrests are comfortable, and our testers like the adjustable head pillow. You can also completely remove the pillow if you don’t want to use it.

Our testers under 5’5″ found it more difficult to recline in this chair and not as comfortable in an upright position. Our 6-foot-tall tester found it immensely comfortable and worthy of a fireside snooze.

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TRAVELCHAIR Kanpai Bamboo Chair

Specs

• Weight 7 lbs., 5.6 oz.
• Dimensions 25.5" x 21.5" x 19.5"
• Cupholders None
• Pockets None
• Weight capacity 250 lbs.

Pros

• Stylish
• Comfortable
• Durable

Cons

• Short ground height can be hard to get out of

Mallory Paige

Do you want a camp chair with an added dash of style? The classic looks of the Kanpai Bamboo Chair ($145) may be just what you’re after. It folds up simply, and we like that the top and bottom rungs rotate slightly for a comfortable carry.

The cotton canvas duck fabric feels nice against the skin and has proven durable over more than a year’s use. However, it will take longer to dry than other mesh chairs if left in the rain.

Our biggest point of contention is the seat height. At 19.5 inches, it’s a lower-type chair. We found the Kanpai Bamboo Chair very comfortable, but it could be more difficult to get out of for some. The lower height does make it extra sturdy, and even a rambunctious toddler can climb in and out easily.

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Camping Chair Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

The GearJunkie team has tested a huge variety of camping chairs for countless hours at campsites, while road-tripping with camper trailers, during long hunts, and at the base of peaks or trailheads after a backcountry ski day.

We polled our crew to determine their absolute favorite camp chairs and why. We gather every year for a group campout to test a new collection of camping chairs side by side, and we use these camp chairs throughout the year, from season to season and sport to sport.

We’ve used these camp chairs while crewing ultramarathons and enjoying slam poetry and concerts at the park. We’ve also used these camp chairs at home for outdoor birthday parties and sitting around portable fire pits.

Some of our editors have used their choice camp chair across every season for many years with no sign of deterioration or a desire to switch. Beyond our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular, most durable, and bestselling camp chairs on the market as well as a broad range of price points and features for a range of users.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Camping Chair

Here are the primary factors we use when testing camp chairs. Scroll through to help ensure that you pick the best camping chair for your individual needs. We will note that these choices are specifically for kicking back during car camping and the like. If you’re looking for a more packable and lightweight option, take a look at our in-depth review of backpacking chairs.

Type of Use

How will you use the chair? Whether you enjoy car camping, backpacking, soccer game viewing, backyard barbecuing, or some mix of it all, it helps to have a clear idea of how you’ll use your camping chair. It will help you narrow down which of the other factors are most important.

Value

This ties into the above consideration. Are you looking for a chair that works for backpacking? Do you plan to use it once a month, once a week, or every day?

These factors will affect the price and can help you determine if it’s worth spending more for a chair that pairs comfort with packability (like the Helinox Zero High-Back). Or perhaps a budget pick like Coleman will suit your needs better without emptying the wallet. For the best of both worlds, we are partial to our top pick, the REI Co-op Skyward chair which pairs an affordable price with comfort and quality.

Comfort

Nobody wants an uncomfortable camping chair. When considering comfort, we looked at seatback height, width, height off the ground, materials, amount of cushion, rigidity versus flexibility, overall shape, and ergonomics. Comfort varies from person to person and depends a lot on your size, build, and mobility.

If you’re looking for a traditional chair, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong sports a pleated seat that was high on our list of the most comfortable. And for a slung-back style of chair, look no further than the hammock-inspired builds of the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair and ENO Lounger DL Chair.

Weight and Packed Dimensions

This is paramount if you’re backpacking, semi-important when packing the rig for car camping, and not very important when setting up in the backyard. Camping-style chairs won’t pack up as small as backpacking chairs, but will typically collapse to a more travel-friendly form for moving around.

Traditional collapsable chairs like the REI Co-Op Skyward or Coleman Portable Quad Chair have a classic stow technique that most everyone has seen before and only require a simple pulling together of the legs to collapse down into a more compact package. Then, there are folding-style chairs like the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair, which fold along a central axis and create a flat package for moving about. And finally, there are the DIY-style chairs, such as the Helinox Chair Zero High-Back where some assembly is required, though at a great benefit to overall packability.

Carrying Style

When considering the packed dimensions, also consider how exactly you’re going to be toting your favorite camp chair around. Many are familiar with the fabric sleeves that encase collapsable chairs for travel, but there are few other options available.

Folding-style chairs typically don’t come with a carrying bag at all, and you’ll have to wrestle them around yourself. Collapsable chairs, like the ENO Lounger DL Chair or the Helinox Chair Zero High-Back will come with a bag that will pack away everything needed to set them up once you hit camp. And finally, a few chairs will sport integrated straps directly on the chair for shouldering them, such as the REI Co-op Wonderland.

Ease of Setup

No one wants to spend 20 minutes fighting to set up their camp chair — or worse, trying to wrangle it back into its carrying bag. We want to be able to set up and take down the chair without instructions or excessive time dedicated to the task.

All of the chairs included here are easy to set up. Some simply fold open, whereas others take a couple of minutes to assemble. The NEMO Stargaze is one that takes a bit more time to set up. But we were able to do it without reading the directions, and the tradeoff for the fun, rocking chair feature is worth it. We wish the REI Co-op Wonderland was a bit more intuitive to fold out, but once you figure out its strap system it won’t take much time at all.

Height

The height from the ground to the bottom of the seat is an often overlooked yet extremely important consideration. This dictates not only how bent your legs will be but also makes a chair easier or more difficult to get out of. While most chairs don’t offer multiple heights, we will note that the ENO Lounger DL Chair does — with the choice of deploying either 3- or 10-inch legs.

In general, those with knee issues or mobility concerns will have an easier time getting out of taller chairs. If you fall into that category, consider something like the Coleman Quad Chair or the YETI Trailhead.

Stability

Sitting around the campfire should be a relaxing time. And that means not having to worry about falling out of your chair (especially if you’re enjoying a few campfire cocktails) or the chair toppling over when you move to get out of it. A wider leg base provides extra stability but often comes at the cost of weight and pack size.

Besides a wide base, also look for broader feet at the end of those legs. These will better distribute the load across the surface you’re sitting on and will avoid sinking into soft soils.

Features

Drink holders, pockets, carrying bags, armrest coolers, user-adjusted heat settings, and more — these extra features may seem inconsequential, but they can help take a camp chair from OK to awesome.

When we’re looking for a good camping chair, we like to balance the features it has with the overall complexity. It’s easy to pile on extra features, but annoying to have to extract yourself from a cocoon of cupholders, pockets, and straps. In general, one cupholder will do you, as well as a single accessory pocket to securely stash your keys.

Whether you choose the tiniest camp chair, the biggest camp chair, the cheapest camping chair, or something in between, don’t forget what it’s really all about: getting outside. Throw a fresh log on the fire, pull up a chair, and enjoy an evening under the stars.

FAQ

What is The Most Comfortable Camping Chair?

The most comfortable camping chair varies from person to person and depends largely on your body type and height.

The REI Skyward is among the most comfortable — it’s malleable yet supportive but not too rigid. Our testers also gave the YETI Trailhead extremely high marks for comfort and stability, although that does come with a price tradeoff. And if you want to lay back and take a nap, the GCI Zero Gravity chair is a winner.

How Do I Choose a Camp Chair?

First, think about how you’re going to use the chair. If you plan on backpacking or hiking into camp, then a small, lightweight chair will serve you best. If you’re car camping or hanging in the backyard, go for maximum comfort and features.

You may also want to consider your mobility and height. Lower chairs can be more challenging to get in and out of if you have knee issues or any other mobility concerns. Taller people also tend to prefer a chair with a bit more height to it.

Last, think about the features you would enjoy. Is a cupholder important? Or maybe you really want a rocking camp chair? Whatever it is, chances are you can find a camp chair that perfectly suits your outdoor-loving needs.

Can Camping Chairs Get Wet?

Yes. All the camping chairs on this list can get wet. Some will dry more quickly than others, but none of them will be damaged by a little rain.

Do The Weight and Packed Size Matter For a Camp Chair?

The weight and packed size relate to how portable a chair is. For car camping, this mainly matters for fitting everything in your vehicle and carrying it short distances. The packed-down size can also be important for those with limited storage space.

If you’re spending a lot of time at the ball field, you may want a camp chair you can carry hands-free. Many of our top choices for camp chairs come with an included carry case for convenience. Most of those bags have a single strap to sling over your shoulder, but the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong carry-case has two backpack straps for even more aid.

If you plan to backpack or hike a longer distance with your chair, the weight and packed size are very important.

What Should I Look For When Buying a Camping Chair?

First, consider the type of trips you’re looking to take your camp chair on. If you’re more of the light and fast type, you may be better suited to a backpacking chair. But if settling down in front of a campfire sounds like your type of evening, a camping chair is likely right up your alley. We will note that there are a few chairs on the market that will do both, and these can be considered if you want one chair to do it all.

Then, think about the type of relaxing you’re looking to do. Some chairs are more suited to reclining, which while the ideal angle for star gazing, likely isn’t going to work great for roasting marshmallows. A chair like the ENO Lounger DL Chair is certainly among this camp, while the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong offers a more upright position.

Finally, take into account the features you’re looking to use while camping. Some chairs offer a good bit of storage, while others are particularly spartan. Some come decked out in multiple cup holders, while others leave it up to you to cradle your beverage.

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