Best Camping Chairs: Folding Chair Reviews

 Camping equipment, especially that which is considered the best, is built and cemented into place on a series of underpinnings.  The best camping chairs, should fill the following 3 commandments: durability, portability and comfortability.

Whenever you’re in the market for new camping gear, you need to tattoo, staple and memorize those crucial components. In essence, you should walk down the aisle of any sport store or outdoor emporium chanting under your breath: “Durability, comfort, portability…”

We are here to help you pick out the best camping chair out there, to single out the winners, and hand out the trophies and gold medals just so you get a comfortable seat on your next outdoor adventure.  If you don’t feel like a longer read, our 3 favorites are listed below.  For a more detailed comparison, keep reading on and check out our buyer’s guide as well as an in-depth look at 10 of our favorites currently in production.

Top Overall Pick: Coleman Oversized Quad Chair
Top Lightweight Pick: Alps Mountaineering Rendezvous
Most Fun For Camping: King Camp Moon Saucer

 Buyer’s Guide For The Best Camping Chairs 

This is the perfect high-backed chair on the market right now. Coleman really outdid itself with this product. It has absolutely everything you could possibly want and need, and a bit more, for lounging about after a nice stroll through the woods. This chair was designed for the libertarian in mind, it has all the comfort and added features you’ll want at hand at your campsite, BBQ, picnic or backyard.

The Coleman Oversized Quad Chair is made of high grade polyester and comes equipped with a built in arm rest cooler that holds up to four cans.  The mesh cup holder keeps a fifth drink close at hand.  The storage pocket is handy for magazines and/or personal items.  It has adjustable arm rest heights and the chair itself can hold up to 300 pounds.  It’s compact and fits in most car trunks and comes with a 1 year limited warranty.

The bottom line is that the Oversized Quad Chair kicks some serious camping butt. It comes in more than one color, and is pretty much a steal for the cooler alone.  The only drawbacks are that it might take you a few times to get comfortable getting it back into the original bag and figuring out how to carry more than one chair at a time.  The Oversized Quad chair is a favorite of many, and is generally perfect for the budget minded camper.

2. ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous

This low-profile chair, flying under the radar, is ALPS’ answer to hikers—one of the top folding chairs and portable marvels in the market right now. The Rendezvous is a lightweight, highly durable, resilient, transportable chair. It has a durable steel frame with legs low to the ground that are perfect for all kinds of earth (mud, sand, Astroturf, etc.).

The Alps Mountaineering Rendezevous has many of the same traits that the Coleman Quad does, and for a lot of people – the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the want/need for a cooler.  These chairs are slightly smaller than the Coleman, making them ideal for backpacking, hiking or carrying out to the beach.  The steel frame is powder coated, making it extremely durable.  The weight capacity is 300 pounds, and it only weighs 6.8 pounds.

The primary advantage this chair has over most of the others is the fact that it’s extremely portable and lightweight, which means it’s perfect for camping trips, hunting trips, time at the beach or even a picnic at your local park.  It can be taken pretty much anywhere you want to go.  The only downside is the lack of cup holders, but hey – that’s what your hands are for.

3. Coleman Suspension Chair

The Coleman Comfortsmart Suspension Chair is the top option for those with a bit more girth on their bones. It’s a surprisingly comfortable seat with a flexible bungee suspension system that has just the right amount of give and durability for those looking for a little more comfort. The mesh back gives it an added comfort level on those hot days; the glass holder is a must when you simply need a cold beverage; and, finally, the frame is perhaps one of the most reliable.

One of the primary bragging points that the Comfortsmart Suspension Seat has is that it’s extremely comfortable.  The nylon mesh has quite a bit of flexibility, making it extremely comfortable.  Similar to other choices on the list, this option can hold up to 300 pounds and is a little more comfortable doing it.

The bungee system it has that anchors the nylon mesh is a winner.  It allows the nylon mesh more flexibility and give when you move around in your chair, and it also contours to your body extremely well.  The glass holder is decent, and can hold just about any type of drink container.  The only real drawback is that it weighs almost double (over 14 pounds) some of the competition.  That means if you are a backpacker or hiker, there are better options.  It’s also slightly more expensive than some of the others on our list, but hey – you’ve gotta pay for comfort.

4. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong

The name sort of says it all, King Kong. This chair doesn’t disappoint. If the king of Skull Island needs a place to rest for a while, this little beauty would happily give him a hand. Hailed by its makers as the “final stand against disposable chairs,” the King Kong is the sturdiest chair on the market right now. It’s perhaps the top choice for folks that need a bit more support.

The ALPS Mountaineering can hold up to 800 pounds, making it one of the more heavy duty options available. This chair carries on your shoulder in a convenient shoulder bag, and has a cup holder on each arm which is great if you have kids.  It weighs in at only 12.8 pounds, making it about average against its competition.  It also comes equipped with two magazine pockets for extra storage.

The only real drawback to the ALPS Mountaineering chair is the fact it’s a little more expensive than some of its competitors.  It’s a more luxurious chair though, and typically you have to pay a little more for comfort.

5. Caravan Sports Zero Gravity

Unlike others on this list, that transform into a cylindrical pole, Caravan decided to go another route with its Sport Infinity Zero Gravity Chair. It folds like one of those auditorium metal seats you see so often in empty gyms. This is a unique thing. Is it a bad thing? We’re not passing judgement—it all depends on what you’re looking for. This chair was made for those who have simply gotten tired of trying to stuff their Coleman or Alps back into the carry-on to no avail. With Caravan’s wonder, all you really have to do is fold it like a sandwich and lock it into place with its improved locking system.

This is perhaps one of the most comfortable outdoor options we’ve featured here, but if you are a hiker or someone that needs to limit your pack weight – glaze over the Caravan ZG Chair.  The weight is almost 19 pounds, making it one of the most unfriendly choices when it comes to weight.  With that being said, if you plan to pull up to your camping site in your car, this is an extremely comfortable option that you can unload and relax in next to the trees.

It supports up to 300 pounds and has a recline function (something that most of the products we feature in this review lack).  The headrest is adjustable and helps keep you comfortable while you elevate your feet in reclining position.  It also comes in a variety of different color, so you can pick whichever suits you best.

6. KingCamp Moon Saucer

King Camp wanted to try something different to see if they could rise and challenge the Gods (Alps and Coleman) with its own take. It put the beanbag of these seats on the market. The Moon Sauce is a heavy-duty polyester chair with foldable iron frame that isn’t really that spectacular to begin with. The only real thought that went into this product was on how to make it a cool chair and not necessarily a practical one.

If you are a backpacker or a hiker, this is another seat you can steer clear of.  This particular option should be used by campers, hunters, and people just looking for a really cool and different looking product that they can just pop out of their car and setup on the ground.  It’s got an extremely well padded seat and is very comfortable for long periods of sitting.

The frame holds up to 260 pounds, and the flat discs on the bottom of the legs will prevent it from sinking into the sand or other surface you use the chair on.  What could be the best part is that it allows you to sit in it however you want, making it a perfect chair to curl up in and read a good book while sitting outdoors among the trees.  The only drawback is the fact that it’s slightly bulkier to carry and weighs a tad more than its competition.

7. Coleman Quattro Lax Double Quad

Who would have thought that these products had that niche, let alone that Coleman would exploit it? This is the best chair to get close up and cozy with your loved ones.  Whether it’s cuddling up with your kiddos during a camping trip, or sitting next to your significant other after a long hike, the Quattro Double Quad is a great chair to hang out in together.

The Quattro Double Quad seats 2 people and has 2 mesh cup holders as well as 2 seat back pockets for you to double up on your reading material.  It folds up for compact storage and transport and is a nice option if you need a two seater but only feel like carrying one along for the ride.

This one is not meant for someone that’s just looking for a little extra room as the supports in the middle are designed specifically for two people to occupy the space. Coleman Quattro Lax is basically a really nice camping love seat that you can tag a long on family camping trips.  It’s just over 10 pounds making it not too heavy to carry, but there are plenty of other options that are lighter which would make more sense if you are a hardcore hiker.  It’s a great choice if you’ve got someone else to share it with.

8. Coleman Broadband With Mesh

This is Coleman’s entry-level camping seat. Among the best of the best camp chairs on the market, this is a standard version. It has all the necessary doodads and things that you would need out in the wilderness, minus none of the extras. It’s exactly what it advertises itself as… a comfortable, will-get-the-job-done, camping seat from Coleman. It’s a durable, affordable and best of all, a comfortable choice.

Basically the Broadband Mesh Quad Chair is one of the cheapest options you can find, but it’s not quite as comfortable as some of the higher quality products.  It supports up to 250 pounds, but you’ll want to look at other options if you want a little more support.

If you are on a strict budget, or need to purchase several seats, then the Broadband is a fantastic option to keep your costs low and have something to sit on.  If you can afford a higher quality option, then the next tier up would be our top choice, the Oversized Quad Chair with cooler.

9. Kijaro Dual Lock

Kijaro’s primary selling point is the fact that it offers its fans a medley of colors to brighten up their camping life along with no-sag seating. These are great chairs, with an amazing mobility based on a push-lock mechanism. It’s one of the most stable options on this list, and also one of the most portable.

The fact that you can get them in just about any color is a huge plus because you can take them to your favorite sporting event and support your team by matching colors.  At just 9.5 pounds, it’s also pretty lightweight and easy to carry around.  It supports up to 300 pounds like most standard camping seats, and looks good while doing it.

It’s made out of 600D polyester which is a stronger synthetic fabric that’s designed to take a lot of abuse.  There is a strap on the carry bag but also directly on the chair as well, so if you want to pick up and move locations at your kid’s football game – it’s easy to do.  The price point is good, making the Kijaro a solid little camping seat.  The only drawback is the lack of a rust proof coating, so if you expose the chair to salty sea-air, don’t expect the rust to stay away long term.

10. TravelChair Slacker Folding Seat

This is the ultimate hiking chair. It’s a simple tripod developed for extreme circumstances; incredibly durable, amazingly lightweight and highly portable. This is one of the best hiking stools out there. With a total weight of 1.9 lbs. and integral Velcro straps, this travel set is designed to weigh less than a newspaper and also fold into the relative size of one.

This option is perfect for people that need to carry light which typically is hikers, backpackers and hunters.  It makes a much better seat than a nearby rock or large log, and offers decent support for being such a small option.  It’s made of high quality 600D polyester fabric as well, so it can take a beating and keep going.

The feet generate decent friction and prevent it from sliding around, which is a huge plus. The TravelChair slacker comes in a variety of different colors, and the whole chair has been double coated with a protective coating to prevent fading or product degradation from the sun.  The only drawback is the fact that it’s basically a stool, so don’t expect a ton of lower back support.

Benefits of Finding Your Best Camping Chair

Size

One of the best benefits of camping chairs is the fact that you can get them for any size person, adult or child. There are so many colors, designs, and themes that can be picked out in high-quality.

Features

Do your research before buying on comfort level, foldable or non-foldable, cup holders, leg rests, etc. These camping chairs are so much more than a chair alternative, they can actually improve your quality of life when camping.

Heavy Duty

The design and functions of a folding chair are actually made to last long and be durable. Looking specifically for chairs marked heavy duty will help you to get the perfect ones.

Resistivity

Water resistance is an important feature built into camping chairs. This means they can withstand weather, but also that they are easy to clean and don’t require much exertion when cleaning.

Design

Folding camping chairs usually have good back support as well as front legs for support as well. Based on your needs, there are plenty of other shapes and designs that can support you.

Materials

The chairs frame is going to be made of high-quality materials in order to hold you. Some of the best and most long-lasting will be made of wood or steel. Others are made of plastic, cloth, and metal. Even more are stainless steel, other artificial materials, and even more robust materials that bring you durable chairs.

Convenience

Resting for a few minutes or even hours is what these chairs are made for. They are meant to support your spine while you sit around a campfire singing songs, eat meals, or simply spend quality time with your loved ones. They are made of soft and supportive materials on purpose.

Camping Chair Uses and Features

Car Camping & Tailgating

These activities demand a lot of comforts, which was the most critical metric in camping chair statistics, at 40% of each chair’s overall score. Car camping and tailgating don’t usually involve a lot of walking, so bulk and size aren’t much of an issue. Excellent quality and durability are always preferred, but let’s face it- after a long day of hiking or climbing, you don’t want to drop into the chair that is the best deal, you want to sit in the model that is the most pleasant.

Beach

Bringing a camping chair to the beach is an excellent way to read, sunbathe, and lounge all day (without getting all full of sand or straining your neck to read). For beach use, we advise seeking out a mesh chair and trying to pick a lighter color that won’t get too heated in the sun. The mesh material will keep you well-ventilated as you soak up the sun. It’s also essential to purchase a chair with a broad base or wide feet or to plan to find ways to keep your chair from sinking into the sand while you lounge. We did see that some models without these wide feet can be fitted easily with add-ons to keep them from descending until you’re resting on the ground.

Backcountry Trips

This category of need includes anyone who feels that the size and weight of their camping chairs are of extraordinary concern, for activities like backpacking, fishing, walking to an outdoor concert, etc. For instance, let’s say you’re planning a backcountry camping trip. You will be hiking a few miles with your backpacking pack, and you want to be able to kick back and relax once you’re back at the camp. In this situation, a portable camp chair is a great option. It will only add a few pounds to your pack, but you’ll have a comfortable off-the-ground seat for toasting marshmallows around a campfire.

Park

Some camping chairs come with built-in canopies. That’s beneficial not just in terms of keeping the sun’s rays away from you, but it can make your camping excursion a whole lot more comfortable if you get trapped in the rain (which, let’s face it, is obliged to happen at some point). These camping chairs do tend to be a tad more expensive than their non-canopied equivalents, but only slightly so.

Romantic Dates

Of the various types of camping chairs on the market, the one thing most of them have in common is the reality that they’re designed for a single inhabitant. This is what makes camping loveseats unique. If you’re fond of camping with your significant other, then a camping loveseat is a splendid addition to your collection. It will make your next camping journey immensely more close.

Extra Features

Now that you have considered what activities you might like to use a camping chair to begin thinking about how those uses transpose into distinct needs. For instance, do you have youngsters? Well then maybe being able to stash your belongings within easy reach is an essential characteristic for you. From snacks to sunscreen, you need easy access to an array of essential items. If you use the camping chair in a wet environment or plan on using a chair for water activities, make sure to check out the models that dry the fastest.

The conclusion to make when purchasing a camping chair is whether or not you want extras to come with your chair. Several of the chairs we listed had extra features, from as simple as a small pocket or adjustable headrest to as complex as cup holders, multiple laptop-sized storage slots, and padded armrests. In general, the portable models tended to have fewer features, but even still we found a few that could hold a phone, book, or beverage nearby or cradle our heads with a nice headrest. The traditional models more frequently had extra features, including insulated cup holders, high supportive backs, and oversized storage compartments with additional pockets to keep organized. Yes folks, camping chairs these days can do so many things!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Helinox chairs worth it?

Helinox chairs might not have made it on our list of the best ones that you can find, but they are still well worth the money. Some reviewers have ranked them slightly higher, while others chose not to put them on their lists. However, as far as sheer quality and price to value ratio go, they are great for the comfort, stability, and durability that they offer.

Are Cliq chairs worth it?

Yes, Cliq chairs are super compact, so they won’t waste a lot of space in the trunk of your car. They’re ideal for those who want a smaller camping trip or those who only want to relax by the lake without having to bring much of anything else with them.

How can I make my folding chair more comfortable?

There are several steps that you can take to make any chair slightly more comfortable than it currently is:

First and foremost, adjust the height. Many people tend to leave their chairs either at the lowest or highest level, and they’re missing out on a lot of comforts by doing so.

Next, understand and experiment with all the settings on your chair. Lower the chair’s back when you want to lay for a while and get rid of that back pain. Finally, you can add a seat cushion to make it even more comfortable so your rear won’t hurt as much.

Can camping chairs get wet?

Thankfully, camping chairs are generally water-resistant and should have no problem standing up to the rain, meaning you can leave them outside while camping without fear of ruining them. In fact, most of them are made specifically to withstand large amounts of water. We all know that rain is common in nature, especially on the mountainside, so having such a chair is imperative.

Parting Thoughts

There’s an option for every occasion and environment. Before you go out and buy your next portable seat, the best thing you can actually do is pinpoint what exactly you’ll need it for. Once you have that answered, everything else will fall into place.

If you’re tailgating, RV camping, or simply just veering up to a lake and popping the trunk of your car open, you simply can’t go wrong with Coleman’s Oversized Quad Chair With Cooler. It has all the extras and necessary add-ons to really help you relax out in the wilderness. One of the only cons, the fact that it lacks padding, can easily be remedied with a travel pillow. Its weight, and the fact that it’s not as portable as the rest shouldn’t really matter given the fact that you’re not exactly lugging it up a mountain.

If you’re in the market for something foldable, easy to store, that you can pop out at your next BBQ and score some whoa points from your neighbors, then go out and buy Caravan’s Sports Infinity Zero Gravity. It’s extremely chick and slick, a bit posh, easy to maneuver and use, and, over all, immensely comfortable. But, this is not a hiking or camping seat; this is an outdoors/patio seat.

If you’re scaling a mountain, rappelling down the face of Kilimanjaro or simply going out for a 3-hour walk, then ditch all other seat choices and buy a lightweight, easy-to-use, stool. As such, you can’t go wrong—given its price—with TravelChair Slacker Folding Tripod Camp Stool. We’ve field tested this portable option and can honestly say, that during a 5 hour hike, we hardly noticed its weight as it hung off our backpacks.

If you’re a bit bulky, or have a spare tire or two spare tires hanging off your belly, then by all means go out and fetch ALPS Mountaineering King Kong. It’s one of the most durable options on the market and can actually support more than 700 lbs.