Top 10 Best Camping Chairs [2023] – Sitting In Nature

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We’ve selected the 10 best camping chairs for your reference.

Whether you’re around a campfire at the campground or jockeying for position at a lawn concert, the trusty camping chair can relax your entire being. While I often spent a lot of time getting used to stumps or rocks I picked up in the countryside, this gave me a whole new experience when I acquired my first camping chair.

To find the best camping chairs, we have conducted several wilderness camping tests. After experiencing different environments and different weather, when ranking and testing camping chairs, we focused on comfort, price, and portability. Next, durability, ease of construction, and additional features were also taken into consideration.

Although there is no “best” camping chair, in the following FAQ section we have listed a variety of categories for you, so you can quickly understand your own needs for the chair. Not only can you get a comfortable ride in the wilderness, but it won’t cost too much. If you like our articles, feel free to subscribe to us to get the most up-to-date information on new reviews!

2023 Best Camping Chairs List

1. REI Co-op Camp X ($50)
2.  Helinox Chair Zero ($149.95)
3. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong ($76)
4. GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger ($125)
5. Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler ($20.99)
6. ENO Lounger DL Chair ($140)
7. NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair ($250)
8. Kelty Low Loveseat ($139.95)
9. Yeti Trailhead ($300)
10. Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad ($27)

1. REI Co-op Camp X ($50)

• Dimensions: 20 x 31.25 x 31 inches
• Seat height: 10.5 inches
• Weight: 7 lbs 3 oz
• What we like about it: Highly breathable mesh that dries quickly even when wet from the rain.
• What we don’t like about it: The cup holder is too wide to hold smaller cups.

Simple and affordable chairs will be enjoyed by a wide range of camping enthusiasts and are perfect for sitting around campfires, by the beach, and anywhere else. With highly breathable mesh and supportive webbing, this design means you can stay dry in hot weather. It can also dry quickly if it gets wet in the rain. This is a simple, no-frills chair that accomplishes its purpose as a chair with the easiest construction.

The cup holder is wider and not suitable for placing cans. If you place an opened can in the mesh pocket it will tip over easily. Other than that, I didn’t find any other drawbacks to the Alps Mountaineering King Kong. It offers good quality at a lighter weight and can be easily placed in the corner of the trunk. For those who want a simple, hard-working, all-around camping chair, the REI Co-op Camp X is the smart choice.

2. Helinox Chair Zero ($149.95)

• Dimensions: 20.5 x 18.9 x 25.2 inches
• Seat height: 11.5 inches
• Weight: 1 lb
• What we like about it: The ultimate lightweight design that fits easily in your bag.
• What we don’t like about it: It needs extra care in windy weather.

This Helinox simple chair Zero has revolutionized the world of chairs in camping bags. In a flash, it became clear that bringing a chair in your pack while hiking or backpacking would not only work but seemed to make perfect sense. The weight of just 1 pound and the storage size of a mineral water bottle makes it almost imperceptible in the pack, but when unfolded it can hold up to 265 pounds, and the scoop support can wrap the body in it nicely with the legs stretched out comfortably.

The weight is quite light, in windy weather if you need to get up please make sure to watch your chair, it may be blown up by high winds. So if you need a heavier and sturdier option, take a look at the following ALPS Mountaineering King Kong. But if you don’t have a lot of storage space and want a chair that’s easy to transport and snaps easily onto your backpack, this is the best!

3. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong ($76)

• Dimensions: 38 x 20 x 38 inches
• Seat height: 18 inches
• Weight: 13 lbs.
• What we like about it: Sturdy and composed, with plenty of storage pockets.
• What we don’t like about it: Too heavy for parking lots that are too far from the campground.

If you’re worried about your chair being blown away by high winds, this heavy, solid ALPS hiking chair is the one for you. The sturdy frame’s tough legs make this chair less likely to tip over. There are two hanging pockets on each armrest and a full-width hanging mesh pocket at the top of the chair’s back for storing miscellaneous items. Fit adjustment allows you to sit for a snug fit, and the powder-coated steel frame and 600D nylon are strong and durable, and resistant to wear and tear.

The weight is really heavy, it is not easy to carry and can be a bit fiddly when you are getting it from your car to the campsite. For a lightweight camping chair, take a look at the Helinox Chair Zero. if your campsite is very close to a parking lot, this would be a very good choice. Yours will sit like a chair at home, especially in windy weather, and it will ensure you don’t get blown over by the wind.

4. GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger ($125)

• Dimensions: 43.1 x 35 x 30.3 inches
• Seat height: Adjustable
• Weight: 17 lbs 9 oz
• What we like about it: The most comfortable and spacious can even be used as a marching bed.
• What we don’t like about it: The largest volume and least portable.

Compared to other luxury chairs, the GCI Outdoor Zero Gravity Chair is a great value for the money. The extra high backrest with headrest, neck pillow, tilt angle adjustment option, and leg support makes it more comfortable than almost any camping chair. If you want, it can be adjusted by the lever next to the armrest, which can be put almost completely flat into a bed. In addition, if you don’t want a pillow, you can easily remove it.

This is the largest and least compact of the list, very heavy and impossible to carry unassisted over long distances. But if you want something lighter, take a look at the REI Co-op Camp X. But overall, none of the camping chairs on the list, if not all of them, allow you to relax your head and feet at the same time and can be used as a lunch chair in the office if necessary. That’s right, that’s what I did.

5. Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler ($20.99)

• Dimensions: 24 x 37 x 40.5 inches
• Seat height: 18.1 inches
• Weight: 9 lbs, 4 oz
• What we like about it: Built-in cooler, plenty of storage space, and sturdy materials.
• What we don’t like about it: The steel frame needs to be stored properly or it will rust easily.

Only $20.99 with a built-in cooler? Yes, you read that right! This camping chair is a dream for those looking for quality at a low price. The built-in cooler adds to the uniqueness of this chair, keeping drinks or snacks cold and holding up to four 8oz cans. In addition, there is a mesh cup holder as well as a hanging side pocket. The steel stand and sturdy fabric make it more durable than almost any competitor in its price range.

The steel stand is very prone to rusting in wet conditions if not properly stored. If you want a more manageable material, take a look at the waterproof, quick-drying REI Co-op Camp X. All in all, we think the Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler is better priced than other products of the same quality and offers a great camping chair for most people.

6. ENO Lounger DL Chair ($140)

• Dimensions: 23 x 32 x 37 inches
• Seat height: 3 or 10 inches
• Weight: 4 lbs 10 oz
• What we like about it: Wraps like a hammock, height adjustable
• What we don’t like about it: The fabric isn’t thick and tears easily.

As you know, ENO is a company famous for producing hammocks! This time they seem to put the hammock on the feet, sitting in this recliner as if wrapped around me, the aluminum frame supports the nylon material of the chair surface. Unlike the similarly shaped Helinox, it is larger and more stable in structure and has a cup holder and two pockets. But what made me happy was its adjustable leg system, which allows you to raise it to a height of 10 inches or lower it to 3 inches at camp, which is very important.

Despite its adaptability, it seems to be somewhat lacking in durability. 210D nylon seat is thinner and less abrasion resistant than traditional ones, which makes me feel that it will be easy to break under rough use, maybe take a look at ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, which has 600D nylon fabric. But for those who are lighter and usually more comfortable camping environment users, especially female campers, I think it is well worth recommending you to buy.

7. NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair ($176.57)

• Dimensions: 45x 36x 25 inches
• Seat height: 15 inches
• Weight: 6 lbs 5 oz
• What we like about it: High cushion, stable center of gravity, can easily look up at the stars.
• What we don’t like about it: It’s not spark-proof.

It has long been a popular choice among luxury camping enthusiasts and also has a remarkable unique design that was found to be loved by fishing enthusiasts during our testing. The aircraft-grade aluminum base keeps the center of gravity down to provide stability on all surfaces, and the chair has a fabric-reinforced monofilament screen surface with a drink holder and a small pocket for storage. Called the “Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair,” it allows you to lean back, look up at the sky, and sway gently.

The fabric material of the chair is not spark-proof, and the fluttering embers coming out of the campfire will break the surface. You need to keep an eye out for this kind of situation. If you need a rugged, water and fire-resistant fabric, take a look at the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, and if you’re looking for a unique chair to recline in comfort, the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair is well worth your investment.

8. Kelty Low Loveseat ($139.95)

• Dimensions: 44 x 23.5 x 31.5 inches
• Seat height: 13.5-inches
• Weight: 15 lbs 6 oz
• What we like about it: It can take two people at the same time, and the fabric is sturdy and durable.
• What we don’t like about it: Large size is not easy to store, and heavyweight.

Unlike the other chairs on the list, this is the only one designed for two people. The low-profile double seat is perfectly workable for camping and perfect for couples to sit at the table and cook together while camping. 600D nylon fabric makes it very sturdy and durable, and the low profile design and generous ride area make sitting down and getting up very easy. The armrests have a pocket on each side to hold a water bottle or other small items.

The downside is obvious, it’s big and heavy. The weight of over 15 pounds makes it complicated to check in, and you have to prepare an extra chair if you are camping alone. But there are still many people who don’t care about that, they need a well-made and fun chair like the Kelty Low Loveseat to spend a perfect weekend with their loved ones.

9. Yeti Trailhead ($300)

• Dimensions: 30 x 36 x 25 inches
• Seat height: 17 inches
• Weight: 13 lbs 5 oz
• What we like about it: Synonymous with comfort, durability, and sturdiness, conforms to the curves of the human body.
• What we don’t like about it: The weight is bulky and not suitable for carrying it when walking long distances.

I can say that the Yeti Trailhead is synonymous with comfort, stability, and durability. The cushion is soft and flexible while providing firm support, so I always feel supported while sitting on it, and it allows me to stand up easily by staying upright while sitting rather than lying down. Easy to fold and has a stylish design, so it can be quickly stored in the trunk of the car. Some may find the price very expensive, but I would say that if you use it regularly, you will find it well worth every penny.

The downside is also obvious, it’s rather bulky and heavy. At over 13 pounds, it weighs almost as much as the double chair above, and as always, unless your campsite is close enough to a parking lot, bringing such a big guy with you will become a burden. But don’t worry too much, the backpack that comes with the chair allows you to carry it for some distance. If you’re looking for a sturdy, comfortable chair and are willing to pay for the best, we highly recommend the Yeti Trailhead.

10. Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad ($27)

• Dimensions: 12 x 2.5 x 2.75 inches
• Seat height: 0.75 inches
• Weight: 2 oz
• What we like about it: Lightweight, portable, easy to store, and can be opened and put away quickly.
• What we don’t like about it: Poor comfort.

Keep in mind that cushions are usually very bulky and can lead to deformation or even breakage of the tubing during some squeezes. The seat is certainly very comfortable, but do you want to carry too much weight for that on a long hike? You might want to look at this ultralight cushion, which can provide a degree of comfort and practicality for any ultralight hiker or wilderness backpacker, and they are very light.

Less comfortable and need to find some suitable flat ground. If you want a more comfortable chair, take a look at the other comfortable seats on the list. But if you are a lightweight hiker or long-distance camper, I think such a lightweight and easy-to-carry cushion is the most important. Not only that, but it can also perform other tasks, such as temporarily changing pants for shoes, filtering water when and making fires, and other kneeling places.

How to choose the most suitable camping chair?

• What kind of camping chair is the best?

1. Where you will use the chair
2. You want it to be comfortable
3. Your frequency of use
4. Height and weight
5. Do you need additional features
6. How far do you need to walk with it

• Camping chair style

1. Classic Camping Chair
2. Low Chairs
3. Rocker Chair
4. Suspended Chair
5. Scoop Chair
6. Three-legged Chair

• Material and Cost
• Safety Tips

What kind of camping chair is the best?

In reality, there is no best camping chair, everyone has different needs, so the look of the camping chair needed will be different. The best camping chair for you depends on your unique needs and you can choose based on the following points.

1. Where will you use the chair: On the beach or land, sunny or rainy, in the cold winter or hot summer?
2. How comfortable do you want it to be: Are you willing to spend more money and sacrifice more lightweight options to pursue a more comfortable chair?
3. Your frequency of use: Your sturdy and durable chair can be with you for a long time, but often weighs more. If you need a light enough chair then it is bound to be less sturdy.
4. Height and weight: You need to pay attention to the chair’s sitting height, width, and maximum bearable weight.
5. Do you need additional features: Cup holders, storage pockets, organizer pockets or special cooler pockets, headrests, and armrests?
6. How far do you need to walk with it: Considering the trade-off between comfort and lightness, if you need to hike a long way, then I think you should consider lightness as your primary goal.

Camping Chair Style

Camping chairs are available in a variety of looks, so you can choose the camping chair you need according to your needs.

1）Classic Camping Chair

With four independent legs, a stable base, a flat backrest, and a flat seat. This type is affordable, stable, and usually at a consistent height, allowing for easy standing up or sitting down.

2）Low Chair

Usually used on loose and unstable sand and ground. Easier to stabilize than high chairs, and for concerts and bonfires with back height restrictions, shorter chairs will not block the view of the crowd behind.

3）Rocker Chair

This type of chair is not common, because the requirements for the ground are relatively high. It needs flat, smooth, and hard ground to be able to rock comfortably on it. Suitable for those irritable people, soothing the body and mind has a good effect, but storage is not easy.

4）Suspended Chair

This is a relatively new design, rather than a chair I think it is more like a small hammock. The chair hangs down from the frame, allowing you to swing slightly. Than the rocking chair, this design does not have to think too much about the ground, because the overall frame does not sway.

5）Scoop Chair

There is no obvious backrest and cushioned chairs are collectively known as scoop chairs, in which the rider is well-wrapped and very comfortable to sit. It is worth mentioning that such chairs tend to be very lightweight and stowed away in a very small volume, and are the first choice of most hikers in the bag chair.

6）Three-legged Chair

This is the simplest camp chair, usually without a backrest, the cushion area is also very small, only suitable for a relatively short time ride. For example, during meals or temporary rest, the degree of stability is not very high. But the advantage is that it is easy to open and close very lightweight, and usually very cheap to build.

Material and Cost

• Nylon material chairs tend to be the cheapest, and some high-quality nylon can be waterproof and fire-resistant. The polyester material is more lightweight and breathable but tends to be somewhat fragile easy to be torn, burning, and more expensive.

• Basic mid-range ordinary chairs and folding chairs are cheaper than recliners and will be of better quality. Recliners are the most expensive, but this is also the most comfortable of them all.

• If you only use your camping chair once every few months, then buying a cheap one should solve the problem. And cheap chairs won’t last as long as those of good quality, so a quality chair is worth the extra money you spend.

Safety Tips

Before using a camping chair, I have to consider some safety tips, and here are a few things you need to remember.

• Before use, be sure to check whether the installation is completed and whether the locking device and metal rod are in place. Failure to do so may result in injury.

• Please do not use camping chairs by an open fire. Some camping chairs may be burned by the flames floating out, and the most fireproof camping chairs cannot burn in an open fire for a long time.

• Do not stand on the camping chair to play, the weight-bearing design of the chair is not as high as the wooden chair at home, which is likely to lead to injury.

Conclusion

The camping chair is a very important presence throughout the trip, often in addition to sleep and being busy, most of the time you need to sit in the chair to rest or enjoy the entire holiday. A suitable camping chair can give you a high-quality rest, while uncomfortable camping chairs will often give you a “memorable experience”. These options are abundant, but how to choose before buying is still something you need to take into account.

Different shapes can be adapted to different use scenarios. Camping intentions can range from short-carry car trips to campgrounds, ball fields, and concert use. Choosing a camping chair first requires considering the level of resistance, adjustability, and the type you want. To that end, we’ve found the 10 best camping chairs for 2023 among all the camping chairs on sale, whether it’s the lightest Helinox Chair Zero or the most stable and heavyweight ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, or the most comfortable Yeti Trailhead and the compact and easy-to-carry Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad. There’s always a camping chair for you.

If you still want more reviews on camping products, such as our 2023 Best Sleeping Bag, which allows you to have a warm and comfortable sleep environment.

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