Our team of lounging experts and relaxation enthusiasts spent months rigorously testing each model side-by-side. Comfort scores weighed the heaviest in our assessments, but we also considered other factors like packability and ease of use. We took these chairs camping in the desert, packed them into cars, carried them to family reunions, and napped in them on the beach. Whether you’re on the hunt for a reading chair or a sideline seat, we’ve found the right model for your needs and wallet. Since the breathable mesh is also quick-drying, you can feel free to plop down in a wet bathing suit and leave the chair out during afternoon rain showers. And although its thinness may cause you concern, it has proved to be durably and sturdy after months of use.
However, if you’re setting up camp for an extended stay, having home-furniture level comfort — and a whooping 500-pound weight capacity — could be worth the extra effort in transport. Plus, though the chair is large even when folded up, its spacious backpack carrying case with cushioned, adjustable shoulder straps makes dealing with the size and weight much easier. GCI’s Freestyle Rocker is sturdy and supportive but provides a soothing swaying motion. Sitting up higher than most camping furniture, the chair delivers a classic, cozy living-room feel and features outdoor-ready shocks that endured our durability drop test beautifully. The sturdy steel frame supports padded armrests, a back with a breathable mesh panel, and a cup holder for added comfort.
Outdoor furniture is not one size fits all, so think carefully about your unique needs before committing to a style. Shorties (like yours truly) may be uncomfortable in seats that are too high to rest their feet on the ground while their backs are flush against the chair. A few of the lightweights we tested were cozy enough to sleep in for some campers, while others found them to be too narrow to comfortably fit their shoulders. If lumbar support is a must, it could be worth transporting a bit of extra weight to have a super sturdy chair on your site.
It also features a metal frame making it easy to get in and out of the chair, while additional padding provides maximum comfort. Designed with a steel tube frame and recycled fabric, this chair is durable and boasts a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. And to ensure you stay safely seated, this chair features articulating feet to provide stability on all terrains. If so, rock and sway your way to relaxation with the Ozark Trail Structured Hammock Chair. If your chair has pole legs, just make sure that you bring along a ground sheet if you may be encountering soft surfaces like sand. Coleman’s heavy-duty outdoor chair with a side table can transform your camping mealtimes.
The strap that supports the back (and doubles as a carry strap) allows adjustments to control your angle of recline, from upright to a stargazing-appropriate angle. Unlike other portable chairs, the Everywhere Chair is designed to sit on uneven slopes; this can be handy when space is limited at a fireworks show or an outdoor theater performance. Our panel of testers at the Wheeler Gorge Campground deemed the Everywhere Chair to be the most comfortable of the three low-to-the-ground chairs we tested. It can be a little bit heartbreaking to find a gorgeous relaxation spot — with nowhere to hang up your favorite hammock.
The material is designed to evenly distribute your weight and maximize comfort, and we found the material was tense enough to feel supportive while letting them take advantage of the breeze. The King Kong is roomy, slightly padded, has large armrests, and is cozy in that slouchy kind of way while offering pretty good support in a tall, spacious seat. Similarly, the Kelty Low Loveseat is comfortable with large padded seats but is much lower to the ground and fits two people instead of just one. A low-to-the-ground chair can be ideal for outdoor movies, concerts, theater performances, and other events where you want to avoid blocking other people’s view. Our testers liked the comfort and back support of the GCI Outdoor Everywhere Chair, as well as the ability to adjust it to sit on uneven ground.
ozark hammock chairThe clapboard style helps it fit right into a peaceful clearing in the woods. With a vaulted entertaining space, an eat-in kitchen, and an inviting front porch, there’s plenty of room to spend time with friends—even if it’s just 656 square feet. We found the Coleman Kickback Breeze Chair to be a simple yet very comfortable seat, though women liked it more than men did (many of them judged it to be too snug). Anecdotally, we found that this chair category in general is more popular among women than among men, who generally prefer a higher, upright seat. You can stow this featherlight, compressible chair in a backpack or even a work bag.
Some campers may need a high back with extra support, while others may prioritize a style that’s low to the ground. We tested 29 of the best camping chairs on the market to find the perfect option for everyone. Camping chairs are a useful luxury item that can be used while camping and barbecuing, hanging out at the sidelines of a soccer game, on the beach, or tailgating and enjoying outdoor concerts. We evaluated each model across myriad tests in four mutually exclusive, thorough metrics. How each one performs in every test then determines its score for that metric.
A dining area tucks itself right by the kitchen, while a sleeping loft makes space for a guest to spend the weekend. This country cottage is a comfy mountain hideaway—from the back porch that beckons you to sit awhile to the fireplace and spacious living quarters. We think the REI chair functions better and will last much longer than the similar chair from Walmart.