With a max capacity of 600lbs, cushioned back, and self-bailing seat, it’s one of the only models that can give the Cooler Quad a run for its money. We also really enjoyed their Aluminum Deck Chair, which brings the same wide seat and throws in a side table at the cost of easy transport. These hanging pockets have quickly coleman camping chair become the industry standard for folding chairs across a wide range of types. Coleman’s take on the pocket is in line with the quality we see in the rest of their chair. The pocket is backed with the same high-tensile fabric that makes up the rest of the seat, and the mesh is divided into three separate compartments.
After six months of regularly using the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair, we think it’s the best choice for most people who are seeking an upright chair for car camping, tailgating, and outdoor gatherings. We noticed during the first of our three camping trips—a weekend in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, with a total of seven families—that, given the choice, campers prefer to take the biggest seat. When we set up a dozen chairs around the campfire without comment, people consistently claimed them from largest to smallest. If you’re wondering what all goes into the perfect camp chair, our buyer’s guide can answer similar questions and more.
If you’re in the market for a new camp chair and aren’t sure where to start, our buyer’s guide has a ton of resources to help you get started. To see our favorite picks from Coleman and more, take a look at our top camp chairs article to see what else is out there. Between the cooler, the reinforced cup holder, and the coleman cooler side pocket, the Cooler Quad is designed to keep you right where you are. In total, it’s a pretty great deal for anyone looking to invest in a mid-tier camp chair that offers competitive comfort and all the features you could want. Within the realm of Coleman products, their Big-N-Tall Quad is a true beast of a chair.
We did select our favorite upright chair for car camping and tailgating, and then additional low-to-the-ground, ultra-lightweight, and canopy picks, as well as a great chair for kids. The Renetto Original Canopy Chair, a cleverly designed specialty seat, is ideal for anyone who wants sun protection and doesn’t mind a heavier, bulkier chair. Despite the Renetto’s weight, our testers found it easy to carry and simple to set up and adjust. We discovered that even though most testers had not previously considered a shade-equipped camp chair, once they used one they appreciated the comfort and convenience of built-in sun blocking. “This camping chair is like the king of all camping chairs,” one five-star reviewer says. A strong steel frame keeps the chair upright, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart mid-sit.
After a couple of camping trips, we concluded that a strap is more convenient than a bag—quicker and easier for a kid to grab the chair and go, without parental help. The REI chair is rated to hold up to 150 pounds, the same as the L.L.Bean and Walmart chairs. We think the REI chair is most appropriate for toddlers and kids up to about 7 or 8 years old, though reviews reveal that some small adults have found this to be their favorite seat.