The mesh cup holder has a soft plastic grommet stitched into the armrest fabric, reinforcing the mesh and helping the cup holder retain its shape so you have effortless access to your beverage of choice. As is the case with many mass-manufactured chairs, there tends to be some variance in quality over the years. I haven’t experienced any issues with mine despite pushing the weight limit and the cooler capacity up to the limit, but there is enough evidence floating around to question the integrity of the joints. Though it’s one of the least expensive chairs we tested, we’re still not sure it’s worth it. Lackluster performance and a cooler that’s only moderately useful but surprisingly in the way make us feel like there are much better options out there, even if the chair and cooler have to be separate.
In regards to comfort, I noticed almost immediately the slight wider seat that gave me enough room to actually adjust my body around to find the right spot. The wooden arm rests also happen to feel significantly better than most made of fabric or plastic. Camp chairs are among the most versatile piece of outdoor equipment out there. They’re great for picnics, backyard BBQs, fishing, sporting events, and portable seating for festivals or concerts. Many people will use their camping chairs as patio furniture (or extra guest patio furniture), so it can be used almost year round. When considering camp chairs, we looked at materials and frame constructions.
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. As is the case with any outdoor gear, you want to make sure that you store the chair somewhere dark and dry when not in use. Mold is always a killer when it comes to things like camp coleman canopy chairs, but UV light may be the biggest cause for concern. Tempting as it may be, don’t leave your chair set up on a nice day with the intention of coming back in a few hours. It takes a couple of minutes to store but will significantly extend the lifetime. The makings of great camping chairs aren’t all that complicated, and Coleman’s Cooler Quad hits the nail on the head.
The Helinox Chair Zero is easy to assemble with a single shock-cord pole that locks into place once it’s unfolded. The frame is made of lightweight (but still sturdy) aluminum, and the seat is made out of ripstop polyester fabric for durability. The lightweight world (especially backpackers) could not sing enough praises about this 17-ounce lightweight backpacking chair.
Fortunately, you can lock it into position to ensure against unexpected tipping, and the head- and footrests extend far enough in both directions to support taller users. While the heaviness of this camp chair might prevent me from using it on a long journey, the carrying case with backpack straps makes it easier to take with me while keeping my arms free and shoulders comfortable. While the price means not everyone can have this camp chair, if you can swing it, it really is better than the rest. In our experience, it’s worth spending a little more on a camping chair to get something that will last longer and require less maintenance (e.g. removal of rust). While not a necessity for function, if you like how your chair looks, you’ll be more likely to use it and treat it well. Consider the color, design, and overall appearance of the chair, as it can contribute to your camping experience and match your personal style.
It never managed to soak through, though I doubt that would be the case in any kind of rain. Beyond this, it’s a cheap and cheerful camp chair that will give you everything you need and a little more, inarguably a bargain deal anyone shopping around should consider. This can help prevent the fabric from damage and fading over long periods of use. The fabric should also be strong enough to hold significant weight—likely a rigid yet flexible woven material like the seat on our top pick, the Yeti Trailhead chair. I’ve guided hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and (mostly) rafting trips in Alaska and Colorado for seven years. I’m now a program manager for a guiding company out of Southeast Alaska and managed their hiking and rafting program on the Chilkoot Trail and Taiya River.