Finally, we sent the chairs out to put them to the test on real campgrounds, hikes, and other outdoor events. Testers provide periodic updates to report on the chairs’ performances over the course of six months. The Ozark Trail Oversized Mesh Chair from Walmart, although similar to our pick in size, was far less comfortable, with rough-feeling material that was obviously of lower quality. We later found, after six months of frequent use, that the stitching along one arm had come unravelled and that the small straps holding up the back of the armrests had both ripped in half.
The Everywhere Chair closes like a book—simply lift the padded strap and go. The Renetto chair usually comes in between 8 and 10 colors and is rated to hold up to 350 pounds. Camping coleman chair trips, beach days, picnics in the park, outdoor movies and theater performances, a fresh-air get-together with friends—there are countless occasions when you might use a camp chair.
Also, be sure to check out our top picks of the season for an in-depth comparison between the best of the best. ◊Pricing, selection, and availability of store clearance items are determined by each store. Items may be display models or not exactly coleman canopy as shown and may not be available in all stores. The tall back provides enough support for our 6-foot-plus tester, and the carrying case can double as a head or low-back pillow with some clothing stuffed in (though it doesn’t attach to the chair).
The base has a low center of gravity, providing more stability than traditional camping chairs. In its most recent model, Nemo has removed all plastic parts (the section that failed in an earlier version was plastic). We kept it up during windy nights in camp and were shocked to find it unmoved. The seats are made of a heavy-duty 600-denier ripstop, and it has a sturdy steel frame. The angle of the back panel to the seat panel on the Kijaro Dual Lock is designed to produce a “correct” posture, which provides lumbar support and helps with back pain. This portable camping chair was an absolute favorite for those who prefer a better posture, no-sag seats, and sturdy construction.
Our testers didn’t have any ongoing gripes with this chair, though one complained of feeling a crossbar under the seat. The chair distributes weight quite well, and we never felt off-balance while reclining. However, we did find it quite awkward to get out of the chair while reclined, so be sure to put it back into the upright position before getting up. If you simply want a chair to sit in for watching your kid’s soccer game or for relaxing in the backyard, you can prioritize comfort above portability.
We also loved that setting up and breaking down the aluminum frame and seat cover is conveniently intuitive. You may doubt a chair this light and compact could also be sturdy, but it held up beautifully to all the plopping, dropping, and throwing they could put it through. The right chairs can make or break a camping trip — no one wants to go into a s’mores-induced sugar coma while squirming in a flimsy foldable. And if you’re lugging all your gear on a backpacking journey, a portable seat you can properly rest on is even more crucial. Knowing which brands and models to trust is the first step to creating your own outdoor oasis.