Weighing in at 10 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than most camping chairs, but that’s the tradeoff you have to endure to get the comfort of using a rocking chair, as opposed to one with four fixed legs. We found that the rocking motion proved reliable while sitting on grass and other outdoor surfaces and that it provided a lot of comfort for long periods of sitting. And we also loved that it includes a phone case and an oversized cup holder generous enough to hold taller bottles. The lightness comes, in part, from the shorter-than-average legs, which increase the chair’s versatility and make it suitable for a campsite, concert, or festival.
Whether you’re looking for a folding lawn chair or a reclining lawn chair, our selection features a variety of different styles that are super easy to transport and set up around the campfire, at a concert, or in the park. We carry traditional lawn chairs that are lightweight, fold up, and store in a carrying bag for maximum convenience. These bag chairs are also a great choice for busy ozark trail screen house sports parents who are always looking for a comfortable alternative to bleachers. The Coleman Cooler Quad has been our pick since 2016, through numerous camping trips and several testing sessions. That’s because it’s among the most durable and comfortable chairs we’ve tested. It’s large enough to accommodate a wide range of body types, and its steel frame supports up to 325 pounds.
Comes with the same compact bag with a shoulder strap for carrying. We also paid attention to the weight and size of each chair to see how portable they felt and how easy they were to transport over various distances. We will continue to test each chair in real camping scenarios after our initial tests for at least six more months to make sure they remain durable and withstand the rigors of long-term use. We will continue to update this article as we test more camping chairs. During our selection process, we tested a lot of camping chairs — 47 in total, over the course of two years — with a special emphasis on how easy they were to use, portability, durability, and value. Here are our top picks, which we will continue to test for another six months on as many camping trips as we can.
Since 2016, our testers (with different body types and physical needs) have subjected camping chairs to multiple camping trips. We chose the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair as the model with the right combination of comfort, durability, usability, and price for most campers. This wicker basket contains everything you need for a summer concert or picnic in the park. The lid doubles as a detachable table with four slots to hold the included plastic wine glasses and stable metal legs to prop up the snacks. Inside you’ll find a cutlery pouch, tableware for four, a waterproof picnic blanket and even a bottle opener.
Conversely, if you’re quite tall, you might not want a lower chair, which may position your knees higher than is comfortable, and may prove to be a struggle to stand. A functional cupholder, a convenient carry strap, and durable fabric distinguish this kids’ chair from similar seats. But keep in mind that your kid will eventually outgrow this one. This chair’s big canopy provides ample sun protection at a campsite or sporting event, and it doubles as a backpack-strap-equipped carrying case. Several Wirecutter staffers have owned the Coleman chair for years, using it on camping trips, in backyards, and at sporting events. For the most part, it’s held up well, but one common quibble is that the seat bottom begins to sag after several years of use.
It has the most comfortable and supportive seat shape of any chair we tested. The Dual Lock chair has a firmer backrest and seat bottom than the competition. And it avoids the slouchy shape of most traditional camping chairs, which can sag to create a hunch-and-slouch posture. Testers consistently ranked this chair as one of the most comfortable models (typically second to the Yeti Trailhead, which costs almost four times as much). The few testers who didn’t like it often preferred the Kijaro Dual Lock XXL Chair, which costs a little bit more but provides a roomier seat. If you’re planning a car-camping trip, you’ll probably want to bring camping chairs.
We love it when a product is so easy to use that it doesn’t come with instructions — and that’s just one of the things that sets the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair apart from other hiking-focused camp chairs. Set-up was simple, as was collapsing it down and rolling it up to fit into the carrying case. The one-pound chair features a durable aluminum frame and a ripstop nylon seat that’s plenty durable — but it really wins points for being so portable, and it is small enough to store in a backpack for long hikes. We found that the seat almost cradles you while sitting, and it flexes a bit to avoid feeling too rigid. But even the most minimal camp chairs are still more comfortable than sitting on the ground.
It has a safety lock, it’s sturdy and holds up to 125 pounds. The canopy attachment is also beneficial feature for keeping children safe on extra sunny days. This comfortable Director’s Chair provides lumbar support, cotton canvas padding a convenient side table that folds down when not in use, and has a weight capacity of 400 lbs. Shearer and Teplin note that cleaning your bathroom is so much easier when the tools required are neatly and discretely within reach. The Home Edit’s custom caddy includes all of the essentials, with smart design features to help you clean more efficiently.
The Chair One is rated to hold up to 320 pounds—more than any other lightweight chair we tested aside from the Moon Lence. Testers preferred the Coleman chair’s thoughtfully placed mesh storage pouch over those of its competitors. This pouch is big enough to stow gear like a phone, book, or tablet.