T+L writers are shopping and product experts who score the market for the best of the best travel gear. For this article, lifelong camper Lydia Price joined a group of other editors to put 29 outdoor chairs to the test in our New York City lab. They carefully evaluated the comfort, durability, portability, and value of each chair to put together this list of the best options for camping. She also tested several chairs during camping excursions of her own.
Collapsible rocking camping chairs have removable rocking rails; these take a little more effort to put together, but they provide smoother rocking motions. 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. Nothing about the XXL Director chair by Ozark Trail ozark trail chair is adjustable. Also, it is marginally above average, where camp chairs are concerned as far as comfort goes. The seatback has some slightly padded sections that do at least a little something to enhance comfort, and the armrests are nominally padded too. But, this isn’t the kind of chair you’re going to want to spend most of the day in.
This convenient foldable camping chair collapses for easy storage and transportation and has one cup holder. This folding chair is made from durable polyester fabric wrapped around a steel frame for long-lasting comfort and convenience. An included carrying bag makes it easy to bring this chair with you almost anywhere you go. 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.
The Coleman chair does have a unique folding design that we did not find very intuitive, but it worked smoothly once they got the hang of lifting up the sides of the seatbed to collapse the chair. For car campers looking to simplify their dining routine, it’s a nice addition to your gear collection. Trekology’s Yizi-go is an incredible value in the ultralight chair space. Delivering on its get-up-and-go promise, the Yizi-go is exceptionally easy to carry, set up, and pack away. After regularly using the chair for six months, we found that it’s one of the easiest options to set up and break down.
While the padded seat and armrests are great for campers who like a cushioned feel, some may find the chair lacking in back support. Coleman’s heavy-duty outdoor chair with a side table can transform your camping mealtimes. An aluminum side table flips up when you’re ready to feast and includes a cup holder. The chair’s backrest is slightly angled, and those who prefer firm support enjoyed the strong, taut fabric. Thanks to the extra space for cup handles, mugs easily fit in the beverage slot. Although it doesn’t come with a carrying bag, the chair has two built-in handles.
Adjustable armrests are equipped with insulated cup holders that can be expanded to fit massive water bottles and oversized mugs. No one was surprised to see this chair pass our durability test with flying colors. If you’re willing to try something a bit unique, a heavy-duty steel frame and sturdy fabric means your investment in this chair should pay off for a lifetime of outdoor relaxation. However, since ozark trail chair many campers prefer chairs at a traditional height, the Kelty Lowdown narrowly missed winning our Best Overall pick. Thoughtful features like a zippered pocket for securing valuables, a mesh cell phone pouch, and two cup holders make the Kijaro exceptionally convenient for everything from tailgates to beach days. It’s available in 11 colors, many of which are unique in the outdoor product space.
The Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair has everything you need for a convenient and comfortable stay in the wilderness. Equipped with a locking feature that ensures it stays taut, this chair immediately impressed us with its standout comfort and sturdiness. The firm-yet-cozy seat is supportive enough to sit in for hours, and we were particularly pleased by how supportive the armrests were compared to other chairs with a similar design. You don’t always find comfortable over-sized chairs, and this chair works for everyone in my family. And after regularly using the chair for six months (and leaving it out in the rain on occasion), it’s still in great condition.
After our product team extensively researched the market, a group of editors with a wide range of camping experiences gathered in our New York City lab to test 29 of the best portable outdoor chairs. We evaluated the ease of use, comfort, portability, and durability of each. Testers refrained from checking the prices of the chairs until they’d judged all their other attributes. We tested 29 of the best camping chairs on the market to find the perfect option for everyone. While most of the furniture you can buy online today comes to you unassembled, that’s rarely the case for things like camp chairs. If you order one of these, it will arrive ready to go right out of the box.
We found it to be extremely supportive on the back and legs and marveled at how difficult it was to knock over during the durability test. The material is also resistant to damage from UV rays and breathable enough to prevent spills or rain from pooling in the seatbed. While sturdy canvas chairs are great for keeping your back supported, no one wants to be engulfed in a thick fabric when the temperature rises. REI’s Co-op Camp X Chair brings the best of both worlds with a webbed nylon mesh that keeps you cozy and cool. 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.
Aside from the impressive amount of weight the chair can support, the thing we like best about the numbers above is the width of the seat. At a whopping 28”, this chair can accommodate just about anyone. The good news is that there are options available, and the Ozark Trail XXL Director Chair is a great option.