The REI Outward Low Padded simply unfolds like an old-school folding chair. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is also impressively easy — just pull the two sides away from each other with a large labeled handle, and you’re good to go. While the Yeti Trailhead is somewhat more involved than simply pulling opposing corners, the instructions make it easy to follow along. The interesting design of this chair makes the folded package exceptionally long — just shy of four feet.
Plus, though the chair is large even when folded up, its spacious backpack carrying case with cushioned, adjustable shoulder straps makes dealing with the size and weight much easier. The odd shape can also get easily caught when putting the chair back into its carry bag. The seating platform also sits somewhat low to the ground, which could be an issue for taller folks.
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GCI’s Freestyle Rocker is sturdy and supportive but provides a soothing swaying motion. Sitting up higher than most camping furniture, the chair delivers a classic, cozy living-room feel and features outdoor-ready shocks that endured our durability drop test beautifully. The sturdy steel frame supports padded armrests, a back with a breathable mesh panel, and a cup holder for added comfort.
PRICE – You don’t have to break the bank to get a great camping chair, but we find that spending a little more is often well worth the cost for the increase in comfort, durability, and convenience. We recommend chairs at a variety of price points below to make it easy to find a great option that fits your budget. Generally speaking, the lightest chairs out there won’t deliver as plush of a sitting experience as bulkier products that weren’t meant to accompany you on backpacking adventures.
With full-length crossed steel bars running the entire back of the chair, this chair becomes a rather long package, made slightly more awkward by its carry strap’s lack of adjustability. And for those with shorter legs, the 20-inch high front edge may lead to dangling feet. But if you’re taller, larger, or older and want a supportive seat that’s easy to get out of, this budget-friendly option easily fits the bill. A close-to-the-ground chair is often the ideal choice for outdoor concerts, movies, theater performances, and other events where you will be concerned about blocking other people’s view. Though its mesh appears thin and less substantial, the REI Camp X has proven quite durable.
The frame holds the seat and back fabric taut by locking open to provide a firm foundation. All this added support, along with one of the tallest seat heights we tested, make the Kijaro among the most natural chairs to stand up out of. This chair has an adjustable shoulder carry strap attached to the back of the frame. Once locked closed, it’s easy to hoist it up and head out without carrying an additional storage bag. The Kelty Low Loveseat amazes us with its incredibly comfortable two-person design. This model was very stable, with a lower seating height than most traditional camping chairs.
ozark trail lounge chairThe box-shaped cupholder is a little roomier than the round cupholders on the Coleman and the L.L.Bean Base Camp chairs—better for stubby water bottles or mugs of hot chocolate around the campfire. We found that the cheaply constructed Walmart chair had a cupholder that was too small for a soda can, or any of the hard-plastic or metal water bottles that the kids we know brought on a camping trip. It will fit a Capri Sun pouch or a narrow, rectangular juice box, but that’s about it. The Coleman camping chair is big and durable, and of all the upright chairs that our panel of campers tested, it was the most comfortable. 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.