This one from GCI Outdoors won our testers over with its slightly higher-than-average seat and its sturdy construction. Testers could rock on grass, though they noted uneven surfaces might pose an issue. They also like the ability to lock the chair into its unfolded position, which makes it feel more steady. Because of its lightweight construction, this chair is only rated for 265 pounds, which might make it less useful than some of our other picks. However, if the size is your biggest concern, this was the most comfortable, durable lightweight option we tested.
In total, it’s a pretty great deal for anyone looking to invest in a mid-tier camp chair that offers competitive comfort and all the features you could want. Coleman camping chairs are a mainstay on camp grounds, festivals and sporting events. The Coleman name coleman chair has withstood the test of time, much in the same way that their products weather yearly camping trips season after season. After so many decades of outdoor excellence, they’ve brought their A-game to this affordable and feature-rich piece of folding furniture.
But, of course, comfort and luxury come with a price, and we have a hard time recommending someone spend this much on a camp chair. If you don’t need a traditional camping chair but want to get off the ground, the affordable and coleman chair compact REI Trail Stool does just the trick. It doesn’t have a back (it’s a camping stool!) but is easy to assemble and sturdy. Plus, if space is an issue, it’s a highly compact camping chair—it folds down to a mere 4” x 22”.
The inner pocket, in particular, could hold a surprising amount- books, frisbees, sandals, and even my comically oversized water bottle. The outer two pockets are perfect for keeping things like keys, sunglasses, and phones safe and accessible.
Yup, be sure to check out the instructions that come with your chair and safety guidelines, especially around set-up. Every chair we looked says to avoid exceeding the weight capacity of the chair, be careful around uneven surfaces, and ensure proper stability. While we suspect their lawyers made them say it, all the chair brands warn to supervise kids when using camp chairs. Check each chair for their dimensions and weight capacity to make sure it can accommodate your body size comfortably. We list out those details up in our comparison table at the top, so you can quickly see a bunch of models side-by-side.
In the end, we think it’s worth investing in a durable chair that will last. The arms have padded material over them for comfort, and you can detach them if they get dirty and you need to give them a wash. This is a brilliant idea, and not one we have seen on a camping chair before.
For more details on what to look for in your next camp chair, head over to our buyer’s guide. And to see how the above-listed stack up, our top chairs page offers a detailed comparison. I’d also recommend the Cooler Quad to anyone who wants a roomier camp chair but doesn’t want to spring for the more expensive top-of-the-line models. There are plenty of draws to the Cooler Quad, but by my figuring, none are more compelling than the price tag. But generally speaking, you can have one of our favorite chairs for less than 40 dollars. This Coleman camping chair also did a great job staying dry when the sun came out, and I started to sweat.