Many testers found other chairs more comfortable and easier to put together than the Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair. This is also the most expensive lightweight chair we tested, and we think the Chair One is a better value. The REI Co-op chair’s polyester seat material feels both more forgiving and more durable than the thinner material on many other kids’ chairs. Compared with cheaper chairs of its kind (like those from Walmart), the REI Co-op chair functions better and will last much longer.
Note that some reviewers mention these run on the smaller side. The 4-pound, steel-framed REI chair has an attached carry strap, rather than a carry bag (which the other chairs have). After a couple of camping trips, we concluded that a strap is more convenient than a bag—it’s quicker and easier for a kid to grab the chair and go, without parental help. It can hold a lot of supplies, and it’s easy to carry and set up. The King Kong chair has two cupholders and intuitively placed storage pouches under each armrest; unlike the Coleman chair, though, this one doesn’t have a cooler pouch. There’s also a mesh pocket behind the backrest, to hold things you don’t need to access quickly.
Make laundry less of a chore with this organizing system that helps create a streamlined routine. The stacking pantry bins with open fronts are perfect for storing detergents, while the narrow pantry bins give dryer sheets and smaller essentials a home. Plus, there’s a turntable, which Shearer and Teplin say make items easy to find — and even easier to reach. The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair and the Flexlite Air (its featherweight sibling) are lighter than any other chairs in their category, but they felt less steady.
For many owners we’ve talked to, it’s been an essential chair for watching sporting events or any other time you’ll be in the direct sun for hours, like cookouts, picnics, birthday parties, and field trips. In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities ozark trail canopy to examine our picks and other camping chairs and to share their perspectives. If you’re camping with multiple people and want to feel right at home, the Kelty Low Loveseat is plenty comfortable for two people to sit in thanks to its low-to-the-ground architecture and a slightly reclined back panel.
Car campers can go heavier, especially if the distance traveled can be measured in a few dozen feet rather than miles. But if you envision using the chairs for more remote camping, hauling it to the beach, or at festivals or concerts, target one that you can carry for minutes. Shorter chairs also position your knees slightly higher, which can reduce the pressure on your back, and they’re also great for concerts or festivals, since you don’t sit as high and won’t block other people’s views.
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.
The 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. The Helinox Chair One is the best chair for anyone who needs a lightweight, portable chair. This chair costs slightly more than the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair, but it’s still a budget-friendly option.
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 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.