We blame the crossbar design, which runs front to back rather than side to side; this creates a lot of wobble from right to left, especially if the chair is not on perfectly even ground. Its base design is the same as for other variations, the Flexlite Camp Dreamer and Flexlite Camp Boss. You can stow this featherlight, compressible chair in a backpack or even a work bag. After years of intermittently using the Renetto chair, one staffer said it has held up great.
Kalee Thompson is the senior editor heading up Wirecutter’s kid coverage. When she wrote the first version of this guide, Kalee lived in Southern California, where she tested chairs on three group camping trips. This splurge-worthy option is for anyone looking for the best of the best when it comes to comfort and durability.
Beyond campsites and parks, these chairs can be an easy go-to option for other outdoor activities, such as lounging at festivals, beaches, backyards, and beyond. Set of 2 folding camping chair for camping, traveling, sporting events and the yard. According to the brand, this handy gadget can make bullet-shaped cubes in as little as six minutes — or 26 pounds of them in 24 hours. The sleek design and chic color options will fit in with any kitchen countertop while keeping your drinks ice cold. The GCI Outdoor Everywhere Chair was once our low-to-the-ground pick, but it’s more difficult to get in and out of than the Camp Low chair, and its lightweight design sacrifices a good deal of solidity and durability.
Once the day is done, you can look forward to an easy cleanup because the blanket is machine-washable. It’s available in several different styles, including “Bear,” “Sun,” “Lights,” and “Stripe” designs. Moon Lence released a new generation of its Portable Camping Chair; this new version has a redesigned ozark trail screen house base and more mesh ventilation than its predecessor. It comes with a five-year warranty for its frame and a two-year warranty for its fabric; this rivals the warranty for our top lightweight pick. Renetto licenses its patent to a company called Kelsyus, which makes cheaper versions of the chair.
Modern yet timeless, an egg chair is a great addition to any indoor or outdoor space. A cushy seat and back pillow provide comfort and support, while weather-resistant wicker will keep this chair looking stylish all summer long. Whether you prefer picnicking in your backyard, on the beach or in the park, this portable table makes it easier to set up shop. It holds wine glasses, bottles and even has a compartment for snacks — but can still be folded flat to save space at home. It’s a little heavy to carry, but it makes a fun loveseat addition to any campsite—perfect for cuddling up in front of an outdoor projector for movie night. We even loved the fun color options, like the bright blue seat outfitted with a contrasting red frame.
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.
Senior editor Kalee Thompson, who wrote a previous version of this guide, has been regularly using the Coleman chair she originally tested in 2016. Aside from the color fading and the cooler pouch deteriorating, her chair has held up to years of backyard hangs and camping trips. In summer 2023, she bought a newer Coleman Cooler Quad Chair to compare to her 2016 model, and she found them to be more or less the same. If you’re looking for highly specialized or ultra-lightweight chairs for backpacking, our recommendations are probably not for you. We also don’t have suggestions for couch-style or loveseat chairs (we’d like to look at those someday, though).
If your ideal camping set-up resembles that of an outdoor living room, you need the Kelty Lowdown Couch to complete your kit. Even larger than the loveseat above, it provides ample sitting space for up to three adults, with a durable 600D polyester seat that’s padded for added comfort and a slightly reclined, low-to-the-ground design. The whole thing pops up smoothly thanks to a strong, powder-coated steel frame — and we were able to set it up with just one person on their own. We also loved the design of the wrap-around carrying configuration, which lets you place other items inside the adjustable straps and then haul everything with the padded, adjustable shoulder strap.
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.
Make transporting plates, flatware, condiments and more a breeze with this all-in-one serving caddy. Reviewers rave about how convenient the napkin holder is, since you don’t have to worry about the contents flying off in the wind while enjoying a meal outside. These outdoor, 15-strand string lights will brighten up your backyard with a warm white glow.