Weighing about 8 pounds, the Coleman chair is lighter than most traditional models, so it’s easier to grab from deep in a car trunk or to carry for long distances. Like others in its category, this chair comes with an over-the-shoulder carry bag, but some testers found it was light and compact enough to carry without the case. Moon Lence released a new generation of its Portable Camping Chair; this new version has a redesigned 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.
The bifold design also lets you nestle blankets and towels into the chair and carry them as a catch-all by closing the seat around your camping items. We found that the low-profile design allowed it to remain stable on all types of uneven terrain, with two curved support bars running between the front and back legs to improve stability and handle loose sand. Still, a bit of padding would be nice for prolonged use. Each comes with a convenient carrying bag that you can sling over your shoulder. Made from an easy-to-clean polyester fabric and metal frame.
During our selection process, we tested a lot of camping chairs — 47 in total, over the course of two years — with a special emphasis on how easy they were to use, portability, durability, and value. Here are our top picks, which we will continue to test for another six months on as many camping trips as we can. Fun colors, light weight, compact, easy to set up and even a carry case for easy storage. I want to buy more in different colors even though I don’t need them. They’re even comfy so I can sit by the fire or on the beach for hours without my butt going numb.
But keep in mind that your kid will eventually outgrow this one. 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 comfortable Director’s Chair provides lumbar support, cotton canvas padding a convenient side table that folds down when not in use, and has a weight capacity of 400 lbs. A day of family fun-filled adventures await at Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park. Soar through the treetop on our Zipline Canopy Tours, race down the Copperhead Mountain Coaster at heart-pounding speeds, and test your limits on the ozark trail chair Vigilante Extreme Ziprider. With breathtaking views and adrenaline-pumping rides, our outdoor adventure park promises an unforgettable experience for all thrill-seekers in beautiful Branson, MO. Voted #1 Aerial Adventure Park in America 2019, 2020, 2022 by USA Today. “I was so surprised how well it’s built and the packaging is awesome as I got two and it came with a bag. Very comfy chairs and sleek design.”
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. 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. Experience ultimate relaxation and maximum comfort with this club chair with footrest! With a weight capacity of 500-lbs, it is perfect for adult use and the extra wide seating provides ample room to stretch out and unwind. A functional cupholder, a convenient carry strap, and durable fabric distinguish this kids’ chair from similar seats.
After new testing, we still love the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair for most outdoors situations. But we also have picks offering better support, higher weight capacity, and greater portability. 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 ozark trail canopy blue seat outfitted with a contrasting red frame. 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. Several Wirecutter staffers have owned the Coleman chair for years, using it on camping trips, in backyards, and at sporting events.
And though the frame architecture looks a bit complicated, we found the set-up to be intuitive and fast. We also loved how many straps line the carrying case, including nylon webbing with multiple loops so you can attach it to a carabiner or weave it through a backpack’s straps. When sitting in the chair, we found that the frame flexes a bit, and the fabric has some give, which makes the chair comfortable, with an almost cushion-like sitting experience.