Beyond our team’s experience, we also considered the most popular, most durable, and bestselling camp chairs on the market as well as a broad range of price points and features for a range of users. The classic looks of the Kanpai Bamboo Chair ($180) may be just what you’re after. It folds up simply, and we like that the top and bottom rungs rotate slightly for a comfortable carry. Weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces, this isn’t the lightest camp chair on the market. It is large and arguably cumbersome, and figuring out how to collapse it with its strap takes some time to get used to. It will take up a large amount of space in a small car, and might not be the best choice for those who are space and weight-conscious while packing for their next camping trip.
We wish the REI Co-op Wonderland was a bit more intuitive to fold out, but once you figure out its strap system it won’t take much time at all. And it’s hard to deny the ease of inflating the BOTE Inflatable Aero Chair XL, which pumps up in minutes. Senior Editor Nick Belcaster, on coleman cooler the other hand, hails from Washington State, and after a long walk on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2018, is pretty ready to kick back in a comfy seat. Primary testers for this guide are Miya Tsudome and Nick Belcaster, both consummate outdoors-folk from opposite ends of the West.
Its recycled polyester seat fabric is also treated with a durable water-repellent finish allowing it to stand up to the elements. Its frame is constructed of coated aluminum to keep the total weight of the chair down, and the chair feels overall sturdy and well-constructed, with REI boasting a 300-pound weight capacity coleman cooler to boot. And while this design is tailored to rocking, it’s not a good choice if you prefer to sit up straight. But if you’re looking for a unique chair and don’t mind making the investment, the Stargaze will serve you well. If a hammock and a camp chair had a baby, it would be the NEMO Stargaze Recliner ($300).
For ultimate all-around comfort, simplicity, and stability, we reach for the Skyward almost every time. The price is moderate, the features are just what you need, and the weight is light and easily manageable for a variety of arrangements and activities, making it a solid choice for a daily driver. And while there’s no single “best” chair that will suit everyone, we’ve broken the list into categories that should help you identify the best chair for your needs. For even more help finding the best camp chair, refer to our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and FAQ at the end of this article.
We’ve tried other camping stools and have found their seating size to be ahem inadequate for most adults who tried to sit in it. The REI Camp stool is much more accommodating and feels sturdy—as coleman cooler long as you’re below the 200 pound weight limit. If you don’t need a traditional camping chair but want to get off the ground, the affordable and compact REI Trail Stool does just the trick.