Some of the 29 chairs we tested had unique features that set them apart from the crowd but fell short in categories that kept their score too low to make our list of recommendations. Still, you may find these options to be well-suited for your specific camping needs. Finally, we sent the chairs out to put them to the test on real campgrounds, hikes, and other outdoor events. Testers provide periodic updates to report on the chairs’ performances over the course of six months. In terms of comfort, the Co-op Flexlite Air Chair has the perfect amount of give. It’s so small and lightweight to bring around, you can even throw it into a backpack or tote bag.
They’re also far more expensive and significantly less comfortable than typical full-size camp chairs. We recommend buying this type only if you intend to carry your chair long distances, whether you’re backpacking or trekking across Central Park. If you do need a fits-in-a-knapsack chair, we recommend the Helinox Chair One. We found this model to be slightly more comfortable and easier to pack than other, similar chairs. The coleman cooler is big and durable, and of all the upright chairs that our panel of campers tested, it was the most comfortable. From your backyard to tailgating to camping, having the right chairs is important.
The Everywhere Chair closes like a book—simply lift the padded strap and go. Before we tried the Renetto Original Canopy Chair, we had never considered buying a shade-equipped camp chair. The shaded Renetto chairs were consistently the first seats snagged at a beautiful but harshly exposed Indian Grove group campsite.
While paying premium prices for a camping chair when you only make it to the wilderness a couple times of year may not seem practical, good portable seating can be an invaluable addition to your home life too. If your chair has pole legs, just make sure that you bring along a ground sheet if you may be encountering soft surfaces like sand. We tested one chair at a time, starting by setting them up for use and paying close attention to whether there was any guesswork or fumbling involved in assembly.
If lumbar support is a must, it could be worth transporting a bit of extra weight to have a super sturdy chair on your site. It can be a little bit heartbreaking to find a gorgeous relaxation spot — with nowhere to hang up your favorite hammock. We love this chair for its incredible comfort, the DL Lounger features a high back topped with a cushioned headrest, a slight recline, and breathable fabric that practically begs you to take a nap in it. You can set the legs at either a 3- or 20-inch height, and there are two storage pockets and a cup holder for your lounging convenience.
Yeti’s Flexgrid fabric is taut and durable with just the right amount of stretch to conform to your body and provide pressure relief where it’s most needed. We found it to be extremely supportive on the back and legs and marveled at how difficult it was to knock over during the durability test. The material is also resistant to damage from UV rays and breathable enough to prevent spills or rain from pooling in the seatbed. We aren’t particularly impressed by the durability of this chair either. Nothing broke during our testing, but we have some serious doubts about this chair’s ability to last for years. The poles are quite thin, and despite having a steel frame, everything feels rather rickety.
“This is the Platonic ideal of your camp chair,” one of our campers gushed. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected coleman cooler where discovered, and Lowe’s reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.