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10 Best Camping Chairs of 2023: Tested for Optimal Comfort
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Whether you’re circling around a campfire in a campground or claiming your spot on the lawn for a concert, you need a reliable comfy seat to plop down in and relax.
We put the most popular camping chairs to the test and made this list to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Quick Recommendations
Check out this quick list of the best camping chairs, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.
- Best chair overall for value & comfort: Kijaro Dual Lock
- Best budget chair: REI Skyward
- Best double chair: Kelty Low Loveseat
- Most comfortable & durable camping chair: YETI Trailhead
- Best reclining chair: NEMO Stargaze
What’s New:
We’ve added the REI Outward Padded Low to the list. It’s a stylish chair with a low seat height that’s ideal for concerts. We’ve also added some new photos from our recent adventures.
Camping Chair Comparison Table
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Comfortable
- High seat
- Breathable & quick-drying
- Multiple size cup holders
- Long packed size
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Breathable mesh
- Quick-drying
- Large cup holder
- Cup holder isn’t as secure for 12 oz cans/bottles
- Comfortable
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Affordable for a 2-seater
- Insulated
- Multi-use carrying case
- Large adjustable cup holders
- Heavy/bulky
- No center armrest
- Not breathable or quick-drying
- Very comfortable
- Durable
- High weight limit
- Breathable & quick-drying
- Comfy armrests
- Backpack-style case
- Solid cupholder
- Expensive
- Heavier/bulkier than some
- High back/headrest with pillow
- Comfortable
- Reclines & rocks
- Breathable & quick-drying
- Compact
- Expensive
- Takes a minute or two to set up & break down
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Comfortable
- Expensive
- Takes a minute or two to set up & break down
- No armrests
- No cup holder
- Lightweight
- Compact
- High back
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Sturdy
- Expensive
- No cupholder
- No armrests (unless you upgrade to the Big Six Armchair)
- Takes a minute or two to set up & break down
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Padded seat & back
- Insulated cooler pocket
- Storage pocket
- Bulky
- Not breathable or quick-drying
- Less durable than other chairs
- Lower-quality materials
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Good value
- A little heavier than some similar small chairs
- Takes a minute or two to set up/pack away
- No armrests
- No cup holder
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Backpack straps
- Padded seat & back
- Quick-drying
- No pockets/cupholder
- A bit expensive for what it is,
- Slightly less durable than some
- Supportive
- Easier to get out of than other compact chairs
- Packable
- Stable
- A little heavy for backpacking
- Expensive
- Takes a minute or two to set up/pack away
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Insulated
- High seat
- Adjustable armrests
- Convenient storage pockets
- Heavy/bulky
- Not breathable or quick-drying (unless you choose the mesh version)
- High back with built-in pillow
- Comfortable
- 5 reclining positions
- Backpack straps
- Convenient pockets
- Heavy
- Very low
- Slight learning curve to fold
- Leg support
- High back with built-in pillow
- Comfortable
- Reclines
- Durable
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Heavy/bulky
- Flimsy cup holder
- Rocking motion
- Sturdy
- Supportive
- Heavy/bulky
- Can be squeaky
- Flimsy cup holder
- Slightly shallow seat
What’s Most Important to You in a Camping Chair?
PRICE:
You don’t have to break the bank to get a great camping chair, but we find that spending a little more is often well worth the cost for the increase in comfort, durability, and convenience. We recommend chairs at a variety of price points below to make it easy to find a great option that fits your budget.
- Best mid-range camping chairs: Kelty Low Loveseat, REI Flexlite, ALPS King Kong
- Best budget camping chairs: Kijaro Dual Lock, REI Skyward, AmazonBasics
- Best luxury camping chairs: YETI Trailhead, NEMO Stargaze
WEIGHT/PACKED SIZE:
While weight and packability aren’t as important for camping chairs as they are for backpacking chairs, it’s still good to consider these specs for storage and portability. If you’ve got the space in your car and won’t be carrying your camping chair very far, comfort is king. If you’re tight on space or need to be more mobile for festivals and trips to the beach, choose a portable chair that’s easy to shoulder without weighing you down.
Most portable camping chairs: Helinox Chair Zero, REI Flexlite, Big Agnes Skyline UL, Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
Camping chairs with the best balance of comfort & portability: Helinox Chair Zero, Kelty Low Loveseat, NEMO Stargaze, Big Agnes Big Six
Best sturdy/comfy camping chairs: Kijaro Dual Lock, YETI Trailhead, ALPS King Kong, GCI Zero Gravity, GCI Freestyle Rocker
HEIGHT:
Low chairs are great for music events, movies in the park, and trips to the beach because they’re more portable and they don’t block the view of those behind you. Chairs with higher seats are easier to get in and out of (especially for those with bad knees) and are usually more comfortable for extended use.
Best low camping chairs: Kelty Low Loveseat, Helinox Chair Zero, REI Flexlite, Big Agnes Skyline UL, Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
Best high camping chairs: Kijaro Dual Lock, REI Skyward, YETI Trailhead, NEMO Stargaze, Big Agnes Big Six, ALPS King Kong
COMFORT:
The whole purpose of packing a camping chair is to get you up off the ground so you can sit comfortably. But not everyone’s idea of comfort is exactly the same. For some, firm support is critical. For others, having a headrest and being able to recline is key.
Most supportive (firm & upright) camping chairs: Kijaro Dual Lock, YETI Trailhead, ALPS King Kong, GCI Freestyle Rocker
Best camping chairs for reclining: NEMO Stargaze, Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair, GCI Zero Gravity
DURABILITY/WEIGHT CAPACITY:
If you want a chair that will last for the long haul or you need a chair with a higher weight capacity, we recommend one of the stout options below. Sturdy chairs are often a bit heavier and bulkier, so they aren’t quite as easy to carry. But this tradeoff is well worth it in the way of comfort and value.
Most durable & sturdy camping chairs: YETI Trailhead, ALPS King Kong
Best Camping Chairs 2023
Kijaro Dual Lock
Best chair overall for value & comfort
Price: $50
Weight: 9 lbs. 8 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Comfortable
- High seat
- Breathable & quick-drying
- Multiple size cup holders
Cons
- Long packed size
The Kijaro Dual Lock is an excellent value camp chair due to its quality build and supportive design. This chair locks into a taut position that’s firm and comfortable to sit in – far superior to cheap camp chairs that sag and bow. The seat also sits a full 20 inches off the ground, making it comfortable for both tall and average-sized adults. It’s a bit heavy and bulky when folded, but it has convenient shoulder straps on both the chair and the case for easy transport. If you want an upgrade over cheap chairs that are less durable, we highly recommend the Dual Lock, which is often on sale and will last for years of use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Breathable mesh
- Quick-drying
- Large cup holder
Cons
- Cup holder isn’t as secure for 12 oz cans/bottles
The REI Skyward is a simple, affordable chair that’s great for sitting around a campfire, at the beach, or just about anywhere. It’s made of a highly-breathable mesh with supportive webbing straps, which means it’ll help keep you cooler and more comfortable on hot days, and it dries quickly if it gets wet in the rain. We also appreciate that the cup holder can accommodate large bottles, but small cans are less secure and could potentially tip over in the pocket. The Skyward isn’t a fancy chair, but it serves its purpose and is a step up in quality from very basic camping chairs.
Kelty Low Loveseat
Best double chair
Price: $140
Weight: 15 lbs. 6 oz.
Weight Limit: 400 lbs.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Affordable for a 2-seater
- Insulated
- Multi-use carrying case
- Large adjustable cup holders
Cons
- Heavy/bulky
- No center armrest
- Not breathable or quick-drying
If you’re looking for a chair you can share, the Kelty Low Loveseat is a practical and cozy perch for two. Its best asset is its durability, with a strong steel frame, thick quilted fabric, and quality construction. The heavy-duty materials do, however, make it a bit cumbersome to lug around. The good news is that the smartly-designed carrying case wraps around the chair and buckles so it’s easy to pack up. The case also serves as a load hauler for firewood/gear, or a small ground cloth to keep your feet clean and dry. The Low-Love Seat is comfortable, well-made, and provides a simple solution when seating is needed in a variety of situations. There’s also a single Lowdown Chair and a 3-person Couch as well as a standard height Loveseat, so there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
YETI Trailhead
Most comfortable & durable chair
Price: $300
Weight: 13 lbs. 4.8 oz.
Weight Limit: 500 lbs.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Durable
- High weight limit
- Breathable & quick-drying
- Comfy armrests
- Backpack-style case
- Solid cupholder
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier/bulkier than some
The YETI Trailhead is hands-down the most comfortable and highest quality camp chair we’ve tested. It’s supportive, yet soft and springy so it holds you in a relaxed upright position and cradles your curves without pressure. The material is also super airy and breathable, which feels great on warm days. We’re not gonna lie, we had a moment of sticker shock when we first saw the price of the Trailhead Chair. But after getting our hands on it, we’ve found that it’s built to last and worth every penny if you’ll use it often. It’s also quick and easy to fold, and though it’s a bit heavier than some, the well-padded backpack case makes it a breeze to carry. If you’re looking for a strong and comfortable chair and you’re willing to pay for the best of the best, we highly recommend the Trailhead Camp Chair.
NEMO Stargaze
Best reclining chair
Price: $300
Weight: 8 lbs. 11 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
Pros
- High back/headrest with pillow
- Comfortable
- Reclines & rocks
- Breathable & quick-drying
- Compact
Cons
- Expensive
- Takes a minute or two to set up & break down
The swing-like NEMO Stargaze Chair provides unrivaled comfort and allows you to float, rock, and recline wherever you venture. On top of that, it’s one of the few luxury loungers out there that doesn’t take up a ton of space in your car thanks to the collapsible pole structure.
The newest version of the Stargaze Recliner has some really great updates. Improvements include a wider, curved frame for more elbow room, a larger pillow that adds height and neck support, and padding over the webbing and buckles for various arm position options without the risk of a pinch.
We also love that the new chair is simpler to break down and more convenient to fit into the bag. The bag itself is also made of mesh so that the material can breathe if the chair is damp when put away.
All in all, the Stargaze has an excellent design. The top-notch comfort, high-quality build, and exceptional portability make it well worth the price and we expect it to remain one of our go-to chairs for a very long time.
Helinox Chair Zero
Best ultralight portable chair
Price: $150
Weight: 1 lb.
Weight Limit: 265 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- Takes a minute or two to set up & break down
- No armrests
- No cup holder
If portability is important to you, the Helinox Chair Zero is one of the best options on the market. It only weighs a pound, and it folds up into a stuff sack about the size of a water bottle. We even take ours on backpacking trips when comfort is a priority. The nylon scoop seat supports your back in a slightly reclined position, and it’s just the right height for your legs to extend comfortably. If you’re looking for maximum portability without compromising comfort, we highly recommend the Helinox Chair Zero. There’s also a Highback version — it’ll cost you a bit more, but it’s even more comfortable and supportive.
Big Agnes Big Six
Highly portable high-back chair
Price: $200
Weight: 3 lbs. 3 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- High back
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- Sturdy
Cons
- Expensive
- No cupholder
- No armrests (unless you upgrade to the Big Six Armchair)
- Takes a minute or two to set up & break down
If you need something portable, but can’t quite relax in a chair without a headrest, you’ll like the Big Agnes Big Six. It’s lightweight and compact, but unlike some others, the Big Six has a nice high back to support your head and neck. While there are similar chairs out there, we ultimately prefer the Big Six for the upgrades in comfort, stability, and durability, even though it costs a bit more. If you want a full-size, supportive chair, but still need maximum portability, you’ll love the Big Six.
Amazon Basics Chair
Affordable chair with a pocket cooler
Price: $25-50
Weight: 8 lbs.
Weight Limit: 225 lbs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Padded seat & back
- Insulated cooler pocket
- Storage pocket
Cons
- Bulky
- Not breathable or quick-drying
- Less durable than other chairs
- Lower-quality materials
If you’re looking for an affordable option, the Amazon Basics Camping Chair is a sound choice. The Amazon Basics Chair is simple but unique due to its insulated cooler pocket that keeps up to 3 beverages conveniently close at hand. It also has a single cup holder and a large pocket to hold a book, phone, or other small items. This chair comes in three style options, including a “Padded XL” version that’s lightly cushioned. While the two padded models are generally a bit more comfortable, the mesh version is a bit more breathable/quick-drying. The Coleman Cooler Quad is similar to the Amazon Basics Chair, so you might consider buying whichever chair is on sale. That said, we prefer the armrests on the AmazonBasics because they’re more secure.
REI Flexlite
Light & compact chair for a value price
Price: $70
Weight: 1 lb. 11 oz.
Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Good value
Cons
- A little heavier than some similar small chairs
- Takes a minute or two to set up/pack away
- No armrests
- No cup holder
The REI Flexlite is very similar to Helinox’s Chair Zero, which we prefer for its slight increase in durability/toughness, comfort, and a more secure pole structure. But if you’re on a tight budget, the Flexlite will save you some cash. Both the Flexlite and the Flexlite Air (lighter, but more expensive) are excellent options for those looking for a comfortable chair that’s light enough for backpacking, but can also be used for day trips when portability is key.
REI Outward Low Chair
Stylish camp chair with a good seat height for concerts
Price: $90
Weight: 7 lbs. 7 oz.
Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Backpack straps
- Padded seat & back
- Quick-drying
Cons
- No pockets/cupholder
- A bit expensive for what it is,
- Slightly less durable than some
We were first drawn to the REI Outward Padded Low for its stylish looks, but we really fell in love with this compact chair for its comfort. The height of the Outward Low strikes a near perfect balance between sitting low enough that you can take it to concerts and other gatherings without obstructing views, but high enough that the average person’s knees won’t be stuck at an uncomfortable angle.
While we think the price is a bit spendy for what it is – a basic padded folding chair – the Outward Low will be very worth the cost for those who value having a stylish setup at camp. To make the price tag more worthwhile, this chair could even be used as trendy patio furniture when you’re at home.
The portability of the Outward Low is also a big asset. It folds down easily and stays closed with a buckle, and the sewn-on backpack straps allow you to transport it with ease. The weight is very reasonable too, so it’s perfect for those beach trips where you’re less likely to get a nearby parking spot.
Big Agnes Skyline UL
Supportive chair with an exceptionally stable build
Price: $150
Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz.
Pros
- Supportive
- Easier to get out of than other compact chairs
- Packable
- Stable
Cons
- A little heavy for backpacking
- Expensive
- Takes a minute or two to set up/pack away
Big Agnes is known as “the mother of comfort” and the Skyline UL Chair certainly lives up to that reputation. This chair is very similar in design to the REI Flexlite and Helinox Chair Zero, but it’s much more supportive and sits at a more comfortable height. At nearly two pounds, the Skyline is a little heavy for backpacking, but it’s very compact and is a nice luxury to carry on shorter trips.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong
Durable chair with a high weight limit
Price: $80
Weight: 13 lbs.
Weight Limit: 800 lbs.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Insulated
- High seat
- Adjustable armrests
- Convenient storage pockets
Cons
- Heavy/bulky
- Not breathable or quick-drying (unless you choose the mesh version)
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is tough, durable, and made to last. With rugged construction and reinforcements in all the right places, this chair is one of the few strong enough to comfortably support up to 800 lbs. In cooler temperatures, the King Kong’s quilted fabric insulates far better than a mesh chair, which means your back won’t get as cold when you’re sitting around a campfire at night. That said, it might be a bit too warm on hot summer days and won’t dry very quickly if it gets wet. It’s hefty and not the most portable option, but few chairs are built tougher than the King Kong.
Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
Best beach chair
Price: $84
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
Pros
- High back with built-in pillow
- Comfortable
- 5 reclining positions
- Backpack straps
- Convenient pockets
Cons
- Heavy
- Very low
- Slight learning curve to fold
The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is extremely popular for the beach and concerts since it’s portable, comfortable, and has convenient pockets. We love that the Backpack Beach Chair can recline all the way and has a built-in pillow for comfy napping or sun tanning. It also has a few extras like a towel bar, cup holder with phone pocket, and an insulated “cooler pocket” to keep snacks/drinks cold. It’s not the lightest chair, but the straps make it easy to tote while keeping your hands free. Overall, the Backpack Beach Chair is one of our favorites specifically for concerts or the beach and is released in a new Hawaiian or nautical-theme pattern every year.
GCI Outdoor Zero Gravity
Best lounge chair
Price: $93
Weight: 17 lbs. 9 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
Pros
- Leg support
- High back with built-in pillow
- Comfortable
- Reclines
- Durable
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Heavy/bulky
- Flimsy cup holder
The GCI Outdoor Zero Gravity is an excellent value when compared to other luxury chairs, and features a high back with headrest, neck pillow, reclining options, and full leg support that make it really comfortable. This chair is the least compact of any we tested, and it’s too heavy to carry for long distances. But if comfort is your top priority, this lounge chair is sure to please. Since it’s not the most portable, The Zero Gravity chair is one of our favorites for glamping or relaxing in the yard.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
Best rocking chair
Price: $77
Weight: 11 lbs. 12.8 oz.
Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
Pros
- Rocking motion
- Sturdy
- Supportive
Cons
- Heavy/bulky
- Can be squeaky
- Flimsy cup holder
- Slightly shallow seat
The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker stands out for its comfort and durability. The rocking motion is a nice feature for those who like to move and sway, though the struts can get a bit squeaky over time. Some camping chairs are a little saggy, causing the body to slump, but the taut seat and back of the Freestyle Rocker provide firm support. This chair is fairly heavy and bulky, even when packed down, which could make it a challenge to carry or pack into smaller cars. But for those who aren’t too concerned with portability, the Freestyle Rocker is a very good choice for around the campfire or in the yard and is sure to last for years of use if treated with care.
Honorable Mentions
The following camping chairs didn’t make our final list, but they’ve still got a lot of good things going for them. You never know, one of these camp chairs might be perfect for you:
- Helinox Sunset: lightweight and portable chair with a high back and headrest
- REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer: less expensive portable camp chair with high back
- Moon Lence Outdoor Folding Chair: budget lightweight and compact chair
- ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous and REI Camp Low: low and stable chairs for concerts and festivals
- ENO Lounger DL: comfortable, but expensive hammock-style low chair
More Information
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Thanks for reading and happy trails!