ENO Lounger DL Camping Chair Review

Bottom Line

The ENO Lounger DL is a luxurious blend of hammock-style relaxation and camp chair practicality. It earns an Editor’s Pick as one of the most unique options on our best camping chairs guide. Senior Content Editor Ian Krammer takes this thing almost everywhere, and he’s used it hundreds of times over the years for camping, lawn concerts, and roadtrips.

If you like to lounge, you’ve found your dream chair. We love the weightless feel, cushy headrest, and bucket-style seat. With two adjustable leg lengths, it’s easy to switch between an upright position and more horizontal session, and minimalist armrests elevate the comfort level.

ENO made some welcome updates: it’s more durable and easier to carry. It has bigger pole hubs and a higher weight limit. The carrying case got a full redesign, too: a Triangular backpack frees up your hands, and has a side pocket, smooth zipper, and adjustable bottom straps. It’s a good choice whether stargazing at camp or relaxing on a beach.

On the downside, ithe Lounger’s slower to set up – it takes a few steps to assemble the frame and attach the seat fabric. It has a lower seat height than most chairs we’ve tested, which can pose a challenge for folks with limited mobility. The single cup holder is floppy and prone to spills. And it doesn’t offer lumbar support, leading to a rounded back and slouching. Despite these drawbacks, the Lounger DL’s unique design and outstanding versatility are great for years of laid-back adventures.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the ENO Lounger DL leads the pack. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer isn’t much of a hammock guy – he prefers a classic chair most of the time – but the Lounger DL’s permanently worked its way into his rotation because of its hammock-like vibe that both cradles and supports. 

We love the Lounger DL after big-mileage days. Two adjustable leg lengths put the user between 10 inches and 17 inches off the ground and offer two angles to sit, whether upright or stretched out. Ian regularly takes on 15-30 mile days peakbagging and fastpacking in the Colorado Rockies, and this is a chair he looks forward to using when he returns to basecamp.

The ergonomic bucket seat and comfy material distributes weight evenly to reduce pressure points. Combined with a supportive tall back and a big, cushioned headrest, this thing’s perfect for napping. And it’s low enough to the ground that it’s comfy for kicking our legs out straight and leaning back.

However, this is a very low chair compared to many on our list. It’s about half the height of our taller options. That means the Lounger DL can be tricky to get into and out of when you’re sore after a long day of hiking, and the low-to-the-ground design could be problematic for taller folks or those with limited mobility.

It’s not the most supportive, either. The suspended material is cozy, but it doesn’t offer much back or lumbar support – that leads to a rounded back and slouched position. Also, the arm rests are a bit awkward – we like the height, but they are narrow and a bit lacking.

However, these aren’t dealbreakers for us. We reach for the lounger DL time and time again because it’s so comfy anywhere leaning back is important.

Durability

If you’re after a chair that’s built to last and performs consistently, the ENO Lounger DL delivers. The triangular frame is made of strong anodized aluminum that resists rust. Burly, rounded feet handle rocky, muddy, and wet outdoor conditions easily. Once the Lounger is set up, Ian almost never tears it down for weather – he just leaves it set up. The material dries an average time of around 1 to 2 hours, and the frame is next to impossible to scratch or dent.

The base of the chair centers around 3 thick, super strong plastic leg hubs. These hold the frame in place as well as the legs. The legs can pop out of the hub and nestle flush with the bottom for a lower seat height of 10 inches. Or, insert them into the hub for a 17-inch seat height.

The Lounger DL weighs a full pound more than the prior version, but it’s more durable than ever – and the weight limit went up. It holds up to 300-pounds without sagging or tearing. Reinforced stitching adds an extra layer of strength on the edge seams and frame pockets. The 300D polyester is UV-treated for a soft feel that won’t weaken or fade over time.

Our only issue with durability comes down to the fabric. It’s highly abrasion resistant, but more vulnerable than thicker material – especially to sharp objects and heavy scuffing. On Ian’s chair, the fabric puncture near the bottom from a branch. That said, the material is easy to patch with a simple patch kit – we like this nylon version from Coghlans – and this is far from a dealbreaker. We’ve put our through the wringer, and it continues to hold up with minimal care. Ian’s spent well over a hundred days on the Lounger, and he expects to get hundreds more.

Portability

The ENO Lounger DL earns top scores for portability thanks to its awesome redesigned carrying case. The funky triangular shape accommodates all parts of the chair for fast, intuitive packing. Two wide, adjustable backpack straps are adjustable to free up our hands. The fabric of the chair is packed first, so you won’t feel the frame against your back. That means we’ve carried this thing up to an hour at a time with no pain. It also features a top handle for fast pickup.

On the downside, the triangle shape is a bit awkward for storing compared to the long, slim, narrow packages of other chairs. At 20.5 inches long by 19.5 wide and 5 inches deep, it takes up more room in our trunks, and can take some creative packing in storage. Also, it takes a few extra steps to fold and secure the chair, which adds a bit of extra time to packing and unpacking. It can feel a bit fussy for users who want the fastest possible setup and teardown. But, we’re splitting hairs here – none of these are real problems. The Lounger DL is a winner for portability.

Ease of Use

The ENO Lounger DL is a good chair for relaxing. Two deep side pockets sit snug against the bottom of the seat for quick access to essentials like keys, a phone, tablet or a book, so you can stay planted for hours. Senior Content Editor Ian Krammer tends to sit in this chair and not get up for hours thanks to all the storage.

We appreciate that ENO includes a cup holder, but it’s not our favorite. ENO uses the same strong polyester fabric for the cup holder as the body fabric, which means it doesn’t have much structure. It tends to swing, sag, and tip with weight. Ian’s spilled almost every drink he’s kept in this chair, including taller plastic water bottles, cans, and glass bottles.

That said, it does fit most water bottles and mugs. But we recommend only using containers with a lid, or saving the cupholder for coralling small items like chapstick or a lighter. Overall, this is a small issue – this model’s easy to love when it’s time to unwind.

Should You Buy The ENO Lounger DL?

The ENO Lounger DL is perfect for anyone who wants the relaxed vibes of both a hammock and the functionality of a chair. Its lightweight design, adjustable leg lengths, and compact size make it a great choice on camping trips, beach outings, or a warm day in the backyard. The Lounger’s tall backrest, plush headrest, and bucket-style seat create an ultra-cozy experience ideal for kicking back after a long hike or unwinding by the fire. Plus, the carrying case makes packing and unpacking a breeze, and includes handy features like backpack straps for longer carries. If you’re seeking a chair that combines comfort and portability, the Lounger DL is an excellent choice.

However, this model isn’t perfect for everyone. Its 10- to 17-inch seat height can make it tough for folks with mobility issues to get in and out. The setup process is more involved compared to standard camp chairs, and it’s only got one cupholder that’s prone to tipping. Additionally, the minimal back support can lead to slouching and a rounded back. But, we find this chair incredibly comfy, durable, and versatile from the lawn to the lakeside – and a great value for years of serious lounging.

What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?

Have you checked out CleverHiker’s best camping chairs guide? Head over to see how the ENO Lounger DL compares to our other faves. Check out these other top picks:

NEMO Stargaze Review: The NEMO Stargaze shares the same hammock-like feel as the ENO Lounger DL with a fully suspended seat. This one swings and rocks more due to it has only two points of attachment – though it packs larger and costs more.

Helinox Chair Zero Review: The Helinox Chair Zero is another very low to the ground seat that takes more time to set up versus traditional chairs. However, it’s ultralight – a fraction of the Lounger DL’s weight – making it easier to carry and store for adventures.

Kelty Low Loveseat Review: The Kelty Low Loveseat mirrors the Lounger DL’s low-profile, cozy design, and durable construction. This one’s a two-seater so it’s more bulky and heavy, but it’s a great pick for couples and families who like to share.