When it comes to car camping, a good chair isn’t just nice – it’s non-negotiable. We’ve spent the past five years testing more than 50 camping chairs from Kijaro, Kelty, Helinox, NEMO, and others, logging thousands of sit-tests in the process. We rigorously judged each chair on comfort, durability, packability, and ease of setup to bring you the true sit-and-stay champions of the year. You deserve a top quality throne, and our handpicked list below represents the best of the best.
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Quick Picks for Camping Chairs
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 Camping Chair Overall: ALPS Mountaineering King Kong ($80)
Supportive & Durable Chair with Locking Mechanism: Kijaro Dual Lock ($50)
Best Budget Camp Chair: REI Campwell ($60)
Comfy Lounger with Adjustable Height: ENO Lounger DL ($150)
Best Double Camp Chair: Kelty Low Loveseat ($130)
Affordable Chair with a Pocket Cooler: Amazon Basics Camping Chair ($40)
Best Reclining Camp Chair: NEMO Stargaze ($250)
Comfortable & Durable Luxury Camp Chair: YETI Trailhead ($300)
Best Rocking Camp Chair: GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker ($70)
Best Ultralight Portable Camping Chair: Helinox Chair Zero ($150)
What’s new
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong takes the number one spot with a huge, insulated seat, sturdy profile, and many convenient pockets.
The ENO Lounger DL lands an Editor’s Pick Award thanks to its cleverly redesigned carrying case and better-than-ever hammock-inspired design.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong
Best Camping Chair Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.9/5.0
Price: $80
Weight: 13 lb.
Weight Limit: 800 lb.
Seat Height: 19 in.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Less expensive
- Durable
- Sturdy
- Insulated for chilly nights
- Tall and wide seat
- Adjustable armrests
- Convenient storage pockets
Cons
- A bit heavy and bulky
- Slightly long packed size
- Not breathable
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is the heaviest-duty chair we tested. With a staggering 800-pound weight limit – almost double the limit of most other chairs on this list – the King Kong is designed for every body shape and size.
ALPS Mountaineering doesn’t cut any corners with the King Kong. The chair’s frame is powder-coated steel for corrosion resistance with reinforcements on all the joints. We love the burly, quilted polyester – it’s over two feet wide, and it offers one of the tallest seat heights on this list for a supportive but comfy place to plop. In cooler temps, the King Kong’s quilted fabric is a solid insulator. That means your back won’t get as cold sitting around a campfire at night, and it’s a good choice year-round.
If you’re looking for a seat with storage, the King Kong is also a winner. Each armrest has an average-sized cup holder as well as a big polyester pocket hanging off the edge. The pockets are plenty big enough for all your small items, plus a book or an iPad. There’s another huge mesh stash pocket that runs the width of the chair at the back, too.
The biggest downside? At 13 pounds, it’s among the heavier and bulkier options on our list. If you don’t need extra weight capacity, the King Kong might not be for you. But, anyone looking for the comfiest, sturdiest, and most durable camping chair on our list – with the widest seat available – you just found it.
The King Kong is hefty, and a bit bulkier than some of the other chairs on our list, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a longer-lasting camping chair in this price range. Whether you’re a hunter, fisher, car camper, or hiker, this is a beast of chair for people of all shapes and sizes.
Kijaro Dual Lock
Supportive & Durable Chair with Locking Mechanism
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $50
Weight: 9 lb. 8 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lb.
Seat Height: 20 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable material
- Comfortable to sit in for a long time
- Breathable mesh back
- Quick-drying
- Multiple size cup holders
- Sturdy and tall
Cons
- Long packed size
- A bit heavy
- Carrying case is awkward
The Kijaro Dual Lock is one of our favorite value camp chairs thanks to a quality build and supportive design. This chair uses a wide flip-switch on the support frame to lock the seat into a taut position that’s firm and comfortable to sit in, making it more comfortable than cheap camp chairs that droop and bow. That same lock is used to keep the chair compressed for storage, so it doesn’t come unfolded. And, convenient shoulder straps on both the chair and the case make it easy to transport.
The Dual Lock has one of the tallest seat heights on this list. It sits 20 inches off the ground, making it comfortable for both tall and average-sized adults, although kids and shorter folks might not appreciate the height as much. The tall back and strong frame make this chair simultaneously firm but ergonomic. And, it comes in a variety of colorways from neutral to neon making it easy to match any camp aesthetic.
The Dual Lock is the only chair on this list offering two different-size cup holders. On one arm, a medium cup holder fits a 12 oz. can/bottle or a regular-width thermos, and on the other arm, a large cup holder can fit oversized bottles like a Nalgene or insulated water bottle. Two mesh storage pockets with a beefy zipper on the side are ideal for stashing a phone, chapstick, or lighter.
Our biggest con with this chair is its lengthy and heavy packed size. At over 3 feet long, it has one of the longest packed sizes of all the chairs we tested. We also find the carrying case awkward to carry and maneuver. However, if you have adequate transportation and storage space, this chair’s upsides cancel out it’s lack of portability. And for only $50, this is an outstanding budget buy that will last for years. If you want a serious upgrade over “cheap” camp chairs that are less durable, we highly recommend the comfortable and affordable Kijaro Dual Lock.
More: Kijaro Dual Lock Review
REI Campwell Chair
Best Budget Camp Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $60
Weight: 8 lb. 2 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lb.
Seat Height: 15 in.
Pros
- Simple, familiar design
- Less expensive
- Comfortable height for most people
- Breathable mesh
- Quick-drying
- Two-beverage cup holder
Cons
- Single containers can tip over
- Awkward side pocket design
- Not as durable as some
- Cumbersome to carry
The REI Campwell Chair is an affordable, lightweight, and familiar classic camp chair that’s built for summer lounging. REI recently rebranded this chair – it was formerly known as the Skyward – and it’s now about a pound heavier and an inch taller. We think these are improvements, and find it’s better than ever for kicking it around a campfire, at the beach, or at home. It’s made of a highly breathable mesh with supportive webbing straps, which means it’ll keep you cooler and more comfortable on hot days, and it dries quickly if it gets wet in the rain.
At 15 inches, the seat height of the Campwell lands in a Goldilocks zone: it’s ideal for tall people, kids, and everyone in between. The tried-and-tested X-frame construction of the chair makes it feel stable and reliable on most surfaces. Like many chairs with this frame design, the material tends to sag a bit in the seat and back when you’re in it. But, we found that the sagging is minimal with the Campwell and the extra bit of “give” makes the chair feel cozy and relaxing instead of narrow and claustrophobic.
Our biggest gripe with the Campwell Chair is its storage. We like the single oversized cup holder, which is plenty big enough to hold a wide Nalgene, two cans, or even a large mug with a handle. However, this beverage pocket is too wide to hold a single can without tipping over, so you’ll need to be careful with that fizzy water or beer.
The Campwell also has a dangling pocket with a cinch cord on the left arm for stashing small objects and your phone. Because of the angle and small size, it’s not the most convenient or intuitive design. Neither of these things is a dealbreaker, but it does take a bit more focus to use the pockets than other chairs on this list.
It isn’t a fancy chair, but the Campwell is a solid, practical, and wallet-friendly option for summer campers on a budget. Over the years, we’ve found that this is one of the most common chairs we reach for when heading out on camping trips because of its familiarity and simplicity. For a step up in quality from basic camping chairs, this thing gets the job done.
ENO Lounger DL
Comfy Lounger with Adjustable Height
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $150
Weight: 5 lb. 10 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lb.
Seat Height: 10 in.
Pros
- Excellent carrying case / portability
- 2 Adjustable leg lengths
- Relaxing hammock feel
- Supportive tall back
- Durable material
- Large, soft headrest
- Lightweight
Cons
- Single, floppy cup holder
- Takes a bit longer to set up & break down
- Low to the ground
The ENO Lounger DL blends the comfort of a hammock with the practicality of a low camp chair and it’s one of our favorites for relaxing. The unique triangular frame and bucket-style seat create a swinging, weightless sensation that mimics a hammock, without the hassle of setup. With two adjustable leg lengths of 10 and 17 inches, you can easily switch between lounging positions by folding the legs to find the sweet spot for a nap after a long day of hiking.
We’re all about the updated design of the Lounger DL. ENO bolstered the chair hubs, upping the weight limit to 300 pounds. Our favorite update is the carrying case – this thing is comfy, easy to use, and has practical features like a pocket, gear loops, and backpack straps. When it comes t portability, this model’s a winner.
This iteration of the Lounger DL is familiar, though: it combines comfort and convenience with a deep pocket, plush headrest, and hammock-style seat that molds to your body. It’s tall and cozy, but still weighs less than most. Whether you’re lakeside or fireside, it’s built to lounge and easy to bring along.
The ENO Lounger requires a few more steps to set up than most chairs on this list, including assembling the frame and hooking on the seat material, but it doesn’t take too long. The Lounger DL also has one of the lowest seat heights on this list. Due to its low position, getting in and out of the chair might be a challenge for those with mobility issues, but overall it’s a great lounger for both kids and adults. We also find the cupholder is floppy, so you’ll want to keep a lid on your drink to avoid spills.
If you love the feel of a hammock, you’ll love the ENO Lounger DL. It strikes an excellent balance between the coziness of a hammock with the portability of a camp chair and could easily become your new favorite chilling spot at camp, the backyard, or the beach.
More: ENO Lounger DL Review
Kelty Low Loveseat
Best Double Camp Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $130
Weight: 15 lb. 6 oz.
Weight Limit: 400 lb.
Seat Height: 13.5 in.
Pros
- Great for two
- Comfortable
- Durable materials
- Affordable for a 2-seater
- Insulated for chilly nights
- Multi-use carrying case
- Large adjustable cup holders
- Multi-use carrying case
Cons
- Larger packed size
- Heavy
- Not breathable or quick-drying
The Kelty Low Loveseat is our favorite perch for two, from car camping and frontcountry trips to tailgating and sunset views. It offers a practical and cozy way to share a seat (and a blanket) with your best bud or dog.
There’s a lot to love about the Low Loveseat. With a burly steel frame, thick quilted fabric, and quality construction this chair is built to last for years. This chair is incredibly versatile, offering style and comfort for a concert at the park or a campfire in your favorite camping spot. For such a robust and wide two-seater, it is comparable, if not easier, to carry and handle than two regular folding camp chairs.
The substantial materials add up to over 15 pounds, so it’s on the heavier and bulkier side compared to the single-seat competition on our list. That said, the Low Loveseat packs down surprisingly small and has a very convenient carrying case. The smartly designed case wraps around the chair and buckles so it’s easy to pack up and cinch tight. The case also serves double-time as a load hauler for firewood and gear, a dog bed, or as a small ground cloth to keep your feet clean and dry.
With a seat height of only 13.5”, the Low Loveseat has one of the lowest seat heights in this lineup, making it a great option for kiddos, shorter adults, and even dogs with little legs. That said, we’ve found this chair to be very comfortable for all campers, even taller adults. If you’d like a different seating configuration, there’s also a single Lowdown Chair and a 3-person Couch as well as a standard height Loveseat. All are excellent options, but our preference is the Low Loveseat for all around performance.
Amazon Basics Chair
Affordable Chair with a Pocket Cooler
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $40
Weight: 8 lb. 9 oz.
Weight Limit: 225 lb.
Seat Height: 15.7 in.
Pros
- Simple, familiar design
- Affordable
- Padded seat & back
- Insulated cooler pocket
- Storage pocket
- Large storage bag
Cons
- Bulky
- Less durable
- Low weight capacity
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option on our list, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Camping Chair is an economical choice. This chair is familiar and simple – when picturing a “classic” camp chair, this is probably what you imagine. It has a solid back, a single cup holder and a large pocket to hold a book, phone, or other small items.
The Amazon Basics chair stands out because it has an insulated cooler pocket that keeps up to 3 cans or 2 bottles conveniently close at hand. That said, this feature falls a bit short – the cooler pocket doesn’t hold ice for long, and the zipper closure tends to catch on the material. It’s nonetheless unique, and is handy for storing additional small items instead of drinks when necessary.
We like that this chair comes in three style options, including a mesh and XL version that’s lightly cushioned. Though the full-fabric models are generally a bit more comfortable, the mesh version has a breathable back for faster drying and keeping cool on hot summer days.
This chair isn’t the most durable or comfortable, and has a lower weight capacity of 225 pounds. But, like the name implies, the Amazon Basics chair checks all the boxes for a conventional and practical seat when you need it. And with a price tag like that, you could easily outfit a family of four with camping chairs without breaking the bank.
NEMO Stargaze
Best Swinging Camping Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $250
Weight: 8 lb. 11 oz.
Weight Limit: 300 lb.
Seat Height: 12 in.
Pros
- Unique suspension
- High back
- Adjustable headrest
- Comfortable swinging motion
- Reclines & rocks
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Compact
Cons
- Expensive
- Material can bunch up at back
- Awkward cupholders
- Difficult to keep reclined
The swing-like NEMO Stargaze Chair is unlike any camp chair you’ve ever seen. Its unique design allows you to float, rock, and even recline horizontally, raising the bar on luxury camping. This one’s always a crowd pleaser when we go on group camping trips. We like the wide, curved frame that creates plenty of elbow room, and padding over the webbing and buckles allows for a natural arm placement
This chair is full of clever and innovative features. A wide mesh panel on the back keeps airflow moving, and its cushy, oversized headrest can be adjusted up or down along 12 inches of double-track hook and loop patches for any neck position. It also has two stretchy cupholders that double as stash pockets on the inside of the chair, right next to your legs.
The Stargaze’s aluminum frame doesn’t feel tippy or unstable, and it boasts a weight capacity of 300 pounds. That’s good since the chair can recline completely flat. Though we love the reclining feature, there’s no way to keep the Stargaze reclined – it doesn’t lock – so you’ll need to use your body weight to keep it flat. Additionally, the material can bunch up at the lower back. However, these are small gripes – the Stargaze stays in our camp kit because it’s comfy and fun.
The rocking feature is designed for relaxing, but we found it is also outstanding for people who like to rock, fidget, and swing while they sit. The Stargaze is also fast and intuitive to break down and fits well in its bag. We like that the bag itself is also made of mesh so that the material can breathe if the chair is damp when put away.
The biggest downside of the Stargaze is its hefty price tag. This is one of the most expensive chairs on our list, so it’s unlikely to be a good fit for everyone. Additionally, the Stargaze tends to be a better chair for lounging than sitting up straight. It doesn’t offer much lumbar support, so it’s not practical for eating around a camp table, for example. That said, it’s a truly unique and premium product that feels more like a portable hammock than a camp chair, and the versatility and.
All in all, the top-notch comfort, high-quality build, and exceptional portability make the Stargaze well worth the price if you put it to good use. This chair is always a favorite around our campsites and we expect it to remain one of our go-to chairs for a very long time.
More: NEMO Stargaze Review
YETI Trailhead
Comfortable & Durable Luxury Camping Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $300
Weight: 13 lb. 4.8 oz.
Weight Limit: 500 lb.
Seat Height: 16.75 in.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Very comfortable
- Durable materials
- High weight limit
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
- Comfortable armrests
- Backpack-style carrying case
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Bulkier than some
- One awkward cupholder
The YETI Trailhead is one of the most comfortable, durable, and highest quality camp chairs we’ve tested, blurring the line between patio furniture and camping equipment. The seat feels very supportive but also soft and springy, with a smart frame design that holds you in a relaxed upright position and cradles your curves without pressure. The material is also airy and breathable, which feels great on warm days. That also means it dries quickly after an afternoon storm or a frosty night.
This chair stands out for its burly construction. The Trailhead’s frame is rated to hold up to 500 pounds, giving it one of the highest weight capacities on this list. The wide metal crossbars and hefty, puck-sized feet offer outstanding stability and security on rough surfaces. And, in case anything happens to the chair due to manufacturer error, YETI offers an impressive 5-year warranty.
However, at over 13 pounds, the Trailhead is one of the heaviest chairs we tested. Luckily, it collapses into a long, narrow package and comes with a thick carrying case that is just as robust as the chair itself. It’s made of the same ultra durable material and features a stout zipper and two padded backpack-style straps to free up your hands, making it a bit easier to carry.
The biggest downside of this chair is its price tag. The Trailhead is one of the most expensive chairs on our list and one of the most expensive we’ve ever tested. However, we’ve also found that it is hands down one of the most comfortable, durable, and high-quality camping chairs we’ve ever tested. It’s truly built to last and is well worth the investment for those who use it regularly. If you’re looking for a robust and comfortable camp chair and you’re willing to pay for the best of the best, look no further than the YETI Trailhead.
More: Yeti Trailhead Review
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
Best Rocking Camping Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.1/5.0
Price: $90
Weight: 11 lb. 12.8 oz.
Weight Limit: 250 lb.
Seat Height: 19.7 in.
Pros
- Soothing rocking motion
- Sturdy
- Supportive back & seat
- Long-lasting construction
- Comfortable
- Excellent value
- Many colors and patterns
Cons
- Heavy & bulky
- Flimsy cup holder
- Slightly shallow seat
- Shocks require a bit of maintenance
- Lower weight limit
The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is a versatile, durable rocking chair for an excellent price. The rocking action comes from two spring-loaded shocks that create a gentle and rhythmic swaying motion. It’s perfect for those who like a bit of soothing movement while they sit, but don’t want to give up the firm support and classic look of a traditional camp chair.
Unlike some options that sag, causing your body to slump and your back to round out, the Freestyle Rocker has a taut seat and back made from polyester that provides impressive support. The mesh back allows for a bit more airflow. It also leads the pack for one of the tallest seat heights – at almost 20 inches off the ground – so it’s easy to get into and out of for most people.
We love this chair for kicking it at base camp, its rocking motion is comfortable enough that we were reaching for it way beyond the woods. We’ve brought it everywhere from July Fourth cookouts and tailgate parties to backyard BBQs and kids’ soccer practice.
The ease of setup is straightforrward – the Freestyle Rocker opens in a one-step motion, and locks in with a simple push – but this chair doesn’t pack down small, and it’s a challenge to transport. And at nearly 12 pounds, it is also near the bottom of the pack for weight. There’s a thick handle on the side of the frame for carrying, but we don’t recommend it for long-distance travel. The struts can get a bit squeaky over time, too, which requires extra maintenance.
That said, for those who aren’t as concerned with portability, the Freestyle Rocker is an excellent choice for around the campfire, on the porch, or in the yard. And the price of this chair is very reasonable, especially since it will last for years of use if treated with care.
Helinox Chair Zero
Best Lightweight Portable Camping Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 3.9/5.0
Price: $140
Weight: 1 lb. 2.5 oz.
Weight Limit: 265 lb.
Seat Height: 8.5 in.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Comfortable
- Versatile for camping and backpacking
- Intuitive setup
Cons
- Expensive
- No cup holders or armrests
- Takes a minute to set up & break down
- Low to ground
If portability is a top priority for your next camping chair, the Helinox Chair Zero is a fantastic option. It’s one of the most versatile ultralight camping and backpacking chairs on the market. Weighing in at only one pound, the Chair Zero is the lightest chair on this list and has an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, rated up to 265 pounds. The Chair Zero also boasts one of the smallest packed sizes – it folds up into a stuff sack about the size of a water bottle. That’s why we also named it the Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair on our Best Backpacking Chairs Guide.
The Chair Zero is simple and fairly fast to set up, with a frame that nests into burly plastic hubs as well as the ripstop polyester of the chair. We found all parts of the chair impressively durable. It doesn’t sag or droop, even after hundreds of uses, and the rugged poles hold up well in most camping conditions.
This chair does have smaller dimensions, though. With a seat height of 8.5 inches, the Chair Zero is one of the lowest chairs on this list, making it less than ideal for those with mobility concerns and really tall campers. Additionally, this chair is an expensive investment. That said, we’ve found that it’s well worth the price tag if you’re looking for a highly portable and versatile ultralight chair that you’ll put to good use camping or backpacking.
We recommend the Chair Zero for people who want a high-quality ultralight chair that can be used in almost any situation. It takes up minimal packed space, so it’s a breeze to carry. We like to take ours on backpacking trips where comfort is a priority, but it’s so small and convenient that it works well from car camping to beach days, road trips to picnics, and vista overlooks to backyard barbecues.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | Price | Weight | Weight Limit | Seat Height | Comfort | Durability | Portability | Ease of Use | 0 |
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong View at Amazon 
|
$80 | 13 lb. | 800 lb. | 19 in. | 4.8 | 5 | 3.6 | 4.8 | 1 |
Kijaro Dual Lock View at Amazon View at Dick's
|
$50 | 9 lb. 8 oz. | 300 lb. | 20 in. | 4.5 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 2 |
REI Campwell Chair View at REI 
|
$60 | 8 lb. 2 oz. | 300 lb. | 15 in. | 4.4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 | 3 |
ENO Lounger DL View at REI View at Amazon
|
$150 | 5 lb. 10 oz. | 300 lb. | 10 in. | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 4.1 | 4 |
Kelty Low Loveseat View at REI View at Amazon |
$130 | 15 lb. 6 oz. | 400 lb. | 13.5 in. | 4.5 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 5 |
Amazon Basics Chair View at Amazon
|
$40 | 8 lb. 9 oz. | 225 lb. | 15.7 in. | 4.3 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 6 |
NEMO Stargaze View at REI View at Amazon |
$250 | 8 lb. 11 oz. | 300 lb. | 12 in. | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 7 |
YETI Trailhead View at REI View at Amazon |
$300 | 13 lb. 4.8 oz. | 500 lb. | 16.75 in. | 5 | 4.9 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 8 |
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker View at REI View at Amazon |
$90 | 11 lb. 12.8 oz. | 250 lb. | – | 4.3 | 4.5 | 3 | 4.3 | 9 |
Helinox Chair Zero View at REI View at Amazon |
$140 | 1 lb. 2.5 oz. | 265 lb. | 8.5 in. | 4.1 | 4.1 | 5 | 4 |
|---|
How We Test & Methodology
Our comprehensive analysis of camping chairs takes into account four major factors: comfort, durability, portability, and ease of use and setup. Keep scrolling to learn how and why we chose these metrics, and what goes into determining how each chair performs – or doesn’t.
COMFORT
When it comes to picking the best camping chairs, comfort is king. We’re looking at seat size, back height, and all the little details that make a chair feel just right for any body type. We also pay close attention to fabric – because nothing ruins a summer lounge session like a sweaty, sticky seat. We test how far back each chair leans and how stable it feels when you’re in full chill mode. Armrests matter too: are they padded, adjustable, and comfy enough for a full evening by the fire? Bonus points go to chairs with thoughtful extras like cup holders and gear pockets.
DURABILITY
When it comes to durability, we scrutinize the specs. Here, our testers consider fabric thickness to understand resilience against tears and abrasion and reinforced stitching that limits unraveling or failure under stress. We consider all the details down to the hardware – metal legs and screws undergo stress testing to gauge their strength against bending and corrosion. Here, we address the chair’s long-term stability and structural integrity.
PORTABILITY
Portability includes the weight of the chair, as well as its packed dimensions. How much space does each chair take up in the trunk of a typical station wagon or SUV? Is it difficult to carry based on the case design, straps, and closure system? We had testers of all ages and sizes carry each one to see how manageable they were.
EASE OF USE & SETUP
Ease of use means for how much we can do without actually leaving the chair. We look at how convenient it is to grab a drink from the cupholder or snag a pair of sunglasses from the storage pocket. For folks with mobility concerns, we consider how easy or challenging it is to lower into or get out of each model. For setup, we time how long it takes to pull out and pitch each model and take into account how many steps it takes before we can sit.
Why Trust CleverHiker
We’ve spent over 500 nights camping to assess our lineup. Ian Krammer, Senior Content Editor, has kicked back in car-camping spots all over Colorado and Utah with dozens of chairs. He’s camped in hundreds of different places from USFS land, BLM land, and paid camping spots to high alpine lakes and dusty, scalding hot deserts. His vast experience in outdoor gear testing, combined with an extensive background in product analysis, allows him to assess each chair for its metrics and top qualities. This comprehensive approach guarantees this list is only the cream of the crop.
Analysis & Results
In the sections below, we share our findings for the top-performing products in each dimension of our testing – comfort, durability, portability, and ease of use/setup.
VALUE
Value is our measure of performance relative to price. We look for camping chairs that are an out-of-this-world value, offering excellent performance for a smaller investment. We also highlight chairs with bigger price tags with A1 craftsmanship and durability.
We love the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong when it comes to bang for your buck – it earns top scores for comfort and durability, but won’t break the bank. The Amazon Basics Camping Chair is a close second thanks to a sturdy alloy steel frame, cushy seat, and built-in cooler pouch.
The Kijaro Dual Lock also stands out with breathable mesh, durable construction, and very reasonable price point. Rounding out the budget options is the REI Campwell, with a stable X-frame design that’s long lasting, simple, and convenient.
Although it’s a slightly higher price point, the Kelty Low Loveseat is one of the best values out there since it’s got two seats for less than half the price of premium options. It’s comfortable, and a bit closer to the ground, to share with your fave human or dog.
And, while it is one of the most expensive options we’ve reviewed, the YETI Trailhead offers outstanding value. It’ll cost more upfront, but this chair will last for years of use with minimal maintenance and become your go-to at home, camp, and beyond.
COMFORT
The Yeti Trailhead is one of our top picks for comfort due to its ergonomic design – it has awesome lumbar support and a wide, spacious seat. The mesh conforms a bit to your body, too, offering cushion without sagging. Its ultra-wide and secure footing means your chair will stay put as you nap.
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong also leads the pack for comfort with one of the most generously padded seats, backs, and armrests on this list. It offers excellent support and warmth on an extra-wide seat for campers of all sizes. Adjustable armrests and durable, high-quality fabric make it a great choice for comfort at camp.
We’re also big fans of the ENO Lounger DL. This one is designed like a hammock, offering a reclining bucket seat design with a cushioned headrest and breathable nylon fabric for a cool and comfy place to rest. Plus, the adjustable legs cater to a taller seat height for low-down relaxation.
We also like the NEMO Stargaze. With its innovative reclining mechanism and smooth swinging motion, this is the one for you if you like to lounge.. The combo of its cushy adjustable headrest, plush padded armrests, and almost horizontal reclining ability make this one of the coziest seats at camp.
DURABILITY
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong earns a perfect score for durability – it is built to last. With its rugged steel frame and super burly, durable 600D polyester fabric, this chair handles the roughest outdoor conditions. With the highest weight capacity of any chair we looked at, it’s capable of handling extremely heavy loads without compromising stability.
Consider the YETI Trailhead camping chair, with one of the most rugged and strong mesh blends on the market. Its heavily reinforced construction and robust components like oversized feet and corrosion-resistant hardware give it incredible longevity.
The Kijaro Dual Lock also has a strong steel frame and fabric that’s both tear- and abrasion-resistant. The dual-locking system adds more stability, preventing it from moving or collapsing unexpectedly, adding an extra layer of strength, and prolonging its lifespan. Our testing shows this chair lasts for years of regular use.
The Kelty Low Loveseat also makes the list due to its strong construction, like reinforced stress points and sturdy materials that thrive in regular use outdoors year after year. An element we love the most about this chair is the very durable carrying case that makes it easy to carry not only the chair, but bulky gear, wood, and anything else you want to haul around camp.
PORTABILITY
You won’t find a more portable chair than the Helinox Chair Zero. It’s one of our top backpacking chairs, so it’s lighteer and more compact than most chairs on our list. This thing is barely over one pound and folds down to the size of a water bottle, so it’s a smart choice for adventures where space and weight are at a premium.
The ENO Lounger DL is a close second. The Lounger DL carrying case got a huge overhaul, and it’s more portable than ever. The case is a unique triangular shape and boasts a burly zipper, backpack straps, a side pocket, and carrying loops for a blanket. It’s almost a pound heavier, but we don’t t mind one bit – it’s still one of the lightest options on our list. This one’s ideal for camping, picnics, and the beach.
Despite its large footprint, the NEMO Stargaze is also super portable. The lightweight and durable frame folds into an impressively small mesh carrying case. Its small design fits well in a car trunk or at home, and at eight pounds and 11 ounces, it’s easy to schlep over your shoulder.
EASE OF USE / SETUP
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong earns top marks for ease of use. The intuitive folding design and two step setup means you’ll be kicking back in no time. The most cumbersome part is getting it out of the bag, but it’s a small price to pay for such a sturdy seat in seconds.
Another speedy, no-brainer chair is the Kijaro Dual Lock. It slides out of the bag with ease, and the familiar X-frame design pops open quickly. By pushing down on each of the arms at the same time, the dual-locking system will engage with one solid “click” to ensure the chair is set in its position. To unlock the chair, press on the button on the side, and the chair will collapse.
The Kelty Low Loveseat is another fast set up and tear down with a simple, efficient design. There’s no bag to struggle with – simply unbuckle the three clips of the carrying case and unroll to access the chair. Even if it’s your first time, this chair is a breeze to set up and is as intuitive as they come.
How to Choose a Camping Chair
COMFORT
Let’s face it – the reason you pack a camping chair is to stay off the dirt and chill in comfort. But what feels comfy to one person might not work for another. Some folks want solid back support, while others are all about that cushy headrest and cozy, slouchy feel.
DURABILITY/WEIGHT CAPACITY
Need a chair that can take a beating or support a bit more weight? Choose a chair that can handle lots of weight and is built to last for years, not a single summer. Sure, more durable chairs are heavier to haul, but you’ll be glad you brought a beast of a seat when you’re lounging in comfort year after year.
HEIGHT
Low chairs are great for music events, movies in the park, and trips to the beach. They’re more portable and 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 or mobility issues) and they’re usually more comfortable for extended use.
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 the priority. 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.
Conclusion
Whether you’re lounging lakeside or roasting marshmallows under the stars, your camping chair will be there to support you. There are a lot of great choices, so finding the right one for you based on comfort, durability, portability, and ease of use is no small task – but we hope this guide helped you find the best seat for your summer adventures.
