Kelty Low Loveseat Camping Chair Review

Bottom Line

Looking for a chair to share? The Kelty Low Loveseat is perfect for cozying up. It’s one of our all-time favorites on our best camping chairs list. This model’s been a staple on dozens of adventures for the CleverHiker team in the Pacific Northwest, Michigan, Utah, Colorado, and more. It’s versatile for everything from camping trips and roadtrips to tailgating and concerts.

The Low Loveseat’s comfortable material and easy setup make it a no-brainer whenever you need a fast, shared perch. A strong steel frame adds excellent durability, and insulated fabric blocks wind on chilly nights. The lower seat height makes it accessible for smaller adults, children, and pups. Two deep, double-wide cup holders have a thick divider to hold two bottles, drinks, or small items on each side – and we love that the arm rests adjust up and down. The cherry on top is the multi-use carrying case that moonlights as a gear hauler, ground mat, or even a dog bed. 

The cons? The Kelty Low Loveseat isn’t as portable or breathable as the competition. It’s on the heavy side and packs larger than single-seaters. Its lack of breathable and quick-drying fabric means this one isn’t as comfy in hot conditions and it’s slow to dry. Additionally, the low seat height isn’t the best for taller or bigger campers, and could be an issue for folks who struggle with mobility. But if you want a place to plop with a pal, the Low Loveseat’s cushy feel and top-tier durability make it our first recommendation.

Comfort

The Kelty Low Loveseat is so cozy, we reach for it year-round. Few things are more comforting than sharing a seat (and a blanket) with your loved one, partner, best friend, or dog. Like the name implies, it’s low to the ground, so it’s perfect for kicking our feet out and relaxing with a buddy. That said, it’s a solid place to for one person to read a book or take a nap, too.

Kelty uses thick quilted fabric for a plush insulated feel that blocks chilly wind. The wide seat and firm back keep you sitting upright without minimal sagging. Kelty includes a small shock on all 3 front supports, so the chair compresses slightly when at the edge of the seat, which gives it a bit of a luxury touch when sitting down and getting up. We also love the adjustable armrests – a nylon pulley allows them to go up and down for a customized feel for both people.

On the downside, the chair’s accurately named – it’s low to the ground – and the 13.5 inch seat height isn’t ideal for everyone. Taller folks and those with mobility issues may find it uncomfortable for longer sits. Luckily, it also comes in a standard-height version.

It’s a bit warm, too. Testing finds the thick fabric can feel hot and sweaty on days above 80ºF, where we prefer a seat with mesh for better airflow.

In some cases, we discovered the 2-seater wasn’t big enough and we wanted even more room. If that’s your problem, Kelty is a step ahead: check out this 3-Seat Couch.

Durability

Kelty doesn’t cut corners with the Low Loveseat – our testing shows it’s durable for years of rough use. CleverHiker Founder Dave Collins has had his for over 7 years, and it’s still performing. The frame resists damage from rough terrain and wet weather, and it’s strong – a weight capacity of 400 pounds accomodates most people. The burly quilted fabric is a whopping 600D polyester that’s nearly indestructible against abrasions, punctures, and rough use. Stitching throughout is reinforced and stands the test of time.

The chair’s components are also built to last. We’ve been impressed by the wide plastic feet and stable leg design that help distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of tipping over. Components like nylon straps, plastic buckles and eyelets, and metal frame pins are strong and long-lasting.

The downside of the thicker fabric? It isn’t very weather resistant. The polyester is sturdy, but lacks UV treatment, so it can fade after weeks under the sun. We highly recommend stashing this chair in a vestibule or vehicle when it rains or snows, too – the Low Loveseat dries slowly and stays soaked for hours, taking nearly 3 hours to dry in our tests.

It’s also a heavy, bulky chair – although durability like this weighs more, and we don’t mind too much. We’ve had our chairs for years, and we’re confident they’ll continue to perform for many more.

Portability

​​Considering how large the Loveseat is when set up, its packed size is relatively small. This one measures only 11 inches by just under 3 feet in its carrying case, so we had no issues fitting in cars or gear closets. We found it took up less space than two individual chairs.

The included carrying case is one of our favorite designs of all time. A handle with a large padded shoulder strap softens the load. The case doesn’t have any zippers – instead, it unrolls like a blanket. Simply unbuckle the three clips, open the case, and set it up. When the chair’s in use, its carrying case moonlights as a gear hauler, dog mat, shoe storage or even a padded place to stretch.

But the Low Loveseat is heavy at 15 pounds and 6 ounces, which is why we rank it lower for portability. Its steel frame, thick quilted fabric, and double-seater design is bulky. If you want a compact chair that weighs less or you’re limited on space, this isn’t the one. That said, we’re willing to forgive its weight – it’s two seats in one, after all – but we don’t like carrying it far from where we parked.

Ease of Use

The Loveseat is at the front of the pack for its feature-forward, simple design. Setting up is a single step for one person, no assembly required – just unfold the chair and sit. 

Our favorite thing about this chair? The cup holders. Not only are they deep, but they’re twice as long as most chairs and feature a thick, fabric divider. The divider is flexible, so it securely holds even the biggest containers. The Low Loveseat doesn’t have any additional pockets, but we don’t need them – the other side of the cupholder divider is a fine spot for small items like keys or a phone.

However, the 15-pound weight and bulkier design mean that it’s not as convenient to maneuver as lighter, single-seat chairs. It’s a bit slower to set up and breakdown compared to chairs that weigh half as much.

Should You Buy The Kelty Low Loveseat?

The Kelty Low Loveseat is for campers, tailgaters, and anyone who wants a comfy and durable shared space to sit. The chair’s sturdy steel frame, thick quilted fabric, and insulated design make it an inviting option for cooler weather. Its huge double cup holders, wide adjustable armrests and beefy multi-use carrying case make it convenient and versatile for almost any adventure. This one’s built to last, too, so it represents an awesome value for years of lounging. We recommend the Low Loveseat for couples, friends, and families with kids or pets who want to cozy up together by a campfire or enjoy scenic views.

However, the Low Loveseat isn’t the best if you’re looking for lightweight or compact gear. At over 15 pounds, this is a heavy chair that takes up a good amount of space. The chair’s low seat height is great for shorter adults, kids, and dogs, but may be challenging for taller individuals or those with mobility issues. It’s also not the most breathable or quick-drying chair, making it less suitable for humid and wet conditions. That said, the Low Loveseat sets the gold standard for shared seating, making it a must-have for group camping trips where staying close adds to the fun.

What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?

The Kelty Low Loveseat is the only two-seater chair that made the cut, but you’ll find excellent one-person options on our best camping chairs guide. Here’s some of our top choices:

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Review: The King Kong also offers top-tier durability, an insulated seat and back, and great comfort for lounging. This one is still on the heavy side, though, making it less portable than others.

YETI Trailhead Review: The YETI Trailhead shares the Loveseat’s comfortable feel and heavy-duty construction. It’s a much steeper price point and doesn’t have much storage, but it’s built for long-term durability and lounging.

REI Skyward Review: The REI Skyward offers a similar seat height and is just as easy to use as the Kelty Low Loveseat. The Skyward is much lighter and has better ventilation, but it isn’t as durable or warm.