Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair Review

Bottom Line

The Kijaro Dual Lock is an Editor’s Pick and lands in second place on our guide to the best camping chairs. It expertly balances comfort, stability and affordability. This is one of Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer go-to’s after long days of hiking. He loves the stiffer back support and tall 20-inch seat height for easy in and out. It’s a great pick for hours of relaxing around the campfire without feeling cramped or slouched, and it’s versatile for backyard parties, roadtrips, and watching the fire all night.

If longevity and support are priority in a camping chair, the Dual Lock is for you. Its dual-lock mechanism – a button on both sides of the chair – ensures the seat stays taut and won’t droop, making for a comfy and ergonomic seat. It also includes different-sized cup holders and a zippered side pocket for extra storage. Plus, it’s one of the lowest-priced chairs we’ve tested, making it a bullseye for budget-conscious campers who want a high-quality, reliable chair that comes in tons of colors and patterns.

However, it’s not the lightest or most compact option. At 9 and a half pounds and with a packed size of over three feet, it’s bulky compared to other chairs. The carrying case is simple and a bit uncomfortable for carrying distances, and the feet are a bit narrow to prevent sinking on soft or muddy ground. Additionally, the height and firmness may not be ideal for shorter individuals or those who like a more relaxed seating position. That said, if you can accommodate the size and are on the hunt for a camping chair with reliable support, you can’t go wrong with the Kijaro Dual Lock.

Comfort

Say goodbye to slouching and rounded backs – the Dual Lock offers exceptional support that keeps us sitting tall and comfy. It ranks highly on our list because of the firm seat and backrest. It locks into a taut position that prevents sagging and excellent upper body support, and we never felt like we were sinking into the fabric. Ian usually prefers chairs with good lumbar, back, and neck support after a long day of hiking and playing outside, and the Dual Lock delivers.

We find the breathable mesh back is excellent for hot days. It offers airflow on hot days and warm evenings. The armrests are at a good height for resting. The 20-inch seat height makes it easy to get into and out of for most. Dozens of group camping trips find that whether a user’s average, or tall, the Kijaro’s height and ergonomic position are supportive but flexible.

But the chair’s height and rigidity is also its achilles heel. Some of our shorter testers found the Dual Lock a bit too tall for good leg support. It may also feel too stiff if you prefer to lounge, slouch, and lean back. That said, these are minor gripes. The Dual Lock makes the cut on most of our camping trips because it’s perfect for unwinding.

Durability

For such a low price, the Kijaro Dual Lock doesn’t sacrifice quality materials or a sturdy design. With 3+ years of testing year-round, this chair resists wear and tear. The mesh back, frame, and fabric have held up well. The only significant damage on Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s chair after 2+ years is a burn spot from rogue campfire ash, but that’s a hazard no chair could dodge. 

Kijaro’s diamond ripstop polyester is not only abrasion-resistant, but quick drying. After a massive downpour and full soaking, our testing finds this chair dries in an hour or two. Reinforced stitching adds longevity, including on the storage pocket. The frame is fully rust-resistant, and uses strong metal pins at the crossbeams that make the chair easy to open and close. A reliable locking mechanism on each side stabilizes the chair on rough terrain and keeps the seat taut without drooping or bending. Its 300 pound weight capacity is right in the middle of the pack, so it’s a great fit for most people.

We do have a few issues, though. The chair’s tall design and narrow feet makes it prone to tipping in uneven terrain if not properly positioned, and it’s more likely to catch a strong breeze and fall over in high winds. Also the cupholders use a thin mesh that can occasionally snag and tear, though it hasn’t been damaged in a big way.

We struggled a bit with the carrying case design. Testing reveals the pull-cord track at the top of the bag frays over time. We’ve also found the nylon shoulder strap separates from the bag after regular use.

Portability

When it comes to portability, the Kijaro Dual Lock is average. It folds up quickly in one fluid motion for compact storage. Once packed, the chair’s carrying case has a large shoulder strap that’s helpful to sling over your shoulder or carry by hand. Despite its relatively long and bulky packed size, the Dual Lock fits well in most trunks and storage spaces.

But the Kijaro Dual Lock’s packed size is huge. At over 3 feet long, it’s one of the longest we’ve tested, so it’s a tough fit for folks with limited space.. At 9 pounds, 8 ounces, the Kijaro feels cumbersome when trying to haul over longer distances. The single nylon strap on the carrying case isn’t the most comfortable, so the Dual Lock is best when you park close, like in a backyard or a drive-up camping spot.

Ease of Use

The Kijaro Dual Lock stands out for its simple and quick setup. Open the chair in a single step, then press each side down to engage the wide flip-switch on the frame with a loud click. This locks the seat in a taut position for a comfortable seat that prevents sagging. The same mechanism makes packing up effortless, keeping the chair tight and compact for storage.

The Dual Lock has the basic storage we look for in a chair. It has two cup holders – one for standard-sized bottles and one for larger containers like a Nalgene – making it a great fit for any container. We love the oversized zippered storage pocket with mesh dividers big enough for a book, phone, and other essentials like a chapstick, lighter, and keys. This chair is a hit whether you’re tailgating, camping, or making smashburgers in the backyard.

Should You Buy The Kijaro Dual Lock?

The Kijaro Dual Lock is a winner if you want an ergonomic, durable, and affordable seat outdoors. Because of its 20-inch seat height, it’s easy to get in and out of, great for taller individuals and folks with mobility issues. The chair’s sturdy design and features, like different sized cup holders and a handy zippered pocket, make it a no-brainer for campers who like to lounge for hours without getting up. Its quick, intuitive setup, strong frame, and myriad of funky colors and patterns are the cherries on top.

But, the Kijaro Dual Lock isn’t the best for shorter people or those with limited storage space. Its hefty weight and longer packed size are cumbersome, especially if you’re walking a bit further or you’re limited on room. This one is also more rigid than the competition, so it’s most comfortable if you want back support. Still, for such a low price, you could outfit a family of 4 for the cost of a single high-ticket, premium chair, making the Kijaro is a stellar addition to any camping kit.

What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?

Hike over to our list of the best camping chairs to find out how the Kijaro Dual Lock compares to other top camping chairs. Consider these other chairs, too: 

REI Campwell Chair Review: The REI Campwell Chair is similar to the Kijaro Dual Lock in terms of affordability, weight limit, and ease of transport. It also has a breathable mesh back for comfort, although it’s less durable overall. 

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Review: The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong shares the tall seat height and comfort level. The biggest difference is it’s huge weight capacity of 800 pounds. Its seat is also wider, deeper, and insulated for added comfort.

YETI Trailhead Review: The YETI Trailhead is super durable and dries fast. It’s bulkier, but the carrying case makes it more portable. The biggest downside of this chair is its high price tag, but you’d be hard pressed to find a longer lasting camping chair.