Beginner Guide to Choose Camping Chair

The cupholders on the L.L.Bean Kids’ Base Camp Chair aren’t as roomy as those on our picks, and they’re not as adept at holding stubby water bottles or mugs of hot chocolate. You can stow this featherlight, compressible chair in a backpack or even a work bag. Nothing is worse than ozark trail hammock chair finding yourself forced to play musical chairs around the campfire. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can find camping chairs with additional features, such as built-in coolers, cup holders, and adjustable armrests. These chairs may also be made of higher quality materials, such as steel or heavy-duty nylon, which can increase their weight capacity. You want a chair that is easy to pack and carry, especially if you plan on hiking to your campsite. Look for chairs that are lightweight and compact, and that come with a carrying case or backpack. Many camping chairs are designed to fold up small enough to fit into a backpack or storage compartment in your vehicle. Some chairs even come with straps or handles, making them easy to carry on a hike.

ozark trail camping chair

This folding chair is made from durable polyester fabric wrapped around a steel frame for long-lasting comfort and convenience. An included carrying bag makes it easy to bring this chair with you almost anywhere you go. These chairs are lightweight and easy to transport, but they are not designed to support heavy weights.

They fold nicely and include convenient carrying cases for easy transport and storage! Note that some reviewers mention ozark trail camping chair these run on the smaller side. When selecting a camping chair, it is also important to consider the intended use.

The Chair One is rated to hold up to 320 pounds—more than any other lightweight chair we tested aside from the Moon Lence. Several Wirecutter staffers have owned the Coleman chair for years, using it on camping trips, in backyards, and at sporting events. For the most part, it’s held up well, but one common quibble is that the seat bottom begins to sag after several years of use. Senior editor Kalee Thompson, who wrote a previous version of this guide, has been regularly using the Coleman chair she originally tested in 2016. Aside from the color fading and the cooler pouch deteriorating, her chair has held up to years of backyard hangs and camping trips. In summer 2023, she bought a newer Coleman Cooler Quad Chair to compare to her 2016 model, and she found them to be more or less the same.

You want to make sure that your chair can support your weight without tipping over. This is especially important if you plan on using your chair on soft ground or uneven terrain. Look for chairs with wide legs or feet, as they will provide better stability on these types of surfaces. Some chairs even come with adjustable feet that can be lengthened or shortened to suit different terrains.