There are few things in life that rival the satisfaction one finds when perched on the perfect rock or log after a long day on the trail. Even if nature often provides us with the ultimate La-Z-Boy, there’s much to be said about a quality camping chair. The right candidate should provide you with the utmost comfort at the end of the day, while simultaneously shining when it comes to durability, portability, and overall ease of use.
Everyone likes something different, though. Some prefer a metal-and-cloth contraption that’s more luxurious than lackluster, while others like to skimp on the extravagance in favor of an ultralight option they can tote on a multi-day excursion in the backcountry. Whatever your fancy might be, one of the following chairs should fit the bill.
REI Camp Stowaway Low Chair – $45
REI is a mainstay when it comes to outdoor gear and apparel, and the company’s Stowaway chair is one of its best. Heavy-duty steel tubes lining the sides add durability to the low-profile lounger, while foam padded armrests and a breathable mesh backing add comfort without soaking up water.
Eagles Nest Outfitters Hanging Lounger – $125
The Hanging Lounger rethinks the common camping chair. The lofted design — which touts a basic cup holder, cushy headrest, and an adjustable footrest — ties together via a couple aluminum pipes and a branch, allowing you to quickly get lifted in a bed of nylon that also fits in a stuff sack.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair – $70
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is more inline with a traditional camping chair, yet it supports up to 800 pounds and comes outfitted with a padded back and seat. The sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and 600D polyester fabric just mean it can resist the elements and handle an extra bit of weight.
Strongback Elite – $100
The ergonomic Strongback Elite isn’t known for its compact framework, but it is known for its phenomenal comfort. The integrated lumbar support eases tension on the lower-back muscles and your overall skeletal structure, and with the built-in cup holder, you can ensure your drink is never far away.
Coleman Broadbend Mesh Quad Camping Chair – $15
At this price point, grab a few extra of this no-frills folding camp chair. The extra-wide design is ideal for camp or home.
CGI Outdoor Big Surf with Sunshade – $70
CGI Outdoor’s Big Surf with Sunshade chair weighs 10.6 pounds, so you won’t be carrying it to the summit. However, at a sunny campsite or on the beach, this chair’s four-position backrest, slide-out side table, and large sun shield make for once comfortable way to grab a seat. It folds down flat for easy transport or storage and has a rugged aluminum frame that supports up to 250 pounds.
Kelty Lowdown Chair – $55
It’s all about the perks! This standard looking chair supports 350 pounds, has adjustable arm rests, and insulated beverage holder, and the Roll-Tote carry bag doubles as a gear tote.
Helinox Chair One – $100
The Chair One is everything a camping chair should be. It’s as lightweight as it is sturdy, and features a synthetic mesh that dries quickly. The hub-and-pole design also makes the 1.9-pound chair quick to assemble, while the rubberized feet ensure you don’t go tumbling toff the rocks.
TRAVELCHAIR Big Bubba Chair – $84
The Big Bubba Travel Chair is the epitome of comfort. This camp-chair-meets-lounger may be the most comfortable folding chair you ever own. Complete with adjustable foot rest and integrated pillow, this chair will support 300 pounds.
Grand Trunk Collapsible Camp Stool – $32
While stools may not provide the same long-term comfort of a chair, they keep you off the ground. This stool supports up to 250 pounds, has a mesh pocket located beneath the seat to keep essentials easily accessible, and stows away in a compact sack.
Snow Peak Folding Camp Bench – $100
Forego having to share a wet log around the campfire and break out this folding bench from Snow Peak. It provides extra seating and is perfect for your car camping trip.
Article originally published by Brandon Widder on August 11, 2016. Last updated by Clay Abney on February 2, 2018.
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