In North America, 91 million households go camping every year, a figure that grows by nearly 3 million households per year. If you’re one of these millions or thinking about spending more time in the great outdoors, having high-quality gear at hand always helps enhance your experience. And when you’re out in nature, one of the nicest luxuries you can have is one of life’s simplest pleasures: a comfortable seat. When the alternatives are logs, rocks, or just sitting on the ground, having a great chair where you can take a load off will make your experience that much more enjoyable.
The good news for camping chair consumers is that the variety of options on the market has exploded over the last decade or so, unlocking new uses and possibilities for the camping chair experience. Consumers used to be limited to classic folding camping chairs that are comfortable and affordable but also bulky and unpleasant to carry. Now, some companies have used high-tech design and materials to improve weight and portability, while others have innovated on traditional models to add new features that increase comfort.
This guide will help you understand the types of chairs on the market, how different uses affect what chair to choose, how much chairs cost and the factors that drive them, and what to consider when buying a camping chair. Finally, we’ll offer our recommendations for the best options in a variety of categories.
Understanding Camping Chairs
The market for camping chairs is wide and diverse. Models can meet different use cases for all sorts of outdoor situations, from car camping to the backcountry to the park or beach. Over the last decade or so, innovators in the camping chair market have worked to reduce weight, increase portability, and redesign chairs for greater comfort and versatility. As you search for the best camping chairs on the market, you should know what types of chairs are out there and how they fare in different situations or settings.
Camping Chair Types
As interest in outdoor recreation has increased in recent years, the camping chair market has responded with a variety of options for different use cases and budgets, along with new designs and materials to maximize features like comfort and durability. Most chairs that you will encounter in the market fall into one of four categories: traditional, compact/portable, ultralight, and specialty. These categories are explained in more detail below.
Traditional
When you think of camping chairs, a traditional chair is probably what comes to mind. These models usually have a wide, sturdy base with four metal or plastic legs, a flat seat, and a straight seatback. They also frequently have other features like armrests, cup holders, and head or neck rests.
Traditional camping chairs are a favorite of car campers and others who prioritize comfort and durability in their camping chairs. These chairs also have the benefit of being available at many different price points throughout the market. The downsides, however, are that these chairs tend to be heavier, bulkier, and less portable than other model types.
Compact/Portable
Some camping chair manufacturers have noted the downsides of traditional camping chairs and developed designs that offer similar levels of comfort while making them lighter and easier to transport.
One of these design types is the “tent-pole” style, which gets its name from the use of lightweight tubing and shock cords similar to lightweight tents. When assembling, the cords running through the tubing helps the user snap the frame into place, and then the user stretches and attaches the chair fabric to the frame to complete the seat. When disassembling and storing, the frame can be broken down into a compact, portable package that (once broken down and rolled together) is easy to carry or transport in a backpack. While this design does help cut down on weight, it can be far more difficult and time consuming to assemble and disassemble relative to other options on the market.
One the other hand, an option like the CLIQ Chair, which uses an innovative mechanism for expanding and collapsing the chair, allows users to set up and store it in just a few seconds.
Ultralight
For those who need a camping chair with the lowest possible weight, ultralight chairs use lighter materials and efficient design to achieve weights of half a pound or less. These chairs tend to be marketed at backpackers who want to shave as much weight as possible off of their packs.
Some tent-pole style chairs achieve this by using lightweight materials like aluminum alloys or even carbon fiber for the chair frame and mesh or tech fabrics for the seat itself. But many ultralight chairs get their weight by stripping away features and support, which unfortunately makes them much less comfortable than other camping chair types. Some models common in this category are essentially folding pads placed on the ground that get users off the dirt and offer a little back support but not much else; others are two or three legged stools that are less stable to sit on and do not have seatbacks.
Specialty
The camping chair industry also includes specialty designs for those who want something different from a standard chair and are less worried about minimalism, weight, and portability. These chairs replicate some of the features or sensations like furniture that you might find at home, but can be packed, assembled, and broken down at a campsite. Some of these types include:
Doubles/Loveseats
Doubles or loveseat style camping chairs are designed similarly to traditional camping chairs but with a much wider base and seat suitable for multiple users. Naturally, this option is popular with couples or families primarily using the chair for frontcountry camping due to the greater weight and size of these models.
Rockers
These camping chairs usually either have curved rockers on the bottom of the frame or some sort of rolling or spring-loaded mechanism that allows the user to rock back and forth, as in a regular rocking chair, but can be broken down and packed like other camping chairs. They tend to be on the heavier side and can be more complicated to assemble; additionally, they work best on level ground.
Recliners
To really relax at the campsite, reclining camp chairs allow users to lay back and recline. Reclining style camp chairs often resemble a traditional camp chair but with a seatback that can be adjusted to different angles, a seat with a footrest include, or a detachable footrest that can double as a camp table. Recliners rate highly for comfort because of users’ ability to lay down and the fact that these models frequently also include rests for the user’s arms and head.
Swinging Chairs
On a swinging chair, the seat is suspended on a frame with two poles, similar to the setup for a hammock. These chairs usually have a deeper seat that naturally reclines in a way that balances your body weight. Because the seat is suspended, users get the benefit of a gentle rocking motion along with the reclining action for heavy comfort and relaxation.
Considerations for Specific Uses
Car Camping, Vanlife, & Overlanding
One of the most common use cases for camping chairs is car or frontcountry camping, where the destination is a site that campers can easily drive a car to. Car campers are able to store equipment in their vehicles, unlike backcountry campers and hikers, which means that they are less concerned about portability, weight, and bulk. Users who do not plan to carry a camping chair any further than from the car to the campfire can safely optimize their camping chair choices for comfort and look to traditional or specialty models.
For users who are engaged in vanlife—the lifestyle of dwelling in a vehicle modified to have basic amenities—and overlanding—which involves off-road travel to remote destinations—many of the same principles hold. Like car campers, vandwellers and overlanders can carry equipment with them more easily. However, these users often modify cargo or sprinter vans, RVs, or other vehicles to house amenities like a bed, kitchen space, and toilets, along with clothes, supplies, and other necessities. This makes space tight, so while traditional or specialty chairs can work for these users, a compact or portable option may also be worthwhile.
Additionally, most van dwellers and overlanding enthusiasts tend to live active lifestyles. For those using their vehicle as a base camp for day hikes and other outdoor adventures, having a compact, portable chair that can fit in a backpack and be taken along is a major plus.
Backpacking
Veteran backpackers know that every ounce of weight in a pack matters. A pack that is too heavy and bulky will quickly wear down a hiker’s energy during long days on the trail, increasing fatigue and potentially the risk of injury. As a result, most backpackers forgo some comforts in order to keep their loads light. For many backpackers, it can be difficult to make the case to bring along a camp chair and add the accompanying weight to a pack.
At the same time, long days hiking with a loaded pack make the thought of resting and relaxing in a comfortable seat sound pretty appealing. This is especially true if the ground is cold or wet. Some backpackers strike the balance between keeping a light, compact pack and bringing along a comfortable camping chair by selecting an ultra-lightweight model. Many camping chair manufacturers now have models with a weight under 1lb. using lighter materials or streamlined design to do so.
Beach, Parks, & Other Daily Use
For most day-to-day non-camping uses, you will want to find a good balance between comfort and portability. If you will be spending long hours relaxing outside at the beach, park, or tailgate, a comfortable chair will make the experience that much better. At the same time, you will likely also be bringing along food and drinks, blankets and towels, outdoor games, books, sunscreen, or other supplies, so having chairs that are easy to transport from the parking lot to your final destination is also important.
Many people opt for classic folding beach chairs for these types of use because they are comfortable and designed for stability on different types of terrain, including sand. However, these chairs are almost always bulky, heavy, and awkward to carry.
Some alternative compact and portable designs can offer comparable comfort and stability while also being able to fold up and fit in a tote or small backpack. This gives you greater versatility and ease of use for multiple types of settings.
Festivals & Concerts
If your camping chair will be getting most of its use at festivals, concerts, movie screenings, or other outdoor events and performances, the three main criteria you should look at are height, portability, and ease of setup.
Low height on your seat is an important consideration because some venues limit the dimensions of seats you bring in to ensure that all spectators can have a good view. If you choose chairs with a lower profile, you will be less likely to run into this problem.
You will also want a chair that is easily portable since you are likely to have to carry it some distance before setting up. At a festival, where you are likely to be moving around frequently throughout the day, having an easily portable chair is especially useful. But even for the walk from the parking lot to the event, you will appreciate having a chair that is easier to carry. Look for models that can be packed down to a compact size or that have handles, straps, or other design features that make them easy to move.
Along the same lines, festival-goers who plan on seeing multiple shows throughout the day at different locations will want a chair that requires little effort to pop up and fold back down.
Camping Chair Prices
What you spend on a camping chair should be based on your own needs, expectations, and budget. Experienced outdoor adventurers know that the cost of quality gear and supplies can add up quickly, but for a chair that gets regular use and offers you some comforts away from home, that investment will be worthwhile. If you only get out rarely, it may make more sense to scale back what you spend and get a functional option without a lot of bells and whistles.
The good news is that no matter what you want to spend, there are options available for your budget. This part of the guide will give you a sense of what you might spend and help you understand the factors that affect price to make sure you get good value from your purchase.
How Much Do Camping Chairs Cost?
Camping chairs vary widely in price (from $10 to $250+) by style, manufacturer, and even the particular retailer you purchase the chair from. Pricing information about camping chairs is easily available through web searching, so if you are interested in particular styles or models, you can compare easily across retailers’ sights.
That said, our online research from Google Shopping, Amazon, and select sporting goods retailers finds the following ranges to be typical for each camping chair category.
- Traditional Chairs: The middle of the range for a traditional camping chair is between $40 and $80, with many high-quality options available in this tier. At the lowest end, you can find deals for chairs from $10 to $20, but these are likely to be cheaply made. More expensive chairs in this category can easily cost $100 or more, with some prices upwards of $250.
- Portable and Ultralight Chairs: Some lightweight camp chairs can be found at comparable prices to a good quality traditional chair, between about $50 and $100. The simplest models, like folding or three-legged camping stools, can be found for under $30. However, most of these options are between 1 and 4 lbs. in weight. For a true ultralight experience under 1 lb., most chairs will cost at least $80 and can easily top $100.
- Doubles/Loveseats: Because these camping chairs use more materials, they tend to be a little more expensive than single options. The least expensive models will run between $50 and $60, but most are available in the low $100s range.
- Rockers, Recliners, and Swinging Chairs: Rocker- and recliner-style chairs cost around $50 at the entry level, but higher end models can cost up to $150. Most fall between $60 and $90. Swinging chairs tend to be more expensive. While lower-end models can be had for as little as $60, the majority of swinging chair options will cost between $100 and $130.
Factors That Affect the Price of Camping Chairs
Solid camping chairs are available at every price point in the market, but you may pay a premium for certain characteristics or features. For instance, the cost of some high quality traditional chairs may be comparable to the cost for an ultralight camping stool. But discerning shoppers can find good value by understanding the factors that drive camping chair prices and evaluating the options accordingly. Typically, these factors include the chair’s materials, weight, design, and features.
Materials
The price of a camping chair usually reflects the quality of the materials used to construct it. High-quality materials are more expensive for manufacturers to source, and part of that cost is passed onto the consumer. However, this increased cost may be worth greater comfort and durability for the user. The difference in materials is reflected both in the fabric and seat construction and in the frame of the chair:
- Fabric and seat: The least expensive camping chairs typically use a thin polyester material for the seat, while mid-range options might use a canvas or nylon and more expensive models use durable, breathable mesh or tech fabrics. Your chair may also include some sort of foam or other padding that contributes to the cost.
- Frame: Aluminum is probably the most common material used for the tubes and rods that make up a camping chair frame, but the quality of the aluminum and the associated price can vary substantially. Cheap options may use plastic for the frame, while more expensive ones could use steel, an alloy, or even carbon fiber for greater strength and durability.
Weight
A camping chair’s weight is a function of the design and materials used. For light and ultralight chairs, the advanced materials that help keep weight low typically come with a higher cost. These sorts of models tend to have average costs higher than most other design types and are marketed toward specialty users—typically backpackers—for whom low weight is nonnegotiable.
However, heavier chairs can also reflect the prices of materials. Some chairs, especially those designed for higher weight capacity, may be higher in weight than smaller chairs in the same category from the use of extra materials to make a larger chair with better reinforcement.
Design & Features
The style and design of chairs is another major component factoring into a camping chair’s cost. For instance, traditional camping chairs are easy to find at an affordable price point, with most models coming in at $80 or less. These types of chairs are consistently popular and have been around for years, so many manufacturers are able to produce them at scale and keep costs low for consumers. In contrast, alternative designs that have come onto the market in recent years may have slightly higher prices that reflect unique design features or manufacturing processes.
Camping chairs also have models offering different features or add-ons that enhance the comfort or utility of your chair but usually come with a cost premium. Some of these features include:
- Arm, foot, and headrests: These rests help maximize comfort as you relax in your chair. Armrests are fairly common and do not substantially increase the price for some design styles, while models with foot or headrests may be slightly pricier.
- Lumbar support: The setup of a camping chair can be hard on some peoples’ backs, so some chairs will have additional padding or support for the lower back to improve comfort.
- Cooler or storing pouch: Especially popular with models meant for days at the park or the beach, some chairs include a small insulated cooler for storing food or drinks or a pouch to put your keys, phone, or other items.
- Shades: To offer protection from the sun, some chair models will offer a built-in or attachable shade to keep you cooler.
Finding the Best Camping Chairs
With the number of options on the market, it can frankly be a little overwhelming to sift through all the different camping chairs out there and weigh the pros and cons of each. But if you are devoted to finding a good value on a chair that will meet your specific needs and preferences, a little research can pay off with years of satisfaction from your purchase. This section will help you understand what to focus on as you determine which kind of camping chair to buy.
End Use
The most important factor when you are shopping for a camping chair is what you intend to use the chair for and how often you intend to use it. Your needs will naturally be different if you spend more time at the beach than the campsite, if you prefer backpacking to vanlife, or if you spend every weekend outdoors rather than getting out a few times per year. All of these factors will inform the features, design, and price point you target. These considerations are explained in more detail above, but as a reminder, you should focus on maximizing these factors, in addition to price and quality:
- Car camping: Comfort
- Vanlife and overlanding: Comfort and portability
- Backpacking: Low weight
- Beaches, parks, and daily use: Comfort and portability
- Festivals and concerts: Low height, comfort, and portability
Comfort
No matter what the end use you have in mind, comfort is likely to be one of your key considerations when selecting a camping chair. The style of chair is the main factor that will affect comfort. For instance, a recliner with foot, arm, and neck rests will keep you comfortable all day, while a simple camp stool is a more utilitarian option. Subtler differences, like that between a suspended swinging chair and a rocker, may be matters of your personal preference.
It makes sense that different types of chairs will have different comfort levels, but even within the same category, you will find that design and materials have an impact on comfort too. In terms of design, you should look for differences in seat depth and positioning, chair height, back support, and stability. When it comes to materials, the seat fabric will be the main consideration: for instance, a chair that uses high-quality, breathable tech fabrics will feel more comfortable than one that uses stiff, rough nylon.
Of course, the most reliable way to check a chair’s comfort is to try it.
Portability & Weight
One of the main trade-offs you will face in evaluating camping chairs is the relationship between weight or portability and factors like comfort and durability. For car campers, you will be less worried about hauling around your gear, which means that you can prioritize comfort even if it means a heavier chair. But if your camping chairs will be getting most of their use at the beach or while hiking, portability and light weight may be more important considerations.
Many chair manufacturers have developed designs that cut down on weight and increase portability to accommodate more needs. Additionally, newer lightweight materials, like certain aluminum alloys on the frame or technical fabrics on the seat, allow manufacturers to trim off ounces if not pounds of weight without major sacrifices to comfort or durability.
Ease of Setup
Traditional folding camp chairs have a pretty intuitive design, but most people have had the experience of fumbling with a camp chair that gets stuck, doesn’t fold and unfold as smoothly as it should, or is difficult to get in and out of a carrying bag. Meanwhile, as new camp chair designs have come on the market, setup for some models has become a multi-step process similar to pitching a tent, while a few manufacturers pride themselves on designs that make it possible to set up or pack a chair in one or two steps.
The difference between spending a few seconds setting up your chair and a few minutes may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme, but a complicated or frustrating setup can be a distraction from your time enjoying the great outdoors. Look for models that make it easy and straightforward to set up your chair.
Durability
Camping chairs’ durability is also an important consideration when evaluating options. Because these chairs are designed for temporary use and must be relatively packable, no chair will have the same durability of furniture that you might have at home. However, some models are better constructed than others to stand up to regular use.
Camping chairs with solid building materials and a stable, sturdy frame design that distributes weight well will perform best over time. Durable fabrics are important because chairs will experience wear and tear from regular use, which will strain the fibers in chair fabrics, especially wherever the fabric connects to the frame. Given their use outdoors, camping chairs will also take a beating from wind, water, dirt, sand, and other exposure to the elements that slowly wear through fabrics and can cause rust depending on the materials used in the chair frame. For the frame, you should expect high-strength metals to perform better than low-grade aluminum or plastic, and for the seat fabric, nylon tends to fare better than polyester.
User weight is also an important factor for durability, so if you are a bigger camper, you will want to take a closer look at the recommended weight limit and the design of the chair. Traditional camping chairs distribute weight across four legs and a wide base, which tends to make them sturdier and more durable. Other chair types may not have the same level of stability for users with a higher weight, which can put increased stress on the chair’s fabric and frame and lead them to faster breakdowns.
Value
Because there are so many options at so many different price points in the camping chair market, it can be hard to get a handle on each chair’s real value. There are $30 chairs that will prove to be reliable and stand up to years of use, but there are also many chairs at that price point that will be uncomfortable and fall apart quickly. Likewise, there are higher-end chairs that cost $300 and offer comfort or functionality simply not available at lower ends of the market but that lack the versatility of many less expensive options. The lesson for shoppers is to not simply conflate the price you pay with value you receive. Instead, you should consider each chair’s price in light of your own needs along with the features and build quality of each option.
Customer Service & Warranty
For anyone considering a camping chair that’s on the more expensive side of the market, it’s important to consider the company’s customer service, return policy, and warranty in case you have an issue with the product. While many of the less expensive portable chairs don’t offer much in the way of customer support, high-end brands like CLIQ or ALPS Mountaineering provide generous warranties, return policies, and tech support. For example, in addition to a one-year warranty, CLIQ also offers a 45-day no-questions-asked refund if you are not completely satisfied with their product.
The Best Camping Chairs Overall
With so many categories and considerations when picking a camping chair, it can be helpful to have recommendations for some of the top picks on the market. Our researchers reviewed a number of options for different criteria-—best overall, best for backpacking, best for budget, best two-person, and best for high weight—and evaluated them based on their comfort, portability, ease of setup, durability, and price to select the best option for each.
Here are our picks for the best camping chairs:
CLIQ (Best Overall Camping Chair)
The CLIQ Chair is a relatively new entrant to the camping chair market but has already become a hit among consumers and expert reviewers. CLIQ’s product is designed to be supremely portable and easy to set up without sacrificing functionality, durability, or comfort, and the CLIQ Chair delivers on that promise. Car campers, tailgaters, beachgoers, and many other outdoor enthusiasts will find that CLIQ is well-suited to many end uses.
The CLIQ Chair does not sacrifice comfort for its many other positive attributes. It has a padded seat with lumbar support to improve comfort for hours of use—a luxury that many chairs as light as CLIQ’s forgo. The chair allows users to lean back without tipping over and adjusts with users as they shift in the chair. The seat does have a low height, which may be challenging for users with knee or mobility issues, but others will find that height to be an advantage—and especially well-suited for uses like outdoor entertainment or the beach where a lower profile and stability are important.
For ease of setup, the CLIQ Chair can hardly be beat. Users simply press a button and extend the arms on the frame until they click into place, and they’re good to go. The process takes under 5 seconds. The chair has angled legs that keep the chair low to the ground and provide a base that is stable on a variety of surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about finding a perfectly flat patch of ground to set up your chair.
One of CLIQ’s most unique attributes is its portability. Thanks to a clever design, the CLIQ can fold down to around the size of a water bottle and be packed into a bag or backpack. Telescoping arms on the frame improve packability, and the use of a light but still sturdy aluminum keeps CLIQ’s weight at a manageable 3.5 lbs—not ultralight, but less than half the weight of most traditional chairs.
Many aluminum frame chairs feel flimsy when you sit in them, but the CLIQ Chair has a feeling of substance. The aluminum used in the frame is aircraft-grade, while the seat fabric is a highly durable ripstop nylon. In terms of weight limit, the CLIQ Chair can safely and comfortably accommodate users up to 300 lbs.
With this impressive set of features and attributes, CLIQ’s camping chair typically retails for around $90, a price slightly higher than many options in the traditional chair category but still less expensive than most premium camping chairs. CLIQ’s website also offers bundle discounts for users who purchase multiple chairs at once, which can drop the price as low as $70 per chair in a bundle of six. The bottom line is that CLIQ’s exceptional comfort and versatility, its uniquely packable, portable, and easy to set up design, and its durable build make it the best all-around option for camping chairs on the market today.
Helinox Chair Zero (Best for Backpacking; Ultralight)
Helinox entered the market in 2009 and quickly made a name for itself with high-quality but lightweight, portable camping furniture. Helinox offers a number of these lightweight options, but for a backpacking chair, the Helinox Chair Zero offers the best ratio of comfort and build quality to weight and portability of any light or ultralight chair on the market.
Many ultralight chairs require tradeoffs when it comes to comfort because many of the design features that offer support or stability also add weight. This is not the case with the Helinox Chair Zero, which rates well on comfort in comparison to other ultralight options. In contrast to shallow chairs or simple camp stools, the Helinox Chair Zero has a scoop-shaped seat with a high back to offer more support as you sit. The Chair Zero is somewhat narrow and low to the ground, so it may not be the best option if you have a larger frame or you have hip or knee mobility issues, but most users will find it acceptable, especially given its primary use for backpacking.
Of course, in the ultralight category, comfort is a secondary concern to many users if it means more weight in their pack. Helinox Chair Zero comes in at an impressive weight of 18 oz., and while there are lighter options out there, few alternatives under 1 lb. in weight offer the same comfort and build quality available with Helinox. The tent-style design allows users to collapse the chair down into a small bundle which can be easily packed or carried.
In terms of set-up, the Chair Zero’s tent-pole design does require some user assembly, but the designers at Helinox have made this as easy as possible. Shock cord running through the chair’s tubing helps snap the frame into place, and the Chair Zero has instructions and a diagram printed on the seat fabric so users will know how to position and attach the seat. The whole thing can be set up in under a minute, which is comparable for most other tentpole-style chairs in the light and ultralight category.
The Chair Zero relies on an aluminum frame and uses a polyester seat fabric. These lightweight, compact materials contribute to the low overall weight but still maximize the durability of the chair. The high-performance aluminum used in the Chair Zero is treated to be corrosion-resistant, the ripstop fabric is similarly difficult to wear down, and the chair can safely accommodate users up to 265 lb.
The Helinox Chair Zero typically retails for around $120 but can be found for less in some locations. The price is slightly higher than some other options in the ultralight category, but few other competitors can match the Chair Zero’s appealing combination of comfort, light weight, and quality materials.
Moon Lence (Best Budget Camping Chair)
There is no shortage of budget options in the camping chair market, but many of them fall in the category of traditional camping chairs, with the associated downsides of weight and bulk. Fortunately, however, more camping chair manufacturers are beginning to offer affordable variations of the lighter weight but high-performing tent-style chairs that have become more popular in recent years. These include our pick for the best budget camping chair: the Moon Lence.
The Moon Lence has more comfort and stability than many ultralight options on the camping chair market. The seat has a relatively high back for additional support, while mesh panels on the sides and back of the seat offer breathability. The Moon Lence’s four-legged base is stable on a variety of surfaces.
The Moon Lence is highly portable, using a tent-style design that comes to a weight of only 2 lbs. Like many other chairs in the category, the Moon Lence can easily collapse down into a packable bundle to make packing and carrying the chair a breeze. While some backpackers may prefer a true ultralight alternative, the Moon Lence could be manageable for some backcountry uses, but it’s an ideal choice for any day-to-day use that involves carrying your chair and other gear to your destination.
Set-up on the Moon Lence is a two-part process that can be accomplished in a minute or so. The chair frame snaps into place with the help of shock cord running through the tubing, and users then attach the poles to four corners of the seat fabric.
Like many other lightweight options, the Moon Lence is made of an aluminum alloy frame and a durable 600D oxford cloth seat fabric. One downside of the Moon Lence is that its mesh seat panels stretch and wear down with use, which affects its long-term durability. Additionally, the Moon Lence only rates for a weight limit of 242 lbs., which is lower than some other similarly designed chairs in the lightweight category. If you are on the heavier side, the Moon Lence may not be the ideal option for this reason.
But the best selling point for the Moon Lence is its price tag: you can regularly find it on Amazon for under $35. The same amount will buy you a cheap chair in the traditional category, which likely means higher weight or lower-quality materials; meanwhile, many other tent-style chairs will cost you two to three times as much as the Moon Lence for similar levels of comfort and portability. The Moon Lence’s advantages over other affordable options and its comparability to more expensive alternatives makes it a great value overall and our pick for best budget option.
Kelty Loveseat (Best Two-Person Camping Chair)
The Kelty Loveseat is understandably one of the most popular two-seater options in the camping chair market, with a mixture of good comfort, reliable construction, and affordable price.
The Kelty Loveseat is a highly comfortable option, with padded seating, armrests on the ends of the chair, and a slightly reclined back to allow for a relaxed position. The Loveseat has a seat height of 19 in., which is comparable to most chairs, but also comes in a low option with a 13.5 in. seat height that may be more appropriate for festivals, concerts, and performances, or settings like the beach where staying lower to the ground helps with stability. And while the extra width of the seats makes for lots of room, if you’re thinking of laying down in the chair or sitting a little one or a pet in between you and your partner, you should note that there is a support bar running through the middle that could make such an arrangement a little less comfortable.
Like many other chairs in the double/loveseat category, setup and carrying for the Kelty Loveseat are a little less pleasant than single chairs. However, setup remains fairly easy, as the Loveseat has a folding design like traditional chairs—just doubled. In terms of weight and portability, the Kelty Loveseat is fairly bulky and weighs in at around 16 lbs. However, Kelty tries to make carrying the chair as painless as possible, with a carrying case that is easy to use and includes a padded shoulder strap for comfort while hauling the chair to your destination.
This weight level is a product of not only the extra material from packing two chairs into one but the quality of the material itself. The Kelty Loveseat uses a durable steel frame, along with padded 600D polyester fabric for the seat—the same heavy-duty material used for many bags and backpacks. The chair is rated for a 500 lb. weight capacity in another sign of its durability and reliability.
The Kelty Loveseat retails most commonly for $110 but can occasionally be found for less at some sellers. This is on par with other double options and a good deal overall, especially considering the fact that buying two singles of comparable quality could easily cost more than that. That calculation, combined with the Kelty Loveseat’s comfort and durability, makes it our choice as the best camping chair for two.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong (Best for High Weight Limit)
When it comes to durability, no chair can match the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong. The King Kong is worthy of its name, boasting an 800 lb. weight limit that easily outperforms other heavy duty chairs more commonly rated with limits in the 300 to 500 lb. range.
An 800 lb. weight limit for a single chair might seem excessive, and there certainly aren’t many users who will put that kind of strain on the King Kong. But the chair’s weight limit also reflects its durability, with high-quality, high-strength materials built for years of use. The seat fabric is a thick, heavy-duty polyester, while the chair frame is made out of powder-coated steel which can hold heavy weight and stand up to rough treatment.
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong’s high weight capacity also helps contribute to its serious comfort. With a wide base and seat, there is plenty of room for users to adjust and find the most comfortable seating position. The seat also has a 15 in. height, a relatively high back, and adjustable armrests which all offer support and comfort. But one of the factors that makes the King Kong most comfortable is its heavy padding, which can be found throughout the seat and armrests.
As a traditional, four-legged collapsible camping chair, the King Kong is easy and straightforward to set up: users simply take the chair out of a carrying bag and unfold the frame. Its stability makes it usable on a variety of surfaces, so once you unfold and place your chair, you’ll be ready for relaxation.
Like most chairs built for higher weight capacity, the downside of the King Kong is its heavy weight and bulky frame. The steel frame and padding all contribute to the King Kong’s 13 lb. weight, and even when folded, the King Kong’s frame is 3 ft. long and about 8 in. wide. This model comes with a backpack-style, two-strapped carrying bag, but most users will not want to carry it much further than the distance from their car to the campfire.
Finally, one of the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong’s best attributes is its reasonable price. The King Kong can be found for $60 to $70 from most retailers, which puts it on par with the bulk of traditional camping chairs. But when you factor in the King Kong’s exceptional build quality, you can be assured that you will get years of use from the chair, which makes it a great long-term value.
