We discovered that even though most testers had not previously considered a shade-equipped camp chair, once they used one they appreciated the comfort and convenience of built-in sun blocking. Though its mesh appears thin and less substantial, the REI Camp X has proven quite durable. It has a 300-pound capacity which is about average for this group, but it feels very solid and stable even when jumping into it.
The ENO Lounger DL and the Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury also score well in this metric because of their similar abilities to be broken down into smaller segments and stuffed into a small carrying case. The ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous is also a reasonably portable chair with a low profile. If you do burn, having some aftersun on hand will be a god-send mid-festival. Bioderma’s formula came out on top in our round-up of the best aftersuns, with our tester lauding the lightweight product for its immediate cooling effect.
Despite having a high back and being impressively durable, this model weighs just 3.24 pounds and is the lightest chair we tested. If that’s not enough, its carry bag can also double as a pillow for a personalized headrest. Comfort is our most highly weighted metric, accounting for 40% of the overall score for each camping chair.
“Two zips make it easy to share this roomy bag, which can also be opened up into a full-sized double duvet that’s ideal for glamping or for popping in a campervan. Generously sized and warm enough for use from spring through to autumn, this bag was rated by our tester for its price and comfort. Dubbed the best budget buy in our round-up of camping mats, this NHOWIN offering is self-inflating, comfortable and lightweight. Lauding it as “compact when rolled up” and “an effective bed” once inflated (complete with a “brilliant pillow”), the bargain mat is ideal for festival season. We have no doubt the aluminum frame and UV-resistant polyester seat are designed to last through years upon years of outdoor seasons.
Weighing in at 8.0 pounds, the REI Camp X is also a somewhat light model. It’s a bit shorter than most traditional chairs, and we always felt that bringing it with us was worth it. Our testers also love the Kijaro Dual Lock, which has a built-in carry strap on ozark trail screen house the back of the frame that locks into place so you can still toss it over your shoulder if you forget your carry bag. The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer is similarly lightweight, weighing just a few ounces more and packing away into a case nearly as small.
REI’s Flexlite Chair has been replaced by an entire flock of Flexlite chairs; the one that is the closest to replacing the original Flexlite in the lineup is the Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair. The design, size, and weight is nearly identical, but the nylon fabric has been replaced with polyester. The Renetto chair usually comes in between 8 and 10 colors and is rated to hold up to 350 pounds. “This is the Platonic ideal of your camp chair,” one of our campers gushed. Each chair has a cupholder to hold your drink and easily folds up into a storage bag to take along on any adventure.
We tested 29 of the best camping chairs on the market to find the perfect option for everyone. Living in the south, spending time outside is practically second nature. Between barbecues, crawfish boils, and annual family reunions, the great outdoors sort of feels like my second home. After spotting the Ozark Trail Oversized Mesh Cooler Chair on TikTok, I immediately knew I had to get my hands on it.
If your chair has pole legs, just make sure that you bring along a ground sheet if you may be encountering soft surfaces like sand. This affordable, durable, comfortable chair is tailored to those who like their refreshments. The cooler pocket fits four standard cans and zips up to insulate your beverages of choice. In addition to the cooler, the chair has a mesh cup holder, two mesh pockets, and a roomy seat that’s 24 inches wide.
Adjustable armrests are equipped with insulated cup holders that can be expanded to fit massive water bottles and oversized mugs. No one was surprised to see this chair pass our durability test with flying colors. If you’re willing to try something a bit unique, a heavy-duty steel frame and sturdy fabric means your investment in this chair should pay off for a lifetime of outdoor relaxation. However, since many campers prefer chairs at a traditional height, the Kelty Lowdown narrowly missed winning our Best Overall pick.