Who Invented the Folding Chair? The History of Party Chairs

After eight years of consistent use by senior editor Kalee Thompson’s two young boys, the REI Co-op Camp Chair is, she reports, faded and worn but still ozark trail canopy holding up. The Renetto Original Canopy Chair is the best chair with a built-in canopy. Camping chairs have many different looks, feels and benefits.

It’s very comfortable and I absolutely love the cooler with the attached bottle opener,” praises one reviewer. “I got these chairs to replace my old-school bag chairs after sitting in my sister’s flat-bottom style bag chair—SOOOO much better than the old saggy bottom and slouchy back style. Totally worth the money if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in one,” writes one review.

ozark trail chairs

There’s something so peaceful about methodically rocking back and forth in a chair outdoors, and you can get that same luxury with this unique camping chair. It features a heavy-duty steel frame and durable, nylon mesh backrest for good airflow. You’ll get additional comforts like a beverage holder, and despite the square shape, it still folds up easily for travel. Each comes with a convenient carrying bag that you can sling over your shoulder.

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. The camping chairs I looked at varied in price from $15 to $100, and as I pored over reviews, I focused on value and longevity, not just what was cheapest.

Without their work, we’d still be sitting on those uncomfortable “X”-shaped folding chairs of yesteryear. The Chair One is rated to hold up to 320 pounds—more than any other lightweight chair we tested aside from the Moon Lence. In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities to examine our picks and other camping chairs and to share their perspectives. We’ve incorporated their feedback into this review. Higher back and a head rest that make it more comfortable. Good design with a small pocket to place your cell phone or snacks near the cup holder.

It’s a simple addition that makes a world of a difference. The side table flips up, and the chair itself folds away so it’s easy to pack up and go. The 4-pound, steel-framed REI chair has an attached carry strap, rather than a carry bag (which the other chairs have). After a couple of camping trips, we concluded that a strap is more convenient than a bag—it’s quicker and easier for a kid to grab the chair and go, without parental help.