10 Best Camping Chairs of 2023

ozark trail lounge chairOnce the returned item is received, a gift certificate will be mailed to you. From cushions you can cram into that last spare corner of your pack to a proper nylon throne (complete with cupholders),…

We also think the Helinox Sunset Chair is surprisingly comfortable, offering a high back and supportive shape that increases rest day comfort while lounging around in camp. Though some gear seems to display a fairly linear correlation between price and performance, we don’t find this to be the case for all camping chairs. Some of the best-performing models have moderate price tags, while some of the most expensive options didn’t score as well as anticipated. Contenders that exemplify the highest value for the buck in this review are the REI Co-op Camp X and GCI Comfort Pro. Both of these chairs provide above-average comfort for a below-average price. We think the REI Camp X is the better deal for shorter individuals, and the GCI Comfort Pro has more appeal for taller folks.

ozark trail hammock chairIf you want something ultra-lightweight and compact to take with you on a hike or for wild camping, our foldable camping stools are a must. We also stock a great range of camping chairs for kids that come in a variety of styles, colours and designs, including nautical, tractors, unicorns and sharks. 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. Because people use outdoor chairs for an array of purposes and have different preferences when it comes to comfort, it was almost impossible to choose just one best chair. We did select our favorite upright chair for car camping and tailgating, and then additional low-to-the-ground, ultra-lightweight, and canopy picks, as well as a great chair for kids. The Kelty’s polyester seat cover manages to meld a cloud-like cushion with a supportive feel that’s kind to your back after a long day of roughing it.

Unfortunately, this chair is large and weighs 13.3 pounds, and the price tag is a bit shocking. However, our testers are certain you won’t be disappointed in this investment if you want to purchase something for the long haul. Outdoor furniture is not one size fits all, so think carefully about your unique needs before committing to a style.

The Ozark Trail Oversized Mesh Chair from Walmart, although similar to our pick in size, was far less comfortable, with rough-feeling material that was obviously of lower quality. We later found, after six months of frequent use, that the stitching along one arm had come unravelled and that the small straps holding up the back of the armrests had both ripped in half. Before we tried the Renetto Original Canopy Chair, we had never considered buying a shade-equipped camp chair.

ozark trail lounge chairAfter many years spent adventuring and rock climbing, Trish is happy to trade her former crashpad seat for the comfort of the right camping chair. Maggie and Trish recruited the help of friends and family to test and judge all the chairs in this review. This crowd included children, numerous people over 6 feet tall, several dogs, a dozen senior citizens, and a flock of Girl Scouts, spanning ages 12 to 80 years old. 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 the back of the frame that locks into place so you can still toss it over your shoulder if you forget your carry bag.

There’s even a bottle opener attached to the inside of the cooler to cover all the bases for chillin’ and grillin’ outside. On the back is an elastic slot and Velcro bands to secure an overhead umbrella, and underneath the seat is a strap that collapses the chair for easy transport. Some of the 29 chairs we tested had unique features that set them apart from the crowd but fell short in categories that kept their score too low to make our list of recommendations. Still, you may find these options to be well-suited for your specific camping needs. We tested 29 of the best camping chairs on the market to find the perfect option for everyone.