The best camping chairs

Whether you're glamping, camping, or hiking, a camping chair is an essential purchase.

the best camping chairs 2021

by William Lobley |
Updated on

When camping, there are essential pieces of equipment such as tents and cookers. Then there are the few luxuries we allow ourselves. Sometimes these come in the form of nifty gadgets; sometimes they come in the form of a comfortable chair.

We've expertly-selected a range of camping chairs that will suit every need, from super lightweight chairs for hiking, to sustainable chairs made from recycled material, to big inflatable armchairs for glamping.

Whatever your requirements, there will be a camping chair for you here.

The best camping chairs in detail:

Editoru2019s pick
Outwell Catamarca
Price: £136.99

For a sturdy and comfortable camping chair, look no further. The Catamarca XL has a solid steel frame for strength and taut polyester fabric for comfort. Consequently, it has a maximum user weight limit of a massive 150 kilograms. At four kilograms, the chair itself is no lightweight but the trade-off benefits are thoroughly worthwhile for relaxing summer campers.

Specifications

Weight: 4.1kg

Max user weight: 150kg

Pack size: 96cm x 23cm x 20cm

Opened size: 96cm x 90cm x 62cm

Best recliner

The Outwell Acadia Signature Lounger is something like a portable armchair. The fabric of the seat holds tightly to the frame, the well-padded backing offers extra comfort. The headrest is adjustable to support the head and neck. It's a large chair, so itu2019s best used at a campsite accessible via vehicle, or even in your own garden at home.

Specifications

Weight: 6.3kg

Max user weight: 180kg

Pack size: 100cm x 68cm x 21cm

Opened size: 114cm x 85cm x 68cm

Most comfortable
Vango Thor Oversized Foldable Camping Chair
Price: £89.61

Imagine a camping chair with padding enough to sink into; solid and stable like your favourite chair at home. Well, the Thor from Vango is it. Like the Samson above, the Thor has a steel frame capable of taking up to 180 kilograms. Meanwhile, the fabric is called DuoWeaveu2122; the idea being that it provides both soft comfort and durability. Mission accomplished.

Specifications

Weight: 6.3kg

Max user weight: 180kg

Pack size: 105cm x 30cm x 25cm

Opened size: 93cm x 87cm x 80cm

Sustainability award

The Bel-Sol camping chair is made from recycled PET bottles. Often people consider an eco-friendly option as a compromise on quality but that is not the case, at least here. This camping chair has an adjustable backrest and has a maximum user weight of 120 kilograms. It also looks great and is very comfortable to sit in.

Specifications

Weight: 5.3kg

Max user weight: 120kg

Pack size: 97cm x 23cm x 21cm

Opened size: 105cm x 51cm x 47cm

Best lightweight camping chair

The Helinox Chair One is a highly regarded product in the camping market. This is because of its extremely lightweight design, which incorporates light, but very strong, steel tubes to build up the frame of the chair. The seat itself sits very close to the ground, which also helps to reduce the amount of material needed in the construction. The result is an item that folds down to a very small, hike-friendly package.

Specifications

Weight: 0.96kg

Max user weight: 145kg

Pack size: 35cm x 12cm x 10cm

Opened size: 66cm x 52cm x 50cm

Best budget camping chair

This is probably the design most think of when it comes to camping chairs. It's a basic seat, but it does the job well, being affordable, foldable, and even packing a cup holder and chiller to boot. While the frame design does mean a little sag develops in the seat underweight, it's nevertheless a comfortable and reliable chair.

Specifications

Weight: 3.6kg

Max user weight: 102kg

Pack size: N/A

Opened size: 97cm x 91cm x 61cm

Best moon chair

Zempire is one of the best brands in the world of camping and glamping. Its Moonbase Chair really is the essence of Zempire: big, luxurious, and a real quality item. While it canu2019t match the Vango chairs above, the Zempire moon chair also features a steel frame (maximum user weight 120 kilograms) and durable yet highly padded 600D polyester fabric.

Specifications

Weight: 6.92kg

Max user weight: 120kg

Pack size: 108cm x 48cm x 20cm

Opened size: 89cm x 60cm x 60cm

Best deck chair

Coleman's Deck Chair is a great choice for those looking for a seat with taut fabric and long life. The design of the chair's frame ensures that the seat is tight even under the pressure of weight, and the thin padding adds a nice, if not excessive, bit of insulation into the mix. The rust-proof frame and 600D fabric should ensure this one lasts for many years to come.

Specifications

Weight:2.6kg

Max user weight: 113kg

Pack size: 75cm x 53cm x 13cm

Opened size: 78cm x 62cm x 53cm

We make no apologies for the fact this inflatable chair is rather expensive. We knew youu2019d mention the price but the fact is, this inflatable armchair from Outdoor Revolution is wonderful. Itu2019s doesnu2019t flop like a damp old sock, as cheaper options do. The Campeze is rigid and seriously comfortable - the pictures don't do this chair justice but user reviews do. Itu2019s big when inflated though, so make sure youu2019ve got the space for it.

Specifications

Weight: 5kg

Max user weight: 120kg

Pack size: N/A

Opened size: 85cm x 105cm x 75cm

What to look for in a new camping chair:

While the camping chair is, in many ways, a basic and simple object, there are a few key points to note when looking for a new one. The first thing to look for is fabric tautness, which dictates how much fabric sages when under a load – this sag can make or break a camping chair, so looking for a robust frame that’ll hold everything in place is key. The second thing to note is the maximum capacity, as chairs all carry varying maximum loads and exceeding these may damage the chair and the sitter.

The third thing to consider is chair weight and size – this will determine the activity a chair is best suited to. For example, the Helinox Chair One is ideal for hikers and backpackers as it’s small, compact, and lightweight. However, if you’re going to only use a chair in the garden or at a campsite within walking distance of your car, a large luxurious chair like the Outwell Acadia Signature Lounger will be a fine choice.

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