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. We’ve researched and considered dozens of different models during our neverending search for the best camping chairs. We purchase every chair and use them to hang out with our friends for months of use. We cart them on weekend camping trips, set them up at family reunions, spend late nights around the fire pit, watch sporting events, and hang out at all-day backyard barbecues.
While this chair does not feature armrests or boast an affordable price tag, we’re confident its durable design will last you for years to come. Measuring 18.5 inches long and weighing in at only patio furniture sets 3.24 pounds, the Sunset is the standard for lightweight and compact performance. It wouldn’t look out of place next to a 1960’s Sunrader, nor a modern Land Cruiser, on a car camping trip.
Teaming up to bring you this review is Maggie Nichols and Trish Matheny. Maggie is a seasoned multi-sport athlete and appreciates gear that makes for high-quality downtime when it’s time to kick back and relax. She has taught workshops and guided extensively worldwide on topics as diverse as snow camping and expedition kayaking.
Like most things you spend money on, you want your chair to be made from high-quality materials and thusly durable. To properly test these chairs’ ability to stand up to real-life abuse, we stood on them and plopped very heavily into them. And some chairs had some creaky results that made us question how long they would last if consistently treated this way. We also scrutinized every seam, pole joint, and material to see any wear and tear or potential flaws.
Another camp chair that features a perforated and breathable material that also resists damaging UV rays is the Yeti Trailhead. This luxurious chair is rated to 500 pounds and returns your investment by providing a durable cross-over frame that increases sturdiness and stability with grippy feet that hold the chair in place. 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.
Delivering on its get-up-and-go promise, the Yizi-go is exceptionally easy to carry, set up, and pack away. After regularly using the chair for six months, we found that it’s one of the easiest options to set up and break down. In addition to being very compact, its stuff sack has a strap for easy transport and safekeeping under the chair when you’re using it. The convenience continues with two side pockets that function as cup holders or storage for other provisions.