Our testers found that the super slouchy shape is somewhat uncomfortable for those who prefer a straighter spine, which is a relatively common complaint among camping models. The carrying bag’s stitching also started unthreading the moment we started using it, which makes us worry about the overall durability of the product. Still, it’s considerably more affordable than many other options in this review, so if you’re looking for a price-point camp chair, look no further. Finding a balance between comfort, durability, and affordability can be difficult when shopping for a camping-style chair. It offers plenty of sitting space for a camping chair, and some testers were impressed with the comfort of the padded canvas seat. We were also mightily impressed with its listed 800-lb weight capacity, more than double of any other chair we tested.
Those looking for additional room in the seat can opt for the Magnum version, while picnickers might prefer the equally tall, yet more compact, Picnic style chair. Those concerned with aesthetics will also be pleased to know that the Lawn Chair USA Webbing Chair is available in a ton of colors and can be re-webbed with a replacement lawn chair webbing kit if you want an update. The kit is also useful to restore well-worn chairs, but buyers needn’t worry about excessive wear any time soon—though the webbing will slightly stretch, the seat won’t sag and the fabric is fade-resistant. But after half a dozen excursions, we found—as we had with the Renetto Original Canopy Chair—that having a chair you can easily carry without a bag is preferable. In real-world conditions, you’re often packing up fast to try to get ahead of crowds or traffic.
True “comfort” camping chairs—provided you have the space in your car—can be large and luxurious. They have taller backs, are farther off the ground, and offer the best support and stability. In addition, they have the most features, from cup holders to storage pockets, and some even have a recline option.
For a lawn chair that feels like a trip to the spa, look no further than the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lawn Chair. As the name implies, this recliner offers a zero-gravity, weightless sensation by suspending your body in a neutral position, where your feet are elevated in alignment with your heart, encouraging relaxation. Designed as a set-it-up-and-leave-it foldable seat, the Yeti Hondo Base Camp Chair is not meant to be very portable—and it’s not.
Don’t underestimate the design potential of a basic folding lawn chair. Yes, it may be utilitarian and nondescript, but this ubiquitous piece of outdoor furniture can serve as a blank canvas for forward-thinking design that borders on artwork. The material is also plasticky and heats up underneath us after sitting for a while, which leaves something to be desired. But if you love the classic look and want a simple, very portable lawn chair, this might just be the ticket. It has one of the longest packed down lengths and is surprisingly heavy at nearly 17 pounds. The rocking feature also is really only nice if you’re on flat, stable ground.
Custom lawn chairs are a great way to promote your business while also giving your employees and clients a comfortable place to relax. The Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity chair is yet another comfy and spacious lawn chair outdoor patio shades for those who are serious about relaxing. It reclines to 50° and locks the backrest in place easily wherever you’d like it to stay. We like that the mesh material keeps things fairly breathable as the air temperature rises.
When we set up a dozen chairs around the campfire without comment, people consistently claimed them from largest to smallest. The Renetto Original Canopy Chair, a cleverly designed specialty seat, outdoor patio furniture is ideal for anyone who wants sun protection and doesn’t mind a heavier, bulkier chair. Despite the Renetto’s weight, our testers found it easy to carry and simple to set up and adjust.
Because weight isn’t a major factor, you can get a well-made and comfortable camping chair at a reasonable price—starting at around $50 and reaching as much as $300 for the YETI Trailhead. Top choices from this category include the REI Co-op Skyward Chair, Alps Mountaineering King Kong, and GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker. This review represents a combined effort of two of our senior review editors, Ethan Newman and Maggie Nichols. Not only that, but he’s spent years of his life car camping, and that means spending a ton of time in camp chairs. He has gotten even pickier over the past few years as chronic spine issues have surfaced, so he’s always on the lookout for a quality, comfortable, and supportive sitting surface. Maggie is a seasoned multi-sport athlete who’s spent years guiding folks both young and old in the great outdoors — and requires a comfortable seat from which to write about it all.