The Flexlite Camp Boss here slots in right in the middle, combining a near-ideal mix of weight, comfort, and durability for many campers. It is pricier by $20 and heavier by a significant 1 pound 3 ounces, but we consider the Camp Boss the more approachable and well-rounded pick. Thoughts of camping chairs may conjure up images of $10 specials out front a big-box retailer, but let’s reorient ourselves to a slightly higher standard.
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 compromises make them less than ideal for camping and everyday use, but the streamlined design is popular among minimalists and when space is at a premium. Popular models in this category include the REI Co-op Flexlite line and Helinox Chair Zero. While it’s equipped for prolonged beverage enjoyment, it isn’t our favorite for prolonged sitting.
We’d recommend this for someone who wants a rocking chair that is easier to move around than your typical rocker. The Best Choice Products Adjustable Zero Gravity provides comfort at a really affordable price. This option gives you two zero gravity chairs for the price of one of many other brands. We really like how it reclines and raises easily, and the large drink tray is accommodating. For how comfortable and nice this chair is, we think it’s a great deal. If you’re looking for an outdoor chair that boasts style and comfort, you’ll find both in the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized.
In our experience, if you don’t need an ultralight model, traditional camp chairs offer the most foolproof structure. The sturdy powder coated steel frame and breathable mesh backrest can support up to 250 pounds in weight, while outdoor patio shades padded armrests and a built-in cup holder make for a more comfortable, luxurious sitting experience. Ground-to-seat height—listed as “height” in the table above—is simply a measurement from the ground to the bottom of the seat.
The easiest way to keep lawn chairs from sinking into the grass is by laying out a tarp, table cloth, or blanket beneath them. If that’s not an option for aesthetic or practical reasons, then try adding furniture sliders or cut tennis balls under the legs of your chair. We’re also fans of this chair’s aesthetic, which seems to simultaneously channel both high-end patio furniture and classic camping chairs to create a luxurious yet athletic vibe. The shades of silvery gray make for a sophisticated color palette that blends seamlessly with its surroundings, whether the chair is situated among nature or on your deck. The Coleman camping chair is big and durable, and of all the upright chairs that our panel of campers tested, it was the most comfortable. Businesses often give promotional gifts to their employees and clients, such as pens and notepads with the company logo.
We expect a proper car camping chair to not only fold up for easy transport, but to be comfortable, supportive, and made to last—even in rough and tumble weather. Below are our top picks for 2023, which run the gamut from budget-friendly models to comfort-first chairs and fun designs that rock and recline. For more information, check out our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
We got some admiring nods en route to the celebration—and we had one of the more comfy seats at the show. The camp-style chairs, like the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, Coleman Cooler Quad, and Kijaro Dual Lock, generally score the highest as they all packed into their own included carrying bags. In the Kijaro’s case, you can skip the bag, as the chair itself has a shoulder strap on the frame that works well in conjunction with its namesake locking mechanism holding it closed in transit. However, its folded length is nearly 4 feet, which isn’t very compact nor convenient. We gave the Lawn Chair USA Webbing Chair a high score here because of how light it is (around four pounds) and how flat it folds. Some of the other chairs, especially the zero gravity chairs, are best as patio furniture, as they don’t pack down that small and typically weigh 15 or more pounds.