Unbelievable This Folding Chair Will Make Your Life Easier

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Sick of a numb bum and ready for comfort? We've bought and tested 34 unique camping chairs in the last 10 years to bring you the best 15 models available today in this review. Our team of lounging experts and relaxation enthusiasts spent months rigorously testing each model side-by-side. Comfort scores weighed the heaviest in our assessments, but we also considered other factors like packability and ease of use. We took these chairs camping in the desert, packed them into cars, carried them to family reunions, and napped in them on the beach. Whether you're on the hunt for a reading chair or a sideline seat, we've found the right model for your needs and wallet.

Stylish Folding Chairs We Love

Spending a night in the woods is fun any way you look at it, but it's even better with the right camping gear and one of our favorite tents. Whether you need a top-rated camping stove and camping cookware for your kitchen kit or a cushy camping mattress and travel-sized pillow for a good night's rest, we've got you covered. We've also tested the best backpacking chairs if you need to go lighter and smaller than what this review covers.

Editor's Note: We updated our camping chair review on May 26, 2023, to ensure our lineup is current. We also updated the individual reviews for the REI Camp X and NEMO Stargaze Recliner to share information on updates to those models.

This low, fully-padded take on a classic lawn chair is great for taking to campfires and outdoor concerts with its backpack straps

The 11 Best Camp Chairs Of 2023

The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is our favorite camping chair and one of two we deem the most comfortable. The King Kong has consistently been the first chair snagged whenever our test team gathers around a campfire. The slightly padded fabric makes it ideal for long lounging sessions, and the seat itself is exceptionally roomy — if a bit slouchy — with an incredibly stable frame. The listed weight capacity is 800 pounds, and as a result, the reinforced fabric is very durable. Testers appreciated all of the functional storage features, including two cup holders, two side pockets, and an additional small pocket behind the headrest. The setup of this chair is super simple and only takes a matter of seconds.

All this comfort and added reinforcement do come at a cost. With extra features come several extra pounds, making the King Kong one of the heaviest single-person models we tested. It also lacks a headrest, so it's not the ideal chair for an afternoon snooze. On the other hand, we think this model will stand up to all of your needs for camping, tailgating, fishing, or anything else. If you need a comfy chair or use a camping-specific chair regularly and don't mind a bit of bulk, we highly recommend the King Kong.

REI updated this camp chair with a new name. It's now called the Skyward Chair, and aside from the use of recycled materials, this chair is very similar to the previous Camp X model we tested. We're linking to the updated Skyward Chair in our review.

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Despite what we would describe as a somewhat uninspiring appearance, the REI Co-op Camp X is a surprisingly versatile chair. Though it sits slightly lower and has a shorter back than similar models, this geometry doesn't detract much from its overall comfort. We love the height-adjustable armrests and extremely breathable mesh, which only serve to heighten the comfort of this chair. The Camp X is also more durable than it looks, with strategic reinforcements that support the body without creating awkward pressure points. It quickly sets up and packs up with a simple accordion fold and slides relatively painlessly back into a durable carry bag that can be carried over your shoulder or with the hand strap.

While we like that we can fit a big 1-liter Nalgene water bottle into the cup holder, these pockets are not the most secure for smaller drink containers like a 12-ounce glass bottle or can (although tossing a koozie on it helps). The odd shape can also get easily caught when putting the chair back into its carry bag. The seating platform also sits somewhat low to the ground, which could be an issue for taller folks. This isn't the most supportive chair, with a typical seat slouch and an upright back. Still, we think this is an impressively versatile, comfortable, portable chair that also happens to be one of the most affordable options we tested.

The GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro is a simple chair that offers solid performance for less than you might expect. It has a fairly tall seat and back to match widely-splayed arms, offering plenty of space to sit high above the ground. It's not the

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Supportive seat we tested, but it's above average among its competition, leaving slouchy folding sports chairs in the dust when it comes to supporting your full weight. The angled back continues that level of support without making you feel like you're collapsing in on yourself the longer you sit. A mesh panel keeps air flowing across the spine even on a hot day, while a single cup holder perfectly fits your favorite refreshing 12-ounce canned beverage.

If you have an oversized tumbler you like to drink from, there's nowhere to stash it on the Comfort Pro. Additionally, there are no large pockets for snacks, books, or magazines — just a single small pocket that's sized to hold your smartphone. With full-length crossed steel bars running the entire back of the chair, this chair becomes a rather long package, made slightly more awkward by its carry strap's lack of adjustability. And for those with shorter legs, the 20-inch high front edge may lead to dangling feet. But if you're taller, larger, or older and want a supportive seat that's easy to get out of, this budget-friendly option easily fits the bill.

If you're looking for a luxurious camp chair to enhance your glamping experience, look no further than the Yeti Trailhead. This ultra-durable and ergonomic design features maximum comfort, making our testers want to trade this camp chair for their office chairs. The FlexGrid fabric is supportive of the body while also allowing for breathability due to the perforated material.

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Everything about this chair speaks to luxury, from the intuitive and easy setup to the cross-over style, which enhances stability and sturdiness. The carry bag is thoughtfully designed and features not one but two straps, allowing for options depending on how far you need to carry. Even the zipper on the carry bag is heavy-duty and designed to last. 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.

The Kelty Low Loveseat amazes us with its incredibly comfortable two-person design. This model was very stable, with a lower seating height than most traditional camping chairs. While the feet of our shorter testers rested comfortably on the ground, Kelty also makes a version that's several inches taller. Made of durable materials, this chair can stand up to the trials of seating multiple people and even dogs for extended periods. After three straight years of regular use and some severe sun exposure, it's fading a bit but is still as comfortable as the first day we got it. This chair has grown on our lead tester the longer she has owned it, a credit to its impressive longevity and comfort.

Aside from the overall size and weight, our biggest complaint was how popular the Low Loveseat was with our friends, leaving us less time to enjoy its outstanding attributes. As a padded chair, it's also less breathable on a hot day, but with light colors, we hardly noticed. For its comfort and durability, as well as its ability to seat a couple of friends, we think this chair is worth considering.

Best Camping Chairs 2023: Comfortable, Lightweight And Stylish

The Helinox Sunset features a high back frame, ergonomic design, and 14-inch legs that allow for amazing comfort and back support within a compact and lightweight package. Our testers were pleased they didn't have to sacrifice performance for a highly packable chair. This is one we reached for again and again when space was tight, or we needed to be weight conscious.

We love that the well-designed carry bag also serves a dual purpose due to its ability to be converted into a personalized headrest. Simply stuff the carry bag with a puffy jacket or extra layer, and voila, comfort just got better. 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