Having a nice camping chair can make or break the outdoor experience for many people, especially while sitting next to a warm campfire or while trying to relax. Some people can get away with using a camping stool or butt pad, but many others will want something more ergonomic and comfortable.
The ALPS Mountaineering Escape Camp Chair is one of the best-selling and most recommended camping chairs currently available. It is foldable, comes in many different colors, and offers amenities like a footrest, cup holder and reclining options.
Just about any chair could be used for camping, but certain types of chairs have found themselves interlinked with outdoor usage.
Most people think about comfort when it comes to using a footrest. While they certainly make for a more cozy experience, there are other benefits to using a footrest.
Not all camping chairs are built the same, and everyone might want something a little bit different. It’s essential to think about how big you want the chair to be, and conversely, how that will affect the weight. It’s also good to think about how easy it is to set up the chair. Generally speaking, the fewer parts that come with a chair, like pads, tables and coolers, the simpler it will be to set up.
If you are a smaller person or someone who doesn’t weigh much, it will be easy to fit in most chairs. However, bigger or taller people might find many camping chairs do not accommodate their body type. Always look at the weight capacity of a chair, and if possible, try it before you buy it. Even if you don’t weigh much, some chairs sit lower to the ground than others, while others are narrow or wide.
It’s nice to have one camping chair that can do it all. Having features like a built-in cooler, cup holder and table means carrying around less gear. It simplifies camping life and saves you time and space. At the same time, all these extra features can mean added weight and bulk to the chair, so if you prefer to be more minimalist, it’s easy to find simple chairs that still have a footrest.
Camping chairs can be pricey, and it’s nice to have a chair that can last many years. Many chairs are made of nylon or polyester, and brand names usually come with a certain level of quality assurance and maybe even a good warranty.
At the very least, read reviews on the chair you wish to buy to see what others say about the design and durability.
A nice camping chair will generally cost $50-$150. Many quality camping chairs with footrests are right around $100.
A. Backpacking with a chair is a luxury, and many hikers do not carry one. That said, some very small chairs are lightweight that can fit in a bag. Unfortunately, hiking with a camping chair would likely mean giving up on a footrest and a certain level of comfort.
A. Some can and some can’t. Camping chairs that can get wet are usually advertised as water-resistant. While most chairs can handle a few raindrops, if your chair gets wet, it is best to dry it off and avoid leaving them outside when not in use.
ALPS Mountaineering Escape Camp Chair
What you need to know: This comfortable camping chair is foldable with a removable footrest.
What you’ll love: This is one of the most reputable camping chairs on the market. It is made of water-resistant polyester material and is very comfortable with a removable footrest.
What you should consider: The chair design is narrow and may not be comfortable for bigger people.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Backcountry
GCI Outdoor 3-Position Reclining Director's Chair
What you need to know: This is a durable director’s chair that can hold up to 250 pounds and recline.
What you’ll love: This is a great all-purpose chair for bigger and taller people. It can recline and has three positions as well as a footrest. It is made of nylon and is very durable.
What you should consider: Despite the quality, it is heavier than some people will like.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair Oversized Recliner Padded Folding Patio Lounge Chair
What you need to know: This is a great zero gravity camping chair that can recline, and it supports up to 350 pounds.
What you’ll love: Almost anyone can fit in this chair. The zero gravity design is comfortable and keeps you in a neutral position. It comes with a footrest as well as a small table. It can recline for maximum comfort.
What you should consider: It is more expensive than some of the other options and takes a little bit more effort to unfold.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Stephen Morin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.