Our pick
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair With Cooler
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.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $35.
Every big-box and outdoor-equipment store sells camp chairs that have a similar design to the Coleman Oversized Quad Chair With Cooler. But after three group camping trips and six months of regular backyard use, we concluded that the Coleman chair is far more durable than the cheapest chairs of this design. And it’s also more comfortable and functional than similar chairs that cost over twice as much. With ample storage for beverages, a wide seat that testers of all sizes appreciated, and an affordable price, this is the Ford F-150 of camp chairs: big, tough, and widely beloved.
Also great
Renetto Original Canopy Chair
The Renetto’s big, heavy canopy provides ample sun protection at a campsite or cookout and doubles as a backpack-strap-equipped carrying case
The Renetto Original Canopy Chair, a cleverly designed specialty seat, is ideal for anyone who wants sun protection and doesn’t mind a heavier, bulkier chair. Despite the Renetto’s weight, though, our testers found it easy to carry and simple to set up and adjust. We discovered that even though most testers had not previously considered a shade-equipped camp chair, once they used one they appreciated the comfort and convenience of built-in sun blocking.
Also great
GCI Outdoor Everywhere Chair
This low-profile chair is easy to carry, and it adjusts for uneven ground.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $44.
A low-to-the-ground chair can be ideal for outdoor movies, concerts, theater performances, and other events where you want to avoid blocking other people’s view. Our testers liked the comfort and back support of the GCI Outdoor Everywhere Chair, as well as the ability to adjust it to sit on uneven ground. They also appreciated its cupholder (rare in chairs of this sort) and its quick close-up-and-carry design.
Also great
Helinox Chair One
You can stow this featherlight, compressible chair in a backpack or even a work bag.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $100.
Today’s specialty backpacking chairs are impressively small and light. They’re also far more expensive and significantly less comfortable than typical full-size camp chairs. We recommend buying this type only if you intend to carry your chair long distances, whether you’re backpacking or trekking across Central Park. If you do need a fits-in-a-knapsack chair, we recommend the Helinox Chair One. We found this model to be slightly more comfortable and easier to pack than other, similar chairs.
Also great
REI Co-op Camp Chair – Kids’
A functional cupholder, a convenient carry strap, and durable fabric distinguish REI’s kids’ chair from similar seats.
Cheap child-size chairs bought at big-box stores are unlikely to last more than a summer or two. The fold-up REI Co-op Camp Chair – Kids’ uses more-durable fabric and materials and has a stable design that resists toppling toddlers. You could buy this chair for a 2-year-old and expect the child to outgrow it before it gives out.