The 12 Best Camping Chairs

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Weight:1.9 lbs |Frame:Slingback |Comfort:Optional cup holder, rocking feet, and ground cover

Korean brand Helinox has been at the forefront of ultralight camping-chair tech since the early 2010s, and its collapsible seats have only become more popular at music festivals, campgrounds, and park picnics. Indeed, whenever I take mine camping with friends, I end up converting a fellow camper into buying their own. The Helinox Chair One is comfortable and easy to carry, if a little lower to the ground than a traditional camping chair. It weighs less than two pounds, and its tiny packed-down size (equivalent to about one-and-a-half Nalgenes) makes transport a breeze. You assemble the Chair One like a tent: There’s a collapsible aluminum-pole frame that’s held together with shock cords and a sling seat made from nylon and mesh that slips over it. As Rottman explains, it’s just about “the most efficient design for a camping chair that exists.” The chair’s carrier bag attaches to its frame and can be used as a storage compartment. Should you need some accessories, the brand sells a clip-on cup holder, optional rocking feet, and a ground-cover sheet. Its other camping chair offerings include the more lightweightChair Zero(ideal for backpacking) and high-backedSunset Chair(for all my glampers out there).

Weight:4.4 lbs |Frame:Slingback |Comfort:Breathable mesh fabric

More affordable than the Chair One above, though a few pounds heavier, is this chair beloved byStrategist writer Dominique Parisowith a similar two-piece design. Pariso uses it at the beach every summer — “everywhere from Riis to Brighton Beach and on trips to Fire Island.” As opposed to the cumbersome Tommy Bahama recliner that she had used previously, this chair’s Hydro Flask–size bag clips onto a tote bag and is therefore much easier to lug through the sand. And it’s made from ripstop nylon mesh that’ll dry off very quickly.

Weight:1.14 lbs |Frame:Slingback |Comfort:Reclining

The Nemo Moonlight has a similarly lightweight and collapsible-pole structure to the Helinox One but with straps that adjust so you can recline backward if desired. The chair comes recommended by Bialowas — he uses his to watch the stars when camping in the Cuyama Valley. As well as its adjustability, Bialowas likes the chair’s weight, packability, and ease of setup. “No one enjoys lugging a bunch of gear out to the beach or to their campsite or having to make multiple trips,” he explains. “A chair that is small and light enough to fit in your tote is the way to go. Especially if you don’t have to sacrifice comfort.”

Weight:3.65 lbs |Frame:Slingback |Comfort:Quick to assemble

I also tested out Cliq’s ClassiQ chair, which offers a clever variation on the sling-chair designs above. Whereas the Helinox One comes in two separate pieces (a fabric seat and metal pole frame), the seat and frame on Cliq’s chairs are pre-attached. This means that you assemble the chair in one quick and fluid movement rather than having to slip the seat over the frame before sitting down. I much prefer Cliq’s method of setup, but it does come with a trade-off: an additional pound of weight. Other than that, the comfort level is about the same. So if you’re not too worried about your camping chair being “ultralight,” this is an excellent option. Especially as it still packs down super-small.

Weight:11.13 lbs |Frame:Quad frame |Comfort:Rocker feet, drink holder

On the comfier side of things is this outdoor rocking chair that’ll be the envy of every camper who walks past your site.The Dyrtco-founder Sarah Smith finds herself recommending the GCI Rocker to “anyone who will listen,” adding that it’s both “supercomfortable and slightly decadent.” Strategist contributor and experienced camper Steven John is a fan of this surprisingly lightweight chair, which he says is asessential to his camping kitas a stove.

Weight:10.5 lbs |Frame:Quad frame |Comfort:Lumbar support, drink holders

If you’re after a sturdier quad chair rather than a lightweight slingback, Marc and Julie Bennett of RVLove are fans of the Strongback Guru. “It’s great for people with back issues — or those who want to avoid them,” they say. “You have to sit in one to appreciate the difference.” The durable Guru has a 300-pound capacity and comes with a two-year warranty, which is unusual for a camping chair.

Weight:33 lbs |Frame:Lounger |Comfort:Cushioning, drink holder, side caddy

Another favorite among the RV set? These supercomfy recliners that adjust to whatever angle you please. Steve Johnson ofBoondocker’s Biblesays that Zero Gravity’s lounge chair is “effectively a folding chaise longue but much more comfortable.”RVBlogger’s Mike Scarpignato agrees, admitting it’s the only lounger he’s ever fallen asleep in. Frank and Grainne Foley ofthe Roving Foleys, big fans, prefer their zero-gravity chairs with side caddies — ideal for holding drinks and cell phones.

Weight:9 lbs |Frame:Collapsible quad frame |Comfort:Cup holder and media pocket

Ever tried to pack four friends and a weekend’s worth of camping gear into a tiny rental car? It can be tricky, which is why a flat-pack-style quad chair like this one is worth considering. After trying this one out, I’m impressed with the chair’s sturdiness and storage potential: It really does pack down into a pretty neat square (1/16 of its assembled size, according to the brand), which is great for apartment storage as well as the aforementioned carTetrisgame. It’s taller and more rigid than a slingback-style chair albeit much heavier. I like the storage sleeves on each arm, too, although I’ll note that they’re better for stashing water bottles and phones than beer cans or coffee mugs.

Weight:1 lb |Frame:Folding stadium seat |Comfort:Adjustable recline

Folding completely flat, Crazy Creek’s cleverly designed adjustable nylon stadium seat can be taken anywhere, from sporting events to campgrounds. And while you sure won’t be dangling your legs from this chair, it does offer both comfort and support,the Dyrt’s head of growth Ryan Fliss assures us: “Because you still have a soft bottom and a seat back.” An avid camper, he’s had his Crazy Creek chair for nearly a decade and has never needed to take advantage of the brand’s lifetime warranty.

Weight:12 oz., 14 oz. |Frame:Stool |Comfort:Mesh seat

Another shockingly lightweight seating option for those on the trail is this three-legged stool from BTR. The brand sent me one to try out last year, and I have to admit that it’s temptingly backpack-friendly and far superior to sitting on a craggy rock. Weighing less than your average collapsible hiking pole, the stool has telescoping aluminum legs and a thin but durable seat made from nylon mesh. It’s available in two different leg lengths. When collapsed, the smaller stool measures about 12 inches high while the larger is about 14 inches. I opted for the taller option, which seems preferable in terms of comfort — unless weight is a very serious consideration.

Weight:2 oz. |Frame:Seat pad |Comfort:Warmth-boosting reflective foam

Affordable, lightweight, and stashable, foam seat pads are the preferred seating choice for a multiday hike. “They only weigh a couple ounces, so you’re not adding a lot of your pack,” explains REI’s virtual-outfitting team lead Forrest Jarvi.Therm-a-Rest’s Z-Seat is a classic of the genre that’s both affordable and hard-wearing.Jimmy the Hiking Nerdhas been using his for years — and not just for keeping his hiking pants clean: “Out in the backcountry, this Z-Seat has been my makeshift pillow, a windscreen for my stove, a fan to get the campfire going, and a barrier against the snow.”

Weight:13 lbs |Frame:Lawn chair |Comfort:Low-profile, cord seat

Chelsea Rizzo and Allison Levy, co-founders of women’s outdoor-gear brand and New York City–based hiking clubHikerkind, like taking foam seat pads out on the trail. But for car camping, the design-conscious duo pointed us to these delightfully retro picnic chairs fromIta, the first-ever Black-owned outdoor-furniture brand. “I never thought I’d love a camping chair, but I’m definitely infatuated with this one,” says Rizzo of Ita’s leisure chair, which collapses into a stackable square and can be popped into position in less than one minute. She says the chairs are thoughtfully crafted and designed to last: “I’ve made the bad decision before by buying the cheaper, heavier thing — what we love to promote is buying intentionally with a purpose, then using it forever.”

Weight:16.4 lbs |Frame:Double quad |Comfort:Insulated drink holders, padded seat

For couples and very close friends, Kelty’s 400-pound-capacity love seat is a classic. Instantly recognizable, you’ll see that these blue-and-orange traveling couches are a popular choice among van lifers. Hogate and Ladroma are obsessed with theirs, calling it “one of the best purchases” they’ve made for their van. They love sitting in it together (“It’s romantic— that’s the reason we got it”) or with their furry travel companion, Chaco. “One of the things I miss on the road is sitting on the couch with my dog, so this is a way to do that,” Ladroma explains. Although the chair is rather large, it collapses neatly for storage, fitting into a bag that has a useful backpack-style carry strap. It’s durable too. “We’ve seen people on the road who’ve had it for quite a while,” Hogate says. “The brand is known for creating things that last.” There’s also alow versionwith slightly shorter legs that’s more ideal for outdoor concerts and the like.

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