The Best Camping Chairs

Helinox's chair is a triumph of lightweight engineering, designed for backpackers who don’t want to compromise on comfort after a long day on the trails. Despite having a 265-pound weight capacity, the Helinox Chair Zero weighs a mere pound and packs down smaller than a water bottle.

The frame is made from a high-tech aluminum alloy, and thanks to an elasticated cord system it virtually assembles itself (and also guarantees you won’t lose any bits). The reinforced seat section fits snugly over the assembled frame and is staggeringly comfortable given its size and weight, with a generous amount of back support. OK, you’re only 8.5 inches off the ground, but in my experience this simply means you can stretch your legs out, kick back, and relax.

The Chair Zero it’s so light, in fact, that you can buy a chair anchor ($14) to stop it blowing away. It’s niche, and most people don’t need it to be this light, and the new Helinox Chair One (Re) sits higher off the ground for better support, but for portability and comfort it can’t be beaten.

Nemo's Moonlite Elite is the chair I would take backpacking if I were going to take a chair backpacking. As it stands, I like this chair around camp and did once bring it on a bikepacking trip (where I am less weight-conscious than when backpacking). For the size, the Moonlite Elite is surprisingly comfortable, and it packs down to a tiny little package that'll fit pretty much anywhere in your pack. The straps are adjustable, allowing you to recline, though I find it much more comfortable in the fully upright and locked position (if only it had a tray table). What really sets the Moonlite Elite apart from competitors like the Helinox Chair Zero is the base pad (which doubles as the stuff sack). The base pad keeps the sharp points of the poles from sinking into soft soil and sand, making it possible to actually use the chair.

My main gripe is that the Moonlite Elite is on the narrow side. I’m 5'11", 165 pounds, and the back poles definitely dig into my shoulder/lat area. So long as I shift my position every now and then it's not an issue, but definitely something to keep in mind if you have broad shoulders. —Scott Gilbertson

Decathlon's chair offers outstanding value for backpackers and campers wanting lightweight portability (and comfort) without paying big for the privilege. At just $60, it’s half the price of the Helinox Chair One, yet weighs a perfectly respectable 3.8 pounds (as compared to Helinox's 2.1 pounds). The steel frame mechanism isn’t especially elegant, and I’m not convinced it will last as long as the Helinox, but the swivel main bracket and clip-in feet do keep you a comfortable height off the ground.

Folded dimensions are approximately 24.4 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches, which is small enough to stash in a pack, and the reason I’ve seen so many of these in parks and at festivals over the summer. The bucket style seat did occasionally dig into my shoulder blades, and if I sat down too heavily I could feel the frame beneath, but it’s not a huge problem. That's the compromise you make for such a good value, with a compact chair that’s far more comfier than the ground.

This director’s chair from Coleman is made from lightweight aluminum and super-tough 600D polyester. It folds flat for easy packing—stacked side-by-side, you can fit a family’s worth in a modest-size car trunk—and has carry straps if you do need to lug it from carpark to beach or camp.

While it doesn’t have a high back for reclining, it has a deep seat and supporting backrest that makes it great for pulling up to a table for dinner or sitting around the fire and chatting. Obviously, the real win here is its surprisingly sturdy fold-down side table and drink holder, which is ideal for a couple of drinks and a generous bowl full of snacks.

Specs wise, the Deck Chair supports 250 pounds, which is great for most people but not as inclusive as some. The almost-17-inch height works well for eating, and at 20.5 inches wide the seat is generous.

Known for its ultra-cool, minimalist outdoor gear and camping equipment, Snow Peak’s take on the classic Tripolina chair is a gorgeous blend of bamboo, aluminum, and canvas. It collapses down to an easily transportable, if slightly long, bundle that’s easy to store at home and fit in the trunk.

Aesthetically, the Take! is the most stylish camping chair on the market. The canvas sling gives the chair a relaxed, organic look, which is a nice change from the plastic poles and polyester. But be warned, it does get grubby and will need regular cleaning, especially at the corners. (You can buy a replacement for $50.)

The aluminum and bamboo frame is strong and fairly light, and the canvas has a high back and deep seat allowing you to really lie back and relax. It is a very comfortable chair and on a recent camping trip was regularly fought over by kids and adults alike. Smaller people can also curl their feet up, which I was told is a nice bonus. You are quite reclined, however, so it’s not great for eating or leaning forward for campfire conversations. This is an expensive camping chair, one that requires regular cleaning, but it is good-looking enough for home use, so technically you could argue you’re getting a two-for-one.

Dometic is carving out a reputation for producing excellent-quality, innovative outdoor kit. While its electric coolers steal the headlines, its campground furniture has thoroughly impressed. A host of large reclining designs are perfect for RV users with unlimited amounts of storage, but for me, the Go stands out for its compact high-quality aluminum  frame, smooth folding mechanism, wooden trim and super tough 600D nylon fabric.

It’s an easy chair to transport and store, and once unfolded makes a real statement at the campground. It can take up to 280 pounds, which is reassuringly robust. I also found the low, but not too low, seat position really comfortable, with plenty of lumbar support and no sagging. I would obviously like a cup holder, but it’s not a huge deal-breaker and would arguably spoil the luxe look of the armrests. While $150 isn’t cheap, it represents excellent value for money, and I expect it to be offering reliable comfort for years to come.

Let's get the bad part out of the way: Like all Yeti goods, this chair is ridiculously overpriced. The seat is 20 inches wide, which isn't that much smaller than the Coleman chairs but feels small because the weight capacity is 500 pounds. It's just not big enough for a 500-pound person (although this is conjecture on my part, as I am very far from being a 500-pound person).

However, if you are under 500 pounds, this chair will not disappoint. Unlike cheaper chairs at this price point (even the Snow Peak!), the mesh lets air flow through and conforms to your body without soaking or sagging. Both the back and the armrests clamp into place, so you don't have to fear any unexpected collapses. The feet are broad so it feels stable in squishy sand. This is not a chair for slinging over your shoulder and moving from the campfire to the beach to watch your kids play. However, if you're planning to spend all day at a tailgate, or to hang out in crystal-clear, knee-high water in Destin, you want this chair. I tested this on a lake weekend, and it was the preferred chair of everyone who didn't want to change out of their soggy bathing suits. The back offers plenty of support for older people, and the seat is high enough so you can rest your head and look up at the stars. —Adrienne So