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Folding outdoor rocking chairs are the ultimate way to kick back and relax when spending time outdoors. The forward and backward rocking motion stops you from getting stiff, meaning more time in the sunshine without needing to leave your chair. In this guide, I have picked the 9 best folding outdoor rocking chairs, so that you can make the most of your time outdoors.
Recommended Folding Outdoor Rocking Chairs
- ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair – Smallest Pack Size Traditional Rocker
- Creative Outdoor Products Camping Chair – Best Traditional Rocker with Coolbag
- Coleman Cross Rocker Chair – Lightest Traditional Portable Rocker
- Venture Forward Rocker Chair W/ Removable Pad – Best High Back Traditional Outdoor Rocker
- GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair – Smallest Pack Size Suspension Rocker
- GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair – Lightest Folding Rocker with Suspension
- GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker Chair – Best Suspension Rocker with Canopy
- GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair with Side Table – Best Suspension Rocker with Side Table
- Ozark Trail Outdoor Tension Camp 2-in-1 Rocking Chair – Best Folding 2 in 1 Rocker
What to Look for When Buying a Rocking Chair
When you are looking for a folding outdoor rocking chair, there are certain factors that you will need to consider. The chances are that you need to compromise in at least one of these areas to get the right chair for you without spending too much money.
Chair Weight
When looking for an outdoor rocking chair, it is important to take the weight of the chair into consideration.
A heavier chair will be more difficult to move and carry if you need to walk to where you are going to be sitting but is more likely to be built to support a higher weight limit and be more sturdy than lighter alternatives. Heavier chairs are a good choice for those who are car camping or erecting their chair without needing to walk too far.
A lighter chair will be much easier to carry to where you will be sitting but will be less durable than a heavier chair and generally will have a lower weight limit. Lightweight chairs are a good choice for those who will need to carry their chair quite far before sitting.
Ultimately, you should choose a chair that is the right weight for your needs.
Weight Limit
Portable rocking chairs are a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors but it is important to be aware of the weight limit. Exceeding the weight limit can cause the chair to break and lead to serious injury. Always use caution when using any type of chair and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When choosing the right chair for you, you will need to decide whether the weight limit is somewhere you can compromise or whether you are happier to have a heavier chair so that you don’t risk breaking a chair with a lower weight limit.
Related: What Is The Strongest Camping Chair?
Pack Size
When it comes to choosing a portable rocking chair, size definitely matters. Here are a few reasons why pack size is important:
- A larger chair will be more comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time, and will generally not pack down as small as a smaller chair. If you’re planning on using your chair for long hikes or camping trips, comfort is key, so a larger pack size might be more acceptable
- A smaller chair will be easier to carry and pack into tight spaces. If you’re limited on space or trying to save weight, a smaller chair is the way to go.
- Some chairs come with extra features like footrests or cup holders. These can add a lot of bulk and weight, so if you’re looking for a lightweight option, be sure to check the specs before you buy.
Seat Height
When it comes to choosing a portable rocking chair, seat height is an important factor to consider. A chair that is too low can be uncomfortable to sit in for extended periods of time, and a chair that is too high can be difficult to get in and out of. The ideal seat height for a portable rocking chair is between 16 and 18 inches.
Seat Width
Another important factor to consider when choosing a portable rocking chair is the width of the seat. A seat that is too narrow can be uncomfortable, and a seat that is too wide can make it difficult to rock back and forth. The ideal seat width for a portable rocking chair is between 17 and 19 inches.
Overall Chair Size
When buying a portable rocking chair, it is important to consider the overall size of the chair. A larger chair will be more comfortable for most people, and it will also be easier to set up and take down. Additionally, a larger chair will be more stable and less likely to tip over.
However, larger chairs are generally heavier, which makes them more difficult to carry and move around.
Rocking Type
Not all outdoor rocking chairs are made equal! There are two main types of outdoor rocking chairs that you will need to choose between:
- Traditional Rocking Chair – These are designed with curved bars under the legs on which the chair rests. These allow the chair to rock backwards and forwards depending on your seating position
- Suspension Rocking Chairs – Suspension rocking chairs have 4 legs like a regular outdoor chair, but also include a set of suspension at the rear, which allows you to rock backwards. These chairs are typically very sturdy and comfortable to sit in
Features
When looking for the perfect portable rocking chair, it is important to consider the features that are most important to you. For some, cup holders and a side table are essential. Others may prefer a mesh back for breathability on hot summer days. No matter what your priorities are, be sure to consider all the features before making your final purchase.
Price
When it comes to buying a portable rocking chair, price is important for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, you want to make sure that you are getting a good value for your money. There are a lot of cheap chairs out there that will not last very long or be very comfortable.
Secondly, you want to make sure that the chair you buy is going to be comfortable. A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that all portable rocking chairs are created equal in terms of comfort, but this is not the case. You need to find a chair that is going to be comfortable for you to sit in for extended periods of time.
Lastly, you want to make sure that the chair you buy is going to be durable. The last thing you want to do is shell out a lot of money for a chair and then have it fall apart after just a few months.
Best Folding Outdoor Rocking Chairs
The following is a list of the best folding outdoor rocking chairs. The list is organised by the types of rocking chairs.
Best Folding Traditional Outdoor Rockers
Traditional folding rocking chairs are designed with curved bars under the legs of the chair. This is what allows the chair to rock back and forth. The following chairs are the best folding traditional outdoor rocking chairs on the market today.
Smallest Pack Size Traditional Rocker
If you’re looking for a comfortable traditional outdoor rocking chair which packs down small and is easy to carry, the ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair would be a very good choice.
This traditional rocking chair has been designed in a way that makes it easy to carry to your camping spot. Packing down to 34″ x 10″ x 10″, it isn’t as small as a backpacking camping chair, but compared to other traditional rockers, this one is smaller. You can just throw it over your shoulder and off you go.
This chair has a lower profile than most other outdoor rocking chairs, with a seat height of just 15″. This is still a comfortable height, but something to consider if you are quite tall. The overall size of the chair is 32″ x 22″ x 17″, which is smaller than other chairs on this list and depending on your needs could be a real benefit.
Weighing in at 11lbs, the ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair is just below average for weight compared to other camping rocking chairs on the list. The steel frame adds some extra weight to this chair compared to an aluminium frame, however, this does mean you get a higher max load at 300lbs, which is very good given the size of the chair.
The ALPS Mountaineering Low Rocker Chair is a good choice for those wishing to carry their chair to where they will be sitting without it feeling cumbersome to do so.
Best Traditional Rocker with Coolbag
Folding rocking chairs are not just about being economical for storage compared to non-folding rocking chairs, they are also about making sure you are comfortable when sitting too. This is where the Creative Outdoor Products Camping Chair gets it just right.
This chair is easy to carry, folding down to 29″ x 22″ x 5″ size, which isn’t the smallest compared to other camping rocking chairs, but it comes with handy shoulder straps which means you can carry it just like a backpack.
The chair is also a pretty decent size, measuring 36″ x 24″ x 35″, which is a good size.
The real benefits of the Creative Outdoor Products Camping Chair are how comfortable it is. Whilst the seat isn’t padded, the breathable mesh back ensures that you don’t get hot when sitting for long periods. You also get the major bonus of a detachable cool bag for your snacks and drinks, and a bottle holder, meaning that once you are in this folding rocking chair, you might not want to leave it!
The Creative Outdoor Products Camping Chair really is a good choice if you want a comfortable outdoor rocking chair that you can sit in for hours.
Lightest Traditional Portable Rocker
If you are going to be setting up your chair somewhere that is not near your car, you will want to find a folding rocking chair that is light and easy to carry. The best light portable rocking chair is the Coleman Cross Rocker Chair.
This folding rocking chair has been designed with a low profile, sitting at just 27″ high. Even though this chair is small in height, the width and depth are similar to other chairs, at 32″ and 26″ respectively.
This chair folds down pretty flat, with an overall packed size of 31″ x 27″ x 6″, which is great for storage and packing in your car. With this relatively small pack size as well as weighing just 10.8lbs, this is a chair that is easy to carry to where you need to set it up.
The Coleman Cross Rocker Chair has a pretty decent max load, capable of supporting up to 300lbs of weight. It also comes with a handy cup holder which keeps your drink upright even whilst you are rocking.
This is a great choice of camping rocking chair and it is particularly good for those looking to save weight on their gear without compromising on comfort.
Best High Back Traditional Outdoor Rocker
Most outdoor rocking chairs are primarily designed to be small and light, but sometimes the thing you want most from your rocking camp chair is comfort. If this sounds like you, the Venture Forward Rocker W/Removable Pad is precisely what you are looking for.
This chair is taller than most of the other chairs on the list due to the high back design of the chair. This high back is partly what makes this one of the comfiest rocking chairs you will come across as you can properly lie back and rock your troubles away. The 21.5″ wide seat means you will also have plenty of space on this chair as well.
With all of this size comes extra weight. This chair weighs 14.5lbs, which is heavier than most portable rocking chairs. The steel frame, which makes this a sturdy chair doesn’t help to keep the weight down either. The max load on this chair is 300lbs, which is good but is also the least you would expect given the weight of the chair.
In spite of its size, this camp chair folds down relatively flat, with a packed size of 36″ x 27″ x 9″. Whilst this is not the smallest, it is still not bad. This chair also comes with a comfortable seat, with an additional pad for the chair.
The Venture Forward Rocker Chair W/ Removable Pad is a great choice if you are looking for a comfortable outdoor rocking chair and aren’t too concerned about weight and size.
Best Folding Outdoor Rockers With Suspension
Folding outdoor rocking chairs with suspension don’t have the normal curved bars you would expect to see on a rocking chair. Instead, they have normal chair legs and then suspension at the rear that allows you to rock back on the chair.
The following are the best folding outdoor rockers with suspension available on the market today.
Smallest Pack Size Suspension Rocker
If you are after a suspension rocker that is comfortable and packs down small, the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair would be a good choice.
The Pod Rocker packs down to just 40″ x 7″ x 6″, which makes this a long, thin chair to pack. This is great for those who are looking for a camping chair that can slot into a nook or cranny when being stored and is easy to transport to where you are setting up camp.
In spite of the small pack size, this camp chair is a good size, measuring 35″ x 30″ x 28″. This is a good size for most campers. The seat height at just over 20″ is also a good size and will be especially good for the taller camper who doesn’t like their knees to be too bent.
This folding rocking chair is also fairly light, weighing 11.75lbs, which is below average compared to other chairs on the list. This is great for those who are not car camping and will need to carry their chair to where they will be setting up camp/sitting for the day.
The max load on this chair is 250lbs, which is the average for suspension rocking chairs.
Overall the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight, small camping rocking chair.
Lightest Folding Rocker with Suspension
There is nothing worse than having to carry a heavy chair with you for a long period of time before you get to sit back and relax. Unless you regularly camp very close to your car, you will want a lightweight camping chair to make life easier. If you are sold on the idea of a folding rocker with suspension, then the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair is a great choice for the weight-conscious camper.
This folding rocking chair weighs just 10.6lbs, making it the lightest out of all the camping chairs on this list. This is a real bonus for those who need to carry their chair quite far before sitting down. This chair also folds down quite small, measuring just 39″ x 8″ x 6″. This, along with the hand carry strap makes it easy to carry.
The chair when unfolded measures 33″ x 32″ x 27″, which is similar to other chairs on the list. The seat is 17.1″ high, which is about average for a camping chair, so should feel comfortable for the average camper.
The max weight on this chair is 250lbs, which is fairly low compared to other camping chairs but is comparable to other rocking chairs with suspension.
The GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair really is the best choice for this after a lightweight, easy-to-carry camping chair.
Best Suspension Rocker with Canopy
When the weather is hot and the sun is beating down, you need to slap on some sunscreen and/or seek shade. But what if your folding rocking chair had a built-in canopy to protect you from the sun? Say hello to the GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker Chair.
This outdoor rocking chair with suspension has been designed for long days out in the sun. The canopy can be positioned above you in the chair to protect you from the sun’s rays. With a UPF 50+ fabric shield on the canopy, you are also protected from harmful rays.
This chair is slightly larger than some of the other chairs on this list, measuring 39″ x 36″ x 26″, which is a good size for most campers. It also folds down into a handy storage bag that measures 44″ x 8″ x 6″. This is larger than some of the others on the list but is still good for carrying over your shoulder to where you will be setting up your seat.
This chair weighs 13lbs, which makes this one of the heavier chairs on this list, but still not overly heavy for carrying around with you. It also has a max load of 250lbs, which is average for suspension rocking chairs.
The GCI Outdoor Sunshade Rocker Chair is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the outdoors on a sunny day without the worry of getting burnt.
Best Suspension Rocker with Side Table
When relaxing with friends around the campfire enjoying meal, it can be a bit of a pain to get up and leave your chair to get your drink or food. Unless you’re happy to put your feed on the ground (watch out for ants), you could do with a side table to put your things on. If this sounds like a good idea to you, then the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair with Side Table would be the best rocking camp chair for you.
You get all of the usual features you would expect with a suspension rocker with this chair. Supporting weights of up to 250lbs and coming with suspension at the rear to allow you to lean back and rock in the chair. The bonus with this chair over other suspension rocking chairs is the side table, which can fit up to two cups securely in place, and has a mobile phone holder and space for a small plate or bowl. Great for if you are sitting around a campfire or enjoying a BBQ in the garden.
The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair with Side Table measures 35″ x 24″ x 25″, which is a good size for the average chair user. Due to the side table, this chair does not pack down to a size that is easy to sling over your shoulder, packing down to 35″ x 25″ x 5″, which is ok for storage and transport in the car, but not carrying long distances. Weighing 13.6lbs, this is also a fairly heavy chair as well, so it is probably better used when car camping or in the garden.
Whilst it might not be the easiest chair to carry far, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair with Side Table is a great choice for those looking for the ultimate relaxation when barbecuing or car camping.
Best Folding 2 in 1 Rocker
There are some people in this world who love rocking chairs and others who don’t, but what about those who like the idea of both, but not all of the time? If you don’t want to have to buy both a non-rocking and a rocking chair, the Ozark Trail Outdoor Tension Camp 2-in-1 Rocking Chair is a great choice.
This camping chair comes with the option of using it as a traditional camping chair or a rocking chair. It comes with removable curved bars (like skis) which can be attached to the chair when you want to switch to a rocking chair and removed if you want a normal 4-legged chair.
For you’re money, you also get a decent heavy duty portable rocking chair, with a max load of 400lbs. This is more than other chairs on this list and makes this chair a good choice for those who are concerned about being too heavy other chairs on this list. The chair is also larger than others, measuring 41″ x 36″ x 40″, making it a good choice for those that are larger in size.
The Ozark Trail Outdoor Tension Camp 2-in-1 Rocking Chair is a great choice for those who want the flexibility to switch between a rocking and non-rocking chair as well as one that is heavy duty.
Related: Best Heavy Duty Folding Rocking Chairs
Summary
So there you go, I hope you have enjoyed reading this guide and have found the best portable rocking chair for you.