Having somewhere to rest your weary legs after a long walk when camping can be a Godsend. The trouble is, which are the best camping chairs you can buy? Below, I have looked to find the best camping chairs available today and have put them together in this curated guide.
If you’re in a hurry, here are my top suggestions for the best camping chairs to buy:
Trekology Yizi Go
A great choice for those going wild camping and needing something light and compact.
Timber Ridge Directors Chair
A sturdy chair for those less mobile. With a strong seat and back, this chair is a great choice for those who struggle in more reclined chairs.
Eurohike Quilted Tub Chair
A really comfortable chair for those looking for something to take to their next campsite holiday.
What to Consider When Buying a Camping Chair
Before you go out and grab the first camping chair you find, you should consider the following factors when making a purchase:
Weight
If you are planning on taking your camping chair with you on a long hike or anywhere that you will need to carry it for a period of time, you should make sure it isn’t too heavy.
Most lightweight chairs, like stools and compact chairs, will weigh less than 1.5kg, which should be easy to carry for long distances with other camping gear. Between 1.5kg and 3kg are comfortable to carry for a period of time without other camping gear. Once you get to the 5kg mark, anything above this is more suited to places where they won’t need carrying far, such as a car camping site or to the beach.
Pack Size
The pack size of the chair is also something to consider, particularly if you are carrying other equipment with you.
If you are going on a multi-day expedition, such as a wild camping trip, you will need to think about how easy your chair is to pack. In this case, you will need something that will fit inside your rucksack.
For other uses, such as trips to the beach or campsite based holidays, it’s really a matter of choosing a chair that will fit in your vehicle. All the chairs in this list will fit in the boot of your car without taking up too much space.
Max Load
As camping chairs are designed to be fairly light and compact, you should make sure that you don’t exceed the maximum weight, also known as max load.
Most camping chairs will take up to 100kg, which is just over 15st, 10lbs. Some chairs will go much higher though, such as recliners and XL chairs, which can go up to 180kg (over 28st).
Usage Type
How you will be using the camping chair is a further consideration you should make. This will blend some of the things to consider above.
Are you looking to go wild camping and need somewhere to rest your weary legs? You will need something small and light, like a compact chair or sit mat (you can check out our best camping chairs for wild camping guide here for more information)
Are you heading away with the family and need a comfortable chair for relaxing at the campsite? A reclining chair or tub chair might be just what you need.
Think about the different uses for your chair before you buy one to avoid needing to buy several chairs unnecesarily.
Different Types of Camping Chair
There are quite a few different types of camping chairs for you to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Below is a comprehensive list of the different types of camping chair as well as my recommendations for each of these types.
Sit Mats
Sit mats are one of the most basic forms of camping chair, designed primarily to act as a barrier between you and the ground.
Made from foam, sit mats are light and can pack down fairly small. However, whilst they do stop you from sitting directly on the ground, they aren’t as comfortable as a proper camping chair.
My favourite is the Highlander Folding Outdoor Sit Mat as it also has a backrest, meaning you can sit back and relax a little more than if you were just on a single piece of foam.
Camping Stools
Camping stools are a step up from a simple camping mat, providing you with an elevated seating position. This means no more sitting on the cold, hard ground for you!
Camping stools are generally light and pack down small, making them a good choice for those who are looking to pack light.
The downside is that they aren’t necessarily that comfortable when compared to a camping chair as you can lean back on them (without falling off anyway).
My recommendation is the Vango Balmoral Aluminium Stool, which is both light and very affordable.
Folding Camping Chairs
Folding camping chairs are probably the most familiar type of camping chair to you. These chairs are designed to be relatively lightweight, fairly comfortable and easy to transport.
These chairs fold in to make a cylinder type of shape and can then be stored in a carry bag to make transport easy.
These chairs are much comfier than a stool or sit mat, but generally don’t have any padding to offer an enhanced level of comfort. Also, whilst they are lighter than some other options, they are probably too heavy and bulky to take on longer hikes when you have other gear to carry.
My recommendation would be the Highlander Lightweight Folding Chair, which would be a great choice for someone wanting to take a chair to the park or beach.
Compact Camping Chairs
Compact camping chairs are a great choice for those who want a comfortable place to sit, but need something small and light for sticking in their rucksack.
Unlike other camping chairs, compact chairs are designed primarily for those who need a chair to take on a long hike or wild camping trip. With legs that can disconnect and fold away quickly, these chairs offer a good balance between pack size, comfort and weight.
The downside with these chairs is that they do tend to be less comfortable than other camping chairs and can be a little low to the ground.
If you want something small and light for your next camping trip, the Trekology Yizi Go is a great choice of compact camping chair.
Reclining Camping Chairs
If you are looking for a camping chair that offers you a truly relaxing experience then a reclining camping chair just might be what you need.
With multiple reclining positions you can set this chair upright for eating at a table or fully back for a snooze in the sun.
The downside of reclining chairs is that they are heavy and not suitable for carrying with you on a long hike.
If you are driving to a campsite and pitching up for a few days, or just need something that is easy to store in the garden, then the Dometic Luxury Firenze Reclining Chair would be a good option for you.
Directors Camping Chairs
Directors camping chairs are designed to provide a sturdy, yet comfortable seating position for the user. With rigid arms to help with getting in and out of the chair and a strong seat for sitting on, these chairs are a good option for those who are less mobile and would struggle to get out of a seat with a lower seating position.
The added bonus with most directors chairs is that they come with a side table, meaning you can easily store drinks and snacks for the day.
The downside is that they tend to be quite heavy, so aren’t very well suited to taking on long hikes. They also don’t fold down very small, so would be a struggle to carry a long way.
If you need a chair that has a comfortable seating position to help with a bad back or if you are less mobile, the Timber Ridge Directors Chair is a great option for you.
Tub Camping Chair
Tub chairs are designed with comfort in mind. With a padded seat, back and sides, this chair is great to sit in all day long and it a step above a simple folding camping chair.
As the seat and back are flat on a tub chair, they offer a versatile option, which can be used for relaxing in the sun as well as pulled up to a table for eating.
The downside with these chairs is that they are heavier and bulkier than the more compact options. The can be taken on a short walk to a picnic spot, but are generally more suited to for use at a campsite or in the garden.
I would personally recommend the Eurohike Quilted Tub Chair as a great choice of camping chair. So much so I bought some myself!
Oversize/XL Camping Chairs
Oversize or XL camping chairs are designed for the big and tall among us. With wider bases, higher backs and greater max loads, these are a great choice for those where a normal camping chair might struggle to take their weight, or that are simple too small to sit in.
Whilst these chairs are very comfy, the extra size adds weight and girth to the camping chair, meaning that they are more suited to drive up camping or sitting in the garden.
If you need an oversize chair, the Alpha Camp Folding Oversize Moon Chair is a good choice, with a max load of 160kg (around 25 stone).
Deck Chairs
Deck chairs are your classic laze around in the sun camping chair.
There are a couple of different types of deck chair, but the most common is the reclined, low to the ground version that you will find on beaches across the world. These chairs offer a great level of comfort for sitting in the sun all day.
There is a balance between comfort and practicality, as the most comfortable tend to be the most awkward and cumbersome to carry.
If you want a chair to stick down in one place and laze in the sun, the Eurohike Reno Deck Chair would be a good choice.
Double Camping Chairs
Double camping chairs are a great option for people who will regularly be camping as a pair or group.
With room for two, a double camping chair is a great place to relax when at a campsite, in the park or in the garden.
With this being a double chair, it is quite big when packed down and heavy, so not ideal for those hiking to their camping spot.
If you are after a chair you can bring out when guests arrive then the Hi-Gear Vegas Double Chair might just be the right double chair for you.
Beach/Lake Chairs
Beach and lake chairs are designed to be extremely comfortable and low to the ground.
If you want a chair to sit and relax whilst feeling the sand between your toes, or dip your feet in the water, then this sort of chair would be perfect for you.
Beach and lake chairs aren’t light and generally don’t pack down very small, so you won’t be hiking too far with these chairs.
If you’re heading down to the beach or going fishing and want somewhere comfortable to relax, the Vango Dune Chair would be a smart choice.
Moon Chairs
If you want a super comfortable place to rest your feet, a moon chair might just be the perfect chair for you.
Moon chairs are padded chairs which allow you to sit as you would normally in a chair, or even cross you legs for additional comfort.
Due to the size of the seat area, these chairs don’t fold down small enough for taking on a long hike with you. They also often tend to be heavier than more compact chairs as well.
If you want a super comfy seat for your garden or your next trip to the campsite, the Navaris Folding Moon Chair would be a great option.
Kids Camping Chairs
Kids camping chairs are designed specifically with children in mind.
Whilst some kids camping chairs are designed with animals on to make them appeal to kids more, the underlying benefit of a kids camping chair is that they are small enough for kids to get in and out of without the need for adult help.
Obviously with these being smaller in size, your kids will grow out of them eventually, so they should be considered a fairly short term investment.
If you are sick of your kids stealing your super comfy camping chair, the Highlander Kids Kelburn Folding Camping Chair will give them their very own seat and might just be the perfect choice for your little ones.
Best Camping Chairs
The following tables are a curated list of the best camping chairs I could find by the type of chair.
Best Camping Sit Mats
Highlander Folding Outdoor Sit Mat – Recommended Sit Mat
- RRP = £18.49
- Item Weight = 380 grams
- Pack Size = 40cm x 40cm x 4cm
Highlander Folding Sit Mat
- RRP = £3.99
- Item Weight = 100 grams
- Pack Size = 30.5cm x 9.5cm x 4.5cm
Multimat Comfort Kumfie
- RRP = £5.00
- Item Weight = 40 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
Summit Stadium Seat
- RRP = £15.00
- Item Weight = 675 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
Eurohike Anywhere Chair
- RRP = £22.00
- Item Weight = 700 grams
- Pack Size = 42cm x 36cm x 6cm
Forclaz Multi-Position Trekking Chair
- RRP = £29.99
- Item Weight = 555 grams
- Pack Size = 58cm x 12cm x 12cm
Best Camping Stools
Vango Balmoral Aluminium Stool – Recommended Camping Stool
- RRP = £8.99
- Item Weight = 500 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Quechua Camping Tripod
- RRP = £4.99
- Item Weight = 1,000 grams
- Pack Size = 60cm x 9cm x 9cm
- Max Load = Unknown
Eurohike Ohio Stool
- RRP = £10.00
- Item Weight = 500 grams
- Pack Size = 51cm x 7cm x 7cm
- Max Load = Unknown
Robens Geographic High Stool
- RRP = £25.00
- Item Weight = 340 grams
- Pack Size = 42cm x 7cm x 7cm
- Max Load = Unknown
OEX Ultralight Stool
- RRP = £35.00
- Item Weight = 400 grams
- Pack Size = 39cm x 9cm x 9cm
- Max Load = Unknown
Best Folding Camping Chairs
Highlander Lightweight Folding Chair – Recommended Directors Chair
- RRP = £23.49
- Item Weight = 2,200 grams
- Pack Size = 89cm x 15cm x 15cm
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Quechua Folding Camping Chair – Basic (Armless)
- RRP = £8.99
- Item Weight = 2,600 grams
- Pack Size = 73cm x 17cm x 17cm
- Max Load = 110 kilograms
Quechua Folding Camping Chair – Basic
- RRP = £9.99
- Item Weight = 2,800 grams
- Pack Size = 77.5cm x 20cm x 17cm
- Max Load = 110 kilograms
Eurohike Lowland Folding Chair
- RRP = £14.00
- Item Weight = 1,600 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 90 kilograms
Eurohike Peak Folding Chair
- RRP = £20.00
- Item Weight = 2,000 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 90 kilograms
Summit Quebec Folding Chair
- RRP = £25.00
- Item Weight = 2,600 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 110 kilograms
Vango Malibu Camping Chair
- RRP = £27.50
- Item Weight = 3,000 grams
- Pack Size = 89cm x 24cm x 24cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Vango Divine Chair
- RRP = £37.50
- Item Weight = 3,600 grams
- Pack Size = 102cm x 26cm x 26cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Highlander Lumbar Support Chair
- RRP = £39.99
- Item Weight = 4,400 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair
- RRP = £50.00
- Item Weight = 3,500 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Dometic Duro 180 ORE Folding Chair
- RRP = £56.25
- Item Weight = 6,800 grams
- Pack Size = 101cm x 21cm x 19cm
- Max Load = 180 kilograms
Zempire Shermanator Chair
- RRP = £65.00
- Item Weight = 7,040 grams
- Pack Size = 103cm x 23cm x 20cm
- Max Load = 180 kilograms
Hi-Gear Bardi Folding Chair
- RRP = £70.00
- Item Weight = Unknown
- Pack Size = 69cm x 65cm x 47cm
- Max Load = Unknown
Zempire Stargazer Chair
- RRP = £70.00
- Item Weight = 5,260 grams
- Pack Size = 122cm x 22cm x 20cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Regatta Forza Reinforced Folding Chair
- RRP = £80.00
- Item Weight = 4,900 grams
- Pack Size = 95cm x 26cm x 18cm
- Max Load = 150 kilograms
Best Compact Camping Chairs
Trekology Yizi Go – Recommended Compact Chair
- RRP = £43.99
- Item Weight = 960 grams
- Pack Size = 36cm x 15cm x 11cm
- Max Load = 135 kilograms
Vango Micro Steel Camping Chair
- RRP = £22.99
- Item Weight = 1,500 grams
- Pack Size = 35cm x 11.5cm x 9cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Vango Micro Steel Tall Camping Chair
- RRP = £27.99
- Item Weight = 2,300 grams
- Pack Size = 44cm x 13.5cm x 11cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Quechua Camping Chair MH500
- RRP = £29.99
- Item Weight = 1,000 grams
- Pack Size = 38cm x 12cm x 8cm
- Max Load = 110 kilograms
Robens Drifter Lite Folding Chair
- RRP = £62.00
- Item Weight = 1,300 grams
- Pack Size = 34cm x 16cm x 9cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Robens Pathfinder Lite Chair
- RRP = £64.00
- Item Weight = 915 grams
- Pack Size = 32cm x 12cm x 9cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Robens Observer Chair
- RRP = £80.00
- Item Weight = 1,410 grams
- Pack Size = 50cm x 13cm x 12cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Helinox Chair One
- RRP = £90.00
- Item Weight = 962 grams
- Pack Size = 35cm x 11cm x 10cm
- Max Load = 145 kilograms
Helinox Sunset Chair
- RRP = £129.95
- Item Weight = 1,470 grams
- Pack Size = 47cm x 14cm x 12cm
- Max Load = 145 kilograms
Best Reclining Chairs
Dometic Luxury Firenze Reclining Chair – Recommended Reclining Camping Chair
- RRP = £67.50
- Item Weight = 4,800 grams
- Pack Size = 110cm x 62.5cm x 9cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Outwell Ullswater Chair
- RRP = £81.00
- Item Weight = 5,900 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = Unknown
Hi-Gear Turin Recliner
- RRP = £110.00
- Item Weight = Unknown
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = Unknown
Outwell Kenai Signature Chair
- RRP = £110.00
- Item Weight = 5,000 grams
- Pack Size = 110cm x 75cm x 64cm
- Max Load = Unknown
Hi-Gear Savona Lounger
- RRP = £110.00
- Item Weight = 7,400 grams
- Pack Size = 168cm x 68cm x 50cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Vango Keswick Tall Reclining Chair
- RRP = £55.00
- Item Weight = 5,200 grams
- Pack Size = 84cm x 58cm x 12cm
- Max Load = 140 kilograms
Outdoor Revolution Pavia Reclining Chair
- RRP = £59.99
- Item Weight = 5,400 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Outdoor Revolution Lucca Air Mesh Reclining Chair
- RRP = £79.99
- Item Weight = 5,400 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Royal Easy Folding Lounger
- RRP = £99.99
- Item Weight = 9,500 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Zempire Halo Lounger
- RRP = £120.00
- Item Weight = 10,800 grams
- Pack Size = 91cm x 65cm x 17xm
- Max Load = 180 kilograms
Best Directors Chairs
Timber Ridge Directors Chair – Recommended Directors Chair
- RRP = £63.99
- Item Weight = 3,300 grams
- Pack Size = 91cm x 54cm x 19cm
- Max Load = 135 kilograms
Quechua Comfortable Folding Dining Chair
- RRP = £24.99
- Item Weight = 3,600 grams
- Pack Size = 61cm x 58cm x 13cm
- Max Load = 150 kilograms
Oypla Folding Directors Chair
- RRP = £32.99
- Item Weight = 3,500 grams
- Pack Size = 78cm x 42cm x 16cm
- Max Load = Unknown
Hi-Gear Haddon Directors Chair
- RRP = £45.00
- Item Weight = Unknown
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = Unknown
Kampa the Chairman
- RRP = £50.00
- Item Weight = 6,080 grams
- Pack Size = 84cm x 45cm x 10cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Regatta Directors Chair
- RRP = £60.00
- Item Weight = Unknown
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Dometic Forte 180 Chair ORE
- RRP = £67.50
- Item Weight = 8,220 grams
- Pack Size = 90cm x 60cm x 15cm
- Max Load = 180 kilograms
Best Camping Tub Chairs
Eurohike Quilted Tub Chair – Recommended Camping Stool
- RRP = £45.00
- Item Weight = 3,300 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Outwell Sevilla Chair
- RRP = £33.00
- Item Weight = 3,000 grams
- Pack Size = 88cm x 13cm x 13cm
- Max Load = 125 kilograms
Outdoor Revolution Tub Chair
- RRP = £39.99
- Item Weight = 2,960 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 100 kilograms
Dometic Tub 180 ORE Chair
- RRP = £50.00
- Item Weight = 4,650 grams
- Pack Size = 94cm x 27cm x 27cm
- Max Load = 180 kilograms
Best Oversize/XL Camping Chairs
Alpha Camp Folding Oversize Moon Chair – Recommended XL Camping Chair
- RRP = £70.99
- Item Weight = 6,300 grams
- Pack Size = 97cm x 90cm x 66cm
- Max Load = 160 kilograms
Vango Embrace Chair
- RRP = £65.00
- Item Weight = 5,000 grams
- Pack Size = 97cm x 30cm x 30cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Outwell Campo XL Chair
- RRP = £67.00
- Item Weight = 5,100 grams
- Pack Size = 118cm x 23cm x 13cm
- Max Load = 150 kilograms
Hi-Gear Vegas XL Chair
- RRP = £70.00
- Item Weight = 3,800 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = Unknown
Outwell Casilda XL Chair
- RRP = £79.00
- Item Weight = 7,000 grams
- Pack Size = 105cm x 37cm x 23cm
- Max Load = 150 kilograms
Best Kids Camping Chairs
Highlander Kids Kelburn Folding Camp Chair – Recommended Kids Camping Chair
- RRP = £13.99
- Item Weight = Unknown
- Pack Size = 69cm x 12cm x 10cm
- Max Load = 60 kilograms
Hi-Gear Kids Camping Chair
- RRP = £17.00
- Item Weight = 1,200 grams
- Pack Size = 60cm x 9.5cm
- Max Load = 50 kilograms
Quest Kids Animal Chair
- RRP = £17.99
- Item Weight = 1,500 grams
- Pack Size = 66cm x 14cm x 14cm
- Max Load = 45 kilograms
Eurohike Kids Camping Chair
- RRP = £18.00
- Item Weight = 1,200 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = Unknown
Quest Moon Kids Chair
- RRP = £23.99
- Item Weight = 1,000 grams
- Pack Size = 53cm x 50cm x 8cm
- Max Load = 35 kilograms
Other Camping Chairs
Vango Dune Chair – Beach Chair
- RRP = £23.49
- Item Weight = 2,800 grams
- Pack Size = 78cm x 20cm x 15cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Zempire Front Row Chair – Beach Chair
- RRP = £45.00
- Item Weight = 3,350 grams
- Pack Size = 68cm x 19cm x 18cm
- Max Load = 110 kilograms
Outwell Fremont Lake Chair
- RRP = £58.00
- Item Weight = 4,800 grams
- Pack Size = 112cm x 18cm x 18cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Eurohike Bora Folding Deck Chair
- RRP = £30.00
- Item Weight = 2,300 grams
- Pack Size = 68cm x 53cm x 4cm
- Max Load = Unknown
Eurohike Reno Deck Chair
- RRP = £45.00
- Item Weight = Unknown
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = Unknown
Zempire Roco Low Rider Chair V2 – Deck Chair
- RRP = £120.00
- Item Weight = 4,800 grams
- Pack Size = 72cm x 60cm x 10cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Eurohike Peak Double Chair
- RRP = £45.00
- Item Weight = 2,200 grams
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = Unknown
Hi-Gear Vegas Double Chair
- RRP = £90.00
- Item Weight = Unknown
- Pack Size = Unknown
- Max Load = 200 kilograms
Navaris Folding Moon Chair
- RRP = £47.99
- Item Weight = 3,600 grams
- Pack Size = 84cm x 22cm x 21cm
- Max Load = 150 kilograms
Zempire Moonpod Chair
- RRP = £70.00
- Item Weight = 6,300 grams
- Pack Size = 90cm x 40cm x 20cm
- Max Load = 120 kilograms
Summary
Hopefully, I have helped you navigate the confusing world of camping chairs and make the perfect choice for you. If you have any other suggestions or better chairs that I have missed, let me know.