Dimensions: 20.5 x 18.9 x 25.2 in.Seat height: 11.5 in.Weight: 1 lb.What we like: Incredibly lightweight and packable.What we dont: Expensive. And for another popular option in this category with a higher weight capacity, check out Mountain Summit Gears Loveseat.See the Kelty Low Loveseat. Finally, you can get better comfort and support for less with alternatives like the Alps King Kong or REI Camp Xtra above, although theres no denying the Outwards chic styling and intuitive setup. And the reason is rather obvious: Theres little need for them when precious ounces matter. And when youre ready to pack up, the chair folds down in one smooth motion with its attached carrying handleno need to stuff it into a tote on the way out. In practice, most serious backpackers we know dont bring a chair alongthe extra weight is notable, and its often easy enough to find a stump or log to sit on. 14 oz.What we like: Another well-made and comfortable NEMO design for $100 less than the Stargaze above.What we dont: Not as plush, supportive, or feature-rich as the Stargaze. REI Co-ops Camp X fits the bill nicely: The X-shaped webbing effectively tensions the seat and backpanel to distribute weight evenly, the steel frame is strong and confidence-inspiring, and the cup holder and drop-down pocket at either arm rest make it easy to stow a beverage and smaller items like your phone or keys. 14 oz.What we like: Wider base/seat and more substantial build than the standard Flexlite. That said, a low seat height means a less comfortable position for your legs and more effort for getting in and out. We included a number of fun options on our list above, including NEMO Stargaze Recliner (which reclines, rocks, and swings), NEMOMoonlight (which just reclines), and GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker. Both chairs use burly 600-denier fabrics, have an identical storage layout, sit around the same distance off the ground, and are comfortable and spacious. First is durability: With a 210-denier seat, its noticeably thinner and less hardwearing than many of our top picks. For another stylish option with a taller seat height (12 in.) Dimensions: 19 x 22 x 22 in.Seat height: 11 in.Weight: 1 lb.What we like: Lighter than the Helinox Chair Zero and costs $30 less.What we dont: Super thin fabric has questionable durability. Its worth noting that YETI also makes a second camp chair model in the Hondo. Dimensions: 23 x 32 x 37 in.Seat height: 3 or 10 in.Weight: 4 lbs. Lightweight Simply put, its hard to justify spending $250 on a camp chair when big-ticket items like a sleeping bag and tent could run you the same amount (or less). The Flexlite Air and Chair Zero both pack down to extremely small dimensions, with the disadvantage being you have to reassemble the chairs each time. It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether its for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. Crazy Creeks Original Chair (not included here) is another option and the most packable of the bunch, although the legless design is far less comfortable. And we found the 10.5-inch height to be just about perfect for enjoyably sitting around the campfire, although the deeper seat does make it a little harder to get out of. If you can score one at a discount during one of REIs sale periods, however (or use your yearly dividend), you wont be disappointed.See the REI Co-op Camp Xtra Chair. Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.75 x 34.25 in.Seat height: 17.5 in.Weight: 10 lbs.What we like: A more comfortable and feature-rich alternative to the Camp X.What we dont: The King Kong above is the better value. To start, we recommend this chair only for campers who prioritize keeping weight to an absolute minimumthe overall comfort and stability just cant compete with a heavier model. at camp or fold them down (3 in.) That said, the build quality of the Coleman is still lower than the similarly designed but more expensive Alps Mountaineering King Kong. Further, the 250-pound weight limit is fairly low for this category, and the sheer number of joints in the design strike us as a potential area of failure over time. 13 oz.What we like: Just like Grandpas rocking chair.What we dont: Heavy. In terms of portability and low weight, youll be hard-pressed to find a better camp chair. But for general use, its also a great indicator of back and neck support. Helinox also offers a Highback variationof the Chair Zero, which adds a taller seat and boost in support for an additional 8 ounces and $40.See the Helinox Chair Zero. For $100 less, the top-ranked REI Camp X above has a noticeably taller back and includes features like an integrated cup holder and pocket for valuables. The Colemans steel frame and burly fabric will outlast its flimsier competition by years, and its hard to argue with a built-in cooler in the armrest. Not surprisingly, the Trailhead Camp Chair sticks to the formula: Its super durable and built with high-quality materials, is both comfortable and sufficiently large, easy to fold, and has a sleek design that looks the part. Other camp chair models on this list are made for one person, but why stop there? As the name indicates, the chair locks in both the open and closed positions for stability and easy hauling inside the stuff sack. With the ultralight and compact Chair Zero, Helinox makes it that much easier to justify hauling a chair into the woods or even the backcountry. For those that frequent concerts or sporting events and dont want to bother folks behind them, a low seat height is important. And its worth noting here that ENOs Lounger DL above has adjustable legs that can be set at either 3 inches or 10, which makes it versatile for a range of activities. Instead of weighing upward of 10 pounds or more, these streamlined designs check in at 1 pound and pack down small enough to fit in the water bottle holster of your backpack. True, wed expect the cheaper Coleman Quad's fabric to start to fail before the King Kong or GCI Freestyle, but they cost 2x as much and may not last you 2x as long. The more popular style folds inwards and ends up a torpedo shape that you can slide into a carry bag. The 600-denier fabric and powder-coated steel frame are borderline overbuilt for its use, but other than costing a little more, we sure wont complain about a tough construction. You dont get the ability to raise the seat like you do with the ENO Lounger DL above, but youre not paying for it either. ), which makes them bulky for hauling. But this can be a plus for some folks, and the wide and comfortable seat and budget price make it a nice choice for camping. Double chairs are predictably much heavier than their single-person counterparts (the Kelty Low Loveseat comes in at 15 lbs. That said, we prefer the Helinoxs deeper seat, which provides a bit more support, and the Chair Zero has a smaller stuff sack (4 x 14 in. Options like the King Kong and Coleman Oversized Quad are standouts in terms of a tall seating height at 18 inches (theyre downright throne-like), but weve found the most comfortable chairs have a seat height ranging from around 15 to 18 inches. Popular models in this category include the REI Co-op Flexlite line and Helinox Chair Zero. And the chairs strong seat and slightly reclined back offer an excellent feel overall. While few people fret over the weight and packed size of a camping chair (camping gear in general is bulky and comfort-oriented), backpacking-ready chairs are a lesson in creative packaging. Thoughts of camping chairs may conjure up images of $10 specials out front a big-box retailer, but lets reorient ourselves to a slightly higher standard. The Kijaros 300-pound weight capacity falls well short of the burly King Kong above, but the chair still is made to last. Dimensions: 30 x 36 x 25 in.Seat height: 17 in.Weight: 13 lbs. Weve found that overall build quality correlates with price, but its slightly more nuanced than that. The price is the same but the Hondo weighs more at over 16 pounds, making it slightly more difficult to lug any significant distance away from your car. Durability is another hallmark: The Moonlights sturdy aluminum frame and seamless mesh seat give the chair a high-quality, confidence-inspiring look and feel while keeping weight in check. However, a couple of the models included above are sometimes used for backpacking, including the REI Flexlite Air and Helinox Chair Zero. 14 oz.What we like: Cheap, comfy, and comes with a built-in drink cooler.What we dont: A step down in build quality from the Alps King Kong above. But if youre reasonably careful with your gear and like the adjustable height, the ENO is a comfy and functional option.See the ENO Lounger DL Chair. Helinox does sell a few fun add-ons including a groundsheet, sunshade, and cup holders, but the chair alone is already a pricey investment at $170. Depending on your needs and how far you plan to haul your chair from your car, its worth considering how much stability and support you want. They have taller backs, are farther off the ground, and offer the best support and stability. And if you like the low-slung style of the Rendezvous but want to explore other options, check out REI Co-ops Camp Low Chair, Mountain Summit Gears Ground Chair, and Helinoxs unique Incline Festival Chair, which features adjustable legs to maximize stability or recline.See the Alps Mountaineering Rendezvous. REIs Flexlite collection ranges from the light and minimalist Flexlite Air below to the durable, headrest-equipped Camp Dreamer. True comfort camping chairsprovided you have the space in your carcan be large and luxurious. The Stargazes most obvious drawback is cost. Dimensions: 25.5 x 36 x 45.5 in.Weight: 7 lbs.What we like: Very versatile and comfortable design.What we dont: Pricey; set up takes time. But for short backpacking trips or those who want the option to use their chair both while camping and in the backcountry, the models listed above are prime contenders.Back to Our Top Camping Chair Picks Back to Our Camping Chair Comparison Table. It's also a good value, consistently priced around $50-$70 online. What are the downsides of the REI Camp X? The wooden armrests and smooth nylon seat give the chair a sleek, classy look, while the sturdy aluminum frame offers a planted, confidence-inspiring feel whether youre setting up camp in the forest, hanging out on the beach, or enjoying a backyard cookout. Read more about us. The advantage is the folded dimension is pretty thin (around 4 to 6 inches), but it takes up a very significant 30 x 30 inch square in your car. After the extreme success of its premium coolers, Texas-based YETI has expanded its product offerings substantially over the last few years. For those who want a more balanced design, Helinox sells their popular Chair One and Chair Two, which are pricier and heavier than the Zero but boast more natural, laid-back seating positions. All told, we think the Coleman outperforms its price tag and offers more than enough camp chair for most people and uses. But if you dont have to haul your chair very far, we recommend making storage a priority. 10 oz.What we like: Adjustable leg height is great for transitioning from concerts to camp.What we dont: Less durable and harder to set up than much of the competition. All that said, there are some notable downsides to choosing a double-wide model. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. How does the Flexlite Air compare with Helinoxs Chair Zero above? And unlike the similarly shaped Helinox Sunset above, the ENO includes a cup holder, two cargo pockets, and even a pillow for cushioning your head as you recline. A few chairs on our list allow you to rock back and forth, but none come closer to resembling a traditional rocking chair than the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker. 5 oz.What we like: Super durable and comfortable. Because weight isn't a major factor, you can get a well-made and comfortable camping chair at a reasonable pricestarting at around $50 and reaching as much as $300 for the YETI Trailhead. What we dont: Also heavier, less packable, and more expensive. Both are quality chairs, but we prefer the lower weight and better stability of the Trailhead.See the YETITrailhead Camp Chair. NEMO has been on a roll lately in the camping chair market, and their Moonlight joins the Stargaze above as an exceptionally well built and comfortable option. Within our top grouping of chairs for car camping, the Kijaro is a formidable competitor. 6 oz.What we like: Very comfortable and good build quality for the price.What we dont: Bulkier and not as versatile as a single seater; some wont love the low seat height. Top choices from this category include the REI Co-op Camp X, Alps Mountaineering King Kong, and GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker. 4.8 oz.What we like: Tall back and wide seat.What we dont: Pricey considering the lack of features. That said, weve found that both the King Kong and Quad are bulky when packed and take up a surprising amount of space in the back of your vehicle, especially if you are bringing multiple chairs. For those who want to minimize the amount of space that camping takes up in their car, along with those who dont need the highest levels of comfort, the lightweight category is where weight and packed size become the top priorities. But while the Freestyle Rocker might lack the overall fit and finish of some of the options above, its nonetheless a fun way to spend an afternoon at camp. Many camp chair manufacturers provide a weight capacity, which can helpful in a number of ways. And perhaps the biggest draw: The Outward takes essentially no effort to set up and pack away with a simple but effective bifold design and portability via the top handle or backpack straps behind the seat. All dimensions of these chairs shrink dramatically, the fabrics and frames become a lot thinner, and theyll pack down small enough to strap to the outside ofor sometimes even squeeze insidea backpacking or hiking pack. However, despite the fun and versatile design, the Lounger falls short in a few key areas. The Hondo also has horizonal bars running along the bottom for support, which work well when things are relatively flat but arent quite as good as the four feet on the Trailhead at campsites with varied terrain. The Coleman Quad Chair, for example, often is available for less than $30 on Amazon, offers high levels of comfort and support, and has held up well after years of use. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots or even chairs and a table for card games on a rainy day. For example, a crossover camping/backpacking option like the REI Co-Op Flexlite Air is easy to rock back and tip over due to its thin legs that are connected to the middle of the chair rather than the sides. A budget camping chair like the Coleman Oversize Quad, which has no business on a backpacking trip, is durable and reliable because Coleman didnt have to worry about keeping weight down. Ground-to-seat heightlisted as "height" in the table aboveis simply a measurement from the ground to the bottom of the seat. GCI achieves this with a spring-action tube at the back of the chair, which allows the metal frame to move up and down as you push off the ground. Its padded seat and backpanel are comfortable, its spacious enough to accommodate most campers, and its simple to fold up and carry. For $10 to $20 less, both of those options are taller, offer considerably better support and stability, and come with helpful features like beverage holders and pockets. Backpacking chairs arent known for providing great support of your backtheyre too small and focused on trimming weight to cover much more than the top of your lumbar. REIs ever-growing Flexlite collection has become very popular in the camping world, and the Air slots in as the lightest and most compact design in the lineup. Carrying it on your back can also be cumbersome, which is why these chairs sometimes come with backpack style straps. Notably, the Moonlight lacks the swinging functionality of the Stargaze, but the multiposition reclining system is very well executed and allows you to sit forward or lean back with a simple tug at each side. Further, theyre often pricier than purchasing two separate chairs. But no matter their height, just remember: It sure beats sitting on dirt. And the real clincher for usand the reason the Dual Lock is ranked hereis seat height: The Kijaro has a relatively tall ground-to-seat height of 20 inches (the Alps above is 18 in. Lets start with beverages. REI Co-ops Camp X above sacrifices some comfort and support to trim weight, while the appropriately named Camp Xtra slots in as a more premium and feature-rich alternative. The chair sits lower to the ground than most traditional camping models (the seat is positioned 10.5 in. Compared to the standard Flexlite that we had ranked here previously, the Camp Boss model sports a bigger and more stable base, 4-inch-wider seat, 3-inch-taller ground-to-seat height, and 50-pound-higher weight capacity. But so long as you stay away from the true bargain basement offerings, our budget category is a totally viable place to shop. In stark contrast to Helinoxs minimalist Chair Zero above, their Sunset Chair puts a premium on comfort and support with a high back and wide, cradle-like seat. Overall, we love the simplified design of the Moonlight and think its a great match for comfort-focused campers that arent willing to spend $200+ on the decidedly luxe Stargaze above. That said, from a comfort perspective, the REI Flexlite Camp Boss still cant hold a candle to larger and bulkier options like the Alps King Kong or even REIs own Camp Xtra Chair above. The other big issue is cost: You can find two similarly comfortable chairs and save some cash in the process. At $300, the YETI is the priciest chair on this list by far, but its a fun option for camping, sporting events, and concerts that should last for many years. The smaller, more manageable dimensions make these chairs easier to carry. At 10 pounds, the Camp Xtra is around 3 pounds heavier than the Camp X and packs down noticeably larger, but the weight penalty does come with a number of upgrades.