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Let's be honest. One of the best parts of camping is doing absolutely nothing. It's the simple joy of sitting outside with a brew (or something stronger) and just... stopping.
For years, I made do with those standard, upright 'festival' chairs. You know the ones. They're fine for 20 minutes, but try reading a book or having a nap in one. You end up with a sore back and a stiff neck.
As part of my 'Smart Budget Camping' philosophy, I am all about spending money where it *really* improves the experience. And let me tell you, upgrading to a proper reclining camping chair was one of my best decisions. It's the difference between just 'being' at a campsite and truly *relaxing* at one.
But not all recliners are created equal. Some are flimsy, some weigh a ton, and some just aren't that comfortable. So, I spent the last few months testing the most popular models in the UK to find the ones that offer the best blend of comfort, durability, and value.
My Top Recommendations in Brief
- ✔ Best Overall: Vango Hyde DLX Reclining Chair
- ✔ Best Lightweight: Outwell Fernley Reclining Chair
- ✔ Best for Bad Backs: Kampa Dometic Lounge Chair
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vango Hyde DLX | 7-Position | 6.02kg | Overall Comfort |
| Outwell Fernley | 7-Position | 4.8kg | Portability |
| Kampa Dometic Lounge | Zero Gravity | 8.8kg | Back Support |
Detailed Reviews
1. Vango Hyde DLX Reclining Chair
Best Overall
Key Specs:
- Weight: 6.02kg
- Pack Size: 112 x 65 x 12cm
- Positions: 7
- Frame: Steel
The Vango Hyde DLX is my top pick because it hits the sweet spot of comfort, build quality, and usability. The first thing I noticed is the padding. It uses Vango's Dura-Lite fabric with an AirMesh surface, which sounds like marketing talk but basically means it's soft, comfortable, and doesn't get sweaty on a warm day.
It has 7 reclining positions, which you adjust by lifting the armrests. This is a very common and reliable system. It goes from bolt upright (good for eating at a table) all the way back to a very relaxed lounging angle. The adjustable cushion is also great. I used it as a headrest, but you can slide it down for lumbar support if you prefer.
It's not the lightest chair on this list, but the steel frame feels incredibly strong and stable. I never felt wobbly, even when leaning back. When it's time to pack up, it folds flat. It's still a large item, but it slides into the car boot or caravan easily. For the price, this is the best all-rounder I've found.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent padding and breathable mesh
- 7-position recline is smooth and easy
- Adjustable cushion for head or lumbar
- Very sturdy and stable steel frame
- Folds flat, but is still quite long (112cm)
- At 6kg, it's a bit heavy to carry long distances
My Verdict
If you want one chair that does it all, this is it. It's supremely comfortable for long afternoons of reading, sturdy enough to last for years, and a massive step up from a standard chair.
2. Outwell Fernley Reclining Chair
Best Lightweight
Key Specs:
- Weight: 4.8kg
- Pack Size: 88 x 64 x 11cm
- Positions: 7
- Frame: Aluminium
The Outwell Fernley is the chair for you if you love the *idea* of a recliner but hate the weight and bulk. At just 4.8kg, it's over a kilo lighter than the Vango, and that's all down to its powder-coated aluminium frame.
I was skeptical that an aluminium frame would feel as sturdy, but I was proven wrong. It feels very solid and has a maximum load of 150kg, which is impressive. The padding is also excellent, using a soft foam that's well insulated, making it a bit cosier on a cool evening.
Like the Vango, it has 7 positions and a removable pillow. The real win here is the pack size. It folds to just 88cm long, making it much easier to fit in a small car boot. It's also genuinely easy to carry from the car to the pitch without grumbling. This is probably the one I'd pick for a weekend trip where I'm packing a bit lighter.
Pros & Cons
- Very lightweight at only 4.8kg
- Strong and durable aluminium frame
- Thick, comfortable padding
- More compact pack size than rivals
- Less breathable than the Vango's mesh
- Armrests are plastic (though very tough)
My Verdict
This is the chair I'd recommend to my friends who are car camping but still mindful of space. It gives you 90% of the comfort of a heavier chair but is significantly easier to pack and carry.
3. Kampa Dometic Lounge Chair
Best for Bad Backs
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Key Specs:
- Weight: 8.8kg
- Pack Size: 95 x 66 x 11cm
- Positions: Variable (Zero Gravity)
- Frame: Steel
This one is a different beast. The Kampa Dometic Lounge is a 'zero gravity' style recliner. This means it doesn't just click into 7 positions. Instead, you lean back, and the whole chair smoothly reclines, lifting your feet up as your back goes down. You can then lock it in *any* position.
If you have a bad back, this is the chair for you. The fully reclined 'zero gravity' position (where your feet are level with your heart) takes every bit of pressure off your spine. It is, without a doubt, the most comfortable chair I tested for pure, laid-back napping. The seat is suspended by an elastic bungee system, which adds to the 'floating' feeling and removes any pressure points.
The trade off is obvious. This thing is heavy and bulky. At nearly 9kg, you are not carrying this far. It's a 'car to pitch' chair, period. But if you're setting up for a week and prioritise comfort above all else, this is absolute luxury. It's also not great for sitting at a table, as its most upright position is still quite relaxed.
Pros & Cons
- Unbeatable 'zero gravity' comfort
- Infinitely adjustable recline with locks
- Bungee-cord suspension is great for back support
- Very stable and robust steel frame
- Very heavy (8.8kg) and bulky
- Not suitable for sitting upright at a table
- More expensive than 7-position chairs
My Verdict
This is a pure relaxation chair. Don't buy it as your only camping chair. Buy it as your 'luxury' item. For anyone with back pain, or for campers who spend hours reading, this is a purchase you will not regret.
Reclining Chair Buyer's Guide
What I learned from testing these chairs. Here is what you need to look for.
Recline Type: Position vs. Zero Gravity
This is the biggest choice. A 7-position chair (like the Vango and Outwell) is versatile. It's great for eating, reading, and lounging. A 'zero gravity' chair (like the Kampa) is for pure relaxation. It is not good for sitting at a table. Choose based on what you'll use it for most.
Frame Material: Steel vs. Aluminium
Steel (like the Vango) is very strong and often cheaper, but it's heavy and can rust if the coating is chipped. Aluminium (like the Outwell) is much lighter and naturally rust-proof, but it's more expensive. For me, if I have to carry the chair more than 50 yards, I'd always choose aluminium.
Padding and Fabric
Padding makes a huge difference. Look for chairs with foam padding in the seat and back. The trade off is drying time. A simple polyester chair will dry in minutes, but a thick padded one can stay damp for hours if it gets soaked. A fabric with an 'AirMesh' layer (like the Vango) is a good compromise, as it's padded but breathable.
Weight and Pack Size
Be realistic. Look at the folded dimensions. Will it actually fit in your car boot with a tent and all your other gear? A chair that folds flat is often easier to pack than one that folds into a sausage bag. Also, check the weight. Anything over 7kg is what I call a 'heavy luxury' chair. Under 5kg is great for portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reclining camping chairs worth the extra bulk?
In my opinion, absolutely. If you're car camping and have the space, the comfort difference between a standard camping chair and a recliner is huge. It turns your pitch into a proper lounge. For backpacking, they are not practical, but for family trips, they are a fantastic upgrade.
What is a 'zero gravity' camping chair?
A 'zero gravity' chair is a type of recliner that leans back to a position where your feet are elevated to the same level as your heart. This distributes your weight evenly and takes pressure off your spine. They are incredibly comfortable, especially if you have a bad back, but they are often the heaviest and bulkiest option.
How much should I spend on a good reclining camping chair?
You can get a basic reclining chair for around £40-£50, which is fine for occasional use. However, for durability, better padding, and smoother mechanisms, I'd recommend a budget of £70 to £120. The chairs in this range from brands like Vango, Outwell, and Kampa Dometic tend to last much longer and offer far superior comfort.
