An Honest Disclosure
This site is 100% reader supported. Some links in this guide might be affiliate links (e.g., to Amazon). If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I never accept free products or payment for positive reviews. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.
I am convinced that a good camping chair is one of the most important bits of kit you can own. It is the difference between nursing an aching back all evening and properly relaxing. But when you start looking, the choice is overwhelming. There are hundreds of different types, all claiming to be the best. How do you know which one is right for you?
The secret is to ignore the marketing and think about how you actually camp. The perfect chair for an ultralight backpacker is a terrible choice for a family setting up for a week. I have spent years testing all sorts, so let me break down the main types to help you find your perfect match.
3 Key Considerations
Comfort
Will you be sitting for hours? Look for high backs, armrests, and padding. If it is just for a quick rest, basic is fine.
Portability
How far will you carry it? Check the packed size and weight. A 5kg chair is fine for the car, but hard to carry.
Durability
Look for steel or high grade aluminium frames. A chair is an investment, so you want it to last more than one season.
The Different Types of Camping Chair
1. The Classic Folding Chair
This is the one everyone knows. It has a high back, armrests (usually with a cup holder), and it collapses in on itself like an umbrella into a long sausage bag. They are brilliant for general car camping because they are comfortable, simple, and usually very affordable. Their main weakness is their awkward pack size.
See a Classic Folding Chair on Amazon2. Low-Profile & Beach Chairs
These chairs sit much lower to the ground, allowing you to stretch your legs out. I find this style incredibly comfortable for relaxing, especially at the beach or a festival. Their lower centre of gravity also makes them feel very stable on uneven ground. Just be aware they can be a bit harder to get out of if you have bad knees.
3. Double Chairs & Loveseats
Perfect for couples or a parent and child, these two person chairs are a great way to save a bit of space compared to carrying two separate seats. They are brilliant for cosying up around the campfire. They are obviously heavier and bulkier than single chairs, so they are strictly for car campers, but they offer a great shared experience. They are a must have for any family camping trip in one of my recommended best family camping tents.
4. Reclining Chairs
For the ultimate lounger, a reclining chair is the king of comfort. These are often larger, padded chairs with multiple backrest positions, letting you go from sitting upright for dinner to leaning back for an afternoon doze. They are usually the heaviest and bulkiest type, but for pure, unadulterated relaxation, they are hard to beat. Read my full guide to the best reclining camping chairs.
View a Popular Reclining Chair5. Ultralight Backpacking Chairs
These are marvels of modern engineering. They use a shock corded pole frame, just like a tent, which allows them to pack down to an incredibly small size. A good one can weigh less than 1kg and fit inside a water bottle pocket on your rucksack. They provide a huge comfort boost for a tiny weight penalty. Check out my favourites in my budget lightweight chair guide.
Check Prices for an Ultralight Chair6. Other Variations
You will also see other types, like simple three legged stools, which are super light but offer no back support. Benches are great for families with lots of kids, and you can even find chairs with built in sunshades or footrests. These are all more specialised, but worth considering if you have a specific need.
See a Folding Camping Bench on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the most important factor when choosing a camping chair?
It is a balance, but I always start with how you plan to use it. If you are a car camper who values relaxing for hours, then comfort is the most important factor. If you are a backpacker, then portability (weight and pack size) is, without a doubt, the number one priority. Match the chair type to your style of camping first, then look at the details.
Are expensive camping chairs worth the money?
Sometimes, yes. More expensive chairs often use higher grade materials like DAC aluminium for their frames, which makes them both stronger and lighter. They also tend to have more ergonomic designs and more durable fabrics. While you can get great value from budget chairs, a premium chair from a top brand is often a 'buy it once' investment that will last for many years.
