Did you know that the first camping chair was patented in 1855? This camping chair had a wooden frame with a softer material for the seat and back support. It could fold away in seconds.
As time moves on, manufacturers come up with more ways to improve on the original design— now there are more designs and models than ever before.
To help you choose the best camping chairs, we have put together a handy buying guide full of the information you may want to consider before making your purchase.
What is a camping chair?
A camping chair is a lightweight folding chair. It usually consists of a piece of soft material for the seat and back. It is perfect for anybody who enjoys the outdoors or just wants a seat for sitting in their garden.
Why do you need a camping chair?
Camping chairs are useful items to own. Here are a few reasons why.
Relaxing in the sun whilst camping
A camping chair is a must if you want to relax in the sun while reading a book, sit around a campfire, or simply take the weight off your feet for a bit. These chairs are much more comfortable than sitting on the dirty, uncomfortable ground making your experience more relaxing.
Extra chairs for guests
If you do not have much space in your home for extra furniture, you can use camping chairs as emergency seating for guests. Camping chairs fold away compactly and you only need to set them up when they are required. Camping chairs can be a great way to add extra seating to your outdoor patio while you barbecue.
Festivals
If you are unsteady on your feet but want to enjoy a music festival, a camping chair can solve all your problems. Take a camping chair and enjoy the music from the comfort of your seat. If you are camping at a festival, taking a camping chair will add a sense of much-needed luxury.
Doubles as garden furniture
You can use camping chairs as garden furniture during the summer. You can easily store them away and pull them out for the occasional nice day in the spring or fall.
Things to consider when buying a camping chair
With so many camping chairs on the market, it is difficult to know where to start. Fear not! Our useful list of considerations should help you make the right decision.
How easy is it to set up and pack away
If you are buying a camping chair online, you can see how easy it is to set up and fold away by looking at customer reviews. If you buy a camping chair from a store, you can try opening and packing away the camp chair yourself. Ideally, you want a camping chair that is well-designed and easy to set up.
What is the size of the chair when folded?
You want a relatively small chair when it is folded up, so you can fit it in your car or even attach it to your rucksack when you go camping. The point of a camping chair is that it can be folded away and won’t take up too much space. If your chair doesn’t fold down to a decent size, you may as well just use a regular chair.
Weight
If you are buying from a store, check the weight of the chair. You will likely need to move this chair around a lot. You want a chair that is not going to add too much weight to all your camping gear. If buying online, be sure to check the product weight.
Style and use
If you are planning on relaxing in the sun, you may want a camping chair with a slight recline; if you are sitting around a table and eating or playing cards, you may prefer a camping chair with a more upright back.
Size and capacity
If you are a large person, you can buy an XL or oversized chair. These are not as readily available as regular camping chairs, but you can find them with a bit of searching. Most camping chairs will specify their maximum weight in the specifications.
Lumbar support
There is nothing worse than going on a camping weekend and suffering from a bad back. Don’t let your dodgy joints ruin your trip— buy a camping chair that offers lumbar support.
Cupholder and storage
Many camping chairs come with built-in cup holders in their arms. This is a must-have for a camper who loves beer but hates spilling it. Some camping chairs come with added storage, too, like open and zipped pockets. This is a great place to keep a book or journal once you’ve set up camp.
Strongest materials
For the strongest camping chairs, choose frames made from powder-coated steel and high denier value fabrics.
Try it out
When you are at the store, if you like the look of a camp chair, sit in it. If it feels comfortable and sturdy, it is probably the right chair for you. If you buy a chair online for a specific camping trip, leave plenty of time to try out the chair and return it if it is not right for you.
Camping chair price range
You can buy a cheap camping chair for as little as $15, but do not expect this to last as long as some more expensive models. A top-quality camping chair will cost at least $40, though this can rise to well over $200 depending on the brand. Typical, you should look to spend somewhere between $40 and $150.
FAQ
Q. What are some popular camping chair brands?
A. Some popular camping chair brands are Kijaro, REI, Kelty, Yeti, and NEMO. There are many more camping chair brands out there, which you can find with a quick Google search.
Q. Can I take a camping chair backpacking?
A. Yes, you can. If you choose to take a camping chair on your next adventure, you need to make sure it is light and compact. A comfortable seat can make all the difference on a backpacking trip. You can find camping chairs that will attach to the outside of your backpack, making them easy to carry around.