There’s no higher solution to finish a day outdoors than to collect across the campfire. Whereas we’ve all spent many a night balancing on a log, it’s exhausting to beat one of the best tenting chairs. That’s why we’ve examined near 50 during the last decade and picked up the highest 14 in the marketplace right this moment on this information.
So as to discover one of the best, we’ve spent numerous hours testing chairs in quite a lot of areas and climate situations. From the wilds of the Desolation Wilderness to the swamps of Apalachicola, from birthday events on the park to enjoyable someplace with a view, we’ve spent numerous hours organising, taking down, and, properly, sitting.
Whereas no single “best” chair will swimsuit everybody, we’ve damaged the record into classes that ought to assist you to determine the perfect chair on your wants. Look to our top-pick REI Co-op Campwell for those who’re after probably the most well-rounded obtainable, or snag a few Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chairs for a similar worth. In any other case, learn on for our different suggestions and shopping for recommendation.
Editor’s Word: We up to date our Tenting Chairs information on January 31, 2025, so as to add the Kelty Discovery Low Loveseat Nest — an upgraded model of our favourite campsite sofa that now comes with a couple of blankets to snuggle up in.
The Finest Camp Chairs of 2025
Finest General Camp Chair
Easy, light-weight design
Made primarily of mesh for simple cleanup and breathability
Comes with a shoulder bag for simple transport
PFC-free DWR end
Mesh might trigger considerations for long-term sturdiness
Not a tall seat peak for final lounging
Nick Belcaster
Finest Price range Camp Chair
Cheap
Breathable mesh again panel
Tried and true design that is simple to deploy
Much less portability
Lengthy-term sturdiness
Nick Belcaster
Finest Rocking Camp Chair
A ton of enjoyable to relax in
Hammock-chair hybrid gives a bit of every world
Spectacular weight capability for a rocking design
Improved match for neck and head assist
On the dear facet of camp chairs
Set-up generally is a extra sophisticated affair
Nick Belcaster
Most Secure Camp Chair
Extraordinarily sturdy at a rated 800 lb. capability
Backpack-style carry case included
Not missing in storage with two pockets and two cupholders
Spectacular firm assist for alternative elements
Heavier than most chairs at 13 lbs.
Cloth not proof against fraying with intensive use
Nick Belcaster
Finest Campsite ‘Sofa’
Sufficient house for campfire snuggling
Adjustable cupholders for small or massive drinks
Quilted seat material is frivolously insulated
Now comes with two insulated blankets
Heavier at 17 kilos
Cumbersome to pack out to far campsites
Nick Belcaster
Finest Seaside Tenting Chair
Spectacular rigidity for an inflatable
No shifting elements to interrupt or put on out
Easy to clean down
Secure to take a seat on most anyplace
Requires specialty pump to inflate
Could be a little bit of a bear to pack away
Nick Belcaster
Finest Tenting Chair for Youngsters
Gentle, moveable mini model of the grownup chair
4 pound weight is not too heavy for tikes to hold themselves
Locking mechanism prevents chair from shifting
Finest for teenagers 9 and below
Nick Belcaster
Different Tenting Chairs to Park It In
The seven tenting chairs we’ve awarded above are wonderful choices for nearly anybody (or any journey), however they’re removed from the one seats on the market. Earlier than you make your alternative, take a look at the lineup of camp chairs we’ve ranked extremely beneath. They may not be one of the best of one of the best, however they’re strong choices and could be one of the best for you.
Excessive-back design
Very compact packed dimension
Spectacular weight-capacity for the design
Headrest flap may be stuffed fro added consolation
Cupholder solely obtainable as an add-on
No armrests
Nick Belcaster
Supremely snug padded design surrounds you
Robust 600D seat materials
Secure platform
Obtainable in a heated model
Cumbersome packed dimension and weight
Cupholder is not excellent for cans
Nick Belcaster
Excessive-quality supplies and design
Comfy sitting angle
Zip-up carrying bag
No cupholders
A bit on the heavier facet
Nick Belcaster
Comfy rocking movement
Straightforward to fold-up
Easy to get out and in of
Powder-coated body
Giant packed dimension is much less moveable than most
Decrease weight capability for a rocker
Wants larger cupholder
Nick Belcaster
Comfy sitting place
Padded armrests and head pillow
Two elevated sitting heights
Sophisticated to arrange
Could also be too low for some campers
Nick Belcaster
Sturdy
Comfy
Tremendous secure
Nick Belcaster
Design-forward
Versatile
Comfy, excessive seat
Nick Belcaster
Tenting Chair Comparability Chart
Irrespective of the season or the rationale, there’s a camp chair to quiet down into; (picture/Miya Tsudome)
How We Examined the Finest Tenting Chairs
For half a decade now, we’ve been parking our behinds in camp chairs of each stripe, on the lookout for one of the best seat in the home for kicking again within the nice outdoor. Since 2019, we’ve personally researched, toted, and examined near 25 completely different tenting chairs within the wilds, evaluating every and weighing their specs in opposition to our concept of the proper seat.
Our travels have taken us from the darkish understories of the temperate rainforests of Olympic Nationwide Park to the granite crags of Southern California, and after a tough day of taking part in within the dust, a great seat makes all of the distinction.
Nevertheless it’s not simply our opinions, both. We polled our crew to find out their absolute favourite camp chairs and why. We collect yearly for a gaggle campout to check a brand new assortment of tenting chairs facet by facet, and we use these camp chairs all year long, from season to season and sport to sport.
(Photograph/Miya Tsudome)
Our Testing Course of
The vast majority of our camp chair testing takes place precisely the way you assume it would: with butts in seats across the campfire. We’ve additionally used these chairs whereas crewing ultramarathons and having fun with slam poetry and live shows on the park, in addition to at residence for out of doors birthday events and sitting round moveable fireplace pits. Wherever you can think about toting a great chair for the event, we’ve made it occur and in contrast notes on relative efficiency.
Of the essential metrics we take a look at, ease of set-up is main amongst them, as a difficult-to-assemble camp chair is shortly sidelined for one thing simpler to get into. Past set-up, we additionally examine notes on basic consolation, beverage and necessities storage, and ease of transport. Each chair is rotated round to our number of consultants as properly to make sure that quite a lot of physique sizes and styles have had their fair proportion of time in every seat.
We additionally take a hard-data method right here as a lot as we do with some other sort of package, and have pulled collectively a couple of in-house exams to make sure that producer claims are confirmed. Main amongst them is an trustworthy weigh-in, in addition to measuring essential metrics equivalent to seat peak and packed sizes.
Earlier than we’re by way of with them, these chairs even have their acknowledged weight capacities challenged, a not-so-easy job in the case of among the extra stout chairs on the market (and a check that has resulted in not less than one catastrophic failure). Piling in plate weights after which ourselves, we’re comfortable to announce that dang-near each chair up to now has met the problem as much as their claimed capability.
GearJunkie editors sitting across the campfire; (picture/Eric Phillips)
Our Professional Testers
Main testers for this information are Miya Tsudome and Nick Belcaster, each consummate outdoor people from reverse ends of the West. Tsudome has over 10 years of expertise with testing out of doors gear and covers the California facet of the equation, tenting and adventuring across the Sierra Vary for a lot of the yr. Her seek for one of the best tenting chair on the market has her testing new additions on a rolling foundation.
Senior Editor Nick Belcaster, then again, hails from Washington State and, after an extended stroll on the Pacific Crest Path in 2018, is fairly able to relax in a comfortable seat. He typically deploys a camp chair throughout basecamp for climbing journeys and the elusive (if not controversial) “seated top-rope belay.” Each testers have a eager eye for the steadiness a great camp chair must strike between consolation, packability, and ease of use.
A few of our editors have used their alternative camp chair throughout each season for a few years with no signal of degradation or a want to modify. Past our staff’s expertise, we additionally thought of the most well-liked, most sturdy, and bestselling camp chairs in the marketplace in addition to a broad vary of worth factors and options for a variety of customers. And as new chairs roll out to the market, make sure that we’ve obtained them on our radar and are contemplating them as properly.
Purchaser’s Information: Select a Tenting Chair
(Photograph/Miya Tsudome)
Listed here are the first components we use when testing camp chairs. Scroll by way of to assist make sure that you choose one of the best tenting chair on your particular person wants. We are going to notice that these decisions are particularly for kicking again throughout automobile tenting and the like. When you’re on the lookout for a extra packable and light-weight possibility, check out our in-depth overview of backpacking chairs.
Kind of Use
How will you employ the chair? Whether or not you get pleasure from automobile tenting, backpacking, soccer recreation viewing, yard barbecuing, or a mixture of every little thing, it helps to have a transparent concept of the way you’ll use your tenting chair. It should assist you to slim down which of the opposite components are most essential.
Automotive Campers: For these weekend warriors who pack the automobile and head for the outside as quickly as 5 p.m. on Friday hits, a great chair is important for hanging on the nearest campground. Whereas nearly any chair may be thrown behind the automobile and used campside, automobile campers will need to search for chairs that may face up to some abuse, aren’t too massive or heavy, and fold up properly for simple packing.
The REI Co-op Campwell Chair, Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair, and ALPS Mountaineering King Kong are nice decisions to seize and go. The ENO Lounger DL slings low for relieving again, and has a cupholder to maintain your beverage shut.
The REI Co-op Campwell is snug and versatile in quite a lot of out of doors settings; (picture/Miya Tsudome)
Yard Chillers: For kicking it at yard barbecues and hanging out round fireplace pits, there are these chairs that you could pack up and produce alongside, or these chairs that keep at your home for whenever you’re internet hosting the occasion. If you’d like an simply moveable possibility, search for a foldable chair with a pleasant design so your mates can be asking the place you bought it. If you’d like a mainstay on your personal yard, search for a much bigger lounge chair that your friends can be combating over.
The Dometic Go Compact Chair is a good, fashionable alternative for packing as much as take to your buddy’s out of doors celebration, bonfire, or live performance with their beauty and easy-carrying design. The YETI Trailhead Tenting Chair and GCI Out of doors Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger are good decisions for retaining out on the deck on your mates to loosen up whilst you are likely to the grill. And the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxurious Chair is a novelty choose for rocking subsequent to a hearth and searching up on the stars.
Seaside-Goers: When packing for the seaside, you often need to maintain the load gentle to keep away from lugging an excessive amount of from the automobile to your spot. You’ll need to discover a chair that isn’t too heavy, comes with a great carrying system, and is low sufficient so you may lean again and loosen up below the solar.
The BOTE Aero Chair XL was made particularly for beach-goers with its inflatable construct, low-to-the-ground seat, and built-in cup holder. The vast floor space of this chair makes it sit simply and comfortably on the sand.
Consolation
The low-slung type of the ENO Lounger DL makes it good for kicking again after an extended day; (picture/Nick Belcaster)
No one needs an uncomfortable tenting chair. When contemplating consolation, we checked out seatback peak, width, peak off the bottom, supplies, quantity of cushion, rigidity versus flexibility, total form, and ergonomics. Consolation varies from individual to individual and relies upon quite a bit in your dimension, construct, and mobility.
When you’re on the lookout for a conventional chair, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong sports activities a pleated seat that was excessive on our record of probably the most snug. And for a slung-back type of chair, look no additional than the hammock-inspired builds of the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxurious Chair and ENO Lounger DL Chair.
Weight and Packed Dimensions
Folding camp chairs received’t be probably the most compact, however oftentimes will sport backpack straps to make for a neater carry; (picture/Miya Tsudome)
That is paramount for those who’re backpacking, semi-important when packing the rig for automobile tenting, and never essential when organising within the yard. Tenting-style chairs received’t pack up as small as backpacking chairs, however will sometimes collapse to a extra travel-friendly type for shifting round.
Conventional collapsible chairs just like the REI Co-Op Campwell or Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair have a traditional stow method that almost all everybody has seen earlier than and solely require a easy pulling collectively of the legs to break down down right into a extra compact bundle.
Then, there are folding-style chairs just like the GCI Out of doors Kickback Rocker Chair, which fold alongside a central axis and create a flat bundle for shifting about. And at last, there are the DIY-style chairs, such because the ENO Lounger DL the place some meeting is required, although at an incredible profit to total packability.
It’s good to have a strap or bag that accompanies your chair, like on the REI Co-op Wonderland, for simpler transport; (picture/Miya Tsudome)
Carrying Type
When contemplating the packed dimensions, additionally take into account how precisely you’re going to be toting your favourite camp chair round. Many are acquainted with the material sleeves that encase collapsible chairs for journey, however there are few different choices obtainable.
Folding-style chairs sometimes don’t include a carrying bag, so that you’ll should wrestle them round your self. Collapsible chairs, just like the ENO Lounger DL Chair, will include a bag that packs away every little thing wanted to set them up when you hit camp. Lastly, a couple of chairs, such because the REI Co-op Wonderland, will sport built-in straps instantly on the chair for shouldering them.
Ease of Setup
Tenting chairs vary from small and packable to massive, but snug; (picture/Eric Phillips)
Nobody needs to spend 20 minutes combating to arrange their camp chair — or worse, attempting to wrangle it again into its carrying bag. We would like to have the ability to arrange and take down the chair with out directions or extreme time devoted to the duty.
All the chairs included listed below are simple to arrange. Some merely fold open, whereas others take a few minutes to assemble. The NEMO Stargaze is one which takes a bit extra time to arrange. However we had been in a position to do it with out studying the instructions, and the tradeoff for the enjoyable, rocking chair characteristic is value it.
We want the REI Co-op Wonderland was a bit extra intuitive to fold out, however as soon as you determine its strap system, it received’t take a lot time in any respect. And it’s exhausting to disclaim the benefit of inflating the BOTE Inflatable Aero Chair XL, which pumps up in minutes.
Peak
Numerous camp chairs gathered at camp throughout sundown; (picture/Eric Phillips)
The peak from the bottom to the underside of the seat is an typically neglected but extraordinarily essential consideration. This dictates not solely how bent your legs can be but in addition makes a chair simpler or harder to get out of. Whereas most chairs don’t supply a number of heights, we are going to notice that the ENO Lounger DL Chair does — with the selection of deploying both 3- or 10-inch legs.
On the whole, these with knee points or mobility considerations can have a neater time getting out of taller chairs. When you fall into that class, take into account one thing just like the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair or the YETI Trailhead.
Stability
Sitting across the campfire ought to be a soothing time. And which means not having to fret about falling out of your chair (particularly for those who’re having fun with a couple of campfire cocktails) or the chair toppling over whenever you transfer to get out of it. A wider leg base offers additional stability however typically comes at the price of weight and pack dimension.
In addition to a large base, additionally search for broader toes on the finish of these legs. These will higher distribute the load throughout the floor you’re sitting on and can keep away from sinking into delicate soils.
Options
Cupholders are nice, and pockets are even higher. We love the stash pouch on the REI Co-op Campwell, which is the proper dimension for our telephone and keys; (picture/Miya Tsudome)
Drink holders, pockets, carrying luggage, armrest coolers, user-adjusted warmth settings, and extra — these additional options could appear inconsequential, however they might help take a camp chair from OK to superior.
After we’re on the lookout for a great tenting chair, we prefer to steadiness the options it has with the general complexity. It’s simple to pile on additional options, however annoying to should extract your self from a cocoon of cupholders, pockets, and straps. On the whole, one cupholder will do you, in addition to a single accent pocket to securely stash your keys.
Whether or not you select the tiniest camp chair, the most important camp chair, the most cost effective tenting chair, or one thing in between, don’t overlook what it’s actually all about: getting outdoors. Throw a contemporary go online the hearth, pull up a chair, and luxuriate in a night below the celebrities.
Correct beverage containment is excessive on our record of essential options; (picture/Miya Tsudome)
Value & Worth
Are you on the lookout for a chair that works for each backpacking and tenting? Do you propose to make use of it as soon as a month, as soon as every week, or every single day? These components will all play an essential half to find the proper camp chair for you.
These components can even have an effect on the worth and might help you identify if it’s value spending extra for a chair that pairs consolation with packability (just like the ENO Lounger DL Chair). Or maybe a finances choose like Coleman will fit your wants higher with out emptying the pockets. For one of the best of each worlds, we’re a fan of our high choose, the REI Co-op Campwell chair, which pairs an reasonably priced worth with consolation and high quality.
Price range
Whereas there are many cookie-cutter low-cost camp chairs on the market, we discover little motive to accept these choices when some sensible purchasing can internet you a chair that’ll be extra snug, last more, and all at almost the identical worth. Price range camp chairs will principally be of the usual collapsible tube body design, and make use of easy material seats with sometimes one built-in cupholder.
For lower than $100, you will get into an actual finances chair just like the Coleman Broadband ($30) and nonetheless have lots left over to snag a couple of extra to pad out your tenting furnishings set. Even our greatest total choose finds itself on this worth vary, and for $60, its robust not the suggest the REI Co-op Campwell. This worth class holds the biggest quantity of chairs, making it the affordable vary you can count on to spend on a great camp chair that covers the fundamentals.
Mid-Tier
Between $100 and $200, you’re usually paying for both greater high quality supplies and design or a specialist chair that goals to supply up one thing that almost all chairs don’t. For the cash, you may slide into double seats, quilted or insulated seats, and reclining techniques or adjustable heights.
The Dometic Go Compact Chair ($150) is a good alternative on this worth vary, as you get a chair with a strong aluminum construction and beechwood armrests that feels extra deluxe than finances fashions. The KUMA Lazy Bear ($140), too, gives up a a lot deeper seat than most different chairs, and added insulation for colder nights.
Premium
For $200+, you will get the BOTE Inflatable Aero Chair XL, YETI Trailhead Tenting Chair, or NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxurious Chair. This costly class enters much more into the specialty class, with inflatable chairs and rocking recliners, or will get you high-quality supplies and equipment equivalent to UV-rated breathable material or included delicate coolers and cupholders.
Take into account these kinds of chairs for those who’re seeking to make a long-term funding, the place you’ll get an prolonged quantity of use out of the seat. The YETI Trailhead is a good straight-ahead camp chair for absolutely anything, whereas the BOTE Aero or NEMO Stargaze are each consultants of their fields, and award-winners in their very own proper.
GearJunkie editors having fun with the sunshine in camp chairs by the tent; (picture/Eric Phillips)
Regularly Requested Questions
Probably the most snug tenting chair varies from individual to individual and relies upon largely in your physique sort and peak.
The REI Co-op Campwell is among the many most snug — it’s malleable but supportive however not too inflexible. We additionally gave the YETI Trailhead extraordinarily excessive marks for consolation and stability, though that does include a worth tradeoff. And if you wish to lay again and take a nap, the GCI Zero Gravity chair is a winner.
First, take into consideration the way you’re going to make use of the chair. When you plan on backpacking or mountaineering into camp, then a small, light-weight chair will serve you finest. When you’re automobile tenting or hanging within the yard, go for max consolation and options.
You might also need to take into account your mobility and peak. Decrease chairs may be more difficult to get out and in of in case you have knee points or some other mobility considerations. Taller individuals additionally are likely to desire a chair with a bit extra peak to it.
Final, take into consideration the options you’ll get pleasure from. Is a cupholder essential? Or perhaps you actually desire a rocking camp chair? No matter it’s, likelihood is yow will discover a camp chair that completely fits your outdoor-loving wants.
Decisions, decisions, decisions; (picture/Eric Phillips)
Sure. All of the tenting chairs on this record can get moist. Some will dry extra shortly than others, however none of them can be broken by a bit rain.
The burden and packed dimension relate to how moveable a chair is. For automobile tenting, this primarily issues for becoming every little thing in your car and carrying it quick distances. The packed-down dimension will also be essential for these with restricted cupboard space.
When you’re spending loads of time on the ball subject, you might have considered trying a camp chair you may carry hands-free. A lot of our high decisions for camp chairs include an included carry case for comfort. Most of these luggage have a single strap to sling over your shoulder, however the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong carry-case has two backpack straps for much more help.
When you plan to backpack or hike an extended distance along with your chair, the load and packed dimension are essential.
First, take into account the kind of journeys you’re seeking to take your camp chair on. When you’re extra of the sunshine and quick sort, you might be higher suited to a backpacking chair. But when settling down in entrance of a campfire appears like your sort of night, a tenting chair is probably going proper up your alley. We are going to notice that there are a couple of chairs in the marketplace that may do each, and these may be thought of if you need one chair to do all of it.
Then, take into consideration the kind of enjoyable you’re seeking to do. Some chairs are extra suited to reclining, which whereas the perfect angle for star gazing, seemingly isn’t going to work nice for roasting marshmallows. A chair just like the ENO Lounger DL Chair is actually amongst this camp, whereas the ALPS King Kong gives a extra upright place.
Lastly, consider the options you’re trying to make use of whereas tenting. Some chairs supply a great little bit of storage, whereas others are significantly spartan. Some come decked out in a number of cup holders, whereas others go away it as much as you to cradle your beverage.
From packable sleeping pads to ultracomfortable air beds, we examined and located one of the best tenting mattresses and sleeping pads to suit each journey and finances.
Planning to hit the paths however don’t need to sacrifice consolation at camp? Put money into a backpacking chair.