Camping chairs are comfortable and are easy to set up and transport and they can greatly improve your overall camping experience.

Furthermore, camping chairs are great for so many other things beyond just camping; you can enjoy them in your backyard, while tailgating, at concerts, or while watching parades or sporting events.

There are dozens of different types of camping chairs on the market today so you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed when it comes to buying camping chairs for yourself or for your family. Therefore, we have put together this helpful guide to aid you in your decision-making process.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the types of camping chairs on the market and how you can select the best one for you and your family’s needs. 

Factors to Think About When Buying Camping Chairs 

When it comes time to buy camping chairs, there are a few important factors to consider.

The first thing that you’ll want to think about is the end-use of your chair. If you’re planning on carrying your camping chair long distances, you’re going to want something that is small and lightweight.

Smaller camping chairs are often less comfortable than the larger ones, but if you’re backpacking and simply want somewhere elevated to sit, a simple foldable stool-style chair might be best for you. If you plan on using it to relax in your yard or around the fire when car camping, a larger chair may be a better option. 

You’ll also want to take size and height into consideration. If you are a smaller person with a small frame, you won’t need a large, broad chair to experience comfort. Taller people will want a chair that is raised higher above the ground to keep their legs at a optimal ninety-degree angle. Older people or people who have difficulty rising from a low seat will also want to choose a chair with a higher seat instead of a low beach-style chair.

Also, you will want to consider the chair’s design. Some chairs are just that – chairs. Others have additional features like cup holders, footrests, the ability to recline, or even a built-in canopy for shade. Camping chairs have come a long way in the past few decades; there are camping chairs that are more like couches that can seat couples, and there are also even camping chairs that allow you to rock back and forth.

Types of Camping Chairs

Old camping chairs were all pretty much the same. They featured replaceable webbed fabric and folded flat into a rectangle for storage. Most of these were made of solid metal. The chairs of today offer many more options to campers and other users. 

Classic Camping Chairs

Today, camping chairs are more often made of canvas, but the old-style chairs are still available as well. The most common camp chair on the market today has four legs, a back, and armrests, and sometimes even cup holders or other storage areas built right in. These are likely what you think of when you picture a camping chair, but they’re only one of many styles you can find for sale.

Low Chairs or Beach Chairs

Low chairs are great for the beach and they are also good for watching events because they don’t block others’ view of the action. However, they can be difficult to sit down in and get up from. Still, this type of chair is great because they are small and are easy to store and carry. 

Rockers or Suspended Chairs

If you’re someone who likes to sit in a chair that can move back and forth, you might consider a rocker or a suspended chair. Rockers have a curved base like a traditional rocking chair, but the chair on the rockers is just like a classic camping chair. On the other hand, suspended chairs are suspended from a static base. The seat moves when you rock back and forth, but the base remains stationary. 

Scoop Chairs

Scoop chairs are reminiscent of Papasan chairs and offer a wide, comfortable space for sitting. They don’t usually have armrests, but you can sit in a number of different positions in scoop chairs and still find great comfort.

Camp Stools

If you’re just looking for somewhere to sit while you cook over a stove or the fire, then a camp stool may be plenty for you. This type of camp seating is great because they are small and easy to carry, but they still allow you to sit in an elevated position instead of on the ground. These may not be great for people who wish to relax in a chair for hours, but they’ll serve their purpose for simple camping activities. 

Kids’ Chairs

Manufacturers understand that children love camping too, so in recent years they have begun to create and offer a number of different camping chair options for the kids in our lives as well. Although children can sit in adult chairs, your son or daughter will be excited to have a chair of his or her very own that is designed with a smaller body in mind. 

Side Tables

In addition to camping chairs, foldable camping tables are becoming more and more popular these days as well. These are often made of the same types of materials as common camping chairs and can provide you with extra space to set down your drink, your plate, your book, or your sunglasses while enjoying the campfire or an event. They are small and portable and many people add these to their camping gear and wonder why they waited so long to give them a try.

Other Features to Consider 

When selecting a camping chair, there are a few other things to think about as well. These things may seem like minor issues not worth contemplating, but if you overlook them, you will likely be sorry that you did. 

Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is one factor. Some smaller camping chairs are not made for larger bodies. If you have a large frame, a small, inexpensive camping chair may hold your weight for a while, but it may end up breaking after a few uses. You’ll want to check the weight capacity before you make your purchase.

Materials

Materials are also important. There are many cheap chairs on the market today, but they may not last you more than one season. Chairs made with high-quality materials may cost more, but they will last you much longer than their cheaper counterparts, and they’ll likely be more comfortable, too. 

Comfort Upgrades

There are many camping out there with upgrades that you might not even imagine on your own. You might think that these features are excessive and unnecessary, and for many people, they are. Others love them. Things like a comfortable, built-in headrest pillow can make a world of difference, as can proper lumbar support. A pouch for your phone or flashlight can make it easy to find these things quickly in the dark. Mesh side walls will allow a pleasant breeze to pass through on a hot day.

Set-Up

Most camping chairs set up in seconds when you take them out of the bag. Others require some additional set-up, especially chairs that include footrests or canopies. You may find even moments of additional set-up annoying right away, or you may find them well worth it to enjoy these features; it all depends on your personal preference and the type of camping chair experience that you seek.

Carrying Bag

Finally, the carrying bag for your chair is important. Some less expensive chairs don’t come with a carrying bag at all, but this might be fine for you if you are just taking it out of the car and using it right there, or if you’re mostly using your camping chair in your yard. Other camping bags simply protect the chair and keep it from getting tangled with your other gear, but don’t include a carrying strap, but you’ll want a carrying strap to throw over your shoulder if you’re bringing your chair into a concert or sporting event. 

Enjoy Your Camping Chair This Summer

As you can see, there are a lot of different things to think about when it comes to buying a camping chair. Too many people don’t take time to consider all of the above factors and end up with an uncomfortable camping chair that they dislike for years. However, if you take the time to think about what you really want, you can find a chair that suits you and the uses you have planned for it. When you take your time making this selection you’ll be able to enjoy your chair this summer and beyond, and you’ll be glad that you didn’t rush into your purchase.

If you are thinking about buying a new camping chair this summer, please check out our selection on our site. You’ll find chairs of every style and option for every desire and budget.