1: ALPS Mountaineering King Kong
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is our favorite camping chair and one of our two most comfortable. The King Kong was consistently the first chair to get stuck whenever our test group gathered around a campfire. The lightly padded fabric makes it ideal for long lounging sessions and the seat itself is exceptionally spacious, if a bit sloppy, with an incredibly stable frame. The listed weight capacity is 800 pounds, and as a result, the reinforced fabric is highly durable. Testers appreciated all the storage features, including two cup holders, two side pockets, and a small extra pocket behind the headrest. Setting up this chair is very easy and takes just a few seconds.
All that extra comfort and reinforcement comes at a cost. With added features come several extra pounds, making the King Kong one of the heaviest single-person models we’ve tested. It also lacks a headrest, so it’s not the ideal chair for an afternoon nap. On the other hand, we believe that this model will satisfy all your camping, hiking, fishing or other needs. If you need a comfortable chair or use a camping-specific chair regularly and don’t mind a little bulk, we recommend the King Kong.
2: REI Co-op Camp X
Despite what we’d call an uninspiring look, the REI Co-op Camp X is a surprisingly versatile chair. Although it is slightly lower and has a shorter backrest than similar models, this geometry does not detract too much from the overall comfort. Height adjustable armrests and highly breathable mesh help make it a great experience for anyone who sits on it. The Camp X is also more durable than it looks, with strategic reinforcements that support the body without creating uncomfortable pressure points. It sets up and packs up quickly with a simple accordion fold and stores relatively painlessly in a durable case that can be carried over the shoulder or by the hand strap.
While we like being able to fit a large 1-quart Nalgene water bottle in the cup holder, these pockets aren’t the most secure for smaller beverage containers, like a 12-ounce glass bottle or can. The odd shape can also be easily spotted when you store the chair in its carry bag. The seat platform is also slightly lower than others, which can be a problem for taller people. This isn’t the most supportive chair, with a typical slouch seat and straight back. Still, we think this is a remarkably versatile and comfortable portable chair that’s also one of the more affordable options we’ve tested.
3: GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro
The GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro is a no-nonsense chair that offers solid performance for less than you might expect. It has a high enough seat and back to match the widely extended armrests, giving plenty of room to sit high off the ground. It’s not the most supportive seat we’ve tested, but it’s above average among competitors, leaving sloppy folding sports chairs behind when it comes to supporting your full weight. The angled backrest continues that level of support without making you feel like you’re falling apart the longer you sit. A mesh panel helps maintain airflow through the spine even on a hot day, while a single cup holder fits perfectly with your favorite 12 oz canned beverage.
If you have a huge glass that you like to drink from, there’s nowhere to store it in the Comfort Pro. There are also no large pockets for snacks, books, or magazines, just a small pocket to store your smartphone. With full-length steel cross bars running the full length of the chair’s back, this chair is a pretty long package, made a little more awkward by the lack of adjustment of the carry handle. And for those with shorter legs, the 20-inch front brim can dangle your feet. But if you’re taller, larger, or older and want a car seat that’s easy to get out of, this inexpensive option easily fits your needs.
4: Yeti Trailhead
If you’re looking for a luxurious camping chair to enhance your glamping experience, look no further than the Yeti Trailhead. This ultra-strong ergonomic design offers maximum comfort, which led our testers to swap this camping chair for their office chair. The FlexGrid fabric supports the body and also allows perspiration thanks to the perforated material.
Everything about this chair speaks of luxury, from the easy and intuitive setup to the crisscross styling that enhances stability and sturdiness. The carry case is thoughtfully designed and features not one, but two handles, allowing for options depending on how far you need to carry it. The zipper on the carry bag is also strong and built to last. Unfortunately this chair is big at £13.3 and the price is a bit of a shock. Still, our testers are confident that you won’t be disappointed with this investment if you’re looking to buy something long-term.
5: Kelty Low Loveseat
The Kelty Low Loveseat surprises us with its incredibly comfortable design for two. This model was very stable, with a lower seat height than most traditional camping chairs. While our shorter testers’ feet rested comfortably on the floor, Kelty also makes a version several inches taller. Made from durable materials, this chair can withstand attempts to seat multiple people and even dogs for extended periods. After three straight years of regular use and intense sun exposure, it’s fading a bit, but it’s still as comfortable as the first day we wore it. This chair has grown in our main tester the longer he’s had it, a credit to its impressive longevity and comfort.
Aside from the overall size and weight, our biggest complaint was the Low Loveseat’s popularity with our friends, leaving us less time to enjoy its great features. As an upholstered chair, it’s also less breathable on a hot day, but with light colors, we hardly notice it. For its comfort and durability, as well as its ability to seat a couple of friends, we think this chair is worth considering.