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The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

Here are the best camping chairs including the top lightweight, comfortable options for camping to keep your back and tush happy.

Here are the best camp chairs of 2021 including the top lightweight, comfortable options for camping to keep your back and tush happy.

When you’re on a camping trip, we all know there’s nothing better than ending the day by circling up your camping chairs around the campfire. And after a long day of hiking or backpacking, you want a comfortable camping chair that is also durable enough to last adventure after adventure.

In this post, I’ll share my findings on the best camping chairs, based on my personal experience and reviews from other campers and backpackers. So whether you’re gearing up for your next camping trip or just looking for a new camp chair to relax in your backyard, read on for some great recommendations!

Here are the best camping chairs to keep you and your tush happy on your next trip.


Best Camping Chairs at a Glance


Camping Chairs Comparison Table

See the comparison table below for a quick summary of each of the top camp chairs. You can click on the columns to sort by what’s most important to you.

NamePacked WeightWeight LimitHeight Off the GroundCup HolderPrice
https://bit.ly/3LRcNjVHelinox Sunset56 oz320 lbs14 inchesNo$170
https://bit.ly/3bXD0KXENO Lounger74 oz350 lbs3 or 10 inchesYes$140
https://bit.ly/3vKXR1oHelinox Zero18 oz265 lbs8.5 inchesNo$130
https://bit.ly/385Vpt6Helinox Swivel40 oz265 lbs12.5 inchesNo$150
https://bit.ly/3hmID9JGCI Outdoor Pod Rocker187 oz250 lbs20.1 inchesYes$75
https://bit.ly/389k28fGCI Outdoor Legz-Up Lounger185 oz250 lbs18.7 inchesYes$100
https://bit.ly/31CHYLVREI Co-op Camp Xtra 160 oz400 lbs17.5 inchesYes$70
https://bit.ly/2YG2vgmMountain Summit Gear Loveseat240 oz500 lbsUnknownYes$100
https://bit.ly/3P0NLRyCrazy Creek Hex20 oz250 lbs0 inchesNo$65
https://bit.ly/3gzdfbRYETI Trailhead® Camp Chair213 oz500 lbsUnknownYes$300


Helinox Sunset Camp Chair

Best High Back Camping Chair

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 3 lbs 8 oz
  • Height off the ground: 14 inches
  • Dimensions: 38.5 x 28.5 x 8.5 in.
  • Weight limit: 320 lbs
  • Cup Holder: No
  • MSRP: $169.95

Check price: REI | Backcountry

Helinox Sunset Chair

Great for: van camping, car camping, people prefer to really sit back & relax

Pros: lightweight, high quality and well designed, packs down small

Cons: No cup holder, on the expensive side for camp chairs

The Helinox Sunset Camp Chair is one of the newest camping chairs I’ve tried and we currently travel with two of them in our van. I love how supportive they are and the high back allows you to really sit back and relax, which is nice compared to some of the chairs out there with lower backs.

For added comfort, there’s a built-in headrest that converts into a pillow if you stuff something soft into it like your puffy jacket or a towel.

At less than 3 ½ pounds, it’s very lightweight and packable. The other thing I love is that even when it’s put together, it’s not too bulky and we can store two of them on our bed in chair form. That means we never really need to pack them down when we are moving campsites and our chair is always ready to go.

If you’re heading to the beach, be sure to grab the groundsheet to prevent the chair legs from sinking into the sand.

Two people sitting in camping chairs at campground with tents set up around them
BFT Team Member Linda using the Helinox Sunset Chairs

ENO Lounger DL Chair

Best Camp Chair for Loun

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 4 lbs 10 oz
  • Height off the ground: 3 and 10 inches
  • Dimensions: 37 x 32 x 23 in.
  • Weight limit: 350 lbs
  • Cup Holder: Yes
  • MSRP: $139.95

Check price: REI | Backcountry

ENO Lounger DL Chair

Great for: Lounging at base camp, car camping

Pros: Super comfortable, two different seat heights

Cons: Some people with bigger body types have found that it’s not comfortable for them, headrest is too high for shorter people (~5’2)

ENO has brought their hammock design expertise to a chair and the result is the ENO Lounger DL Chair, hands down the most comfortable camping chair we’ve ever owned.

This chair allows you to sit back in a way that eliminates slouching, making it a great camp chair for those with back issues. It’s also designed with a built-in pillow, which takes the comfort up another notch.

This chair is a bit bulkier than the Helinox chair above and does require that we put it away in its case since it takes up too much room in the van when it’s put together. The fabric also easily slips off the poles so when you’re moving it around, you have to carry it by the poles.

Two people sitting in camp chairs on concrete pad surrounded by trees and green lawn
BFT Founder Kristen sitting in the ENO Lounger DL Chair

YETI Trailhead® Camp Chair

Camp Chair With Great Back Support

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 13.3 lbs
  • Height off the ground: Unavailable
  • Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 43 inches
  • Weight limit: 500 lbs
  • Cup Holder: Yes
  • MSRP: $300

Check Price: REI | YETI

YETI Trailhead Camp Chair

Great for: people with back issues, people who need extra stability getting up and out of camp chairs

Pros: incredibly supportive and ergonomic, 500-pound weight capacity, extra-wide feet for added stability, easy to get in and out of, 5-year warranty from YETI

Cons: heaviest & bulkiest camp chair on our list, expensive investment, only 1 cup holder

YETI has a reputation for making some of the best-performing and most durable gear on the planet, and the YETI Trailhead® Camp Chair is no exception. This camp chair offers superior comfort and support with its mesh-like weave that conforms to your body, offering excellent back support.

It’s incredibly durable with a 500 lb weight limit and it has a number of features that really set it apart from the competition. While it’s definitely not the lightest or most packable camp chair on the market, it’s perfect if you want a really stable camp chair that will last you for years.

>> Read Our Full Review of the YETI Trailhead® Camp Chair

A woman sits in the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair in snowy Moab Utah
Kristen using the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair in Moab

Helinox Chair Zero

Best Lightweight Camping Chair for Backpacking

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 1 lb 2 oz
  • Height off the ground: 8.5 inches
  • Dimensions: 20.5 x 18.9 x 25.2 in.
  • Weight limit: 265 lbs
  • Cup Holder: No
  • MSRP: $129.95

Check price: Helinox | REI

Helinox Zero Backpacking Chair

Great for: Backpacking or bikepacking trips, camping trips where you need to save on space

Pros: Very lightweight while still durable and strong

Cons: Minimal design with no extras (such as cup holder or headrest)

The Helinox Chair Zero is the most lightweight camping chair on this list by far. Weighing in at only 1 pound 2 ounces, this chair is a great option for backpacking in addition to car camping if you’re short on space.

Despite it being lightweight, it still has a weight capacity of 265 pounds and is made of durable ripstop polyester and aluminum poles.

This chair also packs down to a fraction of the size of other chairs we’ve tried (its packed size is less than 14″), making it a great space-saving option as well.

Helinox Swivel Chair

Best Swivel Camping Chair

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
  • Height off the ground: 12.5 inches
  • Dimensions: 28.3 x 20.9 x 19.7 in.
  • Weight limit: 265 lbs
  • Cup Holder: No
  • MSRP: $149.95

Check price: Helinox | REI

Helinox Swivel Chair

Great for: camping trips, fishing, social gatherings

Pros: Ability to swivel 360-degrees, packs down small

Cons: since it does have moving parts, there’s more of a risk of parts breaking or getting worn out

The Helinox Swivel Chair is another lightweight and comfortable option from Helinox, but what makes it unique is its 360-degree swivel-ability (which makes it really easy to swing around and reach for a cold beverage from your cooler).

In addition to that, it provides proper back support and breathes well in warm weather thanks to the mesh fabric that runs along the sides of the chair. It packs down to only 16″ long and has a weight capacity of 265 lbs.

Two women sitting in camping chairs facing each other and chatting with tall bluffs in background
BFT Founder Kristen (right) sitting in the Helinox Swivel Camping Chair

GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair

Best Camp Rocking Chair

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 11 lbs 11.2 oz
  • Height off the ground: 20.1 inches
  • Dimensions: 34.7 x 29.9 x 28.2 in.
  • Weight limit: 250 lbs
  • Cup Holder: Yes
  • MSRP: $75.00

Check price: REI

GSI Pod Rocker camp chair

Great for: car camping trips, people who want the ability to rock in their chair

Pros: Affordably priced, unique rocking design

Cons: Heavier than most other camp chairs on this list, moving parts can break or wear out over time

If you’ve ever thought that having a rocking chair at camp would be ideal, you can have it all with the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair.

We first started seeing camp rocking chairs like this a few years ago and this one has proven to be one of the best. It has a cup holder, mesh stash pocket, and the smooth rocking technology delivers perfect relaxation.

GCI Outdoor Legz-Up Lounger Chair

Best Reclining Camp Chair

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 11 lbs 9.6 oz
  • Height off the ground: 18.7 in
  • Dimensions: 43.1 x 39.8 x 27.2 in.
  • Weight limit: 250 lbs
  • Cup Holder: Yes
  • MSRP: $100.00

Check price: REI

GCI Outdoors Legz-Up lounger camp chair

Great for: stargazing, laying next to the lake/river/pool

Pros: versatile backrest positions, the ability to kick back and put your feet up

Cons: one of the heaviest and bulkiest camping chairs on our list

If total relaxation is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the GCI Outdoor Legz-Up Lounger Chair. This lounger camp chair is perfect for days by the river or a post-hike nap. At just under 11 pounds 10 oz, it’s still pretty lightweight for what you get.

The built-in leg rest allows you to kick your feet up and the 4-position backrest gives you several options to get comfy. We also love that it’s designed with a pillow and several pockets for beverages, books, a speaker, or other camping necessities.

REI Co-op Camp Xtra Chair

Best Classic Folding Camp Chair

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 10 lbs
  • Height off the ground: 17.5 inches
  • Dimensions: 34.25 x 24.75 x 24.5 in.
  • Weight limit: 400 lbs
  • Cup Holder: Yes
  • MSRP: $69.95

Check price: REI

REI Co-op Camp Xtra Chair

Great for: Car camping trips, outdoor social events

Pros: Affordably priced, sturdy, roomy, easy to set up and store away

Cons: Quite heavy without having many bells & whistles

If you’re looking for a classic folding camp chair with lots of room, the REI Co-op Camp Xtra Chair is all that and then some. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and has two cupholders plus a side stash pocket for books, maps, and anything else you want to keep on hand while you’re lounging.

I also love that it folds down easily and slips into a carrying case with a strap that you can sling across your shoulders. This is a camping chair that will last you season after season, unlike cheaper classic folding camp chairs.

Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat

Best Two-Person Camping Chair

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 15 lbs
  • Height off the ground: Unknown
  • Dimensions: 58.5 x 37 x 25 in.
  • Weight limit: 500 lbs
  • Cup Holder: Yes
  • MSRP: $99.95

Check price: REI | Backcountry

Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat camping chair

Great for: car camping with a group or as a couple

Pros: Large and comfortable

Cons: Bulky when packed down

If you’re looking for a loveseat to share with a friend, a loved one, or even your pet, the Mountain Summit Gear Loveseat is a good bet. It’s durable and has a high weight capacity, plus you and your companion each get your own cupholders.

Its sturdy design will last you for years of camping trips and the included case makes it easier to transport and store.

Crazy Creek Hex Chair

Best Chair for Water Activities

Key features:

  • Packed weight: 1 lb 4.8 oz
  • Height off the ground: NA
  • Dimensions: 33 x 15 inches
  • Weight limit: 250 lbs
  • Cup Holder: No
  • MSRP: $64.95

Check price: REI

Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Camp Chair

Great for: Water-based adventures, outdoor social gatherings

Pros: Lightweight and packable

Cons: Not everyone enjoys sitting on the ground

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Chair is a legless chair that’s lightweight and super easy to transport. This type of chair is great for outings and multi-day trips on the water because there’s no harm in getting it wet. For example, you can use it in a canoe, on a kayak camping trip, or even on a paddleboard for extra seating support.

This chair is also great for concerts, picnics, and even for short overnight backpacking trips.


Features to Consider When Shopping for the Best Camp Chair

Picking out a camping chair shouldn’t be complicated – all you really need is something comfortable to sit in that’s not over your budget. However, the chair you buy should last you for years, so you may as well get one you love! When shopping for your pick, here are a few features to consider.

Cupholders

This is an easy one – do cup holders matter to you or not? While most camping chairs have cupholders, many of the ultra-lightweight ones do not. For example, the Helinox chairs mentioned above are built to be very compact and as lightweight as possible so they don’t have cupholders. So in some cases, you may have to decide what’s more important to you – a super lightweight chair or having a convenient place to keep your beverage.

Packability

All the chairs on this list are packable, although some pack down much smaller than others. The Helinox Chair Zero packs down to the smallest bundle by far, coming in at less than 13.5″ long, followed by the Helinox Swivel Chair at 16″.

Most of the other chairs on this list pack down to double the size, so that’s a consideration if you’re looking to save space.

Weight

The lightest camp chairs also tend to be the most expensive because of the materials used and the well-thought-out design that allows them to be so lightweight yet sturdy.

If you’re going car camping and plan to set your chair up at camp and leave it there, then weight might not be so much of a concern. But if you’re going on a road trip with multiple stops where you’re going to be loading and unloading multiple times, or if you’re going to be carrying your chair over longer distances, you may want to go with something lighter in weight.

Two people sitting in camping chairs at campground with tents set up around them
BFT Team Member Linda using the Helinox Sunset Chairs

Value

If you’re on a budget, you can pick up a super basic, cheap camp chair at a budget store like Walmart or order one off Amazon and it will probably be just fine. It likely won’t last as long or be quite as comfortable as a camping chair made by a reputable company that makes higher quality products, but if the price is a major concern, don’t let that stop you from getting out there.

Check out our blog post on where to buy discounted outdoor gear if you’re looking to save some cash.

Durability

A good camp chair should last you for years of use. All the chairs on this list are durable, with a weight rating of at least 250 pounds and most are made out of durable ripstop nylon or polyester.

Back Height

Many camp chairs have a lower back height (picture your standard, folding camp chair) but nowadays there are more options with higher backs. A higher back allows you to lean back in the chair and rest your head, whereas you can’t do that in a camp with a lower back.

The Helinox Sunset Chair and the ENO Lounger DL Chair are both super comfortable chairs with high backs that allow you to really sit back and relax.

Two campers sitting in camp chairs under awning attached to Sprinter van roof
BFT Founder Kristen sitting in the Helinox Sunset Chair which has high back support

Comfort

All the camp chairs that we’ve tried have been comfortable at a basic level, but some are much more comfortable than others. What makes the difference is often how the armrests are positioned, how high off of the ground the chair is, and how high the back is. As mentioned above, a high back chair allows you to really sit back and relax.

If comfort is very important to you, or perhaps you have back issues that make finding the right chair paramount, check out the ENO Lounger DL Chair. As someone who’s had back issues from sitting on a computer for many hours a day, I found this to be the most comfortable chair I’ve tried as it forces me to sit back and relax and doesn’t let me slouch.

Ease of Set up

The classic folding camp chairs, like the REI Co-op Camp Xtra Chair, are super simple to fold out – you basically just pull the chair open. However, with this simplicity comes weight and less packability.

Newer chairs on the market like the Helinox chairs on this list and the ENO Lounger DL Chair take a little more work to set up but in exchange, they’re lighter weight and pack down to nearly half the size. The setup of these chairs is actually pretty simple, it just takes doing it once to get it down and to get used to the new system.


What questions do you have about choosing the best camping chair? Have you tried any of these? Do you have a favorite that is not on this list? Let us know in the comments below.

Here are the best camp chairs of 2022 including the top lightweight, comfortable options for camping to keep your back and tush happy.

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8 Comments

  1. Please unsubscribe me. I noticed that you recommend only the most expensive materials for van life, and I am more of a frugal, DIY person. Your newsletters apparently do no have a an unsubscribe option.

  2. Two issues, not mentioned, that I would love to see addressed are:
    1) Ease of getting out of the chair. Some chairs are fairly low and hard to get up from.
    2) Stability: Many of the chairs do not really do well on uneven ground.

  3. I am in an older generation 🙂 and my back rebels against chairs with swoopy seats. I bought one STRONGBACK camping chair, and – after testing it – bought another. Try one out, if you have the chance. Keep learning and sharing with us!

  4. It would be helpful if you added the seat height information to the descriptions of camp chairs. It makes quite a difference to comfort and ease of exiting the chairs. I need one lower to the ground while my taller husband needs a chair that is higher.

  5. We bought the rocker bottoms for the Helinox chairs. They are nice for the campsite! They just pop on to the bottom feet. They also help if you are putting them on soft ground so the one foot doesn’t sink in the ground. (This happens often with those four foot designs!