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Outdoor folding chairs are a must for camping but are great for the home, too.
A good camping chair will get plenty of use out of it — it's perfect for anyone who wants to recline back and enjoy a good book in the great outdoors, or a convenient way to sit around the fire and eat dinner comfortably. It's also useful for a tailgater who needs a space to enjoy their beer (and hot dogs), and great for family events. The portable chairs offer extra seating for various outdoor events and fun activities, ranging from camping, football games, music festivals, the beach, and even just lounging on the porch or in the backyard. They'll even come in handy for fishing and hunting! From the lake to the hunting blind, you'll enjoy having a comfy chair for downtime — but not all outdoor folding chairs are made equal. Some camping chairs are uncomfortable, poorly made, or not as durable as they need to be No one wants a folding chair that's going to have a loose leg after a few uses. We kept specs like attached side tables, padded armrests, padded headrests, weight capacity, and ease of portability in mind.
It's always a good idea to keep a foldable chair on hand. You never know when you'll be invited to a camping trip, cookout, or any large gathering where you need to provide your own chair. Pick out the perfect chair for your needs, and enjoy a cozy seat outdoors, anytime. These eight outdoor folding chairs are ideal for leisure time on the porch or campsite.
Best Lightweight Chair Option
1. Trekology YIZI GO Portable Camping Chair
TREKOLOGY YIZI GO-Compact Camping Chairs - Amazon, $39.99
This is an ultralight backpacking chairs — but it's durable and strong, too. The two-pound chair has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. Campers and backpackers love this sturdy chair for its additional features, like the small carry bag that allows for easy storage. It's a great pick if you're looking for something simple, comfortable, and affordable. It even folds up small enough to fit into a backpack or carry on luggage. One of our editors has this chair, and they write: "I have to say I'm impressed. The breathable side mesh panels allow for airflow during a hot Texas summer, and the back support from the seat fabric didn't disappoint. It's made of polyester seat fabric for comfort and wear and tear. It's also easy to set up."
Best for Tailgating
2. GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Event Chair
GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Event Chair - Bob Ward's, $49.99
The GCI Outdoors Slim Fold Chair is perfect if you're looking for something with a lot of specs. It has a comfortable backrest, padded armrests, and even a side table with a cup holder (total game-changer). Whether you need the perfect chair for eating hotdogs at the tailgate, eating around the campfire, or snackin' at your kid's softball tournament, you'll enjoy having this chair. It folds easily, too — just carry it with the backpack straps for hands-free portability. It's made from breathable nylon mesh (perfect for warmer days) and holds up to 250 pounds. The frame is made from powder-coated steel, and it's also equipped with nylon-coated feed for stability.
Best Heavy-Duty Chair
3. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair - Amazon, $69.99
This high-quality chair by ALPS Mountaineering is another favorite of campers. The heavy-duty chair has a weight capacity of 800 pounds, making this a durable, rugged pick you'll have for a long time. The chair folds easily, comes with a carrying case, has adjustable armrests, and features two cup holders. There are even two side pockets and a larger mesh back pocket for extra camping gear or accessories. This chair has also been updated with a TechMesh center to allow airflow during those hot summer days. One Amazon reviewer writes that it's a "beast of a chair."
Best Ergonomic Pick
4. Rock Cloud 4 Position Folding Camping Chair
Rock Cloud Folding Camping Chair - Amazon, $84.99
You can adjust this camping chair to four different positions. If you'll be sitting for long periods then you know your neck will start to feel it first — so when you get uncomfortable, lean the chair back until you find the best position. This chair was designed with ergonomic support in mind, which means that it's the perfect choice for someone with lower back pain or any other aches. It even has cool features like a safety lock, a padded headrest, and a storable side pocket.
Best Lounging Option
5. OUTDOOR LIVING SUNTIME Mesh Chair with Removable Footrest
OUTDOOR LIVING SUNTIME - Amazon, $69.99
Here's a full-on reclining chair you'll love — which will be the perfect chair if you're planning on lounging or relaxing by the lake or by the beach. The footrest is a plus — and it's detachable. You can recline from 90 degrees to 130 degrees. (This sounds like a great chair to take a nap on after a long hike.)It has a cupholder, comfy headrest, and a side pocket for your keys, book, and more. It's made from top-quality polyester and mesh fabric, and the frame is made from heavy-duty steel. It can support up to 200 pounds. Find your favorite setting, and get comfy.
The Most Comfortable Option
6. CORE Equipment Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair
CORE Equipment Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair - Amazon, $79.99
Core's camping chair looks so cozy: It comes equipped with an oversized cup holder (hello Route 44 Sonic drinks) and a cozy quilted seat. It has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, is soft to the touch, and is wider than standard chairs, giving you some much needed room to breathe. Many customers are leaving rave reviews of how comfy the chair is — one customer raved it has a "pillow effect." A carry bag is included for easy storage and transport.
Best Rocking Chair
7. GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Folding Rocking Chair - Amazon, $69.99
We love the idea of a rocking and folding chair! The 12-pound chair is going to feel so relaxing to rock in while you enjoy the outdoors. It has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and is easy to carry. The powder-coated steel frame is heavy-duty, and the patented spring-action rocking technology is a dream come true for those who like the calming effect of rocking back and forth. Whether you want to relax yourself (or a fussy baby), you'll feel so calm in this rocking chair. It includes a cup holder, perfect for your hot cocoa.
Best for Families & Large Groups
8. Kelty Low Loveseat Camping Chair
Kelty Low Loveseat Camping Chair - Amazon, $136.77
Kelty's loveseat camping chair is perfect for families and couples. It has a weight capacity of 500 pounds and is made from puppy-proof fabric. One customer said her dog loves this chair, so if you take your dog on camping trips, consider this love seat-style option. One customer said her Golden Retriever loves it! There's room for a lot of people (and a dog), and there are even cupholders on the sides for two drinks. It's made from indestructible polyester fabric and has 42 inches of seating space. After use, fold it neatly into the included roll tote. Carrying it is simple, as it only weighs about 15 pounds. It's time to upgrade your current chair and start feeling more relaxed outside.
For dining chairs, poolside chairs, and weather-resistant outdoor furniture, visit our friends at Wide Open Country.
This post was originally published on March 1, 2021.
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