We expect a proper car camping chair to not only fold up for easy transport, but to be comfortable, supportive, and made to last—even in rough and tumble weather. Below are our top picks for 2023, which run the gamut from budget-friendly models to comfort-first chairs and fun designs that rock and recline. For more information, check out our detailed comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
Designed in collaboration with Veta, a Mexico City-based boutique workshop, the ITA Leisure Chair is responsibly crafted by hand, so you can trust the quality. It’s also easily outdoor patio shades foldable, so you can bring it from the park to the beach to the backyard. And care is simple—just wipe it with a soft damp cloth as needed and add mild soap if necessary.
In our experience, if you don’t need an ultralight model, traditional camp chairs offer the most foolproof structure. The sturdy powder coated steel frame and breathable mesh backrest can support up to 250 pounds in weight, while patio furniture sets padded armrests and a built-in cup holder make for a more comfortable, luxurious sitting experience. Ground-to-seat height—listed as “height” in the table above—is simply a measurement from the ground to the bottom of the seat.
She has tested lawn and camping chairs for the past several years, having hands-on experience with over 25 unique models. We also enlisted an array of our car camping friends, lawn-lounging relatives, and even a few dogs to help us put these chairs to the test. Backpacking chairs are much lighter than traditional camp chairs, but they also often sport different (and non-conventional) leg designs for easy packability and weight savings. This frequently has a major impact folding lawn chairs on stability compared to ultra-solid, standard camping chairs like the REI Co-op Skyward or Alps Mountaineering King Kong. For example, a crossover camping/backpacking option like the Helinox Chair Zero is easy to rock back and tip over due to its thin legs that are connected to the middle of the chair rather than the sides. Depending on your needs and how far you plan to haul your chair from your car, it’s worth considering how much stability and support you want.
A close-to-the-ground chair is often the ideal choice for outdoor concerts, movies, theater performances, and other events where you will be concerned about blocking other people’s view. They’re also far more expensive and significantly less comfortable than typical full-size camp chairs. We recommend buying this type only if you intend to carry your chair long distances, whether you’re backpacking or trekking across Central Park.
Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). REI’s Flexlite Chair has been replaced by an entire flock of Flexlite chairs; the one that is the closest to replacing the original Flexlite in the lineup is the Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair.
All in all, though, this is a quality pair of chairs at an excellent price. This metal chair is sold in a single style and is also available in a pack of five (ideal for families). Once assembled, each chair measures 24 x 21 x 32.25 inches and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. This chair, which comes in a set of two, is made with steel and is available in navy and red (the turquoise is sold out).
For a more comfortable experience, add some soft, decorative cushions to the chairs. The colors and patterns can work to pull the decorating style together, while also providing comfortable seating for long summer evenings outside. Create an oasis of comfort and style with outdoor dining furniture from IKEA. Make your garden, patio or balcony the go-to place to enjoy your coffee in the morning sun, and family dinners during warm summer evenings. The Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair might be the most unique chair we tested in this whole review. Its standout feature, the fairly large canopy hanging out over the seat, is the main reason to consider this chair.