There are many foldable beach chair types, they differ in material, color, design, and height. They have varnish and other finishers applied to them to protect against heat and moisture damage. With good resistance and very low maintenance, it offers a great cost-benefit.
The shade is also adjustable, making both blocking the sun and getting in and out of the chair without ducking easy. We have no doubt the aluminum frame and UV-resistant polyester seat are designed to last through years upon years of outdoor seasons. The chair and sack are also machine washable, so you can always head out on a hike feeling outdoor patio furniture fresh. Like many ultralight chairs structured with a pole base, it will sink into soft ground like snow or sand, but Helinox makes a ground sheet you can buy to make the chair more versatile. The right chairs can make or break a camping trip — no one wants to go into a s’mores-induced sugar coma while squirming in a flimsy foldable.
We tested 29 of the best camping chairs on the market to find the perfect option for everyone. Important specs to note are the width of the seat, the recommended weight limit and the seat height, as anything below 15 inches or so will be difficult for some people to get in and out of. Overwhelmingly, the Coleman came out on top, with campers praising its comfort and stability. Camping trips, beach days, picnics in the park, outdoor movies and theater performances, a fresh-air get-together with friends—there are countless occasions when you might use a camp chair. The Renetto’s big, heavy canopy provides ample sun protection at a campsite or cookout and doubles as a backpack-strap-equipped carrying case.
We love that setup is quick and easy, because no one needs to struggle with poles after sweating it out on the trails. Its light weight also impressed — when we threw it around to assess its durability, the chair basically sailed like a feather. The Ozark Trail Oversized Mesh Chair from Walmart, although similar to our pick in size, was far less comfortable, with rough-feeling material that was obviously of lower quality. We later found, after six months of frequent use, that the stitching along one arm had come unravelled and that the small straps holding up the back of the armrests had both ripped in half.
For how simple the design is, it’s reasonably comfortable and keeps the user fairly supported. Although it doesn’t collapse in two directions like a camp chair, it folds nearly flat and weighs a scant four pounds, much less than the other lawn chairs in our test fleet. While it’s equipped for prolonged beverage enjoyment, it isn’t our favorite for prolonged sitting. Our testers found that the super slouchy shape is somewhat uncomfortable for those who prefer a straighter spine, which is a relatively common complaint among camping models. The carrying bag’s stitching also started unthreading the moment we started using it, which makes us worry about the overall durability of the product. Still, it’s considerably more affordable than many other options in this review, so if you’re looking for a price-point camp chair, look no further.
After researching and evaluating the top products on the market today, we independently purchased the products for this review. We created our own rigorous test plan, targeting objective assessments and using measurable tests when possible. We tested and used each product exhaustively, comparing models side-by-side to tease apart patio furniture sets even the smallest differences. Our team also measured seat heights and degrees of reclining range, tried out each drink holder with cans and cups, and left them under the sun for days to see how they hold up. We’ve carried and sat in each model to help bring you the details you need to make a confident purchase decision.