The Best Compact Camping Chairs
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Whether you’ve taken it upon yourself to go wild camping, or you’ve decided to visit one of the many beautiful hiking destinations in the UK & Scotland; having a good camping chair will pay dividends in the long run, not only for your back!
But not all camping chairs are created equal! The list of brands in the market is endless and their products differ in one way or another. Finding the best out of a sea of options can be a painstaking process that you may not be at liberty to take on.
That’s where we come in. After hours of product tests and going through hundreds of online customer reviews, we give you the best lightweight camping chairs for the next time you want to have a good time in the great outdoors.
What is the Right Size for a Camping Chair?
Most foldable camping chairs on the market are designed to be lightweight for easy transportation. Size and weight are crucial factors that will come into play when you have to carry the chair for a long time.
It is important to get a chair that collapses down easily to fit inside your camping rucksack.
Some chairs are not built with this capability and must be carried with the help of carrying straps. The problem here is that they cause you to labour on the trail from the unnecessary bulkiness.
The most portable camping chairs feature corded legs, which can be collapsed into a compact frame. Alternatively, you can go for tripod stools that are a cheaper and lighter option for camping.
Is Back Support Necessary in a Camping Chair?
Most camping chairs don’t offer great back support. This is because they are built to be lightweight, hence very little material is used on the backrest.
If you plan to sit on the chair for extended durations or have a back issue, then you’ll need to shop around more carefully for a model that offers the best lumbar support.
Typically, camping chairs will have a certain weight limit, and some even have height limits. On average, a standard chair meant for children can hold up to 100kg of weight whereas seats built for adults can support as much as 200kg comfortably.
What Material is Appropriate for a Camping Chair?
The seat of a camping chair is typically made out of a mixture of oxford canvas (polyester or nylon) and foam. In most cases, you’ll find oxford canvas on high-quality chairs. This material does not get stained easily and is relatively easy to clean.
Another great thing about them is that they are waterproof and more durable compared to fabric-covered seats.
On the other hand, padding-covered chairs perform better when it comes to resisting temperature changes, although they are not waterproof. The frame material is also an important feature as it determines how well the chair will withstand the stress of frequent use and action of tear and wear.
Plastic is used on the frames of some chairs to limit the weight but these are not durable. Metallic frames offer a more long-lasting performance but they are also quite heavy.
Lightweight Camping Chair Reviews
Helinox Sunset Folding Camping Chair
This comfortable camping chair from Helinox comes at the top of our list for its great combination of comfort, support, and portability.
The highlights of the Helinox Sunset camping chair include compact size, high back, and plenty of ground clearance to make for easy in-and-out. This chair only weighs 1.5kg, which is amazingly lightweight construction that won’t wear you down during a camping trip.
However, it is strong enough to support as much as 120kg of user weight without giving in.
The chair folds and unfolds easily, which gives you a comfortable time when you want to use it. You’ll like the removable seat and carry case, which are both made out of durable 600-weave rip-stop polyester.
The fabric is well-ventilated and helps to keep you comfortable during those hot summer days. It is also easy to wash and can be thrown into the washing machine for easy maintenance.
Keeping the chair upright is a proprietary aluminium alloy frame that will comfortably hold your weight. This is also backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you can rest assured that it will be by your side for the long haul.
A corded pole structure on the chair uses a single bung-e corded inside to self-assemble the poles. The chair also has a taller profile to offer greater ground clearance for easy in and out.
This makes it a wonderful option for those struggling with knee and back issues.
You also get additional accessories that you can buy, including a groundsheet to prevent sinking into soft ground, a cup holder to keep your coffee within reach, as well as rocking feet for those laid-back afternoons.
Overall, the Helinox Sunset camping chair is a very comfortable and well-made seat that looks just as good as it feels.
Helinox Chair Zero – Ultra Lightweight Camping Chair
The Helinox Chair Zero is a marvel of engineering coming in at just 500 Grams. It has a Proprietary aluminium alloy frame which contributes to it being such a light weight overall.
Another thing which contributes to it being super lightweight is the fact the seating material is just made from rip-stop nylon, which is known for being strong, durable and of course a relatively lightweight fabric to use for this type of product.
Its quick to assemble and can hold a weight up to 120kg of dynamic load, which should be more than enough for the majority of campers and hikers out there.
The Helinox Chair Zero comes with a built in groundsheet, and another fantastic feature is that it comes with the ability to be turned into a table, useful for if you’re wild camping and you want a platform to put your things on.
Trekology YIZI GO Portable Camping Chair
The YIZI GO is a very lightweight camp chair. It only weighs 1kg, making it the perfect option if your backpacking adventure requires you to move around a lot.
It boasts a sturdy construction featuring high-strength aluminium alloy poles that allow it to support a maximum of 159kg of load. The chair comes with an upgraded design that is 15% lighter than its previous iterations.
It is also 1cm higher off the ground, so you’ll have an easier time getting in and out of it.
The lightweight aluminium pole system comes with a guide connection to make for a fast and straight forward connection process. A corded mainframe enables you to connect the poles directly into the frame.
Thanks to this unique system, all you have to do is pop open the package, connect the seats to the frame, attach the seat fabric, and you’ll be good to go. The terra-grip feet on the YIZI GO make for stable performance, ensuring that you don’t sink in when sitting on wet or muddy ground.
Additionally, the legs of the chair are reinforced with a shock cord to offer greater stability. The seat fabric is made using high-grade 600D polyester with reinforced V stitch for durable and flexible performance.
It is also machine washable and generally easy to care for. You will also appreciate the mesh fabric on the back of the seat, which serves to enhance breathability and maintain your comfort on hot and humid days. The only grievance about the seat is that it is not well-cushioned.
Another great addition on the YIZI GO that you won’t find on many camping chairs is the 600D storage bag. This attaches to the mainframe of the chair and beneath the seat.
It features Pack Tight straps that attach to the legs and offer additional storage space for small items such as phones, notebooks, torches, keys, multi-tools, etc. The straps not only enable you to attach the bag to the chair but also your backpack when you want to get on the move.
On the downside, the chair is rather thin and may prove to be a tight fit for people with large bodies. Despite its 150-kg weight limit, users with 100kg or more will find it a little uncomfortable. Other than that, this is a practical piece of camping gear that you can take on an array of outdoor adventures; from concerts and camping trips to picnics and sporting events.
Kamui Portable Camping Chair
Coming in at 940 Grams, comfort is what you get when you buy the Kamui Portable Camping Chair. It is a well-designed seat with lots of extra features to let you make the most of your camping escapade.
The chair boasts a reinforced drinks cooler, as well as an integrated cooling pocket attached to the armrests.
This means you can enjoy your cold beer as you relax on the chair without having to move up and down. You even get a bottle open incorporated into the cooling pocket for a stress-free drinking session.
The chair can be set up in a matter of seconds. It folds out easily and can transform into a recliner, thanks to a foldable seat extension. Your comfort is guaranteed on the Kamui Portable Camping Chair.
This chair also comes with a super useful carrying case, to both protect the chair but also make it super portable.
Highlander Traquair Camping Chair
The Highlander Traquair is one of the best lightweight camping chairs around, and you can tell this from the thousands of stellar reviews it boasts on Amazon.
It features a practical design that will be suitable for a range of outdoor activities. Whether you are planning a family get-together, a camping holiday, or an outdoor concert, this is a seat you can rely on to keep you comfortable.
Thanks to its compact size, the chair is very easy to carry around, and this is made sure by the included carry bag. It won’t take too much space inside your backpack and its 2-kg weight ensures that you don’t get dragged down on the trail. The chair is manufactured using polyester PVC coated material, which cleans up easily. All it needs is a quick wipe down to reclaim its fresh look.
A cup holder is built into the armrest, and this allows you to sit back and soak up the sunshine as you enjoy a cold beverage. The frame of the chair features a sturdy and stable tubular steel material.
It is designed to fold down easily and make for effortless storage in your backpack without taking up too much space. You also get a carry bag where you can throw in the collapsed chair, as well as other small accessories for easy transportation.
The chair is also available in a variety of exciting designs with adventurous colours that you can experiment with and blend into your campsite surroundings.
Despite weighing a little more than 2kg, the Highlander impresses with its ability to support up to 100kg. Overall, this is a versatile outdoor chair that offers a great bang for the buck! It is a nice investment to have on hand for when the outdoor events come calling!
Sportneer Camping Chair
The last product on our list is this great camping chair manufactured by Sportneer. It comes with a heavy-duty profile, constructed out of a high-strength 7075 aluminum alloy frame.
This allows the seat to support as much as 158kg of load, meaning even heavy-bodied campers will have no problem using it. The frame is also pretty stable when the chair is set up and delivers a long-lasting performance despite repeated use.
The Sportneer doesn’t disappoint when it comes to comfort. It employs a mixture of features that enhance your camping experience.
The 35cm seat height and 66cm back height allow you to get to your comfort zone while resting. A breathable seat mesh allows for a comfortable time even when the weather gets a little bit hot. You won’t have a hard time folding or carrying this chair on the trail.
It only weighs around 1kg, making for a lightweight and portable design. It also packs down easily to fit inside your backpack without robbing you of too much space.
Alternatively, there is a carry bag included that will come in handy if you want to save space for other camping gear in your backpack. The set up is relatively easy, and it will take you a matter of seconds to get the chair up and ready to go.
Non-slide grips on the feet help to keep the seat in place, even when you set it up on unstable ground. The versatility of the Sportneer camping chair allows you to use it for different outdoor activities.
You can take it on fishing trips, camping expeditions, music festivals, picnics, and even a weekend at the beach. However, you can still use it inside the house if you don’t get out a lot.
Conclusion
Camping is an exciting activity that you can partake in whenever you have free time on your hands. However, your experience gets better when you bring along the right camping gear to your campsite. A camping chair is among the first things that should come to mind when planning a camping adventure. So, if you have plans of setting into the wild with your friends or family, remember to consider any of the above-reviewed best compact camping chairs.
FAQ
How Much Weight can a Camping Chair Support?
Most camping chairs can support a weight of between 130-350kg. This is also true for lawn or folding chairs. However, the maximum weight a camping chair can support will depend on the type of material used for the frame.
For instance, steel and aluminium frames result in a strong chair structure that can hold more weight. On the other hand, chairs made out of plastic will generally have a lower weight capacity because of the overall weakness of the material. So, depending on how much you weigh, considering the construction material of the frame will prove crucial before buying a camping chair.
Can I Use a Camping Chair on the Beach?
The right camping chair offers a versatile performance that allows it to be used on more than just one occasion. Aside from the campsite, it should also be suitable for use in outdoor concerts, at the park, and even the beach.
While many camping chair models can be used on the beach, the one thing you might have to adjust is the nature feet. Considering how loose and unstable the beach sand is, sitting on an ordinary camping chair will mean that you sink in almost effortlessly. To prevent this, you can get a flat rubber cap under the four feet to increase the surface area of the point of contact. This will keep you from sinking in and ensure that you remain more comfortable.
Are Camping Chairs the same as Folding Chairs?
While camping chairs are not the same as folding, the concept behind their design and construction is almost the same. Both are built to be collapsible. What differentiates camping chairs from folding chairs the most is that the former is specifically engineered for outdoor use.
So, aside from the seating function, they also offer comfort and portability. However, this does not mean that they can’t be used in an indoor context.
How Should I Store My Camping Chair?
Normally, camping chairs come with storage instructions when the package is delivered. However, storage is generally easy. In most cases, you will find a dedicated storage bag where you can stow away the chair whenever you’re not using it. The good thing is that they don’t require much space during storage.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folding_chair
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