Top 5 Best Camping Chairs of 2025

Gathering around the campfire is the ideal way to cap off a day outside. It’s difficult to top the enjoyment and revitalizing effects of sitting in a nice camp chair, even though we’ve all spent many an evening sitting on the ground or balancing on a log.

We’ve spent countless hours testing chairs in a range of settings and climates to find the best camping chairs. Our testers have spent endless hours setting up, taking down, and, well, sitting in everything from the swamps of Apalachicola to the wilds of the Desolation Wilderness, from birthday parties at the park to lounging somewhere with a view.

Our main criteria for testing and rating camping chairs were portability (including weight and size), comfort, and value. Durability, setup simplicity, and extra features (such as pockets and cupholders) were secondary considerations.

We’ve divided the list into categories to help you find the ideal chair for your needs, even though there isn’t a single “best” chair that will work for everyone. See our Buyer’s Guide, Comparison Chart, and Price & Value sections at the conclusion of this post for even more assistance in selecting the best camp chair. Otherwise, take a seat and browse through all of our suggested purchases.

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Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Camping Chairs of 2025

1.REI Co-op Skyward Chair

Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Despite being a rather simple camping chair, the Skyward has a few noteworthy features that set it apart from some of the less expensive models available. It’s one of the most breathable chairs I’ve tested so far because the entire bottom and back of the seat are made of mesh.

Although it can make you a little chilly in the winter, especially if there is a breeze, as I found out during my testing period, this is especially great for unwinding on warm summer evenings. This chair is a great option for camping by a lake or river because it is primarily made of mesh, which drains and dries quickly when wet.

Optimized weight distribution is made possible by the seat’s integrated X-shaped webbing. The Skyward features a drop-down cinchable pocket beneath the left armrest for securing your keys and phone, as well as a cup holder built into the right armrest. Additionally, four study square feet of plants at the bottom of the chair offer all the security I needed, whether it be in sand, dirt, or forest duff.

This chair looks like it will withstand the weather and the test of time thanks to its sturdy, steel-constructed legs and sturdy polyester/nylon mesh fabric. However, there is always a chance that the more delicate fabric of a seat made primarily of mesh will rip and tear, which could lessen the durability of the chair overall. I didn’t notice any stress or strain during my lounging, but it’s something to keep an eye on .it Weighing in at 7 pounds, the Skyward is a moderately portable . It folds up quickly and easily and comes with a stuff sack with a shoulder strap, which is a welcome feature for easy transport and gives the chair added protection on the go. I took it from backyard to campground, and let different-size friends take turns sitting in it, and it suited them all just fine. 

When it comes to storage, the Skyward has it dialed. On the right armrest is a pear-shaped cupholder that I found to accommodate just about any beverage container, from cans in coozies to insulated coffee thermoses with handles. On the left armrest, a mesh drawstring pocket swallows up keys or your phone and can be tucked away beneath the arm using the integrated hook and loop.

The REI Wonderland chair, which I recently tested, is noticeably more designed than this simple camping chair, and it garnered more attention from friends during camping trips. However, I enjoyed that I didn’t have to worry about damaging or dirtying the Skyward when I loaded it into my truck for an overnight camping trip. This chair is sturdy.

The YETI Trailhead is a more aesthetically pleasing option for those who want a chair that looks just as good sitting in their backyard as it does while camping. However, if you’re looking for a simple, comfortable, and portable camp chair, you need look no further than the reliable Skyward.

2.Coleman Cooler Quad Chair

Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

It is comfortable and long-lasting for a variety of campers. After many camping excursions and testing sessions, we have been using the Coleman Cooler Quad since 2016.

This is because it’s one of the most comfortable and long-lasting chairs we’ve ever tested. Its steel frame can hold up to 325 pounds, and it’s big enough to fit a variety of body shapes.

It is portable and lightweight. The Coleman chair weighs about 8 pounds, which is less than most conventional models, making it easier to carry over long distances or reach into a car trunk.Like others in its category, this chair comes with an over-the-shoulder carry bag, but some testers found it was light and compact enough to carry without the case. It’s as simple to set up as any chair we tested.

It’s widely available, and it’s affordable. Coleman is a well-known brand, and the Cooler Quad Chair is easy to get just about anywhere: at Amazon, sporting-goods stores, and big-box retailers.

It’s more affordable than other chairs we tested of similar quality. Most other chairs in its price range don’t match its quality, features, or reputation.It has thoughtful storage features. Testers preferred the Coleman chair’s thoughtfully placed mesh storage pouch over those of its competitors. This pouch is big enough to stow gear like a phone, book, or tablet.

Of the chairs we tested, the Coleman chair was the only one that came with a built-in cooler bag, which can hold four standard-size beer or soda cans. The chair also has the round mesh cupholder found on most chairs of this type.

3.Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair

Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

One of the greatest camp chairs we’ve ever tested is the Yeti Trailhead. This chair is the height of luxury, with outstanding comfort made from high-quality materials, an easy-to-use setup that anyone can use, and a strong, long-lasting frame that can hold up to 500 pounds.The Trailhead offers outstanding back support and comfort throughout the day. We tested this chair in the sandstone desert outside of Zion National Park and in the Eastern Sierra. This chair provided us with the support and relaxation we needed to unwind from the strenuous multi-pitch rock climbing days.

Our testers particularly praised the Trailhead material’s breathable support, called FlexGrid, which offers optimal comfort and is made to release moisture if the chair is left outside in the rain. This fabric conforms to the shape of your body and removes pressure points, allowing for more personal support and comfort. The armrests are ergonomic but, unfortunately, are not adjustable; however, several testers said this chair was more comfortable than their ultra-padded office chair! Unlike the typical camp chair, the backrest supports an upright spine rather than forcing a curvature that can promote poor posture and increase back pain. Ultimately, we found the Yeti Trailhead to really shine in this metric, providing ultimate comfort and support superior to most other camp chairs that we’ve tested.

Unfortunately, the Trailhead’s weight of an incredible 13.3 pounds is a drawback to its exceptional comfort. One of the heaviest camp chairs we tested is this one. Even without the handy carry bag, the crossover-style frame and lightweight geometry make transportation simple. We advise using the streamlined carry bag, which unquestionably provides better portability, if you’re traveling farther than just around basecamp. Instead of putting all 13+ pounds on one side of your body, the carry bag’s two adjustable straps allow you to carry it more ergonomically like a backpack. There is no need to exert force or waste time trying to get this chair to fit into the bag because it does so effortlessly.

Everything about this chair suggests luxury and durability, from the rugged material and heavy-duty zipper of the backpack-style carry bag to the FlexGrid fabric to the bottom of the legs which have GroundGrip traction for keeping the chair in place. The same FlexGrid fabric that conforms specifically to the contours of your body is also UV-rated to resist fading after being exposed to the sun. We also noticed that Yeti didn’t even skimp on the fabric of the cupholder, which is made out of the same durable fabric and reinforced stitching they used to create the durable carry bag.

4.GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker

Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The pistons on the back legs of the Rocker chairs—including this Kickback, which has since replaced the FirePit as my favorite and won our Editors’ Choice—allow them to recline. You can lean back with a good amount of resistance thanks to the springs in these. In the Kickback, I’ve never felt like I was going to pass out. However, the springs aren’t so rigid that reclining requires excessive effort. Additionally, the Kickback’s stance is a little longer than the FirePit’s, featuring independent front feet rather than bars that run from the rear to the front. When getting out of the chair, this might provide a little more stability and flexibility to lean forward.

In relation to that, the 17.1-inch seat height of the Kickback is ideal. Even though my wife is five feet five and I am six feet two, we both had no trouble getting into and out of the chair.

Furthermore, according to GCI, this is the smallest of the Rocker chairs. Indeed, the Kickback collapses more compactly and effortlessly than the FirePit, which necessitates pulling up the seat’s sides. It only folds in half even then. Like many camp chairs, the Kickback folds up and down for easier storage and transportation.

This is not a backpacking chair, despite its relative compactness.It weighs more than ten pounds, in part because of its substantial powder-coated steel frame. In order to prevent the chair from wobbling, the long back legs require a sizable, level surface on which to place the Kickback. This should only be used for sideline sports viewing, backyard fire pit nights, and car camping excursions. A little padding is something else we would have preferred in a chair designed for softer activities. Still, the heathered seat fabric is handsome and provided enough support for my 215-pound frame as I reclined.

5.Nemo Moonlite Reclining Chair

Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

One great feature is the ability to recline. Furthermore, it is a reasonably useful capability rather than a frivolous one. There are many things to do while sitting at camp, such as playing cards, cooking on a camp stove, packing up a pack, inflating a sleeping pad, and yes, watching the stars. It’s acceptable to sit up straight, lean forward and toward the floor, lean back, or fully recline.

You shouldn’t have to sit in a single position because camp chairs are so stiff. particularly in light of the fact that a person’s weight and height can significantly affect how comfortable a camp chair is. Does that little Helinox ground chair appeal to my 6’5″ friend? No.)

The NEMO Moonlite’s reclining feature adds a lot of extra basic camp chair comfort based on the user’s personality and the task at hand, in addition to providing adjustability for the non-essential need of relaxing back. Adjustability for users of various shapes, sizes, and heights is typically absent from backpacking chairs. Additionally, if you are being bought on uneven or sloping terrain, reclining provides more or better balance.

I also found many other uses for this chair, such as making it a comfortable belay station. Because the chair had no arms or sides, I had plenty of range of motion when belaying and could lean back far enough to observe a climber higher up the wall.

Additionally, when working remotely at camp, the park, or the outdoors in general, I’ve used it as my go-to mobile office chair. The elbow room is enormous! In all honesty, the absence of a conventionally woven fabric seat and the resulting open area close to the elbows is a truly stunning engineering achievement. I have total freedom to recline, hold my laptop in front of me, and type without any hindrance. Bravo! I’m not sure if anyone at NEMO considered this use case when creating this chair.

Let me try to reassure you about the mesh’s durability if you have any doubts about it, along with the potential cost. Over the past four months, this chair has withstood frequent weekly use, including three backpacking trips and more than ten road and camping excursions in a variety of weather conditions, from a scorching July weekend to an October weekend at 10,000 feet.

Unfortunately, I do have a single hole from a stray campfire ember, but fortunately, it hasn’t weakened the seat’s structure or gotten bigger.

How We Tested the Best Camping Chairs

We’ve been parking our asses in various types of camp chairs for the past six months in an attempt to find the best place to relax in the great outdoors. Since 2019, we have personally investigated, transported, and tested nearly twenty-five different camping chairs in the outdoors, evaluating each one’s features against our ideal seat.

After a long day of playing in the dirt, a comfortable seat is crucial. Our journeys have taken us from the granite crags of Southern California to the shadowy underbelly of Olympic National Park’s temperate rainforests.

However, it’s not just our viewpoints. To find out which camp chairs were the crew’s favorites and why, we conducted a survey. We get together every year for a group campout to test a new collection of camping chairs side by side, and we use these camp chairs throughout the year, from season to season and sport to sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most comfortable camping chair?

Depending on your height and body type, the most comfortable camping chair will vary from person to person.

Among the most comfortable is the REI Co-op Campwell, which is supportive but not overly stiff. Although there is a cost associated with this, our testers also gave the YETI Trailhead very high ratings for comfort and stability. Additionally, the GCI Zero Gravity chair is a great option if you want to relax and take a nap.

How do I choose a camp chair?

Consider your intended use of the chair first. A lightweight, compact chair is ideal if you intend to hike or backpack into camp. If you’re car camping or hanging in the backyard, go for maximum comfort and features.

You may also want to consider your mobility and height. Lower chairs can be more challenging to get in and out of if you have knee issues or any other mobility concerns. Taller people also tend to prefer a chair with a bit more height to it.

Last, think about the features you would enjoy. Is a cupholder important? Or maybe you really want a rocking camp chair? Whatever it is, chances are you can find a camp chair that perfectly suits your outdoor-loving needs.

Can camping chairs get wet?

Yes. All the camping chairs on this list can get wet. Some will dry more quickly than others, but none of them will be damaged by a little rain.