After a couple of camping trips, we concluded that a strap is more convenient than a bag—quicker and easier for a kid to grab the chair and go, without parental help. The REI chair is rated to hold up to 150 pounds, the same as the L.L.Bean and Walmart chairs. We think the REI chair is most appropriate for toddlers and kids up to about 7 or 8 years old, though reviews reveal that some small adults have found this to be their favorite seat. It comes in gray or blue, and as of this update it gets 4.7 out of five stars from reviewers on the REI site. After six months of regularly using the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair, we think it’s the best choice for most people who are seeking an upright chair for car camping, tailgating, and outdoor gatherings. We noticed during the first of our three camping trips—a weekend in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, with a total of seven families—that, given the choice, campers prefer to take the biggest seat.
The more popular style folds inwards and ends up a torpedo shape that you can slide into a carry bag. The smaller, more manageable dimensions make these chairs easier to carry. Eagles Nest Outfitters, better known as ENO, is a hammock company first, but that expertise has translated nicely with their Lounger DL Chair.
The firm seat locks into place with a tall, friendly-angled back that helps this model be easy to appreciate. Our tallest friends and family members love the added seat height of this towering chair, and our grandparents love how easily they can get in and out of it. A quick-release locking mechanism holds the chair securely open for added stability, while simultaneously locking it closed for easy carrying. You can leave the bag at home, as the Kijaro features a shoulder strap attached directly to the frame. It also has a side pocket we like for holding a book and two different-sized cup holders to keep you hydrated. Comfort
The term “camp chair” encompasses just about any type of chair that can be folded up, squeezed into a car, and carried to your destination, so your first order of business is narrowing down your intended use.
Don’t underestimate the design potential of a basic folding lawn chair. Yes, it may be utilitarian and nondescript, but this ubiquitous piece of outdoor furniture can serve as a blank canvas for forward-thinking design that borders on artwork. The material is also plasticky and heats up underneath us after sitting for a while, folding lawn chairs which leaves something to be desired. But if you love the classic look and want a simple, very portable lawn chair, this might just be the ticket. It has one of the longest packed down lengths and is surprisingly heavy at nearly 17 pounds. The rocking feature also is really only nice if you’re on flat, stable ground.
Whether you want a place for quiet family dinners or large garden parties, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in our selection. We assessed durability not only by using them but by leaving the products out in the full summer sun and getting them wet for extended periods to look for signs of weathering. Once assembled, this chair measures 27 x 67.5 x 34 with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. Sign up to receive the latest info on new products, special offers, and exclusive sales.
However, a two seater table set with foldable chairs should fit even limited spaces. And with foldable furniture, you can easily put them aside if you need space for other activities. Enjoy breakfast with the first sunshine of the day, and lunch under an umbrella if it gets too hot. Luckily, there’s a range of chairs to suit the style and dimensions of your sunny spot – from lounging in clean-line design to meals seated on slatted wood, and more.
While woodworking is an artistic skill in and of itself, not to mention an investment in heavy-duty machinery, we outlined the furniture designer’s step-by-step instructions, lest you get inspired by their genius. A set of wooden dining furniture, however, requires a bit more of maintenance. At IKEA you can find oils and stains to help maintain the quality of your wooden furniture. For example, tables and chairs in metal, steel and plastic require very little maintenance. Simply clean them occasionally, with a damp cloth and mild soap, to avoid mold and mildew from catching on. Marisa Spyker is the Senior Writer at Southern Living, where she enjoys dabbling in stories throughout the magazine, from gorgeous home features to profiles of the South’s creatives.
If you do need a fits-in-a-knapsack chair, we recommend the Helinox Chair One. We found this model to be slightly more comfortable and easier to pack than other, similar chairs. As nice and comfortable as zero gravity chairs are, they are quite heavy. They’re not as portable as the camping-style chairs; this one is heavier and doesn’t pack down nearly as small. If you’re packing it in your car and space is tight, you might wish you had a smaller chair.
It has a weight capacity of 250 lbs and measures 23.25 x 34.25 x 19.38 inches. If your lawn chairs are still dirty after hosing them down, scrub them using a rag or a soft brush and a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. The Lawn Chair USA Classic Lawn Chair came out on top because it’s just so universal. With a foldable, lightweight aluminum frame and retro, UV-resistant webbing, it’s equally ideal for camping, tailgating, and hanging in the park. The only downside is that this chair weighs 8.3 pounds, which can be a deterrent for adventurers who like to hike to their campsite.
The shade canopy is worth it, though, and we recommend this chair for anyone sensitive to the sun, or any shade-seekers. Some fold flat—and the GCI chairs do so by pulling up as you naturally would on the carry strap. The advantage is the folded outdoor patio furniture dimension is pretty thin (around 4 to 6 inches), but it takes up a very significant 30 x 30 inch square in your car. Carrying it on your back can also be cumbersome, which is why these chairs sometimes come with backpack style straps.