Our expert loungers spent hours sitting in each chair, taking them from the beach to the backyard and many places in between to assess their portability, comfort, and longevity. Scrolling through pages of chairs can be time-consuming and exhausting, so we put together folding lawn chairs this in-depth and independent review to help you find the best lawn chair for your needs. While those aforementioned chairs admittedly share some crossover with lawn chairs, what sets lawn chairs apart is their combination of style, casual readiness and comfort.
Most of the traditional models, like the ALPS King Kong, GCI Comfort Pro, and REI Camp X, only require pulling apart two opposing vertical frame pieces to be set up. The REI Outward Low Padded simply unfolds like an old-school folding chair. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is also impressively easy — just pull the two sides away from each other with a large labeled handle, and you’re good to go. While the Yeti Trailhead is somewhat more involved than simply pulling opposing corners, the instructions make it easy to follow along. Members at the Access category and above get free standard shipping in the contiguous 48 states on purchases over $35. While most of us enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible in warmer months, we aren’t all interested in doing the same things while we’re out there!
◊Pricing, selection, and availability of store clearance items are determined by each store. Items may be display models or not exactly as shown and may not be available in patio furniture sets all stores. The pistons force the user forward into an upright position, almost tipping forward, and the rocking motion doesn’t feel nearly as natural as a regular rocker.
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. We’ve bought and tested 34 unique camping chairs in the last 10 years to bring you the best 15 models available today in this review. Our team of lounging experts and relaxation enthusiasts spent months rigorously testing each model side-by-side. Comfort scores weighed the heaviest in our assessments, but we also considered other factors like packability and ease of use. We took these chairs camping in the desert, packed them into cars, carried them to family reunions, and napped in them on the beach.
Select a chair with a built-in canopy, which will give you a little patch of cool at any campsite or cookout. Become a member at checkout to save 20% on your first purchase and get free shipping. After shopping/purchasing rugs, please return to StineHome.com to shop thousands of other products. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products.
In addition to the cooler, the chair has a mesh cup holder, two mesh pockets, and a roomy seat that’s 24 inches wide. It easily folds up and slips into its shoulder-strap carrying bag and is lightweight enough to carry to a picnic. While the padded seat and armrests are great for campers who like a cushioned feel, some may find the chair lacking in back support.
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.
The two cupholders, two side compartments, and mesh back pocket are convenient for keeping beverages, magazines, phones, or s’mores ingredients within reach. We were downright giddy over this spacious, cleverly designed outdoor loveseat. The two-seater slips in and out of a slot in the wrap-up, tote-style carrier, which can be expanded to fit other gear for storage and double as a dog mat when the chair is in use. When it comes to comfort, the Kelty Low Loveseat was one of the most outstanding during our test. Even after regularly using this chair for six months, it’s just as plush and comfortable as ever. It has more than enough room for two people — and perhaps a pet — to lounge.
This is further exacerbated by the strict ninety-degree angle of the chair, which doesn’t allow the user to recline at all without pushing their legs into the pistons. While we appreciate GCI trying new things in the camp chair world, we wouldn’t really recommend this chair. Finally, we sent the chairs out to put them to the test on real campgrounds, hikes, and other outdoor events. Testers provide periodic updates to report on the chairs’ performances over the course of six months. This is getting into camp chair territory, lookswise, and won’t make the most stylish addition to your front yard.
If you’re camping with a group, make sure enough chairs have been purchased and packed for everyone. Since different chairs will be best for each individual based on body type, age, and personal preference, it’s a good idea to have a collection of chairs that suit a variety of needs. Some campers may need a high back with extra support, while others may prioritize a style that’s low to the ground. Some of the 29 chairs we tested had unique features that set them apart from the crowd but fell short in categories that kept their score too low to make our list of recommendations. Still, you may find these options to be well-suited for your specific camping needs.