Below, we discuss how each affects the overall performance of a quality lawn chair, and which models stood out as top performers in each area. Though we have lots of praises to sing for this chair, there are still some downsides. For example, at 20 pounds, it’s just not very convenient to tote around often. The drink holder also left something to be folding lawn chairs desired — it’s essentially just a plastic tray. Nonetheless, we love the cozy and stylish Timber Ridge Zero Gravity, and we’d highly recommend it to anyone who plans on spending hours sitting, reclining, and generally relaxing outside. This is getting into camp chair territory, lookswise, and won’t make the most stylish addition to your front yard.
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. Schoolhouse offers its own exclusive take on a vintage-style folding lawn chair, and this Schoolhouse rocks (pun intended).
Recent growth in the camping chair market has led to a dizzying number of unique designs that swivel, rock, and/or recline. We included a number of fun options on our list above, including Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair (which reclines, rocks, and swings), Nemo Moonlight (which just reclines), and GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker. In terms of downsides, more moving parts almost always come with added durability concerns and a more involved setup, and you’re paying more for a specialized design. In our opinion, tried-and-true models like the REI Co-op Skyward, Alps King Kong, and Kijaro Dual Lock have much wider appeal, cost less, and are all most campers need. But if you hate sitting still or just prefer something a little different, there’s no denying the added fun factor.
Kelty’s Low Loveseat is a totally viable option for camping and even can double down as cheap outdoor furniture for your patio. Keep in mind that the seat is rather low at just 13.5 inches off the ground (many camp chairs are closer to 18 in.), but the upside is that the Low Loveseat is stable and still pretty easy to get in and out of. It wouldn’t look out of place next to a 1960’s Sunrader, nor a modern Land Cruiser, on a car camping trip. For how simple the design is, it’s reasonably comfortable and keeps the user fairly supported.
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 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.
They carefully evaluated the comfort, durability, portability, and value of each chair to put together this list of the best options for camping. The 1-pound seat comes with a miniscule stuff sack that can easily be slipped into a backpack or suitcase. We also loved patio furniture sets that setting up and breaking down the aluminum frame and seat cover is conveniently intuitive. You may doubt a chair this light and compact could also be sturdy, but it held up beautifully to all the plopping, dropping, and throwing they could put it through.