There’s nothing quite as blissful and relaxing as kicking back at camp after a long day. And while stumps and rocks may do as makeshift furniture in a pinch, they will never compare to a great chair. Whether you prize portability or luxury, this guide will help you learn how to choose the best camp camping chair for your next wilderness trip. Types: There are three main types of camp chairs. Minimal: Minimal camp chairs come in two main styles: folding seats and stools. These are the only chairs you should ever consider taking on a backpacking trip. Regular: These are the folding camp chairs that have aluminum legs, arm rests, and seat backs. They typically come with a carrying bag with a strap. These are your go-to chairs when staying at a single campsite or if you have some extra room on a multi-day river trip. Luxurious: Luxurious camp chairs are like bringing a recliner outdoors. They provide maximum stability and support, and commonly have numerous features including leg rests, reclining capability, and more.
These can also be considered high-end regular camp chairs, and will turn any camp into a plush zone of relaxation. Weight: Weight should be one of your primary deciding factors when shopping for minimal camp chairs. It becomes less important if you’re choosing regular or luxurious-style chairs. You want a minimal chair (folding seat or stool) to weigh less than two pounds. What’s great about the stool is that it elevates you off the ground—a significant advantage if the ground is wet or frozen—and can handle more weight. A stool can hold excess of 500lbs while the typical folding seat maxes out at 250. The beauty of the folding seat is its versatility. Typically weighing in around two pounds, folding seats often do double-duty for backpackers by also serving as summer sleeping pads. Heavy on more than comfort, regular and luxurious camp chairs weigh in at 5lbs or more. Materials: There are a variety of materials to choose from when shopping for a good camp chair.
Here are some to keep in mind: The legs of good camp chairs and camp stools are typically made of aluminum for its phenomenal strength-to-weight ratio. Coated rip-stop nylon is the fabric of choice for the seating material in good camp chairs because of its durability, water resistance, and comfort. Closed cell foam padding will not absorb water, making it preferable for water-based activities. Folding seats typically feature carbon fiber stays to improve rigidity in the seat back. In an emergency situation, the stays can be removed from the seat and be used as splinting materials to demobilize an injury — just another attribute that make the folding seat the most versatile of the camp chairs. Packability: How often and how far will you move your chair? It makes all the difference. Camp stools and folding seats are the best options if you’re packing for the long haul. You can strap either directly to your backpack. Regular-style chairs typically come with a carrying case that has a strap for easier carrying.
You can bring these along on rafting or canoe trips no problem, but you’ll want to leave them at home before hitting the trail. Luxurious chairs should only be considered when you’re going to stay at an easy-access area such as a state park or festival campground. Features: There is a wide spectrum of features to consider when selecting the right camp chair. Typically the features escalate as you go up from minimal to luxurious chairs. Cup Holders: A cup holder changes a normal camp chair into a plush camping chair. There are a couple different options. The lightest weight chairs will have mesh fabric. Regular chairs often use the same material as the chair. And luxurious camp chairs can have cup holders as advanced as having coolers and coozies attached. Arm rests: Armrests make a nice, but heavy, addition to regular camp chairs. But they can be a game changer in terms of the additional comfort they provide. Extended Pads: The main feature of a folding seat is to have an extended pad.
This has three functions. First, it provides added cushioning to the regular seat. Second, it folds out to insulate your legs or to keep them out of the dirt and dust. And lastly, it can be fully-extended and used as a summer time sleeping pad.We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your REI purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund within one year of purchase. REI's guarantee doesn't cover ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by improper use or accidents. If your item has a manufacturing defect in its materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time. See our limited warranty. At REI, we live and breathe the outdoors, and we're passionate about sharing our expertise with people of all skill levels. Whether you're new to the outdoors or a seasoned explorer, we'll take the time to understand your needs and help you find the right gear for you. Anyone can shop at REI, but for a one-time $20 fee you can become an REI member and enjoy a lifetime of benefits.
These include an annual member refund, typically 10% back on eligible purchases.* *10% is typical but not guaranteed. Your refund is based on eligible purchases, which exclude REI gift cards, services, fees, REI Adventures trips, REI Garage, and discounted items. Safety & Survival ) Travel & Luggage ) Sleeping Bags, Airbeds & Cots ) Tents & Screen Houses ) Tents & Screen Houses Sleeping Bags, Airbeds & Cots Read more about this product Escape from the city and embark on a journey into nature, where you can take a well-deserved break from the distractions of everyday life. From weekend trips to long camping voyages, there is always the opportunity to pause and take stock of all the beauty of the great outdoors. Consult Academy Sports + Outdoors for informative tips on the best camping products: let us help you determine your needs and make your next camping trip the best yet. Plus, shop through our outdoor shop to find all of your camping equipment.
Enjoy the outdoors with top-rated gear on your next adventure. Pick from an exciting array of camping tents designed for hassle-free setups and breaks downs, as well as varying degrees of protection from the elements, from the casual tent to the expeditionary tent. Get restorative and comfortable sleep — even when temperatures drop — with plush camping bedding, including sleeping bags and airbeds. You can withstand the natural elements with the right outdoor clothing. Select from our large variety of rain gear to keep you dry, or shop for raincoats, rain jackets, rain boots, and umbrellas. We even carry waterproof containers and sealable bags designed to keep electronics safe from water damage. Before you head out on your next adventure, make sure you are equipped with all the essential camping gear on our camping checklist. Don't get caught in the dark: pack adequate lighting sources for visibility at night and in low-lit conditions. And most importantly, make sure to pack comprehensive first aid and survival gear in case of an emergency.