Camping Chair Comparison: Comfort vs Weight vs Price

I’ve sat in 23 different camping chairs over 4 years. Here’s which ones earned a permanent spot in my gear rotation and which ones I threw away after one use.

Here’s my take: the best camping chair is the one you actually sit in. A $200 chair you never pack is worse than a $30 chair you use every trip.

Best Ultralight Camping Chair Under 2 Pounds?

The Helinox Chair Zero (13.4 oz, $150) is the lightest chair that doesn’t feel like sitting on a rock. The DAC Aluminum FE pole rating supports 265 lbs. I tested it on a 3-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada.

Best Budget Camping Chair for Car Camping?

The Coleman Skydive XL ($35, 7.5 lbs) has a 320 lb weight capacity, padded armrests, and a cup holder. The 6061-T6 aluminum frame survived 3 seasons of weekend camping.

Best Premium Camping Chair Under $200?

The Helinox Chair One (2 lbs, $120) hits the sweet spot: lightweight enough for backpacking, comfortable enough for all-day sitting. The 7075-T6 aluminum poles are aerospace-grade.

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More gear picks in our Camping Gear & Equipment Guide.

References

• Outdoor Gear Lab — Best Camping Chairs