That image of holidaymakers sitting outside their campervans is an absolute classic: bum in seat, legs crossed, book and/or cuppa in hand. If you want a piece of that action you need a chair.
At Parkers, we know the importance of a good chair. It is impossible for us to under-emphasise the gravity of this issue – we test and review cars every day and poor seat comfort is something that naturally comes to our attention immediately.
What to look for in a new camping chair:
While the camping chair is, in many ways, a basic and simple object, there are a few key points to note when looking for a new one. The first thing to look for is fabric tautness, which dictates how much fabric sages when under a load – this sag can make or break a camping chair, so looking for a robust frame that’ll hold everything in place is key.
The second thing to note is the maximum capacity, every outdoor chair carries varying maximum loads and exceeding these may damage the chair and the sitter.
The third thing to consider is chair weight and size – this will determine the activity a chair is best suited to. For example, the Helinox Chair One is ideal for those who wish to take it hiking too because it’s small, compact, and lightweight.
However, if you’re going to only use a chair in the garden or at a campsite within walking distance of your campervan, a large luxurious chair like the Zempire Halo Lounger will be a fine choice.
The best camping chairs in detail:
Outwell Catamarca XL
Editor’s pick
Price: £41.99 | VIEW OFFER
For a sturdy and comfortable camping chair, look no further. The Catamarca XL has a solid steel frame for strength and taut polyester fabric for comfort. Consequently, it has a maximum user weight limit of a massive 150 kilograms. At four kilograms, the chair itself is not lightweight but the trade-off benefits are thoroughly worthwhile for relaxing summer campers.
Specs:
Weight: 4.1kg
Max user weight: 150kg
Pack size: 96cm x 23cm x 20cm
Opened size: 96cm x 90cm x 62cm
Helinox Chair One
Best lightweight camping chair
Price: £100.48 | VIEW OFFER
The Helinox Chair One is a highly regarded product in the camping market. This is because of its extremely lightweight design, which incorporates light, but very strong, steel tubes to build up the frame of the chair. The seat itself sits very close to the ground, which also helps to reduce the amount of material needed in the construction. The result is an item that folds down to a very small, hike-friendly package.
Specs:
Weight: 0.96kg
Max user weight: 145kg
Pack size: 35cm x 12cm x 10cm
Opened size: 66cm x 52cm x 50cm
Bel-Sol Diva Eco-Friendly Camping Chair
Sustainability award
Price: £74.95 | VIEW OFFER
The Bel-Sol camping chair is made from recycled PET bottles. Often people consider an eco-friendly option as a compromise on quality but that is not the case, at least here. This camping chair has an adjustable backrest and has a maximum user weight of 120 kilograms. It also looks great and is very comfortable to sit in.
Specs:
Weight: 5.3kg
Max user weight: 120kg
Pack size: 97cm x 23cm x 21cm
Opened size: 105cm x 51cm x 47cm
Zempire Halo Lounger
Best recliner
Price: £129.99 | VIEW OFFER
Given the renowned relaxed state of New Zealand (except at a rugby game), it’s little surprise Kiwi camping brand Zempire produces a superb lounger. The Halo Lounger is something like a portable armchair. The fabric is suspended for supreme comfort and the recline is infinitely adjustable. There are even wooden armrests. It’s collapsible but still a large chair, so it’s best used at a campsite accessible via vehicle, or even in your own garden at home.
Specs:
Weight: 9.98kg
Max user weight: 180kg
Pack size: 91cm x 65cm x 17cm
Opened size: 109cm x 53cm x 54cm
Zempire Moonbase Chair
Best moon chair
Price: £129.99 | VIEW OFFER
Oh, it’s Zempire again with another sumptuous camping chair. The Moonbase Chair really is the essence of Zempire: big, luxurious, and a real quality item. While it can’t match the Outwell Catamarca XL chairs above in terms of weight limit (120 kilograms), it’s quite a lot comfier. The Moonbase Chair also features a folding steel frame and durable yet highly padded 600D polyester fabric.
Specs:
Weight: 6.92kg
Max user weight: 120kg
Pack size: 108cm x 48cm x 20cm
Opened size: 89cm x 60cm x 60cm
Robens Geographic High
Lightest camping chair
Price: £15.99 (RRP £26) | VIEW OFFER
In total contrast (bar the quality) to the Zempire Moonbase Chair is the teeny tiny stool from Robens. It weighs less than half what the Helinox Chair One does and can still manage a maximum user weight of 120kgs. Abuse aside, expect longevity from this stool thanks to its aluminium frame and 600D Oxford fabric.
Specs:
Weight: 0.34kg
Max user weight: 120kg
Pack size: 42cm x 7cm
Opened size: 33cm x 33cm x 32cm
Coleman Deck Chair
Best deck chair
Price: £56.00 | VIEW OFFER
Coleman’s Deck Chair is a great choice for those looking for a seat with taut fabric and long life. The design of the chair’s frame ensures that the seat is tight even under the pressure of weight, and the thin padding adds a nice, if not excessive, a bit of insulation into the mix. The rust-proof frame and 600D fabric should ensure this one lasts for many years to come.
Specs:
Weight: 2.6kg
Max user weight: 113kg
Pack size: 75cm x 53cm x 13cm
Opened size: 78cm x 62cm x 53cm
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