Looking for the best camping chair? Let’s dive in on the factors to consider to pick up the best camp chair considering different options and features.
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Questions to Answer to Buy a Camping Chair
With all the different options available on the market, ranging from ultralight stools to luxury chairs with fancy features; it can be overwhelming for you to decide on the best pick for yourself. You need to consider the factors that relate to you and your personal camping preference. Let’s discuss some of the most important ones.
Where Will You Use It?
Camping chairs can be used in many different settings such as backpacking, fishing, picnics, BBQs, picnics, parties, etc. If you are going on a backpacking adventure, a lightweight and compact chair can be the best option for you as you will have to carry the load on your back. For other activities like car camping, picnics, parties, fishing, etc you might like to carry heavier and more comfortable options to sit and relax on as your vehicle will most likely do the heavy lifting.
How Much Comfort Do You Want?
People buy camping chairs to sit comfortably in the outdoors. The level of desired comfort will vary from person to person. There is nothing better than sitting comfortably and relaxing after a long day of hike.
However, backpackers tend to compromise on extra comfort to reduce weight and size to be carried on the trail. Others who do not have the obligation to carry the chair in a backpack can afford to prioritize comfort by choosing additional features like extra padding, cup holders, head rest, etc.
Body Dimensions
You would like to pick a chair that is a perfect sit for your height and weight. If you are a big guy with substantial weight, a minimalist stool might not be the best fit for you. Choose a camping chair that will be comfortable for you to sit in and stand up considering your body type.
Health Issues?
Do you have knee pain or bad back issues that make it hard for you to get up? If yes, you will be better off with a chair that will not require you to put in extra effort to stand up or sit down. Ideally, a classic camping chair with a straight back and flat seat will be a better option for you compared to a low chair.
Feature Requirements
What extra features do you want your camping chair to have and at what cost? Different features such as cup holders, extra padding, head rest, arm rest, lumbar pads, mesh panels, side tables, cooler bags, and pockets come along with extra cost, weight, comfort, and functionality. You will have to make an efficient choice based on your needs and requirements.
Types of Camping Chairs
Camping chairs come in many different shapes and sizes. You will almost always be able to find an option that could be perfect for your end-use and personal requirements and some of them can be used for a range of different outdoor adventure types.
Classic Camping Chair
These traditional camping chairs come with four legs and a sturdy base to provide stability. They usually have a straight back and flat seat that will allow you to stand up and sit down without much effort. You will find a lot of different options within this category at different price points. So, it won’t be hard for you to find the one that is within your budget.
Low Chair
Low chairs are great for places with uneven ground and beach areas. Those can require a little more effort for you to sit down or stand up but are much less trippy compared to higher chairs. Low chairs can be perfect for sunbathing on the beach or stargazing on a starry night.
Rocking Camp Chair
These chairs come with a rocker on the bottom unlike the four-legged stable bases seen on traditional camping chairs. You will have the luxury of gliding in the air by rocking back and forth with your feet up. Some of the variations within this category include adjustment features that can be used to make the base stable like a classic camping chair.
Moon Chair
Moon chairs are equipped with additional padding to provide superior comfort and their circular shape creates a cozy and spacious seating experience. They are often foldable, making it easier to transport from one place to another for different adventures. Notably, moon chairs have significantly more weight capacity compared to many other options on the market.
Scoop Chair
As the name suggests, scoop chairs are shaped like scoops; having no distinct back and seat. These chairs are perfect for backpacking as they are lightweight and compact.
Stools
If you are an ultralight camper, stools might be the best ones for you. These chairs are very minimalistic and lightweight, making them extremely compact and portable. However, you will probably have to compromise on comfort and stability as you will need to work your legs to be stable on these seating options.
Luxury Chair
If weight and budget are not deal breakers for you, luxury camping chairs would be a perfect fit for extra comfort and functionality. Luxury chairs usually come with additional features like extra padding, cooler bags, side tables, etc. that add to the cost and weight of the chair.
Factors to Consider to Pick the Best Camping Chair
The best camping chair for you can be significantly different from what would be ideal for others considering the differences in circumstances. Let’s discuss what factors you need to take into consideration to make the best pick for yourself.
Materials
The quality of production materials like frames and fabric determines the price of a camping chair. Frames are mostly made up of either aluminum or steel, while aluminum frames are much lighter and steel frames are sturdier. Powder-coated frames are much more resistant to natural wear and tear.
The most commonly used fabric for camping chairs is polyester because of its fast-drying properties and durability. Nylons are used for ultralight chairs as they are thinner and lighter than polyester.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the primary considerations in choosing the perfect camping chair for you. Check if a chair is compatible with your body dimensions and how naturally your body fits with the chair. Look for additional features like arm rest, head rest, padding, mesh back panel, lumber pads, etc. to increase comfortability
Portability
The portability of camping chairs determines how easily you can move them from one place to another. It mostly depends on the foldability, packed size, and weight of the chair. If you are a backpacker who has to carry the load on a backpack, you would ideally want a chair that is lightweight, compact, and portable.
Weight Capacity
Do not forget to check the weight capacity of a camping chair as it will allow you to understand how much weight you can put on the chair without breaking it. Camp chairs with higher weight capacity tend to be more durable and stable. You will find detailed information about it on the packaging and product description in case of online shopping.
Complexity
Complexity refers to how easy or difficult it is to set up and use a camping chair. For some chairs, you just have to open them up to sit and relax; while others require extra time and effort to set up. If you choose a camp chair with low complexity, you will be able to cut down on your learning curve and potential frustration.
Durability
Camp chair durability is mainly determined by the quality of materials used for production. Steel frames will probably last longer than aluminum ones. The kind of weather conditions in which you use the chair will also have a significant impact on durability. The way you take care of your camping chair will also dictate its durability.
Budget
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. High-quality, durable camping chairs will always cost more than the compromised ones. The price mostly depends on the quality of the materials. Additional features also add extra cost. You will have to make the pick considering what you want and how much are you willing to spend on it.
Conclusion
The reality is, that no single camping chair can be the the best choice for everyone. There are so many different variations available on the market to cater to different camping needs. This guide should equip you with substantial knowledge about what you need to know to make a buying decision. Do not forget to explore and educate yourself to make an informed choice for your camping chair. Happy Camping!