Whether you love sitting out under the stars, by the campfire, soaking up the morning sunshine, or perching in your perfectly pitched tent, listening to the rain drum on the roof, a camping chair is an essential item of outdoor kit.
But let's be honest, there are a lot of crud camping chairs out there. The ones that push your shoulders forward, forcing you into an awkward slouch. Or offer a shapeless bucket shape that provides zero support for your lower back. The bulky ones that take up valuable boot space. The ones that threaten to sever a finger as you wrestle to unfold them. And the ones that break, leaving you sprawling in the wet grass.
Fear not. There are some high quality alternatives out there. Durable, comfortable and practical. Here is our pick of the best for camping, festival going, sunset-watching, fishing, garden gatherings and many other contented occasions, all tried and tested by our expert reviewers, myself, Leonie Helm, and Pat Kinsella.
At a glance:
- Best for Camping: Helinox Chair 2 (Check availability at Amazon)
- Best Budget: Alpkit Vagabond Highback Chair (Check availability at Alpkit)
- Best for Luxury Comfort: OLPRO Olympus XL (Check availability at OLPRO)
- Best Lounger: Outwell Tryfan Chair (Check availability at Amazon)
- Best for Solo Camping: Helinox Chair one (re) (Check availability at Go Outdoors)
Why trust Leonie?
I have to admit I spent quite a lot of my early days camping either sitting on the floor, or in those perfectly useful yet slightly uncomfortable cheaper camping chairs.
As I started to go on longer trips, however, I began to realise the importance and touch of luxury a really good camping chair adds to the trip. Since then I’ve spent years camping in all kinds of conditions around the world, from quick overnight trips to week-long adventures, and I know how much of a difference the right chair can make. I’ve tested dozens of camping chairs firsthand out in the field where comfort, durability, and portability really matter. I approach each review as a camper who values gear that works in real situations, not just on paper, and I share honest impressions based on real use so you can pick a chair that fits your own adventures.
This article is regularly updated with new products, price changes and availability to ensure you're getting the best guidance in 2025.
Our testing process
I tested these camping chairs over several weekends of use, taking them on car camping trips, setting them up in my backyard, and even hauling a few down to the beach. I paid close attention to how comfortable they felt after sitting for an hour or more, whether they stayed stable on uneven ground, and how much effort it took to fold and pack them away.
I also carried them around to see how portable they really were, and I checked the fabric and frame after repeated use to get a sense of durability. Along the way, I noted any extra features like cup holders, storage pockets, or reclining options that actually made a difference.
Best Camping Chairs of 2025
Best Overall: Helinox Chair 2
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13083387
- RRP: £129.95
- Weight: 1185g
- Packed size: 35.5cm x 11cm x 11cm
Three Things To Know:
- Ultralightweight - Easy to carry at only 1185 grams it's a great choice for camping
- Useful features - Two pockets on one side, reinforced corners and a headrest
- Easy to set up - Shock-corded poles lock the frame into place
Despite the slightly daunting amount of pieces (all held together with elastic cord), it’s actually very easy to put together and break down. Being featherlight is one thing, but it’s also genuinely comfortable, with a high supportive back and lots of mesh to improve venting, and the carry sack (once stuffed with a jumper or the like) doubles as a pillow, fastening into place with Velcro. Brilliant. It’s tough, too, with a carry capacity of 145kg.
What we like
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Compact when packed
- Tough
Things to consider
- Expensive
- Low height may not suit some
Our verdict: Smart, comfortable and highly portable – worth the price if you can afford it.
Get this if: You want a durable, lightweight camping chair that will last a long time.
- Read more: Helinox Chair 2 camping chair review
SQUIRREL_13083387
Best for Luxury Comfort: OLPRO Olympus XL
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13291941
- RRP: £107.00
- Weight: 7.4kg
- Packed size: 98 x 25 x 30cm
Three Things to Know
- Surprisingly Portable - For a larger more luxurious chair at 7.4kg, the bag and shoulder strap make moving it around easy, and the extra strap makes it easy to pack away
- Very Comfortable - The padded bucket design cocoons you for a really relaxing experience
- Useful Extras - An insulated cup holder and carry bag with shoulder strap make this a really convenient camping accessory
For a larger, more luxurious chair, the OLPRO Olympus XL camping chair is impressively portable. It weighs only 7.4kg, and comes with its own carrying bag with shoulder strap which makes it easy to lug into the garden, around a festival or across a campsite. It also has a handy strap that pulls it together when it needs to go back in the bag, making the dreaded campsite pack-up just that little bit easier.
What we like
- Great back support and comfort
- Portable
- Insulated cup holder
- Durable
- Sustainable angle
Things to consider
- Not suitable for lightweight camping
- Not fully waterproof
Our verdict: An impressive, very comfortable and well made chair that is a great addition to your kit.
Get this if: You're happy with a little extra weight and want a really comfortable chair that's also easily portable.
- Read more: OLPRO Olympus XL camping chair review
SQUIRREL_13291941
Best for Solo Camping: Helinox Chair One (re)
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13238830
- RRP: £109.95
- Weight: 1.02kg
- Packed size: 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm
Three Things To Know:
- Lightweight But Strong – Despite weighing roughly a kilo, the DAC aluminum frame supports up to 145kg and feels remarkably stable
- Packs Down Small – It packs into a case about the size of a loaf of bread, making it ideal for backpacking or tight car boots
- Recycled and Repairable – Made from recycled materials and designed to be repairable, it’s a more sustainable choice than many camping chairs
The design of the Helinox Chair One (re) is what really won me over. It’s minimalist, weighing roughly one kilo, but thoughtfully engineered and is an update on the original award winning Chair One, now featuring (re)Tension Design – adding a second tension line within the parameter of the chair to distribute weight around the frame.
Packs into a 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm full zip case that has a daisy chain and webbing handle, and can hold up to 145kg when assembled.
The legs swing out and click together almost like tent poles and the fabric of the chair just slots over them, taking seconds to set up, and the chair feels surprisingly stable for something so light. The pockets in the arms are also a nice touch.
What we liked
- Ultralightweight
- Portable
- Comfortable
Things to consider
- Expensive
- Little uncomfortable on the arms
Our verdict: This is a great addition to any camper or hiker wanting an ultralightweight seating option.
Get this if: You do a lot of solo camping on foot or by bike, or you just want a really good lightweight chair.
- Read more: Helinox Chair One (re) review
SQUIRREL_13238830
Best for Accessories: OLPRO Director's Chair
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13328178
- RRP: £87.00
- Weight: 7.5kg
- Packed size: 100 x 58 x 10cm
Three Things to Know
- Strong and Durable - With a steel frame and heavy duty polyester fabric this chair is made to last with a 120kg weight limit
- Good Accessories - The OLPRO Directors chair as a handy folding table with a cup holder and a zippy pocket for valuables
- Easily Portable - While not the lightest chair available (7.5kg) it’s lightweight enough to carry short distances and easily portable
I’ve been really impressed with the OLPRO Directors Chair in orange and black. The steel frame feels strong and stable, easily taking my weight without any wobble, and the heavy-duty padded polyester seat strikes a great balance between comfort and durability. I especially like the built-in side table with its cupholder and the handy storage pouch, which make it perfect for camping or relaxing in the garden.
The first time I unfolded it, the mechanism was a bit stiff, but after a couple of uses it loosened up nicely. Overall, it feels like a tough, well-designed chair that should last me for years.
What we liked
- Comfy
- Durable
- Looks good
- Great features
- Portable
Things to consider
- Heavier than others
Our verdict: A great chair with good features that will last a long time.
Get this if: You want a ultradurable chair with fun, handy extras.
- Read more: OLPRO Directors Chair review
SQUIRREL_13328178
Best For Lightweight Comfort: Outwell Tryfan Chair
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13077319
- RRP: £124.95
- Weight: 1.8kg
- Packed size: 45 x 14 x 15cm
Three Things To Know:
- Very Lightweight and Packable - Despite appearing large this chair is only 1.8kg and packs down small
- Comfortable and Insulated - Featuring soft padded fabric for cooler evenings
- Durable Build - Constructed with sturdy aluminium frames and supports up to 120kg
This comfortable and lightweight camping chair packs down very compactly, although construction was slightly challenging. The frame itself was very satisfying to assemble, as the metal poles were all already attached via elasticated cords and only required snapping into place, however, some force was required to stretch the fabric seat across the metal frame.
What we liked
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Things to consider
- Not so easy to assemble or pack away
- Expensive
Our verdict: A lightweight camping chair that would make a great option for taking along on short walks, but slightly tricky to assemble and a bit on the pricey side.
Get this if: You want a comfortable lounger that's still lightweight.
- Read more: Outwell Tryfan Chair review
SQUIRREL_13289703
Best Budget: Alpkit Vagabond Highback Chair
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13328181
- RRP: £44.99
- Weight: 1.39kg
- Packed size: 98cm x 70cm x 53cm
Three Things To Know:
- Lightweight and Compact - At only 1.39kg it's impressively lightweight for a camping seat
- Comfortable and Well Supported Design - With a padded headrest and a supportive bucket-shaped seat
- Sturdy Build and Sustainable - It can hold up to 120kg despite its light weight and the fabric is 100% recycled fabric
The second generation of the Vagabond camping chair from from Peak District-based brand Alpkit features a comfortable and supportive bucket seat with a higher, more supportive back than its predecessor, and a headrest.
Like all Alpkit gear, the design is very well thought through by people who genuinely use the equipment they produce, and this lightweight, easily portable seat purposely positions you close to the floor for convenience when tending to camp stoves (no need for drink holders – just use the ground).
What we liked
- Comfortable bucket seat
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
- Well ventilated
Things to consider
- None!
Our verdict: A practical perch for proper campers.
Get this if: You want an affordable comfortable chair.
Check availability at Alpkit.
SQUIRREL_13328181
Best Lounger: Outwell Catamarca Lounger
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13289754
- RRP: £81.99
- Weight: 6.3kg
- Packed size: 22 x 16 x 111cm
Three Things To Know:
- Dual Purpose - Effortlessly transitions between practical dining chair and relaxing recliner
- Durable Yet Comfortable - Crafted with 300 × 600 D embossed recycled polyester and supported by a powder-coated steel frame, this chair balances sturdiness with comfort
- Big Yet Portable - While 6.3kg isn't the lightest on this list, it's still relatively portable
Our tester, Maddi, found this chair so comfortable, she didn't want to get out! With a sturdy frame and comfortable seat, this lounging chair is ideal for both dining and relaxing. As you lean back, the chair reclines and the leg supports click into place, providing excellent star-gazing or postprandial napping opportunities. There's also a cup holder for you to enjoy a hot or cold beverage as you unwind.
Although its a heavy and bulky option, it's easily manoeuvrable thanks to the cover bag with shoulder strap. It's a mid-range option that's significantly cheaper than some of the others on test, but doesn't compromise on quality.
What we liked
- Very comfortable
- Supportive
- Spacious
- Sturdy
- Good value
Things to consider
- Heavy
- Bulky
Our verdict: Very comfortable and supportive, spacious, sturdy, good value.
Get this if: You're looking for a heavy duty, comfortable camping chair.
- Check availability at Amazon.
SQUIRREL_13289754
Best Wildcard: Hanging Moon Chair
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13328188
- RRP: £87.70
- Weight: 1.7kg
- Packed size: 98cm x 15cm ·
Three Things To Know:
- Sleek and Simple - With only one anchor point for hassle-free installation
- Comfort Meets Durability - Made from high-grade parachute nylon
- Potable, Lightweight and Strong - Weighing 1.7kg it can support up to 120kg in weight and it comes with a ten year warranty
The next best thing to snoozing in hammock is kicking back in a floating chair, dangling from a branch or beam, swinging in the breeze. The hammock chair from Indonesia-based brand TTTM is pretty easy to set up (once you’ve found an obliging tree or something else to lob the rope over), and it’s ridiculously comfortable to lie back in, especially if you also rig up the accompanying floating footrest (included). The Moon Chair is a available in a spectrum of great colours, and the brand support local tribes in East Indonesia through the Ticket To The Moon (TTTM) Foundation, an Indonesian-based foundation supporting the Sumbanese Kodi tribe.
What we liked
- Hammock style chair
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
Things to consider
- Dependent on surroundings
Our verdict: A hammock chair for carefree campsite swingers.
Get this if: You fancy a hammock chair instead of a ground one and know you're going to be in an environment to use it.
SQUIRREL_13328188
Best Ultra-Lightweight: OLPRO Ultralight Folding Chair
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13291923
- RRP: £95.00
- Weight: 2.1kg
- Packed size: 6.5cm x 54cm x 90cm
Three Things to Know
- Extremely Lightweight - Weighing in at only 2.15kg, this chair can also take a max weight of 120kg
- Easily Portable - The chair easily folds down with useful handles secured with a Velcro strap easy carrying
- Comfortable Enough For All Day Use - The ergonomic design is supportive and surprisingly comfortable for all day sitting
The OLPRO Folding Chair is incredibly lightweight at only 2.15kg, and can easily be carried around using the useful handles on the top, that can be held together with a Velcro strap for an even more convenient experience, and to stop the chair from falling open when in transit.
Folded up, its dimensions are only 6.5 x 54 x 90cm and despite its light weight and thin frame, it has a max weight allowance of 120kg, which is the same as another OLPRO chair three times its weight.
It’s a good looking chair, and the bamboo arm rests are a nice touch, perfect for sitting around a campfire or a day at the beach. It’s very easy to set up, you just unfold it.
What we liked
- Ultra lightweight
- Durable
- Surprisingly comfortable
- Portable
Things to consider
- Slightly expensive
- Handle can push against the legs
Our verdict: A surprisingly comfortable, lightweight camping chair that will keep on going from a festival to a beach.
Get this if: You're looking for an ultra lightweight yet very durable chair that you can take anywhere.
- Read more: OLPRO Ultralight Folding Chair review
SQUIRREL_13291923
Best Multi-Seater: Kelty Low Loveseat
SQUIRREL_BUTTON_13083366
- RRP: £129.95
- Weight: 180 kg
- Packed size: 88 x 28 x 28 cm
Three Things to Know
- Fun Features - This double camping chair comes with 2x insulated, adjustable holders to keep your drinks cold
- Easily Portable - With a padded roll-tote storage carry bag for take-anywhere convenience
- Versatile Style - A double camping chair is a great option for couples, children, or as a festival bench
For couples who like to snuggle up nice and close when sitting around the fire or looking up at the stars, this double camping chair is ideal. Like a foldable sofa, it pops into place nice and easy, and the steel frame supplies amble support for two people.
Each person gets an adjustable armrest with an insulated pouch for placing drinks in and keeping them cold. Check out our roundup of the best cool boxes for more ways to keep your beverages chilled in the wilderness. This is the low version of the Loveseat, but the seat is easy enough to get out of, and it’s a good bit more stable and less cumbersome to transport than its longer legged cousin.
What we liked
- Perfect for couples
- Insulated drinks pouches
Things to consider
- Not the easiest chair to carry
Our verdict:
Get this if: A great pew for two
SQUIRREL_13083366
How To Choose The Right Camping Chair For You
Think about where you’ll use it most.
If you’re a backpacker or hiker, weight and portability are key, and you’ll want a compact chair that fits easily into your pack. For car camping or backyard use, you can go bigger and prioritise comfort features like padding, cup holders, or even a reclining back.
Match the chair to your comfort needs.
Do you prefer sitting upright around the fire, or lounging back with a book? A standard camp chair may be fine for quick trips, but if you’ll be relaxing for hours, look for extra support in the backrest, armrests, or a built-in headrest. Taller campers may also want a higher seat for easier sitting and standing.
Consider how much gear you carry.
If you’re already hauling coolers, tents, and sleeping bags, you may not want a bulky chair. Compact folding chairs are great space-savers, while larger heavy-duty models are better if you don’t need to worry about storage or transport.
Check durability against your adventures.
Rugged trips demand tougher gear. If you camp frequently or in rough conditions, choose chairs with steel or reinforced aluminum frames and rip-resistant fabric. For casual use, a lighter, simpler chair may be perfectly fine.
Don’t forget weight capacity.
Every chair has a maximum weight rating. Always choose one that comfortably exceeds your body weight for safety and longer chair life. Heavy-duty chairs are worth it if you want extra stability.
Decide which extras matter.
If you like having a drink by the fire, a cup holder is essential. If you read or snack outdoors, side pockets or a small attached table can be handy. Rocking chairs, footrests, or insulated coolers are fun upgrades, but only worth it if they match your style of camping.
Never miss a review
Sign up to our free Tried & Tested newsletter for the latest product recommendations straight from the trails.
Have we missed any walking shoes you'd like to see reviewed? Want to share your experience with any of the above products? Contact leonie.helm@ourmedia.co.uk
