All Conversations
Liz Pearce
over 2 years ago • Seattle

Camping chairs

Not sure how I've lived in the PNW for this long and do *not* own camping chairs, but the fact remains. I'm looking for chairs that are mid-size/mid-weight -- comfortable enough for my parents to sit in while watching kids' soccer games, but small enough not to take up the entire trunk of the car on a camping trip. Built-in coolers and canopies not required, but drink holders would be nice. Thoughts?
15 replies
over 2 years ago
REI has pretty good ones in a few styles. I like these: REI Flexilite

Those pack up small but aren't as easy/quick to setup as the larger ones that just pop open.
over 2 years ago
We have a couple of the REI Co-op Camp X that we love. Comfortable and quite durable. rei.com/product/847136/rei-...
over 2 years ago
Not exactly camping chairs, but a few years ago my wife and I stayed at an airbnb in Hawaii that had Tommy Bahama beach chairs and we loved them enough to buy a pair and haven't looked back. They're a little low to the ground so may not be great for folks with bad knees or backs, but they're super comfy, light, and easy to carry. May be too bulky for what you're looking for.
over 2 years ago
We bought new chairs recently and I realized that camping chair technology has improved. The REI Flexlite folds up incredibly small, which matters when you need to seat more than a couple of people. There are a few chairs with that design and I think it's a big step up from the old-school camping chairs. Only downside - no cupholder!

The other thing to consider is low vs. high chairs. Low chairs have a lot less metal involved, so they end up being lighter and easier to pack. Not quite as comfortable or civilized as the high chairs, though. That's another reason the Flexlite has become so popular - it sits like a high chair but packs down real small.
over 2 years ago
Ohhhhh I have some thoughts on this :) I have gone through so many camp chairs over the years. Right now, for something like this, I would highly recommend GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Chair. We have several of these and the rocking element makes them so much more comfortable and the pockets in the arms are super handy.
over 2 years ago
Just got this one and with the swivel table, so good! Happy, Happy, Happy!
over 2 years ago
A friend of mine has this camping chair, and after I sat in in, I had "camping chair envy" big time :D It's a loveseat, so made for two people! This one sits low to the ground, but I think there is a version that is normal height to get in and out of.
over 2 years ago
+1 to REI Camp X chair. I love mine.
over 2 years ago
I second all the REI camping chairs. We have a couple in each car. Durable and comfy!
over 2 years ago
Costco usually has the even higher back bag chairs if you want to lean your head back...they are usually Seahawks, huskies or cougars but they’ve lasted at every soccer and baseball game for years😀.
over 2 years ago
I get mine from Costco. They have some really good ones at the beginning of the season.
over 2 years ago
I cannot say enough good things about these Coleman chairs! We bought several of them for driveway gatherings. They have a built in zipper thermal pocket that holds 4 cans...or your cell phone :)
over 2 years ago
I second the REI Flexlite chair. They have a couple different designs: Flexlite Boss and Flexlite Dreamer. I have a garage full of chairs that I don't use as they are too large and heavy and take up room. I love my flexlite chair. I just leave it in my van because it packs to small.
over 2 years ago
Dicks Sporting Goods Bellevue has a selection of different styles to suit!
over 2 years ago
Big R has a comfy camping chair that is a rocker also and I ADORE it!
over 2 years ago