A soccer season spent on the sidelines inspired one journalist to test 11 portable camp chairs to find the best option for everything from backyard barbecues to camping trips. The result: a range of chairs that suit different needs, including a top overall pick, a budget choice, an ultraportable model, and a comfort-focused recliner.
How the chairs were tested
The author evaluated each chair on weight, ease of setup, portability, and comfort. Tests included timing assembly and disassembly, sitting for at least an hour, carrying the chair across a soccer field, and a sprinkler test to assess drying time. Extra features like cup holders and pockets were also noted.
Best overall: Eno Lounger DL Chair
The Eno Lounger DL is a sling-style chair that feels like a hammock. It assembles by snapping poles into plastic hubs and sliding the fabric onto supports. It has padded headrest, rounded leg caps, a cup holder, and two pockets. At 5.63 lb, it packs into a triangular backpack with straps. It dried quickly but was the slowest to pack up (93 seconds). The sling can pop off and the cup holder is small. Price: $149.95.
Best budget: Coleman Portable Camp Chair
This scissor-style chair sets up in 27 seconds. It features a large cup holder, a mini cooler in the left arm, and a mesh storage pocket. The carry bag is well-sized. At 8.2 lb, it's heavier but sturdy. The author's wife preferred a similar Amazon Basics chair for a tighter front. Price: $49.99.
Most portable: Helinox Chair Zero L
Weighing only 1.43 lb, this chair packs down smaller than a fanny pack. It's a sling-style chair that sits low (8.5 in front height). It holds up to 320 lb but feels flexy, requiring some trust. Ideal for hikers. The bag closure can be fussy. Price: $169.95.
Most comfortable: Nemo Stargaze Reclining Evo-X Camp Chair
This unique chair uses an accordion frame and strap system to recline like a hammock. It's heavy (13.75 lb) and tricky to set up. It has no armrests, but cup holders are inside the sling. Price: $179.95.
Other notable chairs
The Yeti Trailhead Field Chair was fastest to set up but costs $225 with no extra features. The SunnyFeel Camping Directors Chair offers exceptional organization (table, pockets) but is heavy and less comfortable. The KingCamp Double Camping Chair is a sturdy two-person loveseat but large and heavy. Chairs like the ALPS King Kong, Helinox Chair One Highback, and Amazon Basics camp chair were also tested but didn't make the top cut.
What to know about camp chairs
Folding camp chairs come in sling-style (lower, more comfortable) and director's style (higher, easier to get in/out). Cleaning is simple with a hose; let them dry fully before storage. Steel frames are stronger but heavier; aluminum is lighter but flexes more.
