The best camping chairs, including folding and lightweight options for summer 2025

Telegraph

a day ago

Which is the best camping chair? You'll never know how important that question is until you've spent all day exploring, or travelling hard to your chosen campsite, only to find that the chair you've brought is uncomfortable, hard to assemble or, worse still, you don't have one at all.
I've pitched hundreds of tents in every corner of the globe. Each time, once the last peg is banged in, whether I'm family camping, chilling with friends at a festival or alone in the wild, all I want to do is take the weight off my feet and collapse onto something comfortable with good back support (beer optional).
To save you from some of the more uncomfortable camping trips I've been through, I've done the work for you by trying and testing the most popular camping chairs on the market, including £30 budget options and premium slouchers which cost more than £100. From Vango's big padded moon chairs to Helinox's low-to-the-ground beach chairs, I've tried them all. My in-depth reviews are below, followed by FAQs on how to choose the right one for you. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five:
Which are the best camping chairs? At a glance
How to choose the best camping chair
First, comfort is key – look for chairs with good back support and plenty of padding so you don't end up stiff or sore. Some chairs even let you adjust the backrest or armrests, making it easier to find the perfect position, whether you're reading or relaxing.
Durability is important too. Camping chairs need to withstand all kinds of weather, so pick ones with strong frames made from materials like steel or aluminium. The fabric should be tough as well – often called ripstop polyester, which means it's designed to resist tearing.
Portability matters if you're hiking to your spot. Lightweight chairs that fold up small and come with a carry bag are much easier to carry. Also, check the weight limit to make sure the chair can safely support you. Finally, handy extras like cup holders or pockets for your phone and snacks can make your camping chair feel extra special.
How I tested the best camping chairs
From years spent wild camping on mountainsides using my rucksack as a backrest, I know the value of the right camping chair. Whether folded, inflated, hanging or compact, if it's been made for outdoor use the chances are that over the last 14 years I've sat in it. (I've also spent time reviewing the best sleeping bags and best camping stoves.)
For this review, I tested the latest offerings from the manufacturers I've come to trust. Specifically, I was testing how much weight a chair could hold, how light and portable each was, their seat height and most importantly of all, comfort. These are the best of the bunch.
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Best camping chairs
1. Best Buy Camping Chair: Vango Embrace Chair
When the sun sets on a campsite, there's nothing better than sinking down into your chair and enjoying a sundown but usually, when that happens, the temperature drops and even a light breeze can chill you through the fabric of a standard folding seat. Not so with the Vango Embrace, a luxuriously quilted and padded number that wraps around your entire body – a style sometimes known as a moon chair – and keeps you well off the ground, meaning that you stay warmer and comfortable even when night falls.
It's made from a sturdy steel frame (it can take a weight of 19 stone!) that's easy to unfold – I could even do this with one hand – and when you're done, it easily pushes down and back into its carry bag. The fabric is Vango's own trademarked offering that feels soft to touch but is durable and hardwearing – even if you spill your drink on it and need to vigorously clean it (trust me, I speak from experience).
You do, of course, pay for this unrivalled comfort and not just with money. At 5kg, it's considerably heavier than most standard two-person tents. Fitting it into the boot of a smaller car will see it take up a lot of space, too. But if you're car camping for several days, it's definitely worth the bulk.
Key specifications
2. Best Value Camping Chair: Trespass Folding Padded Camping and Garden Deck Chair Paddy
Whereas the other padded and value options here tend to fold in on themselves in a cuboid shape, this model from Scottish brand Trespass folds flat (good for storing in the shed between trips or behind seats in a campervan or caravan) and still manages to pack in a good amount of comfort in a padded foam seat.
The frame is made from steel, hence the slightly heavier weight compared to other options, but this does make it sturdy to sit on, so good for those who are less steady when sitting down.
The sitting height is average and the maximum load is decent for the price. It was easy to fold away and set out.
For campers who feel the cold, the design of this one will mean draughts as it's not the bucket style, which keeps wind at bay, but that can be mitigated by using a blanket or a good jacket.
My only niggle is the finish, though the fabric feels fairly robust, the stitching in places feels like it might fray with use relatively quickly. Still a decent option for the low price.
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3. Best Camping Chair for the Garden: Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair
Recommended by Rebecca Astill
This is my camping chair of choice for days spent watching my boyfriend play cricket. It's strong, stable, padded and comfortable enough to sit in all day. Plus, the insulated cup holder keeps a glass of rosé lovely and cool. (Making it an excellent choice as an occasional garden chair, too.)
It comes with a carry bag which the chair easily collapses back into and its long handle means it can be slung onto my back while barely noticing the weight. The polyester fabric is nicely padded. It's even breathable in 30C heat, which is impressive.
The only thing I'd change is to make the headrest slightly more upright; it slopes back, which means you have to sit up to chat to anyone or, in my case, watch cricket. I've seen other camping chairs which have a zip in the headrest to store the bag, which then creates a cushion. I do think this would make an excellent addition, but other than that it's a practical, comfortable chair.
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4. Best 'just in case' Camping Chair: Helinox Chair One (re)
For something light and packable with more comfort than the featherweight model, I like Helinox's newly designed Chair One (re). First hitting the shelves in 2012 when the South Korean father-and-son founded company produced what became the first in its field of portable camping furniture, the previous iteration was always quite low to the ground (34cm) and could be a little unstable (especially for larger users). The new version has addressed both of these issues.
Thanks to added tension in the body of the chair it now feels a lot sturdier and adding four extra centimetres to the sitting height – it's now a little over 38cm – means it's closer to the standard-sized camping chair, yet still packs down remarkably small - 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm (about the size of a bowling pin).
Its green credentials have also improved, with the frame now partly being made from repurposed aluminium (basically the scraps of metal left of the factory floor that would have been discarded) and the fabric is certified recycled polyester.
The addition of a side pocket is handy for storing a phone or keys and setting it up is fairly straightforward. It may be a little more expensive than the bulkier models, but for those wanting to save space in the car or backpack and not sacrifice as much comfort for the privilege, this is a great 'just in case option' on all camping trips.
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5. Best Luxury Chair: Isabella Thor Chair
In 1957 Denmark's Søren Odgaard decided that no tent on the market was quite right for him, so he designed one in his basement. Now his company, Isabella, has a reputation for camping accessories that focus on comfort and quality.
The Thor Chair embodies this – it's made from a lightweight aluminium frame, but feels sturdy. The seat and padded headrest are made from a ventilated but hardwearing material and it is reclinable – they claim eight positions, though I felt it was a bit of an over-sell, seeing as it only seems to relate to the number of notches on the arms. Either way, it is certainly comfortable to sit in and there are optional add-ons to pimp it out for even greater luxury, from a foldable footrest to a detachable side pocket and even a made-to-measure towel.
The only real drawback is the size. Although easy to fold, it still has a total length of 120cm and width of 61cm, meaning I couldn't fit it in the boot of my small car. If you have a large vehicle, though or even better a campervan, this won't be an issue.
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6. Best Picnic Chair: Regatta Director's Chair with Side Table
For those of us who firmly believe that food eaten outdoors tastes better, then a chair with an added foldaway table can turn a good picnic into a great one. Styled like a Hollywood director's pew, Regatta's offering is easy to set up with a quick pull on its arms. The polyester fabric is comfortable yet durable and the table will easily take a drink (in a dedicated cup holder) and a small plate or snack. With a seat height of 46cm you are kept well off the floor and folding it away is straightforward.
It is a flatpack affair – though despite the table, it is slightly smaller – meaning great for storing in a caravan or shed, but a little trickier in a small car boot. It is mid-range weight-wise and takes up to 15 stone, but considering that you're essentially taking a table and chair with you, it's a comparatively small price to pay.
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7. Best Lightweight Chair for Taller Campers: Sitpack Campster 2
Following a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, this new version of the lightweight, foldaway, previously three-legged backpacker's chair now features an infinitely more stable four-leg design.
On first glance, it is much like Helinox's Chair Zero below – the Campster also folds down to 35cm, roughly the size of a water flask. It is also easy to put up, allegedly in five seconds, which I found impossible, but it is straightforward. So you might be wondering how they manage to sell it for £35 less.
Firstly, it should be pointed out that it's heavier by a whole kilogram. If you're camping with the car, this won't be a dealbreaker, but for backpackers, this might (pardon the pun) tip the scales in favour of Helinox.
If you're after comfort over grams, or are a taller or heavier camper, however, then the Campster II is for you. Not only does it have a higher seat, making it easier to get in and out of and can take an additional three stone, but also comes with some fairly luxurious add-ons for an additional price – and weight of course – including a snuggly fleece seat warmer.
It has two side pockets, which I felt a tad unnecessary given that using just one affects the stability. But, overall, a decent compact option for those wanting comfort and portability.
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8. Best Lightweight Camping Chair: Helinox Chair Zero
It's easy to baulk at the price tag of this one – especially when you see the packed size of the item you're purchasing (it folds down to smaller than a thermos flask), but as is often the case with outdoor gear, what you are paying for is the lack of bulk. While similar to Helinox's Chair One above, the Chair Zero is even more compact.
For me, as an ardent wild camper, the idea of taking a camping chair when I head to remote places used to be laughable. Their weight made them a comfort I'd just have to do without. But then the Helinox came along in 2012, at the time weighing in at just under 1kg. Since then, I have been tempted on several occasions to throw one in my backpack to avoid evenings hunched over in my tent.
Hitting the scales at half a kilogram (that's less than an iPad), this latest lightweight version is still sturdy and strong – it can hold a whopping 18 stone (that's more than some full-size chairs here) – and is insanely easy to put up. The strong aluminium alloy poles, a higher grade than used in aircraft, simply slip into the fabric pockets and it's ready to sit in. Admittedly, the one sacrifice is the low seat height, which on snowy or uneven ground could be cold or less comfortable. People with weaker legs who struggle to rise should opt for something higher.
But, with such a low weight, this will always be a great option for backpacking, camping and even on long walks.
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9. Most Comfortable Camping Chair: Coleman Forester Series Bucket Chair
Armless bucket chairs that you can sink into seem to be rising in popularity, like the Vango in our number one spot and this Coleman Forrester bucket chair. Unlike the Vango, this one isn't padded – but rest assured, it's still extremely comfortable.
I thought I'd miss having armrests to relax my arms, but I barely noticed they weren't there and it made the chair lighter. The one downside is that the drinks holder has to be strapped onto the bottom, as you can see in the photo. It holds a water bottle, but up-ends any glass with a stem, predictably.
I'm not sure I could sit in it all day, because of the lack of back support with the bucket design, but the fabric is pulled tight enough to give a reasonable amount of rigour. The back also comes up high, meaning you can comfortably rest your head while chatting. Be warned, it sits quite low, which is noticeable if you're in a group of mismatched camping chairs. Other than that, I love the simplicity and relaxed style of this chair.
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10. Best Compact Camping Chair: Outwell Cardiel
For something equally as low bulk and weight as the Helinox, at a fraction of the price, there is Outwell's Cardiel Black. Essentially two sit mats lashed together with adjustable straps to create a seat with a backrest, it folds down easily to fit into most backpacks or chuck into your car 'just in case'.
The obvious sticking point for some will be the lack of height off the ground – this doesn't only look like a sit mat, it basically is a fancy version of one. However, this can work well for a number of scenarios, in particular on the beach when other chairs would sink into the sand, or to simply make standard campsite benches more comfortable and supportive. The fabric is tough and durable and easy to clean and folding it out is simple and fast. There's even a small pocket great for stashing keys or a phone.
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11. Best Heated Camping Chair: Vango Radiate Grande DLX
If the idea of sitting outside leaves you a little cold, then Vango's heated range offers a solution. There's a near-invisible heating element built into the lower panel of the backrest, which runs off a power bank (not supplied) that can fit snugly in the inbuilt pocket under the seat.
It has four temperature settings controlled by a large button – one click for red (hottest), down to blue (coolest). Despite my scepticism on how much heat I could get from a single panel, once paired with a blanket over my legs, it did indeed keep me toasty well after sunset.
The seat can be adjusted from upright to near lie flat – with seven options available – meaning you can completely chill, without actually getting chilled. The fabric is robust and durable, yet comfy to touch and is padded and designed to radiate heat, meaning once the pad warms up (which literally takes seconds), you feel the benefit almost immediately.
It comes with a moveable headrest for added comfort and there's a tall option available too. When not in use, it packs down flat, so easy to store at home, though it is still quite large (111cm x 9cm x 75cm) and less portable than others, especially if you have a small car. The main drawback is the high price tag, though for glampers who love a little luxury (and warmth) or those with back issues, it'll be worth it.
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12. Best Children's Camping Chair: Kampa Mini Tub
If there's one thing I've learned after having my son, now nearly two, it's that the camping chair he most wants to sit in is whichever one I am currently occupying. That all changed when I got this specially made-for-kids option.
Featuring a range of designs – unicorns, cars and woodland creatures – he was immediately taken with the owl on the latter while I, meanwhile, was enamoured with the fact that, unlike most kids' options, there were no open sides he could inadvertently slip through or try and climb between. It's also well-padded for comfort, easy to fold away and with a seat height of 28cm, he can easily get in and out of it himself.
It is, unsurprisingly given the padding, a little bulky, but it takes an impressive weight load, meaning it should last him a while. At a push, it can even just about take my weight when he undoubtedly steals my seat again…
Key specifications
Weight: 2.7kg
Seat height: 28cm
Maximum load: 60kg (9.4 stone)
13. Best Folding Camping Chair for Festivals: Snow Peak Take Bamboo
Score: 8/10
We like: Lifetime guarantee, bamboo and canvas design
We don't like: It's heavy and not cheap
Rocking up at a festival with your camping gear is not just about comfort and practicality, but about what your kit says about you too. With this bamboo and canvas designed foldaway number – which not only takes a reasonable weight, packs down easily to fit in your car/campervan and features a long back and decent seat height for maximum comfort – it shows that you care as much about sustainability as you do about style.
As well as the wood being responsibly sourced, the chair is guaranteed to last a lifetime, with Snow Peak pledging to repair it no matter how old it is. It may not be the lightest offering here, but those eco-creds do take a weight off your mind and thanks to the removable and washable canvas seat, you can enjoy the festival knowing that any food or drink mishaps are easily dealt with.
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Camping chair FAQs
Which is the comfiest camping chair?
There are a lot of padded options, including the Vango Embrace which I have made my number one pick. Some also have extras, such as reclining functions or built-in tables. But these are bulky and best suited to people heading to their campsites by car.
I believe the most important thing when choosing a camping chair is to check out the seat height: some are low and not easy for everyone to get in and out of. Child-sized camping seats are available, too.
For wild camping aficionados like me, or those who want to take minimal gear with them, look instead for small pack size, low weight and fabric durability.
Finally, no matter if you're going wild or mild, always check the chair's maximum load weight. You want to be sure that every member of your party can be safe and comfortable.
What material are camping chairs made of?
The first portable folding stool is believed to have been made over 4,500 years ago in Mesopotamia, but JB Fenby's 1881 folding chair in wood and canvas set the standard and still inspires many of the camping chairs made today, including the Snow Peak bamboo chair above. The arrival of lightweight aluminium post-WW2 expanded the possibilities and nowadays there's a huge range of specially-designed outdoor seats to choose from, usually made from weatherproof synthetic fabrics and meshes.