A folding camping chair should take up little space when you’re out and about, be quick to set up and still feel stable and secure. Whether you’re camping, fishing, trekking, picnicking or spending time at the beach, the differences between models often only become clear once you use them. A low price or particularly compact folded size alone tells you little about whether a chair is right for your needs.
A very compact folded size is useful for trekking. However, particularly lightweight designs may have a smaller seat or a lower static weight capacity. You should always compare folded size, chair weight, seat width and maximum static load together.
The claim ‘high weight capacity’ is only useful if it comes with a specific figure. For a camping chair described as having a high weight capacity, it should also be clear that the figure refers to a static load and does not automatically cover dynamic forces when you sit down.
Oxford fabric and coated metal frames can be suitable for outdoor use. That doesn’t mean a folding camping chair should be left out in the rain or direct sunlight. Moisture can affect metal parts, while UV rays can fade or weaken materials.
After an outing, remove any sand, mud and moisture. Let the chair dry completely, then store it somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight.
A moon chair with a curved seat can be comfortable, but it needs a stable, level surface. On sloping or very soft ground, a chair may be more likely to tip over or sink. For the beach, a lawn or a campsite, non-slip foot pads and a fully opened frame are therefore important.
For sitting for longer periods, seat width, backrest height and seat shape all matter. A seat width of 64.5 cm gives you more room to move than a very compact trekking chair. A seat height of around 26 cm, as found on a low beach chair, makes it easier to sit close to the ground, but can make getting up more challenging.
If you’ll often use your chair at a dining table or a higher camping table, choose a model with a suitable seat height. A low picnic chair, on the other hand, can be a good choice for sitting around a campfire, at the beach or on a picnic blanket.
A steel frame is often heavier, but a well-designed one can provide a sturdy construction. Aluminium keeps the weight down, making it particularly suitable for a lightweight camping chair or an ultralight camping chair for trekking and backpacking.
The construction matters just as much as the material:
Before sitting down, check that all the legs are resting on the ground at the same time. Keep your fingers clear of the folding mechanism when opening and closing the chair.
A portable camping chair for longer journeys should be as light and compact as possible. For a short walk from the car to your pitch, seat width and padding may matter more than saving every gram.
Compare these details:
Why it suits this need: This folding outdoor chair combines a wide seat with a relatively simple X-shaped folding mechanism. It’s suitable for camping, picnics and the occasional fishing trip.
Specific figures for the 64.5 cm seat width, weight of around 2.35 kg and static load capacity of around 100 kg make it easier to assess.
Padded Oxford fabric, a side pocket and a folded size of around 16 × 16 × 70 cm.
Why it suits this need: This low beach chair with a high backrest is ideal if you prefer a reclined sitting position by the sea, at the campsite or in the garden.
The product details specify the seat height, tube diameter, material thickness and maximum load of 110 kg, rather than relying on vague claims about stability.
600D Oxford polyester, a powder-coated metal frame and armrests; weighs around 2.45 kg.
Why it suits this need: Weighing around 765 g and with a folded size of 11 × 11 × 36 cm, this folding camping and trekking chair is a good fit for backpackers and anyone who moves around frequently.
Its low weight is balanced by a stated static load capacity of around 140 kg and an aluminium frame.
Triangular frame, non-slip rubber feet, abrasion-resistant Oxford fabric and a folding mechanism that opens in one smooth movement.
The green version of the Mobi Garden Ultra-Light Moon Chair has the same stated dimensions, weight and load limit. It’s an alternative colour option if you’re looking for a portable camping chair for trekking or backpacking.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Fully open the chair on a firm, level surface. Only sit down once the frame has locked into place and all the feet are stable on the ground. There’s a greater risk of the chair sinking or tipping on sloping, loose or very uneven ground.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A chair’s lifespan depends on the load it carries, how often it’s used, the ground it’s used on, how it’s transported and how well it’s cared for. Storing it somewhere dry, staying within its weight limit and removing sand or moisture can help protect the materials and mechanism. Rust, tears in the fabric, bent tubes or damaged joints are all reasons to stop using the chair.
An ultralight camping chair is best suited to trekking, backpacking and journeys where every extra bit of weight matters. If you’ll be sitting in it often at your pitch or in the garden, a larger seat, armrests and a higher backrest may be more important than a minimal folded size. The key is to choose a chair that suits how you plan to use it.