Come rain or shine, we want to be out in the wild.
However, we need the right gear. We may love rain and wind, but our equipment needs to share the sentiment. And nothing bears as much weight (quite literally) as our camping chairs. They have to be a perfect combination of comfort and durability.
In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the seven best heavy duty camping chairs of 2019.
Let’s start packing!
Contents on pageALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
There’s nothing like the King Kong to support maximum weight and provide maximum comfort. This heavy duty chair is sturdy and reliable, and comes at a very competitive price point.
Another feature that makes it so good for all of our outdoors adventures is the fact that it’s a quad chair. This automatically improves its balance and makes it easy to recline during sporting events.
The King Kong is a steel frame heavy duty camping chair, with an additional reinforcement to be found in its 600D polyester fabric. ALPS Mountaineering is so assured that it’s going to last you a lifetime that they guarantee it.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Capacity: 800 lbs.
- Comfort: 5/5
- Portability: Foldable, comes with a shoulder bag
- Weatherproof: Yes but as always, avoid placing it in direct rain. Since it weighs 13 lbs., it shouldn’t be affected by mild wind.
- Extras: Adjustable armrest with a cup holder
Pros: A great heavy duty camping chair choice that is worth every penny because of its durability and the comfort it provides.
Cons: It’s not very light – it comes at 13 lbs.
back to menu ↑Coleman’s Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
The Big-n-Tall is another solid choice for getting some rest on your camping trip.
In addition to having a steel frame and a 600 lbs. weight capacity, this big and tall camping chair comes with great weatherproof elements that will allow you to use your phone safely even in a downpour. And if you want to keep your seat dry, this heavy duty camping chair comes equipped with the Seat Drainâ„¢ system.
The seat and back are fully cushioned, giving you all the comfort you could ask for, and the oversized design gives you plenty of room to relax in.
Coleman’s Big-N-Tall Camping Chair Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Capacity: 600 lbs.
- Comfort: 4/5
- Portability: Foldable, carry bag included
- Weatherproof: Yes, comes with the Seat Drainâ„¢ system and a special sleeve to protect your phone
- Extras: Adjustable armrest, a cup holder, seat drainage, oversized design for extra comfort
Pros: The zipper phone sleeve is a nice touch, and the seat drainage system keeps your chair intact even in a downpour.
Cons: Some users wish it were more comfortable, with extra padding on the seat area.
back to menu ↑KingCamp Heavy Duty Foldable Chair
KingCamp’s chair is definitely putting an emphasis on comfort and durability. It certainly comes with more amenities than your average bed and breakfast.
Not only does it have a padded armrest so you can lean back and relax, but it also features a side table with cup holder.
It is a mesh chair, but it’s extremely sturdy. However, it supports up to 300 lbs. which is less than ideal.
The KingCamp Heavy Duty Foldable Chair Features:
- Material: Mesh
- Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Comfort: 4/5
- Portability: Foldable
- Weatherproof: It uses a moisture-wicking fabric so you should be good in light rain
- Extras: Adjustable armrest, a cup holder with a side table
Pros: Lightweight and practical. The side table is a nice touch for using it on a camping trip.
Cons: The side table can’t be folded when sitting down.
back to menu ↑Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounge Chair
You may not be in outer space, but the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity lounge chair is sure going to make you feel like you are! It’s a great choice that combines comfort and sturdiness, and it’s quite easy on the eyes, as well.
The Timber Ridge uses a bungee-cord suspensions system to provide maximum comfort in whichever position. It comes equipped with a padded headrest and lumbar support, as well as a folding side table.
This lounger folds up easily so you can take it wherever you’d like to relax next. It may be a bit bulky for some campers.
The Timber Ridge Lounge Chair Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Comfort: 5/5
- Portability: Foldable
- Weatherproof: Avoid leaving it out in the rain or cold as it has an aluminum frame which is prone to rusting
- Extras: Different reclining positions, a side table, additional support with a foldable headrest
Pros: Made for comfort with all the appropriate features.
Cons: It has an aluminum frame which is prone to rusting, and the weight capacity is only 350 lbs.
back to menu ↑Ozark Trail 500 lb. Director Chair
When you want comfort and reliability, the Ozark Trail 500 lb. Director Chair can give that to you.
This chair was made with people who need extra comfort in mind: the seat and the armrests are padded, it can hold up to 500 lbs., the side table has drainage for condensation, and it doesn’t cut into knees.
And unlike many other heavy duty camping chairs, the seat doesn’t sag no matter how long you sit in it.
The Ozark Trail 500 lb. Director Chair Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Capacity: 500 lbs.
- Comfort: 4/5
- Portability: Foldable
- Weatherproof: Avoid leaving it out on the rain
- Extras: Padded armrests
Pros: Extremely comfortable, steel frame for support, sturdy and durable.
Cons: It doesn’t come with a strap or a handle, but it is foldable.
back to menu ↑Kelty Low Loveseat Chair
If you don’t mind sharing your comfort with a loved one (or if you just need a little more room), the Kelty Low Loveseat Chair is an excellent choice.
It comes with a durable steel frame, insulated beverage holders and a tote carry bag. The armrests are adjustable, as well, and the weight capacity of 500 lbs. is supported by the steel frame.
In fact, it’s so comfortable that you may slip into a quick nap!
The Kelty Low Loveseat Chair Features:
- Material: Polyester
- Capacity: 500 lbs.
- Comfort: 5/5
- Portability: Foldable, and comes with a carry bag
- Weatherproof: Don’t leave this one out in the rain
- Extras: It’s a loveseat! Camping comfort for everyone!
Pros: Extremely comfortable and easy to set up.
Cons: We wish it were just a bit taller than it’s 13″.
back to menu ↑KingCamp Camping Chair Mesh Back Ergo
KingCamp are good at what they do, and what they do is camping. In particular, comfortable camping that’s going to make you want to spend every minute out in the nature.
Their KingCamp Mesh Back Ergo heavy duty camping chair supports up to 300 lbs. and has the right mix of fabric: oxford with moisture-wicking mesh. Even though the armrests are hard, they’re padded, and you even get extra storage with the storage pocket.
Grabbing a drink isn’t a problem. The KingCamp Camping Chair comes equipped with a cup holder, too!
KingCamp Mesh Back Ergo Chair Features:
- Material: 600D oxford fabric with moisture-wicking mesh
- Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Comfort: 4/5
- Portability: Foldable
- Weatherproof: A little rain shouldn’t hurt the KingCamp
- Extras: A storage pocket and a cup holder
Pros: Great height.
Cons: It’s not as durable as we’d like but it’s a solid choice for anyone who needs extra lumbar support!
Camping Chairs 101
No two camping chairs are the same. Much like campers themselves (who can range from luxury campers to minimalists), they offer different features for different needs.
Typically, we categorize camping chairs into the following groups:
- Backpack Cooler Chairs
- Big and Tall Camping Chairs
- Camping Loveseats
- Camping Chairs with Canopies
- Ergonomic Camping Chairs
- Hanging Chairs
- Kid-Sized Camping Chairs
- Swiveling Camping Chairs
- Ultra-Light Camping Chairs
A heavy duty camping chair can be any of these, but the most important thing is: it has to be durable. Most regular camping chairs can only hold up to about 300 lbs.
Heavy duty camping chairs hold more weight – up to 880 lbs.
This type of camping chairs can be useful even if your weight doesn’t call for it. Typically, they’re more resistant to wear and tear than other camping chairs, allowing them to become your lasting companion.
This is also what makes them worth the investment. While the prices range from $40 to $200, heavy duty camping chairs offer more than comfort and durability.
Some come packed full of features.
So when you’re picking the perfect chair for yourself, keep an eye out on the following:
- The Type of Chair (e.g. ergonomic)
- Material Used
- Weight Capacity
- Comfort
- Portability
- Weather Resistance
They should be like your home recliner away from home.
