There are hundreds of different kinds of camping chairs. Some are lightweight, some are strong, and some have special features. How do you decide which one to finally purchase? Have no fear, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll give you tips and considerations to make when you’re in the market for a new camping chair. There are lots of things to consider, but when it’s all broken down it’s not hard to find the perfect camping chair for you.
Considerations to Make
Consider Your Weight
Your weight should be taken into account when you’re looking for a new camping chair, even if it's a sensitive topic. Some chairs are only meant to hold children or have a low weight capacity. The chair should tell you its weight limit. Make sure that you can fit in the chair comfortably. The last thing you want is your chair to break. Most chairs can hold about 200 pounds. However, there are also some chairs that can hold 400 pounds. You’ll be able to find something that will work perfectly for you.
Consider the Chair’s Weight
Your weight is important to consider because you want to be sure that the chair can support you. However, the chair’s weight is also important to consider. Some chairs will be driven to a campsite so the weight might not matter very much. Chairs that need to be carried to a campsite would be a lot easier to carry if they were lightweight. A lot of backpackers want a lightweight chair that can be carried from campsite to campsite. There are compact chairs available that fold into a small, lightweight chair that can be easily carried in a backpack.
Image Source: Your Camp Chair
Consider the Fabric
The fabric of the chair will depend largely upon where you plan on taking it. Get a chair with a fabric that sand won't stick to if you're planning on going to the beach a lot. Chairs that are being taken to rainy climates should definitely be waterproof so you don’t have to sit in a soaking wet chair the rest of your camping trip. Camping chairs that are going to be heavily used should be tough fabric to prevent tears. It’s really easy for the whole chair to tear once a small tear happens because you'll be sitting on it. It’s also really helpful to have a fabric that is easy to wipe off. Camping tends to be pretty dirty so being able to clean your camping chair easily is a big benefit.
Consider the Storage
How easy is the chair to store? Chairs that are big and cumbersome will be difficult to find a place for when you’re not using it. Your garage might not be able to fit a big chair that is hard to fold. Camping chairs that will be stored for most of the year should not take up a lot of room. Slim, foldable chairs can be stood up in a corner of the garage or storage room without taking up a lot of space. They can also be stacked on top of one another on a shelf somewhere. Easy storage might not be as important for chairs that will be used for most of the year, if you plan on doing year round camping.
Consider Setup
There are some camping chairs that are harder to setup than others. Some chairs you simply need to unfold. Other chairs require a few more steps. The extra steps to setup usually give the chair more stability and strength. Get a chair that just needs to be unfolded if easy setup is really important to you. Maybe you need a chair with extra strength and an easy setup is less important to you. In this case, you should get a chair with a lot of strength in the legs that might require a few extra steps to assemble. Foldable and portable camping chairs are typically pretty easy to set up.
Consider the Special Features
There are so many special features that make sure that chairs are comfortable and convenient. People with bad backs might look into getting a chair that’s padded and can recline (yeah they have those). Older campers might enjoy a chair that has a lot of comfort. Some camping chairs even have footrests. There are multiple camping chairs available with overhead canopies for people that would like to sit under the shade. The overhead canopy creates shade wherever you go. Side tables make mealtimes really easy because you don’t need to try to balance a plate on your lap. Cup holders help prevent spilled drinks. Side pockets let you store things that need to be easily accessible. They’re perfect for bug spray, sunscreen, or chapstick.
Image Source: Dreams Time
A Word About Prices
Obviously the more special features a chair has the more it is going to cost. A camping chair with a lot of special features can cost up to $200. While the simplest camping chair you can find can be as little as $10. Of course the $10 chair will not last as long as the $200 chair. The price of a camping chair is pretty well correlated with the number of special features it has. Longer camping trips might require a chair that can last, while an overnight trip can do just fine with a cheaper chair. Some chairs are expensive simply because of their brand.
Are Brands Important?
There are some camping chair brands that are very reliable and well made. But that doesn't mean that there aren't off brand chairs that are just as good. Shop around for different brands at different prices if brand is not important to you. You'll probably find one with the same features but for a lower cost. Buy the brand you trust and are willing to pay more for if the brand is important to you. It differs from person to person.
Summing Up
There are many things to consider when you’re looking for a new camping chair. Think about your needs and what kind of chair would best suit them. Maybe you’re sensitive to the sun and want something with a canopy. Or perhaps you like to put your feet up after a long day of hiking and want a chair with a footrest. You don’t need to settle for a chair that doesn’t give you everything you want. When you know the kinds of special features you’re looking for, make sure you shop around a little. Prices will vary from store to store. You’ll be able to find a chair that has the features you want, at a price you can afford. It might require some hunting around on your end, but it’s very possible. Whether you’re spending a night on the beach, or planning a week long backpacking trip, there is a camping chair that’s right for you.
Image Source: Proper Camping
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