Ready to carry on camping this summer? I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that a good collapsible camping chair can change your life. If you’ve never used one before, you’ll be astonished at how comfy a folding chair is, letting you sit off the cold ground when you’re cooking, eating, or just chilling out around the fire, and making every evening at camp a social occasion.
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There’s a folding camping chair out there to suit everyone, including wild campers who only carry the essentials, glampers, and camper van fans who like a bit of luxury. I’ve tested 10 of the best folding camping chairs, from tiny portable stools that collapse to the size of a baguette to cushioned monster chairs that wouldn’t look out of place in your sitting room, at prices to fit all budgets and starting from just £15.
Good-quality chairs will not only improve your average camping weekend but also should last you for decades of camping and festival adventures to come – and they double up as handy garden furniture, too. The buying guide below explains exactly what features to look for in a well-made chair. All the chairs I’ve recommended are sturdy, long-lasting and easy to unfold and pack away.
At a glance
Why you should trust me
I’m a seasoned camper, festival-goer and van owner, and I own a camping chair for every kind of nice-little-sit-down opportunity, from the comfy padded numbers I use in my back garden to ultralight foldable models I take wild camping. As a journalist, I’ve tested all kinds of camping and adventure kit over the years, so I know the brands and models that don’t buckle under pressure.
How I tested
‘I looked for easy assembly and a comfy seat.’ Photograph: Jacob Little/The Guardian
I’ve tested dozens of camping chairs over the years, and I know which models will last for years of sunny holidays and muddy festivals – and which are likely to fold up like a pack of cards after a few uses. Here, I tested 10 – some of which I’ve owned for years, so I can also vouch for their long-term durability, and some models that were newer to me. My daughter gave me a hand trying out mini chairs for kids, and I’ve included her firm favourite here. I’d also never tried a heated camping chair before – turns out they’re extremely luxurious!
I took each chair with me on camping trips and nights away in my camper van, and looked for easy assembly and a comfy seat – I tested each one with adults weighing 65 and 90kg. My daughter, who is 20 months old and weighs 13kg, gave her seal of approval to my top kids’ camping chair. I assembled each folding camping chair in my garden and aimed to leave them out in the rain, to see how they withstood water and how quickly they dried. I also carried each model to see how portable they were and compared the designs for weight and size when folded. Read on for the best folding chairs for all kinds of camping adventure.
The best camping chairs in 2025
Photograph: Jacob Little/The Guardian
Best camping chair overall:
Vango Kraken 2 oversized chair
Photograph: Jacob Little/The Guardian
£41.95 at Outdoor Action
£54.98 at Decathlon
Vango has set out to make a seriously comfy camping chair that’s still portable in the shape of the Kraken 2. It boasts a sturdy steel frame and a comfy seat and backrest, but is still foldable and easy to carry.
Why we love it
It’s hard to pick the perfect camping chair when there are all kinds of ways to enjoy the outdoors, but I think Vango’s Kraken 2 is up there. This behemoth of a seat feels like a comfy hug, with a luxuriously padded seat atop the robust frame that supports up to 180kg. The angle is quite upright – if you don’t want to get lost in a squishy camping chair but still want lots of comfy padding, this is a nice choice.
Set up is blissfully simple (the Kraken just folds open, so no Ikea-style confusion here), and there are handy plastic armrests, although no cup holders. The steel legs feel sturdy and strong and don’t sink even when you perch on soft or uneven surfaces. This chair isn’t that compact when folded, but it’s still easy to stick in the shed or pop in the car for a weekend of camping, and its portable carry case makes it simple to sling over your shoulder.
It’s a shame that … it’s not super compact, and the armrests aren’t padded.
Weight: 4.8kg
Maximum weight limit:
180kg
Best budget camping chair:
Mountain Warehouse folding chair
£14.99 at Mountain Warehouse
£14.99 at Amazon
A simple structure meets a jazzy design in Mountain Warehouse’s folding chair, which is good fun for festivals, taking to the beach, or standing out at your next campsite.
Why we love it
Available in three prints (I think the gingham looks rather smart), this chair has a fuss-free folding design and weighs an incredibly portable 2.3kg. It also includes a carry bag so you can stick it on your shoulder when you’re on the go.
It might be on the flimsy side for big or tall campers, but at less than £20, this is a bit of a bargain. If you want a simple but versatile camping chair that’s compact enough for older children to use and carry, it’s worth investing in a few.
It’s a shame that … it feels cheaper and less durable than more expensive models.
Weight: 2.3kg
Maximum weight limit: 100kg
Best camping chair for two:
Kelty Low loveseat
Photograph: Jacob Little/The Guardian
£114.95 at WildBounds
£130 at Ellis Brigham
A sofa you can take outdoors? Sign us up. Kelty’s Low loveseat is a compact and easy-to-carry size when folded, but once set up, it’s a sturdy and comfortable two-seater chair perfect for sharing. I’ve had one in the back of my van for years now and even gave my camping-mad friends one as a wedding present.
Why we love it
I wasn’t sure I saw the point of two-person camping chairs – until I tried Kelty’s Low loveseat. Now it has come with me on several camping trips and been trotted out for barbecues for years – and it’s still looking great. There’s plenty of room for two people (you don’t need to be a couple to use it – as Kelty attests, there’s room for two people and a dog), and it also supports just one if you’re camping solo.
The padded polyester fabric is comfortable to lean against, dries quickly and doesn’t show dirt, and like the alloy steel frame, looks and feels as if it is of long-lasting quality. Wide feet make this loveseat sturdy, and it doesn’t sink – I’ve used it on the beach with no problems. It folds up in seconds and fits easily into a carry case, too. The loveseat is low to the ground, though, making it nigh-on impossible to get up from it without looking rather ungainly – not ideal if you have reduced mobility.
It’s a shame that … this loveseat sits low to the ground, so it’s not suitable for campers with limited mobility.
Weight: 6.97kg
Maximum weight limit: 181kg
Best lightweight camping chair/best camping chair for kids:
Helinox Chair One
Photograph: Jacob Little/The Guardian
£89.95 at Helinox
£100 at Ellis Brigham
Helinox Chair One Mini
£79.95 at Helinox
This is a double recommendation, as my favourite lightweight chair for wild campers also comes in a mini version that’s brilliant for children. The adult Helinox One weighs 965g and packs down small enough to fit inside a small rucksack, but it can still support up to 145kg, and it’s very comfy. The Mini version is lovely for little kids, but can actually hold up to 90kg.
Why we love it
The Helinox One chair may be compact, but has a strong and solid polyester seat and aluminium poles. It’s also surprisingly comfortable, despite being so low to the ground, hugging your back nicely and supporting most of your body, even if you’re tall. It’s a cinch to set up, too: the frame clips together and the seat cover stretches on top. I take my Chair One on wild camps, and when packed away, it fits in the water bottle pocket of my rucksack. Sitting elevated from the ground makes even a back-to-basics backpacking trip much more comfortable, so it’s worth the added weight.
Mesh panels keep air moving to avoid that sweaty, sticky feeling on hot days. I couldn’t resist trying out the Helinox Chair One Mini, designed for children aged two to six, and I loved it: my daughter is obsessed with having a smaller version of my chair, it’s quick to assemble and it’s compact enough that she’ll be able to carry it herself when she’s bigger.
It’s a shame that … you’re low to the ground, and the adult version has limited padding – both the child and adult chairs are pricey, too.
Weight: 965g/486g
Maximum weight limit:
145kg/90kg
Best heavy-duty camping chair:
Coleman deck chair
£36.99 at UK Camping and Leisure
There’s a huge variety of folding chairs on the market, but Coleman keeps things simple and effective with this director’s chair-style deck chair. It has a solid steel frame and a tough polyester seat, but at 4.7kg isn’t too heavy to carry.
Why we love it
Coleman’s deck chair is a simple design, but one that really shines when it comes to durability. I’ve had this chair for years, and it’s been on dozens of camping trips and festival forays with me. It also doubles up as an extra seat in the garden that I can fold away and stick in the shed when not in use. Well, that’s what I should do – instead, I abuse it in the winter by leaving it outside. It doesn’t seem to matter, though: the legs are still in good condition and the fabric just needs a wipe with a sponge each year to look good.
While it’s not too heavy and there’s a built-in handle, this chair is awkward to carry over long distances. But if you’re car camping or on a budget, it’s a sturdy and affordable choice. I tested out the steel version – it’s also available with an aluminium frame that shaves off some weight at 2.6kg. There’s a version with a side table, too, which would be good for taking to sporting events or for holding drinks around the campfire.
It’s a shame that … it’s not lightweight or very portable.
Weight:4.7kg
Maximum weight limit:
135kg
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Best camping chair for comfort:
Big Agnes Big Six armchair
£204.95 at WildBounds
Combining a lightweight and packable design with extended back support, Big Agnes’s Big Six is an armchair-style seat designed to put comfort first but easily carry in your rucksack.
Why we love it
Big Agnes has done some clever stuff with the Big Six. This lightweight camping chair is small and packable when collapsed, but it feels far more like a proper chair than most teeny-tiny camping stools once assembled. It’s not as quick and intuitive to assemble as some of the chairs with collapsible poles I tested – here, the poles need a bit of fiddling to get in the right places, and then it requires two hands and some effort to pull the seat material tightly over them.
Once assembled, however, this chair is very comfy indeed, with the perfect angle for relaxing and a deep bucket-style seat. The fabric is thin and lightweight, so it dries quickly and won’t overheat. This does also mean there’s no padding to speak of, though, so while this chair is comfy enough for camping, it’s not as relaxing to chill out in as more padded options and is less useful as an all-rounder for the garden. This barely there chair folds down quickly into its carry case, so it’s great for walking longer distances or slinging over your shoulder if you’re off to a gig or a festival. If you’d like a comfy camping chair that doesn’t place you too low to the ground, this is a lightweight choice.
It’s a shame that … it requires a wrestle to assemble.
Weight: 1.76kg
Maximum weight limit: 136kg
The best of the rest
Photograph: Jacob Little/The Guardian
Vango Radiate Grande DLX
£109.99 at B&Q
£79.99 at Amazon
Best for: a heated camping chair
I’d actually never tried a heated camping seat before this group test – surely they were just gimmicks? I should have known better, as I’m obsessed with the heated seats in my car. The Vango Radiate is just as nice, switching on to warm your core quickly on chilly days.
And of course, you don’t need to turn the heat on if it’s not cold – on a balmy summer’s day, this is just a regular (but very comfy and soft) camping chair. I liked the movable pillow, and there are seven settings for your back, so if you like to really lounge or sit bolt upright, you’re covered. However, while this chair folds flat and multiple chairs would stack neatly together, it’s not compact or very lightweight.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s large and bulky.
Weight: 7.4kg
Maximum weight limit:
180kg
Trespass oversized moon chair
£44.99 from Trespass
£44.99 at Amazon
Best for: a padded chair
Ever heard of a moon chair? These round, cushioned designs are as comfy and inviting as they look. They translate well as camping chairs, and my top pick is Trespass’s oversized moon. A durable steel frame takes up to 120kg, and a thick, padded circular cushion is lovely for lounging around in.
This is a versatile pick, too – the good-looking moon chair is also brilliant for chilling out in the garden all summer long. It does feel flimsier than some of the more robust camping chairs, though, and the feet are best on solid ground, as they’d sink on softer stuff.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s flimsier than most folding camping chairs.
Weight: 5.3kg
Maximum weight limit:
120kg
Trail Recliner camping chair
£59.49 at B&Q
£69.99 at Trail
Best for: a reclining chair
Ah, luxury – a reclining chair is perfect for campers who want to take it easy and soak in some sunshine. This rather smart chair is lined with soft, spongy material that feels delightfully comfy, and it reclines to seven positions for that perfect nap setup. It sits you high off the ground, too, so it’s easy to get in and out of.
The polyester seat material is water-resistant and quick to dry if it does get drenched. The frame is made with aluminium but still feels solid and sturdy, and at 4.75kg, it’s not too heavy to carry. It’s a bit awkward when folded, though – it’s best for sticking in bigger car boots or camper vans for long summer holidays (or just getting out in the back garden for a snooze).
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not easy to transport.
Weight: 4.75kg
Maximum weight limit: 150kg
Hi-Gear inflatable pod chair
£28 from Millets
£35 at Go Outdoors
Best for: an inflatable chair
Remember when the ultimate in teenage bedroom furniture was an inflatable bubble chair? Get a slice of that 90s nostalgia for your camping setup with Hi-Gear’s inflatable Pod chair. OK, so it’s not practical for more adventurous camping (or indeed, for camping anywhere but on grass and other forgiving surfaces), but it’s great fun, and surprisingly comfortable for lounging around on.
You’ll need a pump to inflate the Pod, which isn’t included, but it holds its shape well once inflated. Deflating the Pod and rolling it up into a slim tube makes it easy to pack away, and at 1.4kg, it doesn’t add much weight to your camping setup. Great for kids at festivals or in the garden – they’ll love sitting on (and playing with) these squashy chairs.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it has limited uses – and it’s not really a camping chair.
Weight: 1.4kg
Maximum weight limit: 150kg
What you need to know
Photograph: Jacob Little/The Guardian
What are the key features to look for?
If you’re going for week-long summer camping trips with a big car boot, large comfortable chairs will be your best bet. But if you’re heading on a wild camping adventure, portable, lightweight camping seats will be easier to take with you. You’ll also find double sofa-style chairs for two, mini chairs for kids and even super-squishy reclining chairs available for anyone after a bit of luxury.
Whatever model you pick, check that your new camping chair is sturdy, foldable and easy to store when not in use. A chair made with water-resistant material, such as ripstop polyester, will be more weatherproof, and solid aluminium or steel legs tend to last. Many portable camping chairs tend to be low to the ground – if you’d find that a struggle to get in and out of, shop for a model that’s as tall as the chairs you find comfortable at home.
How lightweight should my new camping chair be?
If you want to carry a chair for any reasonable distance, I’d recommend choosing a model weighing less than 2kg. Think about how compact your lightweight camping chair is, too – if you’re planning ultralight wild camping expeditions, you’ll need a model that packs down and fits neatly into a rucksack. If you’re shopping for a model that’ll go in the car or a camper van, you can choose a heavier chair – but check that it will fit in your car boot when folded.
How to look after and repair a camping chair
To keep your camping chair in trail-ready shape, and to help it last as long as possible to avoid buying a new one before you need to, wipe it down after each trip – mud and mildew are silent assassins. Store it dry, preferably indoors, and never force a jammed fold; that’s how frames bend. For minor rips, a patch kit or upholstery tape work wonders. Just clean and dry the area first. Loose bolts? Tighten with an Allen key.
Sian Lewis is an award-winning outdoors and travel journalist and author who loves putting adventure kit through its paces while hiking, swimming and wild camping. She also shares her adventures at @sianannalewis and thegirloutdoors.com