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.
There’s a folding camping chair out there to suit everyone, including wild campers who only carry the essentials, glampers and campervan fans who like a bit of luxury. I’ve tested 15 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 suit 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 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
-
Best camping chair overall:
Montbell Base Camp chair
-
Best budget camping chair:
Mountain Warehouse folding chair
-
Best luxury camping chair:
Big Agnes Big Six armchair
-
Best camping chair for two:
Kelty low loveseat
-
Best lightweight camping chair:
Helinox Chair Zero LT
-
Best camping chair for kids:
Helinox Chair One Mini
-
Best heavy-duty camping chair:
Coleman deck chair
-
Best director’s chair:
Isabella director’s chair with side table
Why you should trust me
I’m a seasoned camper, festivalgoer 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’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 15 – 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 took each chair with me on camping trips and nights away in my campervan, and looked for easy assembly and a comfy seat – I tested each one with adults weighing 65kg and 90kg. My daughter, who is 20 months old and weighed 13kg at the time of testing, 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 adventures.
The best camping chairs in 2026
Best camping chair overall:
Montbell Base Camp chair
Montbell
Base Camp chair
£90
What we love
Fuss-free functional design that feels like solid quality
What we don’t love
No padding, not super portable for wild campers
“Function is beauty,” says Japanese brand Montbell, which has taken a typically minimalist approach with its Base Camp chair, aiming for a balance between comfort and portability without veering into overengineered territory. The result is a fuss-free foldable chair that feels built to last, albeit with limited padding or support.
Why we love it
Camping chairs often fall into two camps: featherweight but flimsy, or plush but impractically bulky. The Montbell Base Camp chair sits nicely in the middle. Pop it out of its carry bag, unfold it, and there’s a reassuring sturdiness to its frame, paired with a taut fabric seat that offers support without sagging. The armrests are just strips of fabric, and this chair definitely doesn’t envelop you like a padded throne, but the seating angle is upright and sociable for supper around the campfire.
The Base Camp chair folds and unfolds without fuss and packs down into a manageable, slim shape that won’t dominate your boot space. The wide feet felt durable enough to withstand repeated use on uneven ground.
This chair isn’t perfect – the stripped-back design means no indulgent padding, and you won’t find extras such as cup holders or cushioned armrests. It’s also not the smallest or lightest option for serious backpackers. Still, for campers who value reliability, simplicity and a clean, functional design for less than £100, this is a solid pick.
It’s a shame that … it’s not super compact for going to the back of beyond, and the armrests aren’t padded.
Weight: 3.2kg
Maximum weight limit: 100kg
Montbell
Base Camp chair
£90
What we love
Fuss-free functional design that feels like solid quality
What we don’t love
No padding, not super portable for wild campers
Best budget camping chair:
Mountain Warehouse folding chair
Mountain Warehouse
Folding chair
from £14.99
What we love
Lightweight; cheap as chips
What we don’t love
Feels flimsy; no padding
Mountain Warehouse’s folding chair is a simple structure that’s good fun for festivals, the beach and camping, and it works perfectly well despite its bargain price.
Why we love it
Mountain Warehouse’s ever-popular folding chair punches above its price point – it has a fuss-free folding design, is comfortable to sit in and weighs a portable 2.3kg. The armrests are slim but functional, and the chair 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
Mountain Warehouse
Folding chair
from £14.99
What we love
Lightweight; cheap as chips
What we don’t love
Feels flimsy; no padding
Best luxury camping chair:
Big Agnes Big Six armchair
Big Agnes
Big Six Armchair
£171.95
What we love
Lightweight, portable and surprisingly comfy
What we don’t love
High price, and you need to get the knack for putting it up
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 is easy to 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’s expensive, and it requires a wrestle to assemble.
Weight: 1.76kg
Maximum weight limit: 136kg
Big Agnes
Big Six Armchair
£171.95
What we love
Lightweight, portable and surprisingly comfy
What we don’t love
High price, and you need to get the knack for putting it up
Best camping chair for two:
Kelty low loveseat
Kelty
Low loveseat
from £135
What we love
A sofa you can take camping!
What we don’t love
Sits low to the ground; heavier than simple camping chairs
A sofa you can take outdoors? Sign us up. Kelty’s low loveseat is compact and easy to carry 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
Kelty
Low loveseat
from £135
What we love
A sofa you can take camping!
What we don’t love
Sits low to the ground; heavier than simple camping chairs
Best lightweight camping chair:
Helinox Chair Zero LT
Helinox
Chair Zero LT
from £134.95
What we love
Feather-light; comfy bucket seat; easy to assemble and carry
What we don’t love
Pricey and not ideal for those with limited mobility
This is a double recommendation, as my favourite lightweight chair for wild campers also comes in a mini version that’s brilliant for children (below). The adult Helinox Chair Zero LT is the South Korean brand’s newest and lightest iteration, and it weighs just 534g. It packs down small enough to fit inside a rucksack, but it can support up to 120kg, and it’s very comfy.
Why we love it
The Helinox Chair Zero LT may be compact, but it boasts a strong mesh seat and aluminium poles. It’s also surprisingly comfortable, despite being so low to the ground. It hugs your back nicely and supports 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 Zero LT 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.
It’s a shame that … you’re low to the ground, and there’s no padding.
Weight: 534g
Maximum weight limit: 120kg
Helinox
Chair Zero LT
from £134.95
What we love
Feather-light; comfy bucket seat; easy to assemble and carry
What we don’t love
Pricey and not ideal for those with limited mobility
Best camping chair for kids:
Helinox Chair One Mini
I couldn’t resist trying out the Helinox Chair One Mini, designed for children aged two to six. This mini version of the chair above is lovely for little kids, but it can actually hold up to 90kg. And I loved it: my toddler 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 … it’s pricey.
Weight: 486g
Maximum weight limit: 90kg
Helinox
£79.95
Best heavy-duty camping chair:
Coleman deck chair
Coleman
Deck chair
from £48.99
What we love
Sturdy, durable and easy to clean
What we don’t love
It’s not lightweight or very portable
The Coleman deck chair has a solid steel frame and a tough polyester seat, but at 4.7kg, it 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
Coleman
Deck chair
from £48.99
What we love
Sturdy, durable and easy to clean
What we don’t love
It’s not lightweight or very portable
Best director’s chair:
Isabella director’s chair with side table
Isabella
Director’s chair with side table
£65.99
What we love
Solid, simple design; nice detachable table; good price
What we don’t love
Limited support; low weight limit
There’s a huge variety of folding chairs on the market, but Isabella keeps things simple and effective. It has a solid aluminium frame and a tough polyester seat, but at 3.2kg, it isn’t too heavy to carry.
Why we love it
Isabella’s director’s chair is a simple design, but one that stands out when it comes to durability. The components feel high quality, it’s comfortable and portable, and I like the little fold-out table to hold your coffee in the morning. The table holds 5kg, is detachable and works on both sides of the chair.
While the design isn’t too heavy, it is awkward to carry over long distances, so I would stick to using it for car camping or for kitting out your campervan. The weight limit is low – heavier campers may want to pick something sturdier. All in all, this is an affordable and fuss-free choice. It also doubles up nicely as an extra seat in the garden that is easy to stick in the shed when not in use, so you’re getting good bang for your buck.
It’s a shame that … it’s not very portable, and the weight limit is low.
Weight: 3.2kg
Maximum weight limit: 100kg
Isabella
Director’s chair with side table
£65.99
What we love
Solid, simple design; nice detachable table; good price
What we don’t love
Limited support; low weight limit
The best of the rest
Zempire Moonbase V2
What we love
Lovely plush padding; comfy for lounging; good garden chair
What we don’t love
Pricey; slow to dry
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 Zempire’s oversized Moonbase V2. A durable steel frame takes up to 120kg, and a thick, padded circular cushion is lovely for lounging around.
This is a versatile pick – the good-looking Moonbase chair is brilliant for chilling out in the garden all summer long, but it also folds up quickly into a carry bag for camping trips or storage. It’s not lightweight or compact, though, so it’s better for car camping and campervan excursions. All that padding also takes much longer than your average camping chair to dry if it’s left out in the rain, so this model does need more love and care than some others I tested.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it takes a while to dry.
Weight: 6.7kg; maximum weight limit: 120kg
Zempire
Moonbase V2
£79.99
What we love
Lovely plush padding; comfy for lounging; good garden chair
What we don’t love
Pricey; slow to dry
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 original chair
Crazy Creek
Hex 2.0 original chair
from £67.36
What we love
Super portable and versatile; surprisingly comfy for stints
What we don’t love
No elevation; limited support
Best for: a folding/portable chair
Born in the mountains of Montana back in the 1980s, Crazy Creek’s (sort of) chairs are designed to work as a quick seat nigh-on anywhere. Its “legless” Hex 2.0 chair has a padded bottom and backrest that clips together, and you can lean back for added comfort. This lightweight, rollable and foldable design fits easily in a backpack and even doubles up as a mini sleeping pad for ultralight campers who want to shed extra grams.
I tested a navy blue Hex chair, but it also comes in fun art prints and psychedelic patterns that wouldn’t look out of place at Glastonbury. This is the perfect festival chair, as well as being good for wild camping. You’re still basically sitting on the floor, so this won’t suit people with limited mobility, but you are insulated from the cold. The Hex isn’t comfy for long periods, but it’s surprisingly versatile thanks to its portability.
It didn’t make the final cut because … you’re sitting on the floor – and it’s not that comfy!
Weight: 567g; maximum weight limit: 113kg
Crazy Creek
Hex 2.0 original chair
from £67.36
What we love
Super portable and versatile; surprisingly comfy for stints
What we don’t love
No elevation; limited support
Trail recliner camping chair
Trail
Recliner camping chair
from £50.99
What we love
Lovely relaxed angle when reclined
What we don’t love
Not that easy to carry or transport
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 campervans 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
Trail
Recliner camping chair
from £50.99
What we love
Lovely relaxed angle when reclined
What we don’t love
Not that easy to carry or transport
Hi-Gear inflatable pod chair
Hi-Gear
Inflatable pod chair
from £28
What we love
Fun, portable and affordable
What we don’t love
Flimsy and only suitable for use on grass
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
Hi-Gear
Inflatable pod chair
from £28
What we love
Fun, portable and affordable
What we don’t love
Flimsy and only suitable for use on grass
What you need to know
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 campervan, 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.
For more inspiration, read our guide to the best camping stoves and the best camping mattresses
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