We all love a good camping chair to collapse into after a day of adventure, or simply to relax in while sitting out at a community baseball game.
But while a good chair is great, there’s nothing worse than a weak chair that collapses or breaks after only a few uses. Therefore, we dove into all the options available and compiled this list of the best heavy duty camping chairs.
Read on, find the chair that’s right for you, and finally relax without a care in the world!
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chairs
NEMO Stargaze Recliner
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 6 lbs. 5 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: 7” x 24”
- Price: $$$
Nothing quite beats ending a day of adventure by kicking back in your comfortable camp chair. But in this case, you can literally kick back in this recliner from NEMO. The Stargaze Recliner is ruggedly tough, incredibly comfortable, and easy to transport – making it an easy choice for your next camping trip.
The strong aluminum frame suspends a water-resistant mesh seat almost like a swing. This design allows you to rock back in forth very easily, or simply tilt your body weight backward and the chair will recline in one smooth motion. Altogether, this feature makes the Stargazer a very comfortable camp seat on any type of terrain, from gravel to dirt to sand.
On the durability side, the Stargazer can support up to 300 pounds. That number alone is a testament to the chair’s strength. Additionally, we have a convenient stash pocket along with a cup holder, making the Stargazer a very well-rounded camp chair. However, it’s not the most budget-friendly, so be prepared for a steep initial investment.
PROS
- Smooth reclining motion
- Space to store accessories or electronics
- Reasonably lightweight
CONS
- Expensive
Helinox Playa Chair
- Weight Capacity: 320 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 4 lbs. 3 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: 21” x 6.5” x 6”
- Price: $$$
Heavy-duty does not have to mean heavyweight, especially where the Helinox Playa is concerned. This chair boasts 320 pounds of weight capacity, yet only weighs just over 4 pounds itself. Therefore, this is one of the best camping chairs for heavy people that’s ideally suited for backcountry trips.
The chair’s low weight is thanks to an intricate yet effective aluminum frame. The carefully constructed frame eliminates all excess bulk and weight, yet can still support over 300 pounds in the 600 Denier polyester chair. Unfortunately, extra stash pockets and padding were among the ‘excess bulk’ items, and are not included in this chair’s design.
But for such a lightweight design that can easily be transported to less accessible campsites, I think giving up a couple of amenities is a small price to pay.
PROS
- Very lightweight design
- Machine washable seat material
CONS
- No extra padding
- No stash pockets
Big Agnes Big Six Armchair
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 4 lbs. 2 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: 22” x 5” x 6”
- Price: $$$
We have another very supportive yet super lightweight camp chair in the Big Six from Big Agnes. In addition to the ample 300-pound weight capacity, the Big Six also includes several handy features to make the chair as easy to use as possible.
First off, the seat height is 20 inches off the ground, which is much higher than other comparable ultralight chairs. What’s more, the chair boasts extra width for a more comfortable sitting. These two features both work together to make the chair as accessible as possible for campers of all sizes.
Weighing just over 4 pounds, this is another camp chair that functions just as well in the backcountry as it does car camping. It’s easy to set up, has a waterproof coating, and provides two cup holders so your favorite camp drink is always nearby.
PROS
- Increased seat height for easy sitting
- Very lightweight design
- Weather and tear-resistant seat materials
CONS
- No additional pockets
- No headrest or pillow
Portal Oversized Camping Chair
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 11 lbs. 12.8 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: 38” x 5” x 5”
- Price: $
Portal has provided us with an excellent heavy-duty camping chair at a very budget-friendly price. What’s more, the chair is also oversized, providing plenty of space and comfort for everyone.
While not suited for backcountry hiking, the Portal Oversized Chair includes many features that make it ideal for your next car camping getaway.
First off, we have a removable sleeve full of pockets for any accessories or books you may want to keep nearby. This is also a high back chair, providing comfort and support on par with any full-sized lounger back home.
But what truly makes this one of the best heavy duty camping chairs is the price. The Portal Oversized Chair costs a fraction of what other high-end camp chairs cost, making it a very attractive option.
PROS
- Very budget-friendly
- Removable storage space
- High back design
CONS
- Heavy
- Bulky even when folded down
Alpha Camp Heavy Duty Camping Chair
- Weight Capacity: 450 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 13 lbs. 3 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: 38.50” x 9.05”
- Price: $$
The Alpha Camp heavy duty camp chair includes just about everything I love in a good camping seat, and all for a reasonable price. Most notably, this chair includes an attached cooler bag so you can keep snacks and drinks cool at camp, at the ball game, or at the beach.
Additionally, we have a storage sleeve for electronics or books along with a padded back for increased comfort. The steel frame is also very sturdy and can support up to 450 pounds.
A steel frame plus all these features come with a tradeoff, however. This chair weighs a hefty 13 pounds and is still very bulky even when folded down. I, therefore, wouldn’t recommend carrying this chair over any significant distances, but it’s perfect for car-accessible adventures.
PROS
- Very comfortable thanks to the padded back
- Excellent storage for both drinks and accessories
- Reasonable price
CONS
- Too heavy for backpacking
- Not compact
YETI Trailhead Camp Chair
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 13 lbs.
- Folded Dimensions: 43” x 10” x 8”
- Price: $$$
For a virtually indestructible heavy duty camping chair, the Trailhead from YETI has got you covered. This chair features extreme weather-resistance paired with a tough and supportive frame to stand up to years of use.
The weather resistance is courtesy of the UV-rated FlexGrid fabric, ensuring that constant exposure to the sun won’t degrade your chair. Additionally, the Trailhead can support up to 500 pounds, so it’s clearly designed for heavy-duty use!
The biggest hurdle with this chair is the hefty price tag. However, if you’re willing to make the investment, this is a very reliable chair that you will be able to use season after season.
PROS
- Weather-resistant design
- Very durable
CONS
- Expensive
- No padding
Timber Ridge Camping Chair
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Chair Weight: 13 lbs. 10.5 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: 39” x 9.5” x 6.5”
- Price: $
Timber Ridge offers a solid heavy-duty camping chair that fits right in the middle of the pack for the perfect balance between features and price. This fully padded chair is comfortable and includes a cup holder, but is very reasonably priced to make it a fantastic car camping seat option.
While a little heavy and cumbersome, the chair offers excellent padding to keep you comfy around the campfire or watching the ballgame. The steel frame can also support up to 300 pounds which – while not the strongest chair on our list – still offers excellent toughness.
My only critique with this chair is that the cylindrical armrests likely won’t be quite as comfortable as the standard wide rectangular alternatives. However, this is a very minor issue and the Timber Ridge is still a phenomenal heavy-duty camping chair.
PROS
- Good padding
- Versatile design – detachable armrests and rotatable cup holder
CONS
- Armrests aren’t as comfortable as other designs
- Not as strong as other options
KingCamp Heavy Duty Camping Chair
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 11 lbs. 5 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: 38” x 9” x 8”
- Price: $$
Last on our list is the KingCamp Camping Chair. While comparable to other options that we’ve laid out so far, this particular chair stands out thanks to its excellent lumbar support. Now combine that support with 350 pounds of weight capacity along with an integrated cooler bag, and we have a phenomenal camping chair!
The lumbar support also features an alignment strap, so you can get support just where you need it. I often have a sore back after miles of hiking or a day out rock climbing, and I’m therefore a huge fan of this lumbar support.
Additionally, we have several of our other favorite features, including the cooler bag, several storage pouches, and a cup holder. All-in-all, this is a fantastic heavy duty camp chair and the price is very reasonable too!
PROS
- Lumbar support
- Great storage space
- Insulated compartment
CONS
- The seat isn’t as wide as other options
Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair
- Weight Capacity: 800 lbs.
- Chair Weight: 13 lbs.
- Folded Dimensions: Not available
- Price: $
When it comes to the best camping chair for a heavy person – or heavy-duty use in general – you can’t go wrong with the King Kong Chair from Alps Mountaineering. The beefy, powder-coated steel frame can support up to 800 pounds while the seat itself is fashioned from durable 600 denier polyester.
In addition to the very rugged design, Alps Mountaineering has also included storage sleeves for both armrests and a handy mesh pocket on the back. I’m also particularly fond of the fact that there are several color options available, allowing you to pick just the right chair for you.
Now, you won’t be toting this chair up a mountain to a backcountry camp. But it’s an ideal choice for everything from car camping to simply relaxing in your yard.
PROS
- Several color options
- Multiple storage pockets
- Extra-wide design
CONS
- Heavier
Mossy Oak Heavy Duty Folding Camp Chair
- Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Chair Weight: 8 lbs. 8 oz.
- Folded Dimensions: Not Available
- Price: $
The least expensive option on our list is the Mossy Oak Folding Camp Chair. With a minimal investment, you’re rewarded with a comfortable and tough camp chair that’s packed full of features.
Of those features, my favorite is the integrated cooler in the left armrest. It’s ideal for keeping refreshments cool no matter where you are, and you can plop your cold drink directly into the cup holder in the opposite armrest. Additionally, this chair weighs a reasonable 8.5 pounds, making it easier to transport and carry.
For such a reasonable price, I believe the Mossy Oak Folding Chair is an excellent addition to your seating repertoire. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and keeps your drinks cold too!
PROS
- Cooler for drinks and snacks
- Very inexpensive
- Reasonable chair weight
CONS
- No chair padding
- No pocket storage
How to Choose a Camping Chair
There are several factors that play into finding a great camp chair. Let’s, therefore, take a moment to examine some of them, and ensure that you have all the information you need to make your decision!
Durability
When trying to find a heavy-duty camping chair, durability is going to be at the top of the list. With most chairs, durability can be broken down between the chair fabric and its metal frame.
For the chair fabric, keep an eye open for thick and rugged materials – 600 denier polyester is a very common and reliable option. Additionally, any post-manufacturing treatments can also go a long way to improving the chair’s overall durability. These treatments can be waterproofing or UV protection to shield the fabric from the sun’s harmful rays.
In terms of the metal frame, we traditionally have either aluminum or steel. We’ll discuss the weight characteristics of these materials below, but the main point to remember here is that steel is stronger than aluminum.
Therefore, steel-framed chairs will often prove more durable and boast higher weight capacities than aluminum – but this may not always be the case as frame designs vary from brand to brand.
Weight & Portability
Chairs can range from just 3 or 4 pounds all the way up to 13 or 14 pounds. Now, that may not seem like a huge difference on the surface, but it can be a game-changer if you’re planning to hike with your chair to a more remote location!
Therefore, the more lightweight chairs are best suited for folks who plan on backpacking with their chair, or at the very least anticipate carrying it over significant distances.
Conversely, heavier chairs are best suited for car-accessible activities – such as car camping or beach days – where you won’t have to carry the chair over great distances. In these cases, you can simply load and unload your chair directly into your car, no sweat!
Support
A good camping chair is all about taking a load off your feet and getting a little support. However, that support varies significantly from chair to chair.
Adventurers looking for ultralight and portable camp chairs will, unfortunately, need to sacrifice a little support. These lightweight chairs typically have smaller backs, no padding, and no extra lumbar support.
On the other hand, many larger and heavier chairs will put more focus on comfort and support. These larger chairs will feature longer backs – and some may even include a full headrest – along with padding and targeted support for your lower back.
Your job is to determine your camp chair priorities. If you feel that excellent support and padding are a high priority, then there are absolutely camp chairs out there that will fit the bill, but be prepared to sacrifice a little portability.
Additional Features
Depending on your preferences, some additional features may come in very handy with your new camp chair. They’re not essential, and some basic chairs can still be a great addition to your next adventure. However, if you’re in the market for some extra features, keep an eye open for the following:
- Cupholders
- Padded seat and armrests
- Storage sleeves attached to armrests
- Attached cooler pocket or sleeves
- Storage pocket on the back of the chair
- Special lumbar support
Price
It may be surprising, but heavy-duty camping chairs come with a wide array of price tags. The base models are very reasonable at just a few dozen dollars. However, the prices quickly skyrocket as high-end features get added to the mix along with special ultralight technology for backpacking chairs.
Therefore, it’s important to identify your budget and stick to it. If high-end features are worth the investment to you, then go for it. But if you’d prefer to avoid a big investment, there are still plenty of excellent options out there for you.
Final Thoughts
The best heavy duty camping chair is hard to find, but we hope our list has helped you narrow down your choices! From ultralight to beefy and burly, you’re sure to find the perfect chair for your next adventure. Simply remember your feature preferences, budget, and the ideal amount of support, and you have the ideal recipe for a comfortable seat.
Now all you have to do is pick your chair, find a campsite, and enjoy the outdoors!
Have fun and stay safe, eh?
Related Reading:
Sources:
- https://www.camperlands.co.uk/buying-camping-chairs-guide/
- https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/blog/camping-information/camping-checklist
- https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html
