How to Choose the Best Folding Camp Chairs

From Camping Recliner Chair to Heavy Duty Chairs – Make a Checklist

Nov 7, 2009 Marg McAlister

Whether they're sitting outside an RV or fishing by a stream, people who love the outdoors are always happy to find just the right camping chair to ensure their comfort.

It's easy to walk into a bargain mart and find cheap camping chairs – but the cheapest is not always the best choice. In fact, taking time to choose the best chair can make the difference between an enjoyable camping trip or holiday, and one that's just so-so.

1. Choose Folding Camping Chairs That Fit the Space Available

If a trailer or RV is packed to the rooftop with gear, every piece of equipment counts. When it comes to folding camp chairs, it's important to consider where it's going to fit. If the space available is long and narrow, then the type of chair that folds up into a tubular sack will be a good choice. If the chairs are going to be stacked on top of other gear in the back of a 4WD, then a chair that folds flat might be best. Keep in mind that while recliner camp chairs are comfortable and versatile, they take up a lot more space. (If in doubt about how much 'stuff' is actually needed, read this advice on what to bring on a camping trip.)

2. Pick the Best Camp Chair for the Purpose

It's definitely a matter of horses for courses here. A chair that's going to come in for a lot of rough treatment should be sturdy enough to withstand it. (For example: is the camp chair likely to be dragged across rocks for fishing trips; thrown into the back of the car for frequent camping expeditions, or be subject to plenty of wind, rain and adverse weather conditions?) There's not much point in trying to save money by buying a cheap camp chair if the fabric is going to rot after a couple of camping weekends in the sun.

Consider 'extras', too: does the camp chair have any additions that make it more convenient to use? Camping chairs that include flip-up side tables or pockets to store magazines are very popular.

It's not only the construction of the chair that is important. Consideration of the size and shape of the person who will be using the chair should be a high priority. The bigger the person, the sturdier the camp chair needs to be. Larger people also find that the kind of camping chairs that fold up into a narrow fabric tube often have cross-bars directly below their thighs, and these can be very uncomfortable. For bigger people, camp chairs that fold up flat tend to be more comfortable.

3. Checklist for Camping Chairs

Before going out to choose a camping chair (or choosing one from an online store) prepare a checklist to ensure that the best camp chair is chosen. Consider such things as:

size of the camp chair seat for the person using it
durability of fabric
strength of the camping chair frame
ease of use of folding mechanism
amount of padding in the seat
final size and shape of the camp chair after being folded

By spending a little more time thinking about the best folding camp chair for the purpose, and checking out camping chair reviews, the user is likely to be much happier with the final purchase.

HOL101

The copyright of the article How to Choose the Best Folding Camp Chairs in RV Recreation is owned by Marg McAlister. Permission to republish How to Choose the Best Folding Camp Chairs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Take Time Choosing the Best Folding Camping Chair	How Will the Camping Chair Fit When Folded Flat	Consider a Camp Chair with a Flip-up Side Table
Reclining Camping Chairs – Versatile & Comfortable	Ensure the Folding Chair Can Hold the Weight