One of the best ways to enhance your camping trip is to invest in the best heavy-duty camping chairs for you and your family and friends. After all, camping in the wilderness is not the easiest thing. Sure, it’s enjoyable once you’ve set everything up but then you want to be able to kick back, relax and really enjoy yourself.
That’s where sturdy camping chairs come in. but, in order to find the best heavy-duty camping chairs it’s important to go through a wide variety of options to really see what’s out there, while keeping in mind certain important considerations. And we’re going to help you do just that.
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chairs
Keep reading to find out what are the best heavy-duty camping chairs on the market, based on our team’s research and testing.
- ONIVA – a Picnic Time Brand PT-XL Over-Sized 400-Lb. Capacity Outdoor Folding Camp Chair
First up, we have the Oniva PT-XL Over-Sized 400 lb Capacity Camp Chair. This lightweight camping chair weighs just five pounds and comes with a drawstring carrying bag for your convenience.
Despite being so lightweight, it’s considered to be the best camp chair for big guys as it can handle a weight of up to 400 lb. It also has generous dimensions that include a 24-inch headrest, a depth of 17.5 inches and a seat that measures 24-inches wide. The back rest is fully breathable, with the chair itself being made from rip-stop polyester canvas.
All of this comes at a relatively affordable price considering what you’re getting and the durable steel frame is powder coated to protect it from rusting.
The best part? This manufacturer actually backs this chair up with a lifetime replacement pledge which means that should this chair become defective they’ll be more than happy to either repair it or replace it for you. Now, that’s what you call confidence-and service!
Pros
- It’s sturdy enough to be placed on sandy ground
- It comes at an affordable price
- It’s backed by a lifetime pledge
- Has a weight carrying capacity of 400 lb
Cons
- Unfortunately it doesn’t have any pockets
- It’s not suitable for use on sandy ground as advertised
- Kijaro XXL Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair
Next we have a heavy duty folding camping chair from Kijaro that comes with its own set of impressive features. For starters, it comes with lots of storage for your stuff, including an attached carrying strap, a cellphone holder, a zipped organizer with mesh pockets, and two mesh cup holders. The chair itself comes with a dedicated carrying bag for your convenience and it’s made from ripstop polyester material with a breathable mesh on the back.
But what really makes this one of the best heavy-duty camping chairs is the fact that it has the capacity to handle 400 lb of weight. It locks into place once unfolded to make sure that it stays in place and once you’re done folding it up again, it locks shut.
Most people use it for camping but it’s great for tailgating as well as watching your favorite sports at the local park or even in your backyard. It even comes in various colors to suit different preferences.
Pros
- It’s affordably priced
- Comes with a dual lock
- Available in multiple colors
- Offers a lot of useful features
Cons
- It has poor cross-bar placement for the legs
- VINGLI Professional Fishing Chair Foldable
The VINGLI Professional Foldable Adjustable Reclining Chair is another one of those big man camping chairs that’s designed to accommodate taller, more heavy-set users.
It’s constructed from 600D waterproof Oxford cloth for use all year round with a breathable surface that dries quickly after exposure to water. It’s quite heavy at 21 lb but it can handle a weight of up to 350 pounds though and has extra padding so you can enjoy any naps you take on it in comfort.
The chair is kept sturdy by a high-quality steel frame which is resistant to corrosion as well. Other great features to help maximize your comfort levels include an 180-degree recliner and a 4-feet slope which you can always adjust to keep your legs comfortable.
Pros
- It’s suitable for use on different types of terrain
- It is extra wide and long
- Suitable for use in hot and cold or wet conditions
- Comes with an 180-degree recliner
Cons
- It’s the heaviest chair on this list
- ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
Next we have the Mountaineering chair from ALPS, one of the most well-known manufacturers of camping gear on the market. It’s one of the best heavy-duty camping chairs for a number of reasons.
It’s constructed from a powder-coated steel frame that can support a weight of up to 800 lb. It also comes with a lot of useful features like two size pockets, two cup holders and adjustable armrests for maximum comfort and optimal storage capacity. There’s even a carrying bag so that it’s easy to transport the chair.
This chair has all you need to enjoy the outdoors in peace and comfort. It’s also suitable for people of all heights and sizes despite weighing only 12.5 pounds.
Pros
- It’s made from sturdy materials and built to last
- It’s not too heavy considering how durable it is
- It has a weight carrying capacity of 800 lb
Cons
- The chair’s legs are too short for most people
- Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler
The Coleman brand is another well-known name in the outdoor gear manufacturing industry. They’re known for creating products that are reasonably priced but of high quality.
Their camping chair square up pretty well compared to the competition. This particular model is a bit smaller than others on this list as its built for the comfort of petite campers and it only weighs 7.75lb itself. it has a weight carrying capacity of up to 325 lb.
But, what really makes this one of the best heavy duty camping chairs is the fact that it even comes with a cooler that can store up to 4 cans! Now, how cool is that?
Pros
- Features adjustable armrests for long term comfort
- Lightweight yet durable
- Affordably priced, offering great value for money
- Comes with a cooler pouch that can keep up to 4 cans cool at once
Cons
- It has a rather low weight carrying capacity of 325 which is not so bad
- KingCamp Camping Chair
Here we have a beautifully designed heavy duty folding camp chair from KingCamp. We love its moon saucer shape and it’s padded all over to help you enjoy all-day comfort while in it.
This chair also boosts a 33 inch width to accommodate the largest, tallest adventurers and it comes with a lot of essential features like cup holders and pockets to help you enjoy your stay comfortably.
Other than the convenience factor, this chair is so comfortable that a lot of people even use it for their pets because it’s the one chair that can double as a dog bed if need be, which is great for when you’re taking outdoor trips with your pup.
It’s available in 3 different colors and one of the most unique camping chairs that we’ve seen in a long time.
Pros
- You can use this chair as a dog bed if you need to
- Super easy to setup, fold and carry around
- It’s portable and easy to travel with
- Comes with a large back pocket for accessible storage
- Has a unique moon saucer design that can accommodate the largest camper
- Padded all over for optimal comfort
Cons
- It’s not as luxurious as one would think
- It’s only available in 3 colors
- ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Folding Chair
The ALPHA Camp Oversized Camping Chair is one of the easiest chairs to fold and unfold with a weight carrying capacity of up to 450 pounds. This chair is made from one of the most durable materials out there, 600 x 300 D padded oxford fabric and it comes with a padded armrest to keep you comfortable throughout.
The frame is made from heavy duty steel which is what enables it to handle such a huge weight and it comes with a lot of other useful features such as a durable mesh cup holder and a side pocket to keep important items at arm’s reach.
Pros
- Its frame is constructed from heavy duty steel
- Can handle a weight of up to 450 lb
- Comes with a cooler bag to keep you comfy during hot summer days
- Features a drink holder to keep water bottles
- There’s an armrest to help you feel relaxed
- Made from durable 600 x 300D Oxford fabric
Cons
- It’s not built for petite campers
- Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
Last but not least on our list of the best heavy-duty camping chairs on the market, we have another option from Coleman. This one has an oversized design with two footrests and a weight carrying capacity of up to 600lb.
It’s the perfect chair to get for those afternoon BB sessions or beach days as it even comes with a Seat Drain system that quickly dries the seat should it collect water.
Other features include CellPort Water resistant sleeve dedicated to storing your cellphone within arm’s reach. A clear PC case to protect your laptop and a media pocket to keep things like a music plater or some headphones.
This thoughtfully designed chair also comes with some basic features like a fully cushioned seat and an insulated cup holder as well as a carry bag for your convenience.
Pros
- It has a weight carrying capacity of up to 600 lb
- Supported by a strong steel frame
- Features a water resistant sleeve to store your electronics
- Draining seat helps keep it dry
- Very stable and comfortable to sit in thanks to oversized seats and feet
Cons
- This chairs has certain bars on the sides which can cause discomfort
What To Know Before Buying a Heavy-Duty Camping Chair
In order to find the best heavy-duty camping chairs you should keep the following in mind:
- Type Of Chair
Camping chairs are a dime a dozen. There are so many different options to choose from that you really need to know what each one offers in order to find one that’s best for you. Here’s a deep dive into what each type of camping chair has to offer:
Traditional camping chairs are quite common and ubiquitous at BBQs and camping grounds. That’s because they’re reliably designed and built with a comfortable and flexible frame that makes them easy to setup and pack up.
Portable camping chairs are not too different from your traditional camping chairs but the main difference is that they are designed to sit lower to the ground. That’s why you’ll find them being used for applications that require stealth such as fishing and hunting. While they’re perfect for keeping a low profile, these chairs can be uncomfortable for tall or heavy-set users.
Hybrid camping chairs are foldable camping chairs that are usually built for comfort. As such, they’re usually pricier than average and tent to e heavier to carry as well but they are very luxurious.
Director’s Chairs as the name implies, are desinged just like the chairs you’d find movie directors sitting in. They’re designed for use over long periods of time and thus feature padded yet stable arms, sturdy backrest, and a full seat. They’re also very durable and made to last over a long time while keeping your posture in perfect alignment throughout. These chairs are usually also foldable so you can transport them with ease.
- Construction And Materials
If you’re looking for a camping chair that is even tougher and more durable than a regular camping chair then you’ll want to ensure that its frame is either made from aluminum, steel or iron. And if you want your chair to handle even more weight over time when opt for a powder coated aluminum frame chair that is durable yet lightweight.
Now, in addition to a strong frame a camping chair needs to be comfortable as well. That’s where heavy-duty seat material like nylon and polyester come in. not only are these materials comfortable to sit in, but they’re durable enough to stand up to the elements as well.
Ideally, your chair should be UV-resistant and waterproof while a mesh backing will give your chair the added benefit of breathability as well. Also make sure that your chair is double stitched for optimal durability and it would be nice if its padded so you know that you can sit on it for prolonged periods of time without feeling uncomfortable.
- Comfort And Capacity
As you may have noticed, different camping chairs have varying weight carrying capacities. Some can carry 300 pounds of weight while others can handle up to 800lb. Here, you should keep your own weight in mind to make sure that your chair can hold your weight for along time without getting damaged. The frame should be sturdy enough to hold you comfortably as well and back support is important for this. Another feature to look out for in terms of comfort is a footrest so that you can put your feet up and really relax when you want to.
It’s important to ensure that your chair comes with enough storage options to keep essential items such as your keys, wallet and phone on hand. Whether it’s a single pocket or multiple pockets, most chairs do make provision for this. Some chairs even come with a foldaway table from which to eat snacks, read a book or even write while sitting out in nature. And a cup holder is one of those features that really goes without saying in a camping chair.
- Seat Height And Width
Another consideration to make when looking for a camping chair is its height and width.
This will determine how comfortable you are in the chair in the long run as a chair that is too high can be uncomfortable for your legs and backs of your thighs. This can also put unnecessary pressure on your knees and cause joint damage if you’re not careful.
You also don’t want the chair’s seat to be too low, otherwise you’ll be forced to artificially extend your legs instead of just sitting naturally and comfortably.
The larger you are, the more you have to pay attention to these things because even the smallest discrepancy in width can really cause you to feel pinched while sitting so your chair should be just right, not too wide and not too narrow.
- Portability
It’s also important to opt for a portable camping chair that is easy to transport from one place to another especially if you’re going on a long camping trip. It should fold and unfold effortlessly.
And once you’re done using it, there should be a carrying bag that comes with the chair for you to carry it with. It’s nice to have these features because they make your life so much easier on the trail or on the road.
- Warranty
In addition to being made form heavy-duty materials and having great features, a chair’s durability is often indicated by whether or not it is backed by an extended warranty. The more confident a manufacturer is in the quality and function of its product, the more generous its warranty. This is proof that the product has been thoroughly tested and should work as advertised ad the same goes for camping chairs too.
- Affordability
Last but not least, you should consider your budget when shopping for a camping chair. Luckily, the average camping chair doesn’t cost much and will be affordable for most people.
But there are also more expensive options that on the higher end of the spectrum and they often come with features and functions that you wouldn’t find on more cheaply made camping chairs. But if you’re looking for something simple to sit on while camping and don’t really need or want anything other than a cup holder and carrying bag then it’s easy to find a cheap chair.
But if you want a long lasting chair then you should definitely be prepared to shell out a little more so that you know that it’ll last for a long time and won’t require repairs along the road.
Conclusion
Well, there you go! that’s our exploration of the best heavy-duty camping chairs. Now, if we were to pick just one option out of these, it would be the KingCamp Camping Chair. It’s durable yet comfortable, portable and super easy to use with a large back pocket for extra storage. Plus, its moon saucer design is not just comfortable for humans but doubles as a bed for dogs too!