7 Best Folding, Collapsible & Portable Chairs

Rilor Staff
Update: August 18, 2021
Table of Contents

The best folding/collapsible chairs for the outdoors are definitely great additions to your camping and backpacking arsenals. With these chairs, you will be able to have a more relaxing time during your adventures. You no longer have to sit on dirty, uneven ground; instead, you have a chair that gives you not only comfort but sufficient support to prevent body aches. 

Of course, these portable chairs are currently teeming on the market today. They have a plethora of options to choose from. Interesting features were also added to these chairs to provide better ergonomics and safety to their users. 

Some of these chairs are way more impeccable than their counterparts, though. And if you want the best ones right from the get-go, then the list below can help you out!

7 Best Folding/Collapsible/Portable Chairs

 Weight Capacity Weight
Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in Cooler Up to 325 pounds10 pounds
AmazonBasics Portable Camping Chair Up to 225 pounds6.75 pounds 
TIMBER RIDGE Padded Folding Camping Chair Up to 300 pounds10.55 pounds
GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair Up to 250 pounds11.7 pounds
Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair Up to 250 pounds7.95 pounds
Coleman Outpost Breeze Portable Folding Deck Chair Up to 300 pounds11.9 pounds
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair Up to 800 pounds12 pounds

1. Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in Cooler

PRODUCT LINK

Undeniably, one of the most popular outdoor chairs today is the Coleman Camping Chair. This one has all the specifications that make it a travel-worthy companion. The chair itself features a rugged steel frame for maximum stability even under heavy load. Meanwhile, its entire seat and backrest are made from polyester fabric with a layer of padding for added comfort. 

Since this is a camping chair, its inclusion of two armrests is welcomed. One of the armrests has a bottle container, while the other has a cooler that fits four cans of your favorite beverages. Aside from that, it also has a mesh side pocket where you can stow your personal belongings. Since it has a collapsible design, carrying the chair will never be a problem.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Frame material - Powder-coated steel
  • Seat/panel material - Polyester
  • Capacity - Up to 325 pounds
  • Weight - 10 pounds
  • Dimensions - 19 inches x 26.96 inches x 49 inches

2. AmazonBasics Portable Camping Chair

PRODUCT LINK

It's not a secret that AmazonBasics has been doing well in manufacturing outdoor equipment and amenities. A good proof of this is its very own portable folding chair. Specifically, the AmazonBasics Portable Camping Chair features a nylon seat and backrest, which has been embedded with mesh panels for optimal breathability. Moreover, its frame is manufactured from heavy-duty steel that enables maximum stability and sturdiness wherever you take it. 

Similar to the Coleman chair, the armrests of this camping chair are not only there for your relaxation. They also have ergonomic inclusions such as a bottle holder and cooler pouch. There's also a storage pocket for your accessories, essentials, and other small items. It is also noticeable that the feet of this chair has an anti-skid base that prevents it from slipping even on slippery surfaces.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Frame material - Powder-coated steel
  • Seat/panel material - Nylon
  • Capacity - Up to 225 pounds
  • Weight - 6.75 pounds
  • Dimensions - 34 inches x 20 inches x 36 inches

3. TIMBER RIDGE Padded Folding Camping Chair

PRODUCT LINK

If weight is not an issue for you, then I suggest that you check out the TIMBER RIDGE Padded Folding Camping Chair. This one ushers a heavy-duty architecture, enabling it to lift up to 300 pounds of weight easily. Keep in mind that this chair weighs roughly 11 pounds, so you might have to do some extra lifting when carrying this. But if you have a vehicle or destination is near, such a matter is a non-issue already. 

Unlike other camping chairs, the TIMBER RIDGE offers a fully padded construction. Specifically, there's a thick foam padding integrated on its polyester seat and backrest. It can stand steadily while under heavy load, thanks to its sturdy aluminum frame. Meanwhile, its armrest is stable and broad enough for you to experience utmost comfort while being seated here. It also has a quick folding and unfolding mechanism, ensuring that you can set it up whenever you need to. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Frame material - Aluminum
  • Seat/panel material - Polyester
  • Capacity - Up to 300 pounds
  • Weight - 10.55 pounds
  • Dimensions - 20 inches x 17 inches x 37.5 inches

4. GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair

PRODUCT LINK

The GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair is an optimal choice for backpacking trips. It has a durable and compact construction, especially when it is folded. Just like its name suggests, the chair is capable of rocking. Thanks to its Spring Action Rocking Technology, the chair is capable of rocking on a surface. Of course, this chair is truly comfortable. It has a sling-style seat that lets you lay and incline on it without over-arching your back. 

Moreover, the chair features a powder-coated steel frame that is capable of holding up to 250 pounds of weight. Of course, that's more than enough for regular-sized adults. The chair also has a dedicated beverage holder and a side pocket that fits your wallet, keys, and phone. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Frame material - Powder-coated steel
  • Seat/panel material - Polyester
  • Capacity - Up to 250 pounds
  • Weight - 11.7 pounds
  • Dimensions - 28.2 inches x 30 inches x 34.7 inches

5. Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair

PRODUCT LINK

The Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair is a portable, low-profile outdoor chair. Many use this chair on their backpacking trips, excursions to the beach, and sporting events. But of course, you can always use this chair on backyard picnics and tailgate parties. One of its striking features is its highly comfortable seat and backrest. They have been embedded with a breathable mesh panel. Meanwhile, its armrests are fully cushioned for maximum support and comfort. 

Another notable trait of Cascade Mountain Tech is it's easy-to-carry design. When it is folded, you can stow it easily on its 26-inch x 8-inch carry bag. The latter has padded shoulder straps so that you can lift it effortlessly. You'll never have to worry about the durability of this chair. After all, it uses a combination of aluminum and steel on its frame. It is rated to carry loads of up to 250 pounds and fit adults' bodies with no fuss.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Frame material - Steel/aluminum
  • Seat/panel material - Polyester
  • Capacity - Up to 250 pounds
  • Weight - 7.95 pounds
  • Dimensions - 20 inches x 20 inches x 21 inches

6. Coleman Outpost Breeze Portable Folding Deck Chair 

PRODUCT LINK

If you want a portable chair that is full of features and functionality, then the Coleman Outpost Breeze is a superb option. This is among those few folding outdoor chairs that include a flip-up side table on their construction. Instead of placing the cupholder to the armrest, it has been integrated on the mini table, which could improve your overall convenience while being seated on it. Speaking of, its armrests are fully padded for your utmost comfort.

Of course, this chair wouldn't be on this list if it has a flimsy construction. Its maximum carrying capacity is 300 pounds; it has a highly robust steel frame coupled with weather-resistant fabric. Furthermore, it offers a roomy seat so that you will not feel cramped while sitting on this chair. Despite its rigid build, the chair remains compact and travel-worthy. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Frame material - Steel
  • Seat/panel material - Canvas
  • Capacity - Up to 300 pounds
  • Weight - 11.9 pounds
  • Dimensions - 30 inches x 22 inches x 24 inches

7. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair

PRODUCT LINK

The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is a solid outdoor amenity. Aside from the fact that a prominent tent manufacturer tailored it, the reputable quality of this chair is also due to its robust construction. It can be seen on its powder-coated steel frame and 600-denier polyester seat and backrest. It remains sturdy even if you use it in different seasons and applications. Moreover, its stability on the ground is quite impressive. Its flat base ensures that the chair doesn't wobble or slide wherever you place it. 

When it comes to ergonomics, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is pretty abundant. It has wide armrests, with each of them having its own cupholders. Side pockets are also present for quick storage. Also, I find the chair to be extremely comfortable, thanks to its tall backrest and fully padded seat architecture. Since it includes a transport shoulder bag, bringing it anywhere would not become a problem.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

  • Frame material - Powder-coated steel
  • Seat/panel material - Polyester
  • Capacity - Up to 800 pounds
  • Weight - 12 pounds
  • Dimensions - 38 inches x 38 inches x 20 inches

A Guide In Choosing The Best Folding Portable Chairs

Many people like to go outdoors and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Whether it's for a day or a weekend, your time off-grid is more worthwhile if you have portable chairs with you. 

These chairs are distinct from the chairs you have in your home or office. These amenities are portable, which means that you can bring them anywhere, regardless of the location and distance. You can fold them compactly and store them in small carry bags. Furthermore, they aren't heavy and bulky either. 

If you are planning to buy these portable outdoor chairs, make sure that you check the following considerations. 

Weight Capacity

There's a limit to how much a folding outdoor chair can carry. That's the fact, and you have to be wary about it. Therefore, it is essential that you know your weight first before you buy a chair. In this way, you can guarantee that you will get a perfect fit for you. 

Most adult-size folding chairs today have a carrying capacity of at least 200 pounds. If you think that you are heavier than this, go for chairs with higher weight capacity ratings. In the list above, the most robust unit is the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair, as it is capable of lifting to 800 pounds of sitters. Pretty impressive, right? 

Stability

Given that the outdoors doesn't always offer a flat and even ground, you need your chair to compensate for it. Specifically, you would want a chair to have a stable base so that it can remain upright regardless of the type of surface you'll put it in. 

Some folding chairs have an anti-skid base so that they won't move an inch even if the ground is slippery. Meanwhile, other chairs have anti-sink feet, enabling them to remain afloat even if you put them on the sand and soft substrates. 

Durability

The quality of an outdoor chair is dependent on the materials used in its construction. Basically, you have two things to look at here: the frame and seat. 

The frame's quality shouldn't be compromised. If it is flimsy, then it is not a good chair for outdoor use. If you want to ascertain the structural rigidity of a camping or backpacking chair, you have to go for those that have steel or aluminum frames. These two are common options because of the durability they possess. Between the two, aluminum is the lighter one, while steel is sturdier. 

Now, we go to the seat. Specifically, the seat and backrest of a folding chair should be made of the same material. Here, your best bets are polyester, nylon, and Oxford cloth. You can go with PVC chairs, too, if they are available. If you are wondering if these portable outdoor chairs should be padded, well, they may not need those things. In an effort to make them light and easy to transport, these extra features are discarded. 

Portability

Of course, you should never forget that your folding chair has to be portable, too. This means that it should be lightweight, compact when folded, and convenient to carry. 

Most of the outdoor chairs weigh less than 10 pounds. That's a striking feature that you should consider since you'll be carrying these chairs while walking or trekking. If they are too heavy, you'll have difficulty lifting them. 

Furthermore, these chairs should be foldable, too. It might seem a no-brainer, but it is an essential feature for any outdoor chair. You see, if you can't fold them, it is difficult to transport them due to their sheer size. For backpackers, their ideal chair should be packable inside their packs. 

In Summary

The best folding portable chairs have numerous benefits for their users. They provide extra convenience in your trips by being stable platforms where you can sit and relax. With the right chair, all the exhaustion you experienced in your adventure would be dispersed! 

That's it for now. If you have other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below!

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