Camp chairs are great for more than just sitting around the campsite. Whether you're fishing, heading to a party, firing up a backyard BBQ, cheering on the kids at sport, or gearing up for a concert on the green, a comfy chair you can take anywhere is a must.
With such a versatile product, it can be valuable to know the difference between brands, fabrics and styles. In this buyers guide, let the BCFing experts provide you with useful information and handy hints for choosing the right camping chair.
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What Is the Best Camping Chair?
The most important question to ask when choosing a camping chair is simple: what will you be using it for? For backpackers and hikers, weight and pack size are key, while those spending long hours in their chair should put comfort first.
Beyond where you'll use it, the right camping chair depends on a few other factors, including:
Any health issues, especially bad backs or sore knees
Your seat height, as low chairs may not suit longer legs
How often you'll use it and how long you want it to last
The weight rating you'll need
Extra features like cooler bags, cup holders, side tables and headrests, depending on what matters most to you
#1. Types of Camping Chairs
Folding camp chairs are a staple piece of camping gear and come in a diverse range of shapes and styles. They're often broadly classified as recliners, stools, hammocks and even 2–3 seater lounges. However, this guide focuses on your classic folding chairs, moon chairs, kids camping chairs, and the directors camping chair. Let's review the difference between each.
Classic Camping Chair
No doubt everyone has owned (or at least sat in) this style of camping chair once in their life. The classic camping chair is hugely popular thanks to its compact design and easy assembly, with a straight back and flat seat for simple, reliable comfort. With a sturdy four leg construction and a clever foldable design you can take practically anywhere, getting comfy on your next camping trip will be a breeze. Shop the range of classic camp chairs here.
Moon Chair
Looking for style and comfortable seating for camping or poolside lounging? The moon chair is a great option and delivers comfort in spades, with its circular frame and a rounded padded seat, that supports your head and back. This chair delivers long-lasting durability with a tough powder-coated steel frame and a 150kg weight capacity, making it ready for years of good times. Shop moon chairs here.
Kids Camping Chair
A kids camping chair gives the littlies their own comfy spot to kick back during outdoor adventures. Built tough with the same durable, fold-up design as the soft arm cooler chair, and available in fun pop-culture designs they'll love. Shop the range of kids camping chairs here.
Directors Chair
With a comfy, natural sitting position, director's chairs are perfect for meals at the table or kicking back by the campfire. With a handy side table and built-in drink holder, they're perfect for kicking back with a coldie at the end of the day. The flat-fold design is quick to pack up and easy to store, with a frame constructed from lightweight yet tough alloy and steel components and a maximum weight capacity up to 200kg. Shop Directors Chairs.
Other types of camp chairs include:
Cooler Arm Chairs
The versatile design of these chairs has made them a favourite with Aussie families. Built for camping, picnics and sporting events, cooler camp chairs offer a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and padded polyester fabric for all-day comfort. Most styles include an insulated drink cooler to keep refreshments close, plus a handy carry bag for easy transport. Shop cooler arm chairs.
Reclining Camp Chairs
This little beauty lets you kick back at the campsite or put your feet up while you wet a line. Reclining camp chairs deliver next-level comfort and can easily double as table seating with a few simple adjustments. Built with a strong yet lightweight steel frame, padded polyester fabric and an adjustable headrest, they also offer a generous maximum weight rating of up to 140kg. Shop the range of reclining chairs here.
Beach Camping Chairs
You don't need sun, surf and sand to enjoy a beach chair. Perfect for outdoor activities where a low seat is ideal, these chairs keep you elevated off the ground with a comfy polyester seat for added support. Small and compact for easy transport, beach camping chairs offer a max weight capacity of up to 120kg. Shop the range of beach chairs here.
#2. Use
Camping chairs aren't just for the campsite. Choosing the right one comes down to how you'll use it and how long you'll spend relaxing in it.
Things like chair height, shape and materials play a big role in overall comfort. It's also worth considering weight especially if you'll be carrying your gear in. Aluminium frames are light and easy to carry, while steel frames are tougher but heavier.
#3. Quality
What your camp chair's made from directly affects its quality, and the right material depends on how you plan to use it. While most camp chair frames use aluminium for solid strength and durability, the real thing to check out is the seat fabric. Think about how strong the material is and whether it's waterproof, based on how you'll use the chair.
At BCF, our camping chairs use tough polyester fabric that dries fast, resists wear and shrinkage, and stays wrinkle-free even after getting wet or washed. Polyester is recyclable and easy to dye, you'll find loads of fade-resistant colours across the BCF range.
#4. Accessories
Many camping chairs include bonus features that add extra comfort and style to your downtime. Cup holders, footrests, cooler bags, headrests and lumbar pads all help you kick back in comfort. Across the BCF camp chair range, you'll find handy extras like:
Insulated cooler bags, drink holders and storage pockets for keeping drinks and essentials close
Integrated side tables with cup holders for easy campfire meals
Magazine pockets for laid-back afternoons in the shade
Padded high backs and adjustable headrests, ideal for added support or an afternoon snooze
Best of all, these features don't affect ease of transport, thanks to compact folding designs and handy carry bags.
#5. Parts
Knowing how each part of a camp chair works helps ensure it's fit for purpose. Below is a breakdown of the key components and what to look for.
Frame
The frame provides a chair's strength and structure, with tougher frames offering better stability and a longer lifespan. Manufacturers make most frames from aluminium or steel. Choose aluminium if you'll be carrying your chair far, or steel if you want extra strength for longer sit-downs. Powder-coated steel lasts longer than standard steel.
Fabric
Nylon is lightweight but can deteriorate with sun exposure, whereas polyester is thicker and better suited to harsh conditions. All camp chairs should use fast-drying materials, with ripstop fabrics helping prevent tears. Mesh panels improve airflow, and lighter colours stay cooler in the sun.
Padding
Padded chairs offer extra comfort and lumbar support, though they may take longer to dry.
Carry Bag
Most chairs include a carry bag for easy transport. Always ensure your chair is dry before packing it away to avoid mould. Tip: Fill your carry bag with sand for a comfy beach pillow.
Add-Ons
Extras like headrests and leg rests provide added comfort, with many adjustable or removable. Some armrests include cup holders or cooler bags to keep drinks close, while side tables provide a sturdy spot for meals but can add extra bulk and weight.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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