Let’s clear this up from the start – a good camping chair isn’t some fancy luxury. It’s survival gear for your backside. After a full day of hiking, setting up camp, and swatting midges, the last thing you want is to slump onto a damp rock or some wobbly £10 seat that snaps the moment you exhale.
The right chair isn’t just about comfort – it’s about making memories around the fire without shifting every two minutes because your back’s gone stiff. It’s about sipping your tea, watching the stars, and thinking, this is the life.
In this guide, I will show you some of the best camping chairs that actually hold up out there. Foldable, moon-style, compact – I’ve tried them, and here’s what’s worth packing.
What Actually Matters When Picking a Camping Chair
Trust me, this bit’s important. Choose the wrong chair and you’ll spend half your trip shifting, groaning, or sitting on your rolled-up jacket trying to pretend it’s “fine.” It won’t be. Here’s what to pay attention to:
- Comfort comes first. If it doesn’t feel good after ten minutes, it won’t feel better after an hour. Think seat depth, decent back support, and maybe some padding if you’re fancy. If you can try it out before buying, do it – your back will thank you later.
- Weight and pack size. Are you hiking to camp or parking right next to the pitch? If you’re lugging it, every gram counts. But even for car campers, nobody wants a chair that eats half the boot space or takes ten minutes to strap onto a pack.
- Sturdy frame. Look for proper aluminium or steel – none of that flimsy stuff that folds like origami the first time you sit down with a cuppa. You want solid, not sketchy.
- Setup faff. Some chairs unfold like magic. Others? Like a wrestling match with poles and fabric. If it’s a nightmare every time, you’ll stop bothering – and that’s money wasted.
- Price vs. value. A decent chair doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but don’t go for the petrol station special. I’ve been there. One cup of tea later, it folded in half, and so did I.
Different Types of Camping Chairs
Not all camp chairs are built the same. Some are made for kicking back with a cold one, others for shaving grams off your pack. Before you pick one, it helps to know what’s out there, and what actually suits your kind of trip.
Folding Chairs
These are your good old camping classics – the kind you see at festivals and family campsites. They fold flat, are easy to set up, and generally comfy enough for most folks. If you’re driving to camp and just need something reliable for sitting by the fire, this is your guy.
Moon Chairs
Big, round, and oh-so-inviting. Moon chairs are like little fabric cocoons. They’re great for lounging and napping, but they do take up more space and aren’t ideal if you’re trekking across a hillside to pitch. Best for car campers who don’t mind the bulk and want a bit of luxury.
Compact Chairs
These are the favourites among hikers and wild campers. Lightweight, tiny pack size, and easy to sling in a rucksack. But heads-up—they often sit low to the ground. If your knees aren’t fans of deep squats, test one out first.
So, what’s the right pick?
If you’re car camping, go comfy. If you’re hiking, go light. And if your trip’s all about chilling in style, moon chairs have your name written all over them.
Top Camping Chair Picks UK
OEX Ultralite Folding Chair
Weight: 1.29 kg
Max Load: 110 kg
Best For: Backpacking & wild camping
Key Features: Ultra-compact pack size, lightweight, tent-pole style frame, low seat height, stabilising straps
Kampa Tub Folding Chair
Weight: 3.2 kg
Max Load: 120 kg
Best For: Comfort in cool evenings
Key Features: Padded cocoon design, wind-blocking sides, folds easily, carry bag included
Coleman Folding Deck Chair with Table
Weight: 3.46 kg
Max Load: 113 kg
Best For: Meals & drinks at camp
Key Features: Side table, upright supportive seating, padded armrests, aluminium frame
Voyager Twin Pack Folding Camping Chairs
Weight: 3.3 kg each
Max Load: 120 kg
Best For: Best value for two
Key Features: Twin pack, padded, mesh & fabric mix, drink holders, side pocket, carry bags
Vango Titan 2 Oversized Chair
Weight: 5.9 kg
Max Load: 180 kg
Best For: Bigger users & extra comfort
Key Features: Oversized seat, high max load, generous padding, stable frame, easy setup
KingCamp Moon Chair
Weight: 4.7 kg
Max Load: 136 kg
Best For: Lounge-worthy relaxation
Key Features: Thick padding, deep scoop seat, stable triple-legged feet, built-in cooler pocket, side pouch
1. OEX Ultralite Folding Chair
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 63 x 54 x 64 cm (setup)
- Weight: 1.29 kg
- Max Load: 110 kg
If you're heading off on a solo trek or wild camp and every inch of space counts, the OEX Ultralite Folding Chair is a brilliant bit of kit. It comes in a shockingly small bag – like, is-there-even-a-chair-in-there? small. But inside, you’ll find a well-built seat that nails that tricky balance between packability, comfort, and price.
The design is clever. The frame is made from interlinked poles with elastic inside – think tent pole style – so it sort of builds itself once you get the hang of it. That said, the first setup might leave you scratching your head for a minute. And stretching the fabric over the frame takes a bit of oomph. But once it’s up, it’s solid.
At just 1.29 kg, it’s featherlight. You sit low (about 35cm off the ground), but the scoop of the seat supports your back nicely, even if you’re tall. I’m 6’3″, and I didn’t feel like I was spilling out of it. One small heads-up: the feet are a bit narrow, so they can sink into softer ground. Thankfully, it comes with clever stabilising straps for just that reason.
This is the chair I chuck in the pack when I don’t want to faff with bulk or weight, but still want something better than a rock or tree stump. Bonus? It looks sharp too, with black fabric and orange trim that doesn’t scream “budget buy.”
2. Kampa Tub Folding Chair – Most Comfortable for Chilly Nights
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (open): H87 x W63 x D46 cm
- Dimensions (folded): H88 x W25 x D22 cm
- Weight: 3.2 kg
- Max Load: 120 kg
If comfort is your top priority, especially when the evening chill kicks in, the Kampa Tub Chair might just become your new fireside favourite. It’s padded, cocoon-shaped, and designed to hug you in all the right places.
The first thing you’ll notice? The wrap-around design. It’s like sitting in a big warm hug. Not only does it feel cosy, but it also blocks out those pesky gusts of wind that sneak in from the sides. On cool nights, that extra shelter makes a difference.
Now, it’s not the most spacious when it comes to arm movement – the high sides can feel a little snug if you’re waving marshmallow sticks about, but honestly, that’s a small trade-off for the warmth and comfort you get in return.
It folds down easily and comes with a carry bag, so transporting it is hassle-free, especially for car campers or festival-goers. Plus, it comes in a handful of colours, so you’re not stuck with the usual dull green.
3. Coleman Folding Deck Chair with Table – Best for Meals and Drinks
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (setup): H78 x W62 x D55 cm
- Dimensions (folded): H78 x W55 x D13 cm
- Weight: 3.46 kg
- Max Load: 113 kg
Now this is a chair that’s out to impress. The Coleman Folding Deck Chair is part seat, part portable dining station – and it’s genuinely brilliant if you’re the kind of camper who loves their evening meals and drinks neat and within reach.
Setup is a breeze. The frame locks open in seconds, and the side table flips up with zero fuss. It's lightweight for its size and folds down slim enough to stash in the boot without playing car boot Tetris.
Comfort-wise, it’s solid – not the kind of chair you’ll doze off in, but great for eating, chatting, and cracking open a beer. The seating position is upright and supportive, and the aluminium frame with padded armrests gives you all the sturdiness you need to get in and out without wobbles.
The big selling point here? That side table. Genuinely handy for snacks, a brew, or even your phone and book. Once you’ve had a chair with a table, it’s hard to go back.
This chair is great for camp dinners, BBQs, or anyone who loves having a little extra surface space without needing another table.
4. Voyager Twin Pack Folding Camping Chairs – Best Value for Pairs
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (open): H110 x W58 x D60 cm
- Dimensions (folded): H99 x W15 x D14 cm
- Weight (each): 3.3 kg
- Max Load: 120 kg
For campers who like to relax with a partner, or just want a backup chair for a friend or family member, the Voyager Twin Pack offers cracking value without cutting corners. These are the kind of chairs you’ll want to drag out for beach days, campsite barbecues, or even lazy afternoons in the garden.
They’re well-padded and designed with a clever mix of breathable mesh and soft-touch fabric. So you don’t just sit – you sink in and let the tension melt away. They also come with thoughtful touches like drink holders and a side pocket for your magazine, phone, or snack stash (no judgement here).
While they’re not the lightest or most compact, they fold down neatly and slide into a carry bag that’s easy enough to sling over your shoulder. For the price of one mid-range chair, you’re getting two comfy thrones that are ready for just about anything short of a mountain hike.
Really, this chair offers solid comfort, smart features, and great value – ideal for couples, families, or campers who want a matching pair without breaking the bank.
5. Vango Titan 2 Oversized Chair – Best for Bigger Campers
Key Specs:
- Weight: 5.9 kg
- Max Load: 180 kg
If you’re tired of chairs that creak under pressure or feel like you’ve squeezed into a child’s seat, the Vango Titan 2 is your hero. This thing is huge – a proper camping throne that doesn’t skimp on space or strength.
The padding is generous, the seat is wide, and the frame is rock-solid. It’s built to handle serious weight – up to 180 kg – which makes it a top pick for bigger users or anyone who simply enjoys some elbow room. I’ve even had my kid clamber onto my lap mid-s’more session and the thing didn’t budge an inch.
Granted, at nearly 6 kg it’s not something you’ll carry far. But if you’re driving to your pitch, you’ll be thankful for the comfort after a long walk or busy day. The setup and pack-down are fuss-free, and once folded, it’s still manageable to transport.
6. KingCamp Moon Chair – Best for Lounge-Worthy Comfort
Key Specs:
- Dimensions (setup): D70 x W84 x H80 cm
- Dimensions (folded): D20 x W23 x H88 cm
- Weight: 4.7 kg
- Max Load: 136 kg
Some chairs are for sitting. This one’s for lounging. The KingCamp Moon Chair is so ridiculously comfy, you’ll forget you’re outdoors. From the moment you unfold it, you can feel the difference – the extra-thick padding, the deep scoop of the seat, and the sturdy build all scream premium.
You don’t feel the frame under you. There’s no weird pressure point on the backs of your legs. Just blissful cushioning and the kind of support that makes you forget you ever wanted to stand up. The stability is excellent too, thanks to the triple-legged feet design – this thing won’t tip or wobble.
Now, it is bulkier than some of the ultralight options, and yes, it’s just over the £50 line, but honestly, the comfort makes it worth every extra pound (in both weight and price). And you get handy extras too: a built-in cooler pocket for your cans and a side pouch for your phone, flask, or chocolate bar. Practical luxury, right?
How I Test Camping Chairs (So You Don’t Regret Yours)
Look, there’s only one way to know if a camping chair’s worth packing – and that’s by actually using it. Not for five minutes in the shop, but out in the wild, when the rain’s closing in and your knees are begging for a break.
Here’s how I test every chair before giving it a thumbs-up:
- Setup and pack-down: I time how long it takes to get it up and stowed, especially when it’s cold, wet, or nearly dark – because that’s real life.
- Mixed ground tests: I’ve plonked these chairs on dry grass, gritty gravel, muddy pitches… you name it. If it can’t handle a soggy campsite, it’s off the list.
- Proper sit tests: Not just a quick perch. I sit for an hour, sometimes more, because if it gets uncomfortable after ten minutes, it’s no use.
- Stability: There’s nothing worse than a wobbly chair next to the fire. I test how steady they are when shifting, stretching, and reaching for marshmallows.
- Wear and tear: After a wet weekend, I check for rust, fabric sag, or dodgy seams. Some chairs give up way too early.
- Storage and carry ease: If it’s a nightmare to pack or a pain to lug from the car, it doesn’t make the cut. Space matters, especially on family trips.
This is how I separate the decent ones from the disasters. Because the last thing you want is your chair collapsing mid-sausage.
Buying Tips and FAQs
Do I need to spend a fortune?
Absolutely not. You don’t need to blow the budget, but steer clear of those flimsy £10 petrol station jobs – unless you enjoy slapstick pratfalls at breakfast.
What’s the best option for backpackers?
Go for something super-light and compact. The OEX Ultralite’s a solid pick, but if you’ve got the cash, a KingCamp Moon Chair is hard to beat. Every gram counts when it’s on your back.
Biggest mistake campers make?
Buying something too low or too narrow. If you’ve ever tried to stand up from a low chair in wet trousers, you’ll know the pain. Sit in a few before choosing, if you can.
Can I leave it out in the rain?
Technically, yes. But if you want it to last, dry it off before you pack it up. It’ll stop rust, rot, and that lovely damp smell greeting you next trip.
Are moon chairs really better?
For lounging? Oh yes. You’ll melt into them. But if you’re eating dinner or need a chair with a proper upright sit, something more structured might suit you better.
Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Chair for You
Camping chairs get overlooked. People obsess over sleeping bags and stoves, but your chair is where you’ll spend the best bits of camp life: morning brew in hand, feet up at sunset, fireside chats after a long walk.
So don’t treat it as an afterthought.
Think about how you camp. Wild camper? Go light. Car camper? Go comfy. Festival goer or garden lounger? Pick something you’ll enjoy sinking into. I’ve battled rain, midges, and gravelly pitches, but never once regretted bringing a good chair.
Buy the one you’ll actually look forward to sitting in. Because let’s be honest – camping’s better when your bum’s happy.
