The weather is perfect. Nature is calling and you and your family or friends have decided to make the most of it by going camping.
But in order to enjoy the great outdoors, its best to go well prepared. You need to make sure you have the right camping gear.
Picking the right camping chair might seem inconsequential, but it’s not!
Just imagine this–you’ve completed a nature trail, and now you’re back on your campsite, where you want to just sit with your fellow campers and take in the view, but you find your camping chair not very comfortable. This could ruin the whole camping experience.
Here’s how you can pick the right camping chair for yourself!
Here are the questions you should ask yourself when you are buying a camping chair:
What is the actual use of the chair?
If you are going to use the chair for backpacking, then weight and packed size are the most important factors. For camping, comfort is what matters the most.
Are you going to use it for a long-term duration?
If so, then comfort is an important factor. If you need a chair where you can move around, then a bigger chair is better. Low chairs are nice for uneven or sandy terrains. High chairs are more convenient because they are easier to get in and out of.
Do you have a design preference in mind?
You have a wide variety to choose from. There are camping chairs with classic designs, two-legged chairs, three-legged chairs, rockers, gliders, and more.
But keep in mind to check if you find an innovatively designed chair comfortable before you buy it.
You might think it’s okay to buy a cheaper chair, but you might be compromising on quality. Here are a camping chair characteristics that you should keep in mind before buying a camping chair:
Check the material of the chair: Backpacking chairs need to have ultralight components.
The capacity of the chair: Since not all chairs support the same weight, check this spec before you make a final purchase according to your needs.
Check if it has any accessories:
Do you want any extra bells and whistles on your chair?
Footrests, head and lumbar pads, breathable mesh panel, and cup holders might seem a bit extravagant, but when you are out camping, you might need these accessories.
But also keep in mind the fact that these extra features mean that the packable size of the chair will be bigger.
You can choose a simple packable model with fewer features if you want to reduce the size of your bag when you are camping, or if luggage is not a problem, then you can take whatever you want.
Check on the complexity of how to assemble the chair: You can simply just pop chairs open and plunk yourself down, but a few might need a little more time to be set up so check on your bandwidth before making the final purchase.
Choose the right style of camping chair
Camping chairs come in many shapes and sizes. You need to pick the right one based on your camping needs. You can choose from:
Classic camp chairs: These have four legs (and a wide, stable base), along with a straight back and a flat seat.
They are reasonably priced, stable, and the height is adjusted for average people. That’s why these are the most popular type of camping chairs.
Lower chair: If you are planning to camp in a place with sand or uneven ground, low chairs are a great option because they will provide more stability.
Rocker camping chair:
If you want a rocking chair at a campsite, this chair is what you want to take along with you. Though a bit more bulky, it will help you kick back and relax. This style works best on even ground.
Suspended chair:
If you want a bit more contemporary design and you are willing to shell out a bit more dough–this new design has the chair hanging down from the frame and lets you swing a little. This works like a rocking chair, and can be stable even on uneven ground.
Scoop chair:
This chair doesn’t have a distinct back and seat, but gives you more comfort as compared to a classic camp chair.
Three-legged chairs:
These are the simplest chair that have a seat and back, and weigh less than the classic camp chair.
Two-legged chairs:
A favorite of seasonal campers because they are lightweight, they are an acquired taste. Your front feet act as feet of the chair. It saves your weight and lets you rock a little.
Just keep in mind there is no one single best choice when it comes to picking the right camping chair for yourself and your family. It all depends on your personal preferences. Camping chairs come in various shapes and sizes, and you need to keep in mind your expected uses and your valued features before taking the final call to make the most of your outdoor experience.