Camping is on the rise as a preferred choice of vacation style for families all over the world, and with good reason. What could be better than breathing in the fresh air that city life leaves us deprived of, getting back to nature and setting up camp to admire the stunning, picturesque views and gazing at the stars.
Relaxation is definitely the name of the game when you’re on a camping vacation, and one piece of equipment you cannot do without is a good quality camping chair. However, if you’re one of the thousands of people across the country that suffer from a bad back, you may have difficulty finding a camping chair that will offer you the comfort and lumbar support you need.
But not all hope is lost! There are still lots of great camping chairs available that have been designed to help people that suffer with back problems, which means you’ll still be able to relax in the great outdoors without needing to worry about your comfort being compromised.
However, as with all camping equipment, there are so many options available to choose from that finding the perfect camping chair for a bad back can become confusing, and before you know it you’ve totally given up hope of finding one at all.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
- Dual finger tip locking system
- Folds down to only 6.3 inches wide
- Durable textaline fabric suspended by double bungee system
That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you. Below, we’ve listed six of the best camping chairs for bad backs available, along with a super useful buying guide that’s packed full of hints and tips on what to look out for before making your final purchase.
So carry on reading, and pretty soon you’ll be out in nature, relaxing in style and without the risk of any back problems ruining the experience.
Best Camping Chair for Bad Back – Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Technical Spec | Price |
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Our Top Pick
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Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Chair |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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Timber Ridge XL Padded Zero Gravity Chair |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding High Back Camping Chair |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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STRONGBACK Elite Camp Chair |
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Check Price On Amazon |
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KingCamp Camping Chair Hard Arm Folding Camp Chair |
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Check Price On Amazon |
Best Camping Chair for Bad Back – Reviews
1. Our Top Pick: Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
The perfect choice for any keen camper that suffers with back issues, the Infinity Zero Gravity Chair from Caravan Sports is constructed using a super strong double bungee support system that takes all the pressure off of your back muscles and gives you the feeling of floating on air as you sit back and relax.
It’s powder-coated steel frame is super durable and can hold up to 300lbs in weight, as well as making the perfect support for the water-resistant textaline fabric that makes up the seat and back of the chair. This fabric is also designed so that air can easily pass through the chair, allowing your skin to breathe as you relax, and allowing the chair to dry in a much faster time if it gets accidentally left outdoors in a sudden downpour.
This camping chair also features a dual fingertip locking system, that gives you the opportunity to recline smoothly into the most comfortable position and lock it in place securely without any fear of the chair tipping over.
On top of that, the Infinity Zero Gravity Chair includes an adjustable headrest and lumbar support for added comfort, allowing you to add some extra cushioning to specific problem areas. Available in a range of colors, there’s a choice to match any existing camping set up, and it’s quality is backed up by a 60 day warranty.
2. AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Chair
Alongside it’s weightless-effect design, the Zero Gravity Chair from AmazonBasics also features a padded headrest and contoured armrests that provides anyone suffering with a bad back a super comfortable place to relax and unwind.
Designed for durability as well as comfort, it’s powder coated steel frame is tough enough to stand up to the elements and can support up to 300lbs in weight. It has also been constructed using a double-bungee support system that provides additional support, and connects the fabric to the frame.
The textaline fabric that makes up the seating area of the chair is both water resistant and breathable, and is available in a variety of colors to suit anyone’s taste. The stability of the fabric also provides extra back support, and makes sitting and getting up from the chair really easy.
This Zero Gravity Chair also only weighs 16.5lbs, which makes it lightweight enough to transport easily between camping locations, and can also be folded down compactly to fit in the trunk of a car with minimal effort. You’ll also receive a one year warranty when you purchase this camping chair.
3. Timber Ridge XL Padded Zero Gravity Chair
If you suffer from a bad back, the XL Padded Zero Gravity Chair from Timber Ridge could be the perfect camping companion for you. Not only is it designed to give you a weightless feeling that takes all the strain off your back muscles, but it also features padding for extra comfort.
It’s sturdy, tubular steel frame is able to provide support for weights of up to 350lbs and connects to the super durable polyester fabric with a double-bungee support system. The polyester fabric is also fantastic for providing ergonomic support without sacrificing any comfort, and is water-resistant and breathable.
This Zero Gravity Camping Chair is also really adjustable, and allows you to recline and relax into a variety of positions which you can then lock in place with the easy to use locking levers, which is perfect for anybody with back issues. The padded pillow can be removed as well, giving you even more control over comfort.
Available in a range of colors, you’ll be able to effortlessly match this chair to your existing camping equipment, and it even features a built-in cup holder for the ultimate relaxing experience. You’ll also get total peace of mind with it’s included one year warranty.
4. MARCHWAY Heavy Duty Ultralight Camping Chair
Perfect for camping vacations, the Heavy Duty Ultralight Camping Chair from MARCHWAY weighs in at only 3.7lbs and can be compacted down to a really small size for easy storage and transportation. Don’t be deceived by it’s lightweightedness, however, as it has a variety of features that are ideal for bad back sufferers.
The seat is constructed using ripstop polyester with wide corners that are reinforced for added stability, and the breathable panel provides support whilst allowing your skin to breathe. You’ll also find a padded headrest for even more comfort and support.
This fabric is also designed to stretch and mold to the contours of your back over time without it sagging, and the high-backed design ensures that your knees are kept at a normal distance to the ground so you’ll be able to get in and out of the chair comfortably without any unnecessary strain.
This camping chair’s frame is constructed using thickened aviation-grade aluminum alloy poles that are both lightweight and super strong, as well as corrosion resistant resistant. The frame can hold weights up to 250lbs, and also features Velcro straps that help keep everything secured.
5. STRONGBACK Elite Camp Chair
The award winning Elite Camp Chair from STRONGBACK has been specially designed to provide comfort and support for anyone suffering from a bad back, and ensures that you’re provided with a relaxing place to sit without any strain on your spine.
One of the things that makes this chair so unique is that the lumbar support is integrated with the frame, which means that your back will be fully supported and there’s no risk of any loss to padding or sagging fabric over time. Instead it’s ergonomic design, along with padded armrests, provide long-lasting and reliable support and comfort.
It’s frame is constructed from super durable powder-coated steel which doesn’t only make it incredibly strong with a 300lb weight capacity, but also means it can withstand a variety of adverse weather conditions without rusting or corroding.
Additional relaxation is provided by the built-in cup holder, and the variety of colors this chair is available in makes it easy to match with any existing camping gear. It also folds down really easily, and weighs only 11.9lbs so is perfect for throwing in the trunk of your car and hitting the road.
6. KingCamp Breathable Folding Chair
Designed with comfort, support and style in mind, the Breathable Folding Chair from KingCamp is the perfect choice for anybody looking for a camping chair that can provide a relaxing place to sit and take any strain off their back.
It’s moisture-wicking 600D Oxford fabric is completely breathable, reducing the build up of sweat and moisture on your skin even as you kick back and relax in hot weather, and it’s also padded for additional comfort.
The super durable steel frame ensures that you’re kept stable, and can withstand weights of up to 300lbs, whilst the ergonomically designed padded armrests add to this camping chair’s comfort levels. It even features an integrated cup holder and a mesh side-storage bag, so you can keep everything close at hand, preventing you from having to get up and down too often.
This amazing chair can also be easily folded up for easy transportation, and comes with a storage bag to keep it safe when it’s not in use. Available in either black or blue, you’ll be able to match it with your existing camping gear, and the one year warranty covers you for a refund or replacement in the unlikely event of any quality issues.
Best Camping Chair for Bad Back – Buyers Guide
The majority of camping chairs are pretty basic models that won’t offer you any additional features that are useful if you suffer from a bad back, so it’s really important to make sure that the model you’re looking at has been specially designed to provide you with the comfort and support you need.
Below, we’ve listed some key points that you need to bear in mind when you’re shopping around, and that will help you find the perfect camping chair for your individual needs the first time around.
Design & Height
When you’re shopping for a camping chair for a bad back, there are a couple of dimensions you need to consider. This is an easily-overlooked area, but it’s arguably one of the most important things to bear in mind, and will play a large role in keeping you supported and comfortable.
The first dimension to consider is the height of the back of the chair. Camping chairs that have higher backs are going to be much more comfortable to recline in, and will help to keep your entire spine supported as you lounge, removing pressure from any painful areas.
Chairs that have shorter backs are unlikely to offer you a reclining option, and will usually only keep you supported up to your shoulders. Shorter-backed chairs are a better option for anybody with localized, lower-back pain as you’ll be able to stay in the same position for a long time comfortably.
The next dimension to give some thought to is the height of the seat from the ground. This will determine how easy it is going to be to get in and out of the chair, and if you’re a taller person or you suffer from knee problems as well as a bad back, you should look for a camping chair that has a higher seat.
This will allow you to sit down into the chair and stand up again without putting any extra strain on any of your joints or muscles.
Likewise, if you’re a shorter person, then it’s better to look for a chair that has a seat closer to the ground. This will allow you to easily sit down and stand up out of the chair without having to put any extra effort into it, and it will also keep your feet on the ground for a better ergonomic seating position.
Lumbar Support
It’s fairly obvious that you’re going to be looking for lumbar support features in a camping chair for a bad back, however there are several different support systems used across camping chairs, and finding the right one for you will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Some chairs use zero-gravity designs to provide lumbar support, and these are designed to support your entire spine to give you a weightless feeling as you recline. These are really good if you have multiple problem areas in your back, and will totally take any muscle strain away.
Another form of lumbar support offered by some camping chairs is the addition of adjustable headrests and lower back supports. These are really good for providing support for localized areas of pain, and are fantastic for keeping your spine in place whilst giving you a comfortable place to relax.
There are some camping chairs that use the best of both, and provide a zero gravity feel but also include integrated headrests or lower back supports. These are often removable features, and are really good for finding the perfect level of comfort and support for your individual needs, allowing you to switch things up whenever you need to.
Weight Capacity
Another regularly overlooked aspect of camping chairs, but an extremely important one, is the maximum weight capacity that the chair can hold. Exceeding this weight limit won’t only cause potential damage to the fabric or frame of the chair, but can also cause injury to the person sitting in it, exacerbating any existing back issues.
Luckily, the majority of camping chairs for bad backs offer a maximum weight capacity of around 250lbs – 350lbs, so you’ll be able to relax in confidence.
It’s also important to remember that exceeding the weight limit can also void the warranty, and if anything were to break you’ll be left with the expense of replacing your chair. So take the time to research it and make sure that the chair will be able to comfortably withstand the weight being placed into it.
Upholstery Material
The next thing to give some thought to is the type of material that the chair has been upholstered in. There are many different fabrics available across the wide range of options, so finding the best one for you will ensure you’re as comfortable and supported as possible whilst you relax.
Polyester is a common fabric used in the upholstery of camping chairs, and it’s a really choice as it’s super durable so it won’t easily tear or rip even with extended use. When you’re looking at polyester, you’ll often notice that there is a number followed by the letter ‘D’ used to describe it. This ‘D’ stands for ‘Denier’, and the higher the number in front of it, the tougher the polyester.
For example, most clothing made from polyester will have a denier rating of about 70D, and this is because it’s quite soft and will rip fairly easily. In comparison, camping chairs tend to have denier ratings of between 600D to 1000D, which means it’s made from a super tough fabric that can withstand a lot of pressure and won’t break easily.
One thing that you do need to bear in mind about polyester is that, although tough and water resistant, it’s not totally waterproof so you may have to bring it indoors or cover it over in particularly bad weather conditions.
Another material you’ll often see used in the upholstery of camping chairs in textaline. Textaline is one of the most durable fabrics available, and is specially designed for outdoor use, with each single yarn used in it’s construction having been coated in PVC for improved water-resistance and weather-proofing.
Textaline is also designed as a strong mesh, which makes it extremely breathable. This is perfect for keeping your spine supported and providing a flow of air to your skin, allowing any sweat or moisture to evaporate away and preventing you from being uncomfortable or overheating.
Frame Material
As well as the upholstery material used in the construction of your camping chair, you also need to pay some attention to the material that the frame is made of. Again, there are a couple of options available here, and each has it’s own benefits.
The majority of camping chairs will have frames that are made from steel or tubular steel. This makes them naturally durable and sturdy, and it should last for a really long time as long as you’re sticking to the chair’s weight limit.
A lot of these steel frames will also have been treated with a powder coating, which adds an extra layer of protection to it and helps to prevent any damage from weather that can lead to rust or corrosion.
Another material used in the construction of camping chair frames is aircraft-grade aluminum. This isn’t as strong as steel, but can still hold a good amount of weight, and makes the chair a lot lighter itself. This means that you’ll be able to move the chair around your campsite or place it in and out of your vehicle with a lot more ease.
Aluminum frames are also naturally corrosion resistant, so don’t be concerned if you notice that they haven’t had the same powder-coating treatment applied to them as their steel alternatives.
Portability
The whole idea of a camping trip is to be out and about in the great outdoors, moving from beauty spot to beauty spot and taking in the stunning views provided by a variety of different locations. With that in mind, it’s important that your camping chair is portable and easy to take from place to place.
Take into consideration the weight of the chair first of all. Anything too heavy is going to be uncomfortable, and could cause further damage to your existing back pain, so the lighter the chair is the easier it’ll be to move around with.
Remember, also, that extra weight in the car adds to fuel consumption, so a lighter weight chair will also help save you a bit of money when it comes to filling your gas tank.
The next thing to think about is how compact the chair is. Almost all camping chairs are designed to fold down easily, which means they’ll take up less space in your vehicle and leave you with more room for your other camping gear.
Some chairs will also come with a storage bag, which is super useful for keeping it safe on it’s journey, as well as giving you somewhere to store it away neatly when it’s not in use.
Generally speaking, larger reclining chairs are going to take up more room than smaller chairs, but they will still give you a decent amount of space to store and transport your tent and other items. However, they will be more difficult to carry over long distances, so aren’t ideal if you’re hiking to a certain beauty spot.
Extra Features
There are some fun extra features that you can also find in camping chairs, and these don’t only add to the relaxation experience but can also help your bad back as they remove the need for you to get up too regularly.
The most common extra feature you’ll find is an integrated cup holder, which will provide you with a place to keep your drink close to hand and means that you won’t have to worry about bending down to the ground to place or pick up your drink.
Another great extra feature is the addition of a side-storage pocket. With this, you’ll be able to keep your cell phone, book or snacks close to hand. Just load it up with everything you could possibly need for the day, settle down in your chair and sink into relaxation!
Warranty
Camping chairs can be expensive investments, so it’s always worth looking at what sort of warranty you’ll be getting with it. These can range from a couple of months coverage up to a full year, and the longer the warranty period lasts the more time you’ll be covered for.
However long your warranty lasts for, it’s super important to take note of the small print. As we’ve outlined above, your warranty can be voided if you exceed the weight limit your chair is capable of holding, but it can also be voided for a variety of other reasons.
Most of the time the chair itself will have been made using high quality materials and will be designed to last, but it’s always worth making sure you’re covered for a refund or a replacement just in case something does go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a zero gravity chair?
Zero gravity chairs are designed to provide a weightless feeling to your body as you recline, and help to take any muscle strain away from your back whilst you recline. This makes them especially good for anybody that suffers from a bad back, and they are ideal for taking on camping trips or for lounging outdoors in.
What’s the best camping chair for a bad back?
There are several features you should look for when buying a camping chair for a bad back, but chief amongst these is lumbar support. This comes in a variety of ways, but can be ultimately broken down into either zero gravity support or adjustable pillows and headrests.
What is textaline?
Textaline is man-made fabric that has been specially designed for outdoor use. It’s constructed using super strong polyester threads, each of which has been coated with PVC to make it extremely weather-proof and water-resistant. Textaline also has a mesh-like appearance, which makes it breathable, allowing a flow of air to get to your skin and allowing sweat and moisture to evaporate away.
Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
- Dual finger tip locking system
- Folds down to only 6.3 inches wide
- Durable textaline fabric suspended by double bungee system