If you enjoy spending lots of time outdoors, camping chairs are a must have. These kinds of chairs are very multifunctional and will give you the ideal seat to enjoy right from your back garden.
You can use them elsewhere too, such as in a friend’s house, or when you are watching an outdoor concert. There are a number of types available all with a bunch of features and materials that are used to make them.
To get the best quality it’s worth looking at the best heavy duty chairs, as these are made from stronger materials and they have higher capacities, so they will last for years.
In a hurry? This is our Winner!
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
- 600D polyester fabric provides stability and comfort
- Patented, Powder-Coated Steel Frame
- The King Kong boasts a roomy seat measuring 24.5 inches wide
When you’re looking at buying a durable camping chair such as heavy duty ones, there are a number of things you should be looking out for to make sure that the model you have is going to be right for you. One of these things to check is the maximum capacity so you are going to know that the chair will be able to hold your weight.
You should also consider the dimensions of the seat and backrest so you are going to know if it is going to fit the frame of the person that will be sitting in it without squishing them as they sit down. The size when folded is going to tell you how much room it’s going to take up when it’s transported, packed and storage. Of course, some materials are also stronger than others so you will need to investigate into the upholstery too.
To help you to select the best heavy duty chair for your needs, we’ve spent many weeks looking through manufacturer websites, looking at the all-important product information and reading through reviews of as many products as we were able to find.
From there, we selected the best products, made a chart to compare, wrote some reviews that are in depth and we’ve added a buying guide to ensure that you buy the best option for your individual needs.
Our Favorite Heavy Duty Camping Chairs
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Our Pick
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ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair |
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KingCamp Camping Chair |
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Stylish Camping SL1215 Burgundy Heavy Duty |
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Coleman Big and Tall Camp Chair |
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CORE 40021 Equipment Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair |
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STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Lawn Lounge Chair |
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KingCamp Camping Chair |
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Timber Ridge Camping Chair |
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Our Expert Reviews – Heavy Duty Camping Chairs
1. Our Top Pick: ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
One of the best rated heavy duty camping chairs on the market at the moment is the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair. This is an impressive camping chair made out of powder coated steel for the frame, and this is incredibly durable and sturdy. It’s even able to hold up to 800 pounds worth of weight! The back and the seat consists of 600D polyester fabric with some extra padding for more comfort.
In addition to the seat and back, there are a few other things that use the polyester fabric so that it can be used for a long time, and this also adds some extra benefits to the chair. The chair has wide armrests and you canactually adjust their height which is pretty handy! Both of these arm rests has a mesh cup holder so it’s possible to store a water bottle and a can of soda or beer all at once. It also has a storage bag hanging off either arm which is useful to hold a book, a phone, headphones, snacks, and even some small gaming consoles to keep your kids occupied.
The back of the chair has yet another storage bag, and this is made of mesh and is definitely big enough to cover the whole top third of the back of the seat. Rhis is ideal for storing larger items that aren’t quite small enough to fit in the side bags, or you are able to roll up the storage bag and tuck it inside so that you can ensure that it doesn’t get misplaced.
On the note of carry bags, you will get one with your camping chair. It has dual straps so you can carry the chair almost like a backpack, which means you can keep your hands free to hold anything else you need to bring along with you.
2. KingCamp Moon Saucer Leisure Heavy Duty Steel Camping Chair
The popularity of round camping chairs is on the rise, so of course this camping chair is becoming increasingly more popular. The chair is made out of 600D oxford fabric that is very breathable and is able to keep you cool on those especially hot summer days. The materials even wick away moisture so you will remain nice and dry throughout the day.
The seat and the back of the chair are padded in order to ensure that you remain comfortable all throughout the day. They are also positioned with a little recline so it’s possible to relax around the fire and sit back. It also has a very versatile black and white coloring that will look neutral in most any situation.
The frame consists of a durable steel that is able to support up to 330 pounds. In addition, this frame is very easy to fold down when you need to pack up the chair and make your way home. It even comes with a carry bag and a shoulder strap so you have even more portability. The plastic feet have grips on them too so there’s extra stability that will help to stop the chair from shifting as you move around.
To the side of the chair you will find a useful drink holder that you can use to hold a bottle of water or a soda can. You will also find a cooler bag located on the back of the chair that you can use to hold a few additional drinks. This space can be used to store other items such as headphones, keys, phones or whatever else you want to keep nearby as you enjoy some well deserved relaxation time.
3. Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair
If you want a compact and lightweight camping chair that will give you a lot of bang for your buck, you’re sure to be impressed with the Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair. This chair is able to fold down totally flat when it isn’t being used for easy traveling or to store under a bed or in a closet. When the chair is opened out it has an impressive capacity of up to 350 pounds, so even larger people are going to have somewhere cosy to sit.
The frame of the chair consists of aluminum, and this contributes to its small weight. The frame also has crossbeams on the bottom, but it can extend up on either side of the backrest. There is some nice padding around the arms to give even more comfort.
On the one side of the chair is a table attached. This is also made out of aluminum and you can fold it out or leave it down as and when it’s required. The table also has a cup holder in it that will stop your drink from spilling if the chair is moved suddenly and unexpectedly.
The chair consists of an 800D nylon material on the seat and back, and this is very durable and easy to clean, but it can fade if you leave it out in the sun too much. There are two color options, which are black or burgundy, so you can choose whichever option is going to best suit you. You can also get some extra comfort from the padding on the backrest. You can use some loops positioned on the bottom of the seat to carry the chair easily when it’s folded.
4. Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
With a price as good as this, you may think that the chair only has the absolute basics and nothing else. This is certainly not the case. This chair from Coleman has so much to offer, with some great features that really give you your value for money.
The chair has a durable and strong steel frame that ensures that you will be able to use the chair for many years to come. It’s able to support up to 600 pounds if necessary so anyone will be able to use it, whatever the shape and size. It also has large plastic feet on the bottom that give the chair extra stability, but it’s still best that you put the chair on even terrain if possible.
All of the fabric areas consist of polyester and they have some padding in the back that will give more comfort. As the chair is made to be used by larger individuals, it also offers two feet worth of seating space. The seat also has a small drain hole that will stop puddles from forming inside the seat if you happen to leave the chair out in the rain. You can adjust the arms too, so you will be able to set them to the best height for your build. In addition to this, there is a large insulated cup holder that will help to keep your drinks at the best temperature.
Another really useful feature is the CellPort phone sleeve. This is made out of PVS waterproof material, so it will keep your phone protected during the damp weather. It’s even touchscreen compatible so you are able to play games or text while it’s in there. The chair has a mesh flap positioned on the side of the arm that is able to hold charge cords, keys and other small items that you would rather not lose.
5. Core 40021 Equipment Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair
This is a very comfortable and sturdy padded chair that is a fantastic addition to any backyard barbecue or camping trip. It consists of durable steel for the train and this makes it have a lot of stability. It’s also very easy to fold down!
For the back, seat and arms, Core has opted for brushed polyester. This material is not only durable but it also feels incredibly soft against the skin. These fabric areas also have a little bit of padding too and this helps to add to your comfort as you are relaxing next to the fire or if you’re watching a long concert.
If you’re worried about hydration then you needn’t be concerned – the chair has an oversized cup holder to the side that’s attached to the leg of the chair. This folds down and can open up when you need to put a bottle or a cup of water inside of it. When you’ve finished your drink, you can collapse the cup holder and fold it up against the chair leg where it will be out of the way. This also means that it’s more compact when you’re trying to pack the chair up to leave too.
On the opposite side of the cup holder there is a decently sized pouch. Inside of the pouch there are two mesh pockets where you can hold smaller items such as toys, a phone, sunglasses or a wallet.
You will also get a carry sack with your purchase that has a large strap that will allow you to carry the folded chair on your shoulder. The bag has a fairly large opening too so it’s much easier to put the camping chair into it when it’s time to pack up.
6. Strongback Elite Folding Camping Chair
Unfortunately a lot of camping chairs on the market don’t have a lot to offer when it comes to back support. They will just let your spine curve which can cause back pain even to people who don’t usually experience it. The Strongback Elite Folding Camping Chair is a refreshing breath of fresh air in this regard as it has a lumbar support system built into the frame, and this helps to properly support your back. It ensures that your spine is properly aligned in the chair, and this relaxes your muscles and relieves any pain.
The chair is also designed to be able to last for a long time. The frame is made up of a powder coated steel, while there is 600D polyester on the seat, backrest and the armrests. The fabric is resistant to wear and tear too so you don’t need to worry about it falling apart after the first use. The chair is also able to hold 300 pounds. It has a wide seat and an ergonomic design that aids in aligning your hips and back, and it helps to reduce pain in these areas. It also has padded armrests so you aren’t going to feel the frame through them when you’re trying to relax.
From one of the chair arms you will find a cup holder hanging, though it is a little bit too small to hold anything larger than a standard sized can. The cup holder also isn’t integrated into the arm of the chair so you might end up tilting your drink if you end up moving in the chair as you sit in it.
The chair comes with a carry case included and this has backpack style straps. This can allow you to carry the chair like a backpack on your back. It means you are able to carry any other items you may need such as a picnic basket, cooler or a sleepy child.
7. KingCamp Folding Camping Chair
Once you’ve sunk into your camping chair to relax, it’s pretty hard to get out when you’re comfortable, and you certainly don’t want to get up unnecessarily. Thankfully the KingCamp Folding Camping Chair has catered to all of your needs so you can just sit and relax without needing to get up to grab a new drink or anything. The chair has plenty of storage areas for your convenience.
To start with you have the storage area at the top of the seat’s back. This storage area it zippered and large, so it’s possible to store a sweater or a pillow in there easily. There is a cooler bag hunt on the left arm. The cooler bag is insulated and large enough for you to store a number of cans of your favorite beverage. You will even have a cup holder on the right arm in order to hold your drink once it’s opened.
On the left side of the seat there is also an additional storage pouch. This is made out of mesh on the outside which allows you to see the contents inside with ease. There are also two smaller pockets inside of the pouch that are big enough to hold a magazine, a phone, a book or a tablet, and any extra accessories.
The frame is also quite durable and strong, made out of steel tubes. The seat, back and the arms are very comfortable, made out of padded oxford fabric. There is a large seating area designed to give a lot of room. You will also find an optional lumbar support system on the back of the chair that you can attach with velcro and adjust as needed for the best support.
8. Timber Ridge Camping Chair
Considering the sheet amount of features that this product has, it should come as no surprise that it’s ranked here as one of the best heavy duty folding camping chairs on the market. The chair has a frame that consists of sturdy steel, and it is able to hold up to 300 pounds in total. This means it’s ideal for pretty much anyone in your group. It’s made out of a polyester material for the seating parts, and this is strong and durable enough to be able to last for hundreds of camping trips and outings.
The arms and the seat are both padded in order to give comfort, and this is particularly useful when you want to sit comfortably for a while. It has a straight back that aids in giving good posture, but there is no recline option for some relaxation after a particularly long day.
You will find small plastic feet on the bottom of the chair, and this can swivel as you need it to in order to keep the chair positioned upright and steady on any kind of terrain. Another feature you may find useful is the cup holder, and this is positioned beneath the seat. When you need it, it’s possible to slide it out to hold your drink. When you no longer need it you can swivel it back and out of the way.
This chair can also fold down quite quickly and without a lot of hassle. You can simply store it in the carry bag that’s included, and this has a large carry handle so you can carry it with you wherever you go. The chair also comes in four different color variations, so it’s possible to match it with your other gear and personal preferences.
How to Buy a Heavy Duty Camping Chair
If you are intending to buy a camping chair, then it’s important to ensure that the quality is decent and it will have the capacity that you need to support you as you sit in it. In order to do this, you will need to check all of the features that every chair can offer, and ensure that they are going to fit with your needs. If you do this, you will be able to know if the product you are contemplating buying is going to be right for you, and you’ll have a chair that can meet your needs for many years to come.
Why should you buy a heavy duty camping chair?
There are a couple of reasons to buy a heavy duty camping chair instead of a cheaper, lighter model. Heavy duty camping chairs are made to have a higher weight capacity, so it means they are able to hold people of all shapes and sizes. They tend to have wider backs and seats too, so you will be able to comfortably sit in them even if you are slightly larger. Heavy duty chairs also use sturdy and durable materials for the upholstery and frame, and they add comfort features that will help to make sure that you have a comfortable experience sitting in them. The chairs come with many of the extra things you may find on other camping chairs, such as cup holders, storage pockets and carry sacks.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Heavy Duty Camping Chair
When you are looking to buy the best heavy duty camping chair, there are a couple of features that you should be trying to look for. Some of these features are vital for the durability, stability and the comfort of the chair, and others are just handy additions that are going to make the chair more convenient for you.
Maximum Capacity
The maximum capacity of a heavy duty camping chair refers to the upper limit of weight that the chair is going to be able to hold at one time. A lot of the chairs that we’ve covered on this list have a maximum capacity that ranges between 300 to 350 pounds, though some of them go much above this, such as the 600 pounds maximum capacity of the Coleman Big-N0Tall Quad Camping Chair. Meanwhile, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair has an upper weight limit of up to 800 pounds. If your chair is able to hold a lot of weight then you will have more peace of mind when you sit in at, especially after a couple of months of use.
Dimensions
Of course, we all know that everyone is unique and people can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This is the reason why you need to pay a lot of attention to the dimensions of the chair that you are thinking of buying. The dimensions will usually be specified in length, width and height of the chair after you open it up and it’s ready to be sat in. The dimensions are mentioned to make sure that you are going to be getting the correct chair for your size, so you are going to know if it will be comfortable for you.
Not all of the chairs have a backrest height stated, but if you can you should try and find out the height of the backrest, or at least getting a picture of what it looks like when someone is sat in it. A backrest is designed for your back but a lot of camping chairs are high enough to be able to support your neck and head too. If they aren’t you will not have that additional support so you may end up making your neck sore after you’ve been sitting for quite a while.
Seat Width and Height
You may not think that the seat height is all that important but when you sit down in a chair that isn’t designed in a way that properly supports your body, you will most certainly know. If the seat is too high then your legs may end up hanging down. This can force them to press into the fabric on the edge of the seat, and this can put a lot of pressure on the backs of the knees. This can become very uncomfortable after a while. If your chair is too low for you then your knees are going to be too high or you’re going to have to extend your legs outwards. It can also make it a little more difficult to get out of the chair, even more so for people who are larger or for seniors that may struggle with movement a little more than the younger group members.
The seat should have a width that can accommodate the width of the person’s body that’s going to be sitting in the chair. If it’s too slim, even a couple of inches too small, it may pinch and squeeze you, and this can be rather uncomfortable and make it difficult to relax in it. On the other hand, it’s a lot better to get a chair that’s too wide than one that’s too slim, regardless of what size you are.
Upholstery Materials
The heavy duty camping chair upholstery material should be durable and strong enough to be able to withstand the weight of the person it is holding. It’s quite common to see polyester used in heavy duty camping chairs as it’s a material that doesn’t tear very easily, it resists stains and moisture and it doesn’t fade very quickly if it’s left out in the sun for many hours throughout the summer months.
Alternatively, other chairs such as the Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair uses nylon as the upholstery material. This is slightly stronger than polyester and it’s also much softer against the skin, and this is pretty important if you are wearing shorts when you sit in the chair. Nylon is also going to absorb more water though so leaving it out in the rain is not the best choice.
A number of the chairs that we’ve reviewed in this ranking also use oxford fabric. This does have a thicker weave than the other two materials we’ve covered, so it can be heavier. It is also an insulating material, so it can get warmer than the other two options. It is a durable material and it should still last for a number of years before it needs to be replaced. It’s also worth noting that Oxford fabric can dry very fast and even though it is coarse to begin with, it will soften every time you use it.
Frame Materials
The materials used for the frame are arguably even more important than the upholstery used. A cheap frame is going to be inadequate as it may buckle under the weight that you put in the chair – this can even be the case if you are a small person. The frame is also going to add to the weight of the chair so you will be better off opting for a heavy duty chair that has a sturdy frame that isn’t going to weigh a ton as you carry it from place to place.
One popular choice of frame material is aluminum as it’s a very lightweight metal. Steel is also used a lot, as it’s resilient and strong, but it’s a little heavier than aluminum is. Both of these materials resist rust as long as they aren’t left out in the rain all through the summer. They are also able to withstand frequent use and they can resist scratches and other marks that may otherwise disfigure other materials.
You should also remember, however, that the frame is only going to be as good as the connectors that are used to keep it held together. If the chair has substandard rivets then they may break as you are sitting, and you’ll end up tumbling onto the ground along with your chair. You should check these out before you decide to buy the chair, just to make sure that they are just as durable as the frame itself.
Weight
As we’ve already mentioned about, the materials that are used for the frame and the upholstery are the things that are going to determine the weight of the chair that you are planning to buy. While you may want heavy duty materials to ensure that the chair is going to last you a very long time, you will still need to think about how you plan on using the chair to begin with. If you intend to use it in your backyard the vast majority of the time then weight isn’t going to be too much of a problem. If, however, you plan on taking your chair to the beach, on a camping trip, to sports events or to outdoor shows, you are going to be carrying it around on your back a lot, so a heavier chair can easily become a big problem in a limited amount of time. If this is your intention then you may want to opt for a lighter chair such as the Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair.
Warranty
One of the most important things to consider when you are buying a heavy duty camping chair is the kind of warranty you are going to get, especially if the chair is a heavy duty one that is designed to last for a long time. This is why a lot of brands will provide a good warranty to make sure that you are going to be using your chair for years after you buy it. As an example, a lot of the chairs, such as the Timber Ridge Camping Chair mentioned above, come with a one year warranty. This is going to cover you for any workmanship defects so you will not need to pay more money in order to repair a chair that wasn’t crafted to the company’s standards.
One of the chairs that we have covered on this list actually goes above and beyond this. The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair provides customers with a brilliant lifetime limited warranty, and this covers manufacturer defects for the whole lifetime of the original user. Because of this, if any defective parts appear even years after you’ve made your purchase, you are still going to be able to get your repairs done, or you can even get a whole new chair if it’s necessary.
Extra Features
There are a couple of extra things that are definitely going to make your chair a lot better. One of these things is a cup holder. You can get these in a number of different sizes, and most of them are built straight into the chair so you can always keep your drink near to your hand. Storage pockets can also be very useful, and can keep wallets, phones, keys and other items safe and nearby.
Another thing that can be handy is an inbuilt table, such as the one that is present in the Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair. These tables are able to hold snacks, phones, magazines and pretty much anything else that you need right next to you. In addition, you can also fold them down with the chair so there’s no need to carry a separate table with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seat height is going to be the best for a man that’s around 6 foot tall?
You’re going to need a higher seat chair the taller you are, as the seat is going to need to be able to accommodate your long legs. If you are on the taller end of the spectrum then you are best getting a seat height of around 15-18 inches, so that you have plenty of space for your legs to fold naturally in front of you.
What folding heavy duty camping chairs give the best back and lumbar support?
There are two models on our list that provide fantastic back and lumbar support: the Strongback Elite Folding Camping Chair and the KingCamp Folding Camping Chair. These are designed to be able to keep your back properly positioned, to reduce pain and are made to stop pain from returning as you sit. The Strongback chair does have its lumbar support in a fixed position, while the KingCamp chair comes with adjustable lumbar support so you can make it perfect for your individual needs.
How much space do folding heavy duty camping chairs take up when they are folded?
The amount of space that every chair is going to occupy will largely depend on the height and size of the chair and how it folds down. For example, the Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair folds down flat, so it’s possible to slide is behind a seat or you can place it on top of the rest of your gear. The other chairs that we’ve covered on our list are able to squeeze into slightly more cylindrical spaces, so you will need to think more carefully about how they’re positioned when you pack them up. Regardless, the height of the chair is going to stay around the same when it’s folded or when it’s open, so you are going to need to keep this in mind when you are traveling or storing your heavy duty camping chair.
Our Verdict
A heavy duty camping chair is a fantastic addition to any outdoor activity. These chairs have large capacities, wide seats and backs and are able to accommodate people of all shapes and sizes. There are a couple that should be given an honorable mention though.
Of course, our favorite is the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair, and this has a large weight capacity of 800 pounds, a very sturdy steel frame and padded polyester material. It has adjustable armrests, two cup holders and three pockets for easy storage.
The KingVamp Moon Saucer Leisure Heavy Duty Steel Camping Chair also has steel in the frame, and it has moisture-wicking padded oxford upholstery. It has a cup holder on the side and a very useful cooler bag positioned on the back.
The only one on our list that has an attached table and cup holder built into it is the Stylish Vamping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair. This can also fold flat and it has carry loops on the chair for extra convenience.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
- 600D polyester fabric provides stability and comfort
- Patented, Powder-Coated Steel Frame
- The King Kong boasts a roomy seat measuring 24.5 inches wide