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The best camping chairs for holidays, festivals and picnics, tested in the wild
Cosy up around the campfire with our top picks
Tested by Kim HawleySenior Health & Fitness Tester
Whether you’re planning a wholesome family holiday, joining the queue for tickets at Wimbledon, or just heading to the local park for some gins in a tin, the right gear can transform your trip from high stress to success. This includes the best camping chair for a comfortable spot to rest.
But before rushing to buy, consider your options carefully. Ideally, you want something that’s easy to assemble, offers sufficient cushioning and is quick to dry – especially if you’re holidaying in the UK.
Which are the best camping chairs in 2026?
To save you from achy limbs and a sore bottom, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts hit the great outdoors to put a range of styles through rigorous testing, including budget options starting from £20 and premium designs that cost over £100 but come with added side tables, cup holders and more.
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To find the best, our experts – who are also keen adventurers – put the camping chairs through rigorous testing in the lab and in the wild, scoring them on a range of factors including design, ease of use and comfort. You'll find a full breakdown of our rigorous testing below.
Your throne awaits...
YETI Coolers Trailhead Camping Chair
YETI Coolers Trailhead Camping Chair
Pros
- Supportive, comfortable design
- Simple to set up
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Very pricey
Score: 85/100
If your budget stretches and you’re a keen camper, our top-scorer from premium outdoorsy brand YETI is a worthwhile investment. Made with the brand’s breathable FlexGrid mesh fabric, a high back and sturdy armrests, it scored top marks for comfort. “It’s really comfy,” said one tester, while another said: “You can sit in it for a very long time.”
It also proved a doddle to set up – unfold it, lock it into place and you’re good to go. It was just as simple to pack away and comes with a neat carry case, complete with padded straps, which you can sling over your shoulders or wear as a backpack. Just note, at 6kg, it isn’t the lightest in our round-up.
Our experts were impressed with the detachable drink holder, which was easy to clean and can be placed on the left or right side, and they liked that the fabric is resistant to UV rays, so it will remain in tip-top condition even if you’re sitting out in the sun for hours. The chair doesn’t recline but that was our only niggle.
Key specifications
| Weight | 6kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (cm) | 25.9D X 21.1W X 110H |
| Maximum load | 227kg |
Helinox Chair One (High-Back)
Helinox Chair One (High-Back)
Pros
- Washable seat
- High-quality build
Cons
- Pricey
- On the smaller side
Score: 76/100
If portability is a priority for festivals and hiking holidays, this lightweight number from the camping experts at Helinox is your perfect match. It weighs just over 1kg and packs down into a neat carry case that’s small enough to stuff into your rucksack.
Our experts said it was a doddle to set up – the aluminium poles clip together to make the frame, and the seat cover stretches over the top. The fabric is washable and UV-resistant, so it will remain in tip-top condition trip after trip. Despite the compact design, the build was surprisingly sturdy and it was comfortable to sit in, with handy mesh panelling to prevent sticky, sweaty bottoms.
There’s a side pocket for small bits and bobs, but it lacks an integrated cup holder. Also note, it sits low to the ground and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Key specifications
| Weight | 1.1kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (cm) | 51D X 52.5W X 65H |
| Maximum load | 145kg |
Vango Samson 2 Oversized Camping Armchair
Pros
- Good value for money
- Adjustable features
- Good for travel
Cons
- Not the comfiest to carry
Score: 80/100
Vango is best known for its reliable tents, but the brand’s camping chairs are just as impressive. This fuss-free design is brimming with useful features, including adjustable arm rests and an insulated cup holder for steaming mugs of hot chocolate or icy tumblers of wine.
According to our testers, the chair felt well-made and robust, the padded seat was “super comfortable” and wide enough to accommodate a range of body types. It takes moments to unpack, folds up small and, at under 4kg, is lightweight. It also comes with a travel bag for portability.
The drinks holder is a tad tricky to clean and we would have liked a padded strap to make carrying it around a comfier experience. Overall, though, it’s an excellent all-rounder for camping trips, festivals or beach days out for a budget-friendly price.
Key specifications
| Weight | 3.96kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (cm): | 60D x 92W x 104H |
| Maximum load | 180kg |
Dunelm Padded Yellow Ochre Camping Chair
Dunelm Padded Yellow Ochre Camping Chair
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Wide seat suitable for larger bodies
Cons
- No cup holder
- Fabric could be more breathable
Score: 75/100
Rather spend your hard-earned cash on a fancy tent? There's lots to love about this fuss-free folding chair from Dunelm, which comes in at just under £30.
Thanks to step-by-step instructions, our experts said it took moments to set up and was just as easy to pack away into the roomy carry case. The chair doesn’t recline, but it’s fixed in the perfect position for relaxing and there’s plenty of padding around the bottom, back and shoulders. The build is extremely sturdy and the wide base means it’s suitable for larger bodies, too.
There’s no bottle holder and we would have liked a padded strap to make carrying it around easier. Still, it’s a great pick for the garden or camping holidays with the car, and when you consider the price, it’s hard to complain.
Key specifications
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 80D X 73W X 80H |
| Maximum load | 110kg |
Quechua Low Chair 500L
Quechua Low Chair 500L
Pros
- Compact, breathable design
- Useful pockets for storage
- High back provides neck support
Cons
- May not be suitable for larger bodies
- Folding the chair back up was slightly tricky
Score: 73/100
Another great value option from Quechua, this lightweight, packable design is ideal for wild camping adventures and backpacking trips.
Despite the lack of instructions, it was easy to unfold and comfortable to sit on, with a nice high back for a good level of support. It felt sturdy and stable, and thanks to breathable mesh fabric, there were no sweaty, sticky bottoms. There are side pockets for your essentials (there are no cup holders, though) and it’s easy to clean – just give it a wipe down with a damp cloth.
Our experts found it a little fiddly to disassemble, but they liked the compact carry case, which comes with a handle for easy lugging. You could also fit it into your backpack or strap it on the back of your bike.
Key specifications
| Weight | 1.8kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Not provided |
| Maximum load | 110kg |
Mountain Warehouse Deluxe Camping Chair
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to set up and store away
Cons
- No padding on the strap
Score: 72/100
Another great-value option from Mountain Warehouse, this chair will do the job for picnics, concerts, camping trips, festivals or just lounging about in the garden.
Our testers were surprised by how lightweight it was and liked that it was a cinch to set up – simply open it up and take a seat. It was just as simple to store away, with a handy Velcro strap to keep it together without a case and a thin carry strap you can sling around your shoulder for to-ing and fro-ing from the campsite. The lack of padding on the strap was a touch disappointing, however.
On the plus side, the padded polyester fabric on the seat is comfortable and durable, and the cup holder is easy to clean, should there be any spillages. It's hard to find fault for the price.
Key specifications
| Weight | 3.7kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (cm) | 107D x 58W x 96H |
| Maximum load | 120kg |
Regatta Director’s Camping Chair with Side Table
Regatta Director’s Camping Chair with Side Table
Pros
- Simple to assemble
- Great for eating and drinking outdoors
Cons
- Too bulky to store in small spaces
- Not the comfiest chair
Score: 71/100
Complete with a convenient foldaway table and sturdy drinks holder, this Regatta pew is the dream for picnics, BBQs, fireside feasts and outdoor cinema trips. You can keep your snacks and drinks within easy reach, without ending up with crumbs all over your lap. Testers loved this feature, and they said the chair was relatively straightforward to set up by tugging on the arms.
It’s well made, with a solid steel frame and durable polyester fabric. It’s comfy enough to perch on, but bear in mind that the design is quite rigid and upright, so it’s not one to kick back and relax in. Some testers had issues with stashing it away post-picnic and it packs down flat, so may not be the easiest to fit in a small car boot.
Key specifications
| Weight | 4.6kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (cm) | 18(D) x 79W) x 49(H) |
| Maximum load | 100kg |
How we test camping chairs
Our experts, who have years of camping experience between them, assess each product based on a range of factors.
They consider how simple the chairs are to unpack, put together and store away. Then, they look at their portability credentials, lugging them around to see whether they'll be easy to transport when you're camping and out and about.
Next, they assess comfort and support, awarding extra points for design features such as storage bags, cup holders, tables and adjustable arms.
Our experts also judge the quality of the materials, how easy the chairs are to keep clean and whether they're suitable for larger builds.
They then bring together all that information to score each product out of 100.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test hundreds of health and fitness products every year to find the very best on the market. We put each and every product through rigorous testing, both in real-world and lab conditions, to provide unbiased reviews you can rely on.
Kim Hawley is the senior sleep and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she reviews and develops strict testing protocols for a range of health and wellness products, including camping chairs. She has over 30 years' experience in the fitness industry, with a level 4 personal training qualification and a nutrition qualification. She also spent two decades working in leading health clubs across the UK.
Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, has written about hundreds of health, sleep and wellness products and interrogated the results to help you find the right camping chair for you.
How do I choose a camping chair?
Should you go for something sturdy or a folding design? A simple stool or a recliner? What about features such as cup holders and arm rests? Ultimately, the right camping chair for you depends on your activity of choice. Here are some key factors to consider.
Portability: Some chairs also come with handles, straps or pouches to make them easier to transport.
Capacity: Not all chairs support the same weight – if you have a heavier frame, look for a higher weight capacity and a larger seat width to ensure maximum comfort.
Seat height: Low-to-the-ground chairs are a good choice for those who are shorter and for children. Chairs with longer legs are better suited to tall people and those with mobility issues, as sitting down and getting up will be easier.
Materials: If the chances of rain are high, it’s a good idea to invest in a chair that’s made from water-resistant, fast-drying fabrics such as polyester or nylon. Mesh panels provide breathability and comfort but are typically less water-resistant. Some chairs are treated with a water-repellent coating for an extra layer of moisture protection. Frame materials also vary – aluminium is lighter and more resistant to rust, while steel is considered more durable.
Additional features: Most camping chairs come with a cup holder and arm rest, but some designs boast extras including headrests, pockets, side tables and even canopies to protect from the elements.
How lightweight should my camping chair be?
If you won’t be straying far from your car or tent, you won't need to worry as much about the weight of your camping chair. However, if you're going to be carrying it into festivals or packing it up for a hike, find one that's 2kg or lighter - and packs away small, so it's easy to carry.
The verdict on camping chairs
If you're after an all-singing, all-dancing camping chair that will be with you for years to come, our winner, YETI's Trailhead Camping Chair, is a reliable pick, albeit pricey.
Prefer a fuss-free design that won't cost an arm and a leg? This Dunelm Padded Camping Chair is just under £30, yet still comfy and sturdy.
If food is an integral part of your outdoor adventures, Regatta's Director's Chair, complete with a side table and drinks holder, is your perfect choice.
More expert-approved buys for your next adventure
Whether you're hitting the trails or letting your hair down at a festival, our experts have also rated the best walking poles, the best hiking backpacks and the best tents.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
