Sit back, relax, and prepare to be amused by the saga of finding the perfect camp chair. It was a four year saga before I found my “goldilocks” chair in 2020. I offer this equipment review of camp chairs in hopes it might save save you some time or money in looking for your own perfect camping chair.
Chair #1: The Padded One
I started out with this club chair that I picked up at Camping World. With all that padding, it was comfortable and it was warm when the weather got cold. Since much of my first few months was cold and damp, this wokred out pretty well.
But… it was also bulky for folding up and stowing in the back of the Subaru. And when the hotter temperatures showed up the next spring, it was like baking in an oven. Suddenly, all that padding wasn’t the driver it had been.
Chair #2: The Lightweight One
I saw this slightly padded Moon chair on another vagabond’s website and decided to give it a try. It was definitely lighter-weight so it folded up smaller and it also wasn’t nearly as hot to sit in.
But… that round shape meant the bottom, where my legs stuck out, cut into the back of my thighs. Not so comfortable after an hour or so, trust me. Great if you’re small enough to curl up in it like a cat, but my knees didn’t think much of that idea.
Chair #3: The Swinging One
The Nemo Stargaze Recliner chair was definitely an improvement in a couple of ways. It was very lightweight, being mesh, so when it rained, it dried quickly. And in the south, it rains a lot, so a quick drying chair can be a big asset. Yes, I have an awning, but when I don’t put it up and forget to stow the chair before I leave for that hike, the afternoon rain comes along and then the chair is wet.
But… it didn’t feel that stable as a chair and my back craved more lumbar support. I did like the fact that I could swing in it, though, so I made a mental note that a rocking chair would be nice to have at some point. (The newer model looks like it a much stronger frame, especially the lower crossbar.)
Chair #4: The Back Support One
At a hardware store in Boulder, CO, I picked up this Strongback camping chair. They have two sizes, and the smaller one was just perfect for my frame. It’s got the best back support of any chair so far, which is a big win after a day of towing or hiking. I use a small camp stool as a footstool and that works out pretty well.
I can also use this chair inside as a desk chair, which is awesome because back support means I can work longer without getting all stiff and sore. So far, chair #3 is a keeper.
Chair #5: The Soft Rocker One
My current favorite chair, the GCI MaxRelax Pod Rocker. In January, I pulled my right piriformis muscle, which meant sitting on anything for longer than 30 minutes had me reaching for painkillers and a box of tissues to wipe away the tears. While waiting for my car to get serviced in Tucson, I wandered into the nearby REI and sat down in this chair. OMG. It was the first time I’d been able to sit without pain in a few weeks. I bought the chair on the spot.
The bonus is that it rocks. Literally. It’s got little pistons and it rocks back and forth. Ah…
Chair #6: The LaFuma Recliner
Now that I have more space to carry stuff around (thanks, Ridgeline!), I own a really comfortable LaFuma Zero Gravity recliner, one of those big hulking monsters that you can stretch out on. I tried one in Boulder at the same time I bought the Strongback and finally got a good price at Amazon for one. I’ve had this model for over 2 years now and it’s been great. My back likes it, my butt likes it, and at night, I can easily enjoy the night sky by pushing all the way back to full reclining position. Best camping chair ever, in my experience.
If you enjoyed this equipment review, check out my recommendations for camping equipment outside the trailer
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If it’s the right chair, it doesn’t take too long to get comfortable in it.
Robert DeNiro
Hi Annie, well, I have a free zero gravity chair, in Teal, in NC waiting for you if you still want one. It is the padded kind like in the photo you show, AND it has an awning too. I have one of the mesh ones for myself as i like the airflow I get with it. Weighs less too. I got the teal one free so I am happy to pass it on yo you! Hey, did you get rid of your clam already too? Miss you. Love your articles.
Reading this, I was struck that maybe your next site will be ‘Annie’s Camping stuff tag sale’. After accumulating stuff and figuring out that there are better things for you, then we can find great things in your tag sale site to outfit our camping experiences! Best.
I appreciate all your trailer and vagabond life insight! This post made me chuckle, especially your own photo comment, “Literally the only stuff I still have from this photo is the grey ground cloth and the Alto and the orange jack pads! ”. We are literally packing up the TV to set out on our long awaited adventure! In the tent for now, but hopefully (fingers crossed) we will be in our 1713, Wingin’ It next month! Thanks again!
I love my zero gravity deck chair!
This is so meeeee toooo! I have flirted with the strong back but haven’t gone there, at least not yet. I currently have a reasonably comfortable netting chair that is good for reading however it is lower to the ground and no arms so getting in and out is tedious. If I ever find one, I’ll let you know. Those zero-g chairs are just too cumbersome for me to be worth it no matter how comfortable they are.
I can’t really answer that question about your daughter and the window, Bart. Sometimes the window is high off the ground if the site is one way, and sometimes its lower if the site is another way. Perhaps you can visit an R-series Alto in person and see if your idea would work.
So happy to hear it is doing well in the Garver household 🙂
I totally agree height plays a big part in how comfortable a chair is. If my legs can’t relax, it’s not a good chair for me! One of the things I liked about the La Fuma gravity chairs is that they had big and small sizes, and the small was perfect for my height. Now if I can justify the price…
Ray has a chair similar to your last one. He says it’s comfortable, but I tried it out and couldn’t get comfortable in it at all. The difference may have been that he’s 6’ to my 5’2.
We also have a variety. Currently have the mesh anti-gravity chairs and they dry quickly and are comfortable. They are a little bulky but fold up flat against the back of the truck cab. You do need to make sure it is pretty level. I have gone ass over tea kettle once and “almost” a couple times. With 2 vodka tonics and in full anti-gravity mode (because it really does feel like you are going to tip backwards just before it stops), it’s lights out, and I miss the stars. I like the idea of that rocking one.
Your original blue club chair is now part of the Garver household and is in heavy rotation there! It matches their blue Adirondack chairs quite nicely.
My sister got me the “B Cool” folding chair and I love it. It has fans built into the back and when turned on, cools your back, shoulders and neck. Great for a hot day. The fans are charge by a usb rechargeable battery pack. The armrest are adjustable and lock into position with a strap. The only downfall is those who are short (I’m 5’2”) will need some sort of foot stool to keep your legs from dangling for the ultimate comfort.
https://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/patio-furniture/folding-lawn-chairs-tables/b-cool-quad-chair-assorted-colors/18mz-bc-fc110/p-1506061636916.htm
I really like my Rhino chairs. They have a lumbar strap system and the cover stuffs in the head rest for a pillow feel. Can and cell phone pockets on both sides. Maybe a bit heavy.
https://www.etrailer.com/tv-review-rhino-rack-fold-out-camping-chair-rrrcc.aspx
One question on your Alto. I am looking to order one soon. (R1723).
I have a handicapped daughter who is 4.5 feet tall and 85 pounds. I am 6′ 2″ tall. Do you think I could set her in sideways in the rear window?
Thx Bart
I have a five level cervical fusion so high backed to rest your head is a must. I would love the last chair on your wish list but space even with pickup truck is a premium. I love your reviews. I think most of us have purchased at least three chairs in our pursuit of the dream chair.
Note, I do sometimes put a cushion at the small of my back for additional support.
We started with strongbacks and really liked them, but my only complaint was that I had no head or neck support (I’m somewhat taller than you!) So, not great if you want to put your head back for a moment. I found a high back eureka chair which gives me that head support and so far I love it.