Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or hanging outside by the pool, having the right chair is essential to a day of relaxation. If you have a bad back, though, it may be difficult for you to find a camping chair that gives you the support you need. Luckily, there are plenty of great options out there that provide optimal support as the best camping chair for a bad back.
We considered some key things when choosing the products for this review. First, we looked at the dimensions of both the backrest and seat so both your hips and spine are properly supported. The upholstery material is important, too, not only for comfort but also for durability. Each of these chairs has a maximum weight limit for safety that you need to consider, too. Finally, we took a look at the folded dimensions. These chairs are meant to be portable and easy to take with you when you’re on-the-go so it’s important that they’re easy to carry. We came up with a list of top 6 picks, and the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair deserved out Editor’s Choice nomination.
More features: 72″ long when fully reclined Our Editor’s Pick is the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair, which is also the best padded camping chair for a bad back we could find. It can hold up to 350 pounds thanks to its sturdy steel tube frame, bungee suspension system, and durable polyester fabric. It provides the ergonomic support you need for a bad back, but isn’t hard or uncomfortable. This chair is heavy enough that you can tell it’s good quality but not so heavy that it’s difficult to carry from place to place. It’s recommended not to leave this chair outside when not in use as the wooden armrests could be damaged by the elements and some users commented that the frame rusted over time. One reason this is such a great choice for someone with back problems is that it’s pretty adjustable. Easy-to-use locking levers keep the chair at the perfect recline, all the way from fully upright to a laid back. Plus, the flexible bungee suspension system creates a zero-gravity feel that’s super comfortable although this is not a true no-gravity chair. Not only does this chair feature full padded seating but the attached padded pillow is removable and can use to provide either neck or lumbar support. The natural wood armrests are comfortable and stylish and there’s even a convenient cup holder so you can really kick back and relax. This chair is covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty that covered any defects in workmanship and material. It’s available in a few different color options, too, including camouflage. More features: foldable aluminum pole for quick set up and fold down The MARCHWAY High Back Camping Chair weighs only 3.7 pounds and folds down small enough to fit inside a carrying bag for easy travel. Add it in your carry-on or attach it to your backpack when you’re on the go. It’s a great choice for tailgating, backpacking, fishing, or spending a relaxing day on the beach. If you have a bad back, you’ll love the comfy backrest and sponge pillow for head support. The seat is made of ripstop polyester and has wide corners at the back where the fabric is reinforced for added reliability. It was designed to be very tight initially because it stretches over time without any uncomfortable sagging. Because the seat is high, it keeps your knees at a normal distance to the ground so it’s easy to stand up after a long time relaxing and won’t cause any knee pain or discomfort. The reclining angle is great, too, keeping your back fully relaxed while also giving your head the support it needs. This chair is not only comfortable, but it’s durable, too. The frame is made of thickened aviation-grade aluminum alloy poles that are lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. The shock-cord structure makes set up and fold down fast and easy and once it’s put together, strong Velcro straps help keep everything stable and add extra support. It can be difficult to put together at first but after some practice, it will come together quickly. More features: double bungee support system For a true zero-gravity chair, there’s the AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Chair. It’s great for you back because it provides a stress-free weightless feel for complete relaxation and the padded headrest and contoured armrests keep everything else comfortable. This chair feels great on your back and should last for a long time because it is really durable, too. The powder-coated steel frame is strong and durable, and a double bungee support system connects the weather-resistant fabric to the frame. While it can tolerate some exposure to water, it’s best not to leave it out in direct sunlight for too long when not in use as it could damage the elastic in the bungee supports. All of the chair frames are black, but you can choose from fabric that’s burgundy, black, beige, or blue. It weighs only 16.5 pounds and is easy to transport. It not quite compact enough to take hiking or backpacking but is the perfect choice to set up next to the campfire on a camping weekend getaway. Some users had trouble with this chair reclining too much while other user felt that it didn’t recline enough. It’s made to recline pretty far back, and most users were pleased with how smoothly and easily it adjusts. More features: insulated cooler bag, side/back stash pocket The KingCamp Camping Chair features a large seat area with a lumbar support system that helps keep your back comfortable. A high-strength steel tube frame has a card-slot metal-on-metal contact point design that evenly distributes your weight and can support up to 350 pounds. The seat is made of waterproof Oxford Fabric, which is really durable. There’s a mesh cup holder in one armrest and a small cooler bag on the other that holds up to three cans of your favorite drink so you can truly enjoy your time relaxing at the campground or on the beach. This chair actually has a lot of cool storage options, too. There’s a mesh stash pocket hanging under one armrest as well as a zippered head pouch where you can stash magazines, books, a tablet, or laptop so all your entertainment is within easy reach. Or, stuff a small pillow into the headrest for added comfort. At only11.3 pounds, this lightweight chair folds up into a small carrying bag that you can toss over your shoulder for easy transport. That said, getting it back into the bag can be pretty difficult. Some users also complained that the frame didn’t hold together very well, although KingCamp offers free replacement for any quality issues. Another common complaint was that the seat was a little too high causing some discomfort at the knees which means this chair may be a better choice for tall people. More features: double bungee support system, dual fingertip locking system, locks in any position Our Budget Pick for anyone looking for a camping chair for back problems is the Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair. It uses a strong double bungee system for support and a durable textaline fabric seat that’s water resistant and dries quickly when wet. It’s available in several colors, too: beige, black, blue, burgundy, gray, and camouflage. The powder-coated steel frame is strong and adjustable and features a dual finger-tip locking system that allows you to smoothly recline to any angle and lock it in place. You can choose a more upright recline when chatting with friends or elevate your legs above your head to reduce the pressure on your back, simulating a gravity-free environment. That’s not all, there’s also an adjustable headrest/lumbar support for added comfort. All you have to do is slide it to the position that’s most comfortable for you. This chair weighs 19 pounds and folds down to only 6.3 inches wide which makes it easy to store and transport in the back of your car or truck. It supports up to 300 pounds. There are a few customer complaints that this chair broke quickly reclined a little too far. It’s covered by a 60-day warranty which should cover any initial flaws or defects. More features: integrated lumbar support technology Not only does the STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Chair have award-winning frame-integrated patented lumbar support, but it also supports your whole spine to align your body to ease tension and relax your muscles. It was specifically designed to prevent you from having to slouch which leads to uncomfortable pressure along your spine. The ergonomic design also provides hip support for maximum comfort and the solid, padded armrests and an integrated cup holder to help you relax even more. This chair weighs only 11.9 pounds and folds compactly to fit inside a backpack style carrying case. The double straps are easy and comfortable, so this is a good choice for backpacking, camping, or the beach. As far as durability, the frame is made of black powder-coated steel for protection from the elements and the seat is made of heavy-duty polyester that’s tear and wear resistant, so it doesn’t sag or fray over time. Plus, you can choose from four stylish colors. Some people commented that the chair didn’t hold up for very long, but this wasn’t a common complaint. If there are any defects or problems, it is covered by a 1-year warranty. The seat of this chair is pretty high which makes it a great choice for tall people, although those on the shorter side might find it a little too far off the ground.
Quick Summary
Editor's Choice:
Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair
"This padded zero-gravity chair is comfortable, durable, can be adjusted and provides ergonomic support for your back"
Best Backpacking Camping Chair:
MARCHWAY High Back Camping Chair
"A light 3.5-pound chair that folds down small enough to fit inside a carrying bag for easy travel"
Best Zero-Gravity Camping Chair:
AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Chair
"A high zero-gravity chair with a padded headrest and countered armrests to keep you comfortable"
Best Integrated Storage:
KingCamp Camping Chair
"A durable and waterproof chair with a lumbar support system, integrated mesh cupholder and cooler bag"
Budget Pick:
Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
"An affordable zero-gravity chair with a lot of color options and adjustable pillow support"
Best Backpacking Chair for Tall People:
STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Chair
"A camping chair with an award-winning frame-integrated patented lumbar support"
Top 6 Camping Chairs for Bad Back Review 2024
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7887 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
1
Editor's Choice
Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair
Features
What makes it stand out?
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4244 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.6
2
Best Backpacking Camping Chair
MARCHWAY High Back Camping Chair
Features
Why are we impressed?
What negatives must you be aware of?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9403 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.5
3
Best Zero-Gravity Camping Chair
AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Chair
Features
What are its best features?
What could be improved?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4329 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
4
Best Integrated Storage
KingCamp Camping Chair
Features
Why did it make our list?
What is not ideal about it?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9012 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.2
5
Budget Pick
Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
Features
Why is it special?
What are the flaws?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9788 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
6
Best Backpacking Chair for Tall People
STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Chair
Features
What do we love it for?
What were we disappointed with?
If you have a bad back and need a camping chair that’s both comfortable and supportive, here are some of the things you should know before you shop.
Most camping chairs are pretty basic. They don’t offer a lot of lumbar support and are built more for convenience than comfort. That’s why there are special considerations if you already suffer from back pain.
If you know what to look for, there are a lot of great options out there for anyone looking for a camping chair for back pain. Here are some of the main features to keep in mind while you shop.
There are two dimensions that are really important to consider when you’re looking for a supportive camping chair. First, consider the height of the back, especially if you’re looking for a chair you can recline in. Some of our picks, like the STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Chair, come up to just about shoulder height while others, like the AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Chair, have taller backs so that actually recline so you can lay back and relax, removing even more pressure from any painful areas.
The other thing to consider is the height of the seat from the ground. If you have knee problems or are on the tall side, a low seat can be hard to get out of so you should look for a higher seat.
That said, if you’re short, a tall seat can be uncomfortable. If it doesn’t hit your knees in the right place, it can feel awkward.
If you need help with your sitting posture or if your problems are in your lower back, lumbar support can really help you stay comfortable. Generally, there are two ways that camping chairs provide lumbar support. Some of these chairs, like the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair, are ergonomically designed to support your entire spine or have lumbar support integrated into the frame.
Alternatively, a few of our picks, like the Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair, have an adjustable pillow that can be used as either a lumbar pillow or moved to the top of the backrest for head and neck support.
It’s really important to follow the recommended weight restrictions for the chair you choose. Going over the weight limit can quickly damage every part of the chair including the seat, armrests, fabric, and especially the frame. Exceeding the recommended weight limit also voids any warranty that the chair comes with and can actually be pretty dangerous. You could fall backward and hit your head while reclining or fall through the seat. If the frame breaks, it might produce sharp edges that can cause some serious injuries.
Luckily, most of the chairs we chose have pretty generous weight limits. The lowest is 250 pounds and there are a few, like the KingCamp Camping Chair, that hold up to 350 pounds.
Most of our top picks have frames that are made of steel or tubular steel. Some of them are even powder coated which adds a layer of protection against the elements to prevent rust. Steel is really durable and sturdy, but you still have to be sure stick to the weight restriction for your chair.
The MARCHWAY High Back Camping Chair is one exception as it doesn’t have a steel frame. Instead, it uses aircraft-grade corrosion-resistant 7075 aluminum alloy frame. Aluminum is not quite as strong as steel, but it is very lightweight so if you don’t need a high weight capacity and you’re looking for something really portable, an aluminum frame is a great choice.
As for upholstery, our top picks use a few different types of fabric. Some are made of polyester and foam for cushioning that gives a little extra comfort. You’ll also see some different types of polyester, specifically 600D and 1000D. The “D” stands for “Denier”. The high the number, the tougher the material. For comparison, a lightweight tent is usually made using about 70D. You can see that both 600D and 1000D are much stronger, the 1000D being particularly tough. Denier material is tough and water resistant, but it isn’t waterproof.
Another fabric you’ll see is weather-resistant Textilene. This is one of the most durable materials you can find for outdoor use. It’s made using strong polyester yarns, each coated with PVC for weatherproofing.
All of these chairs are portable to some degree although you should consider how much portability you need. Just to give you some idea about weight, the heaviest chair in our reviews is 24.6 pounds while the lightest, the MARCHWAY High Back Camping Chair, is only 3.5. Although the chairs on the high end of the range aren’t exactly heavy, they’re obviously not meant for backpacking.
To choose the right chair for you, think about how you plan to use it. Are you going to carry it to and from your car to your campsite and set it up by the fire for a few days? Or are you going to be carrying it on your pack with all of the other gear you’ll need for a weekend adventure camping and backpacking in the woods? There are a few great options if you want a lightweight backpacking chair. They even collapse and pack away neatly into easy-to-carry travel bags.
We should note that even the larger, heavier chairs fold down small enough to fit in your car or truck for easy transport. They’re just not very convenient for carrying long distances.
Warranties on these products vary a lot. We found one that’s covered for 60 days and another with a limited lifetime warranty. Most of these chairs are covered for 1 year.
Keep in mind that every warranty is different so make sure you read the fine print. That said, most warranties only cover damage that was caused by faulty materials or craftsmanship. Again, this is one reason why you have to obey the weight capacity. Damage from too much weight likely won’t be covered.
Some of these chairs have extra features that we really liked. While they don’t necessarily add to the comfort of the chair, they may help you make up your mind about which one is the right fit.
A few of these chairs have integrated cupholders that are either integrated into the armrest or clip on to the frame. This is a great way to really kick back and relax whether you’re next to the campfire or hanging out on the beach.
We included one camping chair, the KingCamp, that takes this a step further and actually has a small integrated cooler in the arm rest where you can keep three cans of your favorite drink so you’re prepared for a few relaxing hours.
Some of these chairs have storage pouches which have really great. You can slide in your favorite book or magazine so it doesn’t get ruined by sand or dirt and it gives you a safe place to stash your smartphone or tablet.
Our top pick is the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Chair. The padded foam seat and ergonomic support keep you comfortable and the durable steel frame holds up to 350 pounds. It features a locking mechanism to set the perfect recline and features stylish natural wood armrests and a convenient cup holder.
Next, we recommend the MARCHWAY High Back Camping Chair. This chair weighs only 3.7 pounds and uses a simple shock-cord structure for fast and easy set-up. It’s perfect for travel plus the thickened aviation-grade aluminum alloy poles are really strong and durable. This chair also comes with a lifetime limited warranty.
Finally, there’s the AmazonBasics Zero Gravity Chair. It’s a high zero-gravity chair with a padded headrest and countered armrests to keep you comfortable.
