Camping chairs are a must for anyone who likes to spend some time outdoors. These types of chairs are versatile, too, giving you the perfect seat in your backyard, at a friend’s place, or when watching an outdoor concert. There are many types available, with a variety of features and materials used to make them. For the highest quality, you may want to check out the best heavy duty chair. These are made of stronger materials that have higher capacities and will last for years.
When it comes to buying these durable camping chairs, there are a few things you should look for, to ensure you have the right model for you. One is the maximum capacity, so you’ll know the chair is designed to hold your weight. The dimensions of the backrest and the seat are also important, so you know if it will fit the frame of the person using it, without squishing them as they sit. Its size when folded will tell you how much room it will take up when packed, transported, and stored. Some materials are stronger than others, so be sure to look into the upholstery as well.
In order to help you choose the best heavy duty chair for you, we spent weeks searching the manufacturers’ sites, checking out product information, and reading reviews of as many products as we could find. Then we chose the top products, created a comparison chart, wrote up some in-depth reviews, and added in a buying guide to help you choose the right one to meet your needs. More features: two cup holders and pockets; additional mesh back pocket The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is one of the best rated heavy duty camping chair models around. It is made using powder-coated steel for the frame, which is durable and sturdy enough to handle up to a whopping 800 pounds. There is 600D polyester fabric over the back and seat, with padding for extra comfort. There are a few other features that use the polyester fabric for long-lasting use, plus add some great benefits to this handy chair. The armrests are wide, and their height is adjustable, which is an excellent bonus. Each one has a mesh cup holder, so you can hold a water bottle and a beer or soda at the same time. There is also a storage bag hanging off of each arm, perfect for a book, phone, headphones, snacks, or even a small gaming device to keep the kids happy. On the back of the chair is another storage bag, this time made of mesh and large enough to cover the top third of the seat back. This is perfect for larger items that don’t fit in the small side bags, or you can roll up the chair’s storage bag and tuck it inside to keep it from getting misplaced. Speaking of the carry bag, this one has dual straps for carrying your chair like a backpack, keeping your hands free for anything else you need to take with you. More features: carry bag with shoulder strap included; cup holder and cooler back Round camping chairs are becoming more popular and this one from KingCamp is no exception. It is made of 600D oxford fabric, which is breathable to keep you cool, even on those extra-warm summer days. This material is also moisture-wicking, keeping you and the chair drier as you sit on it. The back and seat are padded to keep you comfortable all day long. These areas are positioned at a slight recline, so you can sit back and relax around the fire or when watching your kids play their favorite sport. The black and white coloring also fits into any occasion. The frame is made of durable steel, which can support up to 330 pounds. This frame is easy to fold down when it comes time to pack up your chair and head home. There is even a carry bag with a shoulder strap included for added portability. Plastic feet on the bottom have some grip to them to add stability to the chair and keep it from shifting as you move. On the side is a handy drink holder, which fits a can or water bottle. A cooler bag is located on the back of the chair to hold a couple of extra drinks. You can also use this space to hold phones, headphones, keys, or any other items you want to keep nearby while you relax. More features: aluminum frame; 801D nylon fabric cushion; side table This chair from Stylish Camping is lightweight and compact. It folds down flat when you aren’t using it for easy travel or for storage in a closet or under a bed. When open, it has a huge capacity of up to 350 pounds, though, so even the larger members of the group will have a comfortable chair to sit in. The frame of this heavy duty camping chair is made of aluminum, which is part of the reason the chair is so light. This frame includes crossbeams on the bottom, but also extends up on either side of the backrest and makes the curved arms as well. There is also some thin padding around the arms for added comfort. On the side is an attached table, also made of aluminum, which can fold out or be left down as needed. There is even a cup holder in it to keep your drink from spilling if your chair is jostled. The material that makes up the seat and back is 800D nylon, which is durable and easy to clean, though can fade if left out in the sun repeatedly. It comes in two color options, black or burgundy, so you can pick which best suits you. Padding on the backrest adds some comfort while you sit. A couple of loops beneath the seat can be used as handles for carrying your chair when it is folded up. More features: seat drain system; water-resistant cell phone sleeve You may expect a cheap camping chair to have the basics and not much else. This one from Coleman goes above and beyond, adding in some great features that make it well worth the low price. The steel frame on this camping chair is strong, ensuring long-term use for any camper. It can even support up to 600 pounds if needed, so any member of your party will likely be able to use it without fail. There are oversized plastic feet on the bottom for added stability, though they work best on more even terrain. The fabric areas are all made of polyester, with some padding in the back for extra comfort. Since this chair is designed for larger individuals, it offers a full two feet of seating space. In the seat is a small drain hole to keep puddles from forming if you leave your chair outside in the rain. The arms are also adjustable, so you can set them to the perfect height for your build. A large insulated cup holder keeps your drinks at the ideal temperature. Another handy feature is the CellPort phone sleeve made of PVC waterproof material. It protects your phone during damp weather, plus it is touchscreen compatible, so you can still text or play games while it’s in there. A mesh flap on the side of the arm holds keys, charge cords, or other small items you don’t want to lose. More features: carry bag and strap; cup holder and gear pocket This padded camping chair from Core is comfortable and sturdy, making a great addition to any camping trip or backyard barbecue. It is made using durable steel for the frame, which is designed for stability and easy folding. Brushed polyester is used for the back, seat, and arms. Not only is this material durable, it is also soft against your skin. These areas include some padding as well to increase your comfort level while you relax around the fire or when watching long sporting events. To keep you hydrated, there is an oversized cup holder on the side, attached to the leg of the chair. It folds down and opens up when you need to put a cup or bottle of water inside. When your drink is empty, it collapses and folds back up against the chair leg, out of the way. This also makes it more compact when you’re trying to pack up the chair to take it with you. There is a decently sized pouch on the opposite side from the cup holder. This pouch has two mesh pockets for small items like phones, toys, sunglasses, or wallets. There is a carry sack included with this purchase, with a large strap for carrying the folded chair on your shoulder. This bag has a large opening, making it easier to insert this heavy duty camping chair when it’s time to pack it up and head home. More features: backpack style carry bag; cup holder; cushy lumbar pad Most camping chairs don’t have much in the way of back support. They allow your spine to curve, causing back pain even in those who don’t typically experience it. The Strongback Elite Folding Camping Chair has a unique lumbar support system built right into the frame, which supports your back correctly. This aligns your spine, relieving pain and relaxing your muscles. This heavy duty camping chair is also built to last. Black powder-coated steel makes up the frame, with 600D polyester for the seat, backrest, and armrests. This fabric resists wear-and-tear, so it won’t fall apart the first and many more times you use it. Altogether, these materials can hold up to 300 pounds. The seat is also wide and ergonomically designed to help align your back and hips, reducing pain in these areas. The armrests are also padded, so you don’t feel the frame through them as you try to relax around the campfire. A cup holder hangs from one of the chair arms, but it is a bit small for anything larger than a standard can. It also isn’t integrated into the chair arm, so can tilt your drink if you move in your chair while you’re sitting in it. The included carry case has backpack-style straps, allowing you to carry the packed chair on your back. This keeps your hands free to carry other items, like a cooler, picnic basket, or a tired child. More features: side pocket; lumbar back support; cooler bag When you’re settled into your heavy duty camping chair, you don’t want to get up to get anything you might wish to while you relax. This chair from KingCamp has taken this into account, adding in plenty of storage areas to hold everything you need. First is the storage area at the top of the seat back. This is large and zippered, so you can store a pillow or a sweater in there with ease. On the left arm, a cooler bag is hung. This bag is insulated and large enough to hold a few cans of whatever you prefer to drink. There is also a cup holder in the right arm to hold your opened drink. Hanging from the left side of the seat is another storage pouch. It is mesh on the outside, so you can see everything in it easily. There are also two pockets in this pouch big enough for a phone, magazine, book, even your tablet, and all its accessories. The frame is made up of steel tubes for durability and strength. The back, seat, and arms are comfortable padded oxford fabric. A large seat area gives you plenty of room for even an ample frame. On the back of the chair is an optional lumbar support system, which can be attached with Velcro and adjusted to give you the right amount of support. More features: comes with a carrying bag; padded seat; detachable padded armrest with swivel cup holder With the features this product boasts, it’s no wonder it is one of the best heavy duty folding camp chair models around. It has a frame made of sturdy steel, which is designed to hold up to 300 pounds, so it’s perfect for almost anyone in your group. The material is polyester, which is durable and strong enough to last through dozens of camping trips and other outings. The seat and arms are both padded to add comfort, which is especially important when you need to sit comfortably for a while. The back is quite straight, which helps you maintain good posture, but has no recline for a bit of relaxation after a long day. On the bottom of the chair are small plastic feet, which can swivel as needed to keep the chair upright and steady on any type of terrain. Another handy feature is the cup holder, which is located beneath the seat. When you need it, you can slide it out to hold your drink, then swivel it back and out of the way when it is no longer needed. The Timber Ridge Camping Chair folds down quickly and easily. You can store it in the included handy carry bag, which also has a large handle for carrying it with you anywhere you go. This chair also comes in four colors, so you can match it with your other camping gear or backyard décor.
Quick Summary
Editor's Choice:
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
"This chair can withstand a whopping 800 pounds thanks to the powder-coated steel frame and sturdy design"
Best Round Heavy Duty Camping Chair:
KingCamp Moon Saucer Leisure Heavy Duty Steel Camping Chair
"This stylish round chair is made from 600D oxford fabric which is sturdy, waterproof and breathable at the same time"
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair with Table:
Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair
"With the capacity of up to 350 pounds, this product is also explicitly convenient as it features a side table that can be removed as needed"
Budget Pick:
Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
"Despite its low price tag, the chair is capable of holding up to 600 pounds and has a handy seat drain system to keep it dry even after the rain"
Best Portable Heavy Duty Camping Chair:
CORE 40021 Equipment Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair
"This stylish chair features a removable cup holder, a gear pocket, and comes with a carry bag for easy transportation"
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair for Lumbar Support:
STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Chair
"You can spend hours in this chair without your muscles feeling numb or sore thanks to the padded armrest and lumbar support system built right into the frame"
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair for Storage Pockets:
KingCamp Folding Camping Chair
"A chair with a decent weight capacity and multiple pockets built-in for all your camping essentials either it is a book or a pillow"
Best Tall Heavy Duty Camping Chair:
Timber Ridge Camping Chair
"This sturdy-made chair boasts detachable padded armrest with swivel cup holder and comes with a carry bag to store and transport it with no fuss"
Top 8 Heavy Duty Camping Chairs Review 2024
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4775 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.9
1
Editor's Choice
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
Features
What stands out?
What cons did we manage to find?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5844 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
2
Best Round Heavy Duty Camping Chair
KingCamp Moon Saucer Leisure Heavy Duty Steel Camping Chair
Features
Why are we impressed?
What negatives must you be aware of?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7612 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.6
3
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair with Table
Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair
Features
What do we love it for?
What were we disappointed with?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8062 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
4
Budget Pick
Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
Features
What are its best features?
What could be improved?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2485 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.4
5
Best Portable Heavy Duty Camping Chair
CORE 40021 Equipment Folding Padded Hard Arm Chair
Features
What are its best features?
What could be improved?
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5337 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
6
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair for Lumbar Support
STRONGBACK Elite Folding Camping Chair
Features
What are our favorite features?
What could be better?
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8133 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.1
7
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair for Storage Pockets
KingCamp Folding Camping Chair
Features
Why is it special?
What are the flaws?
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3884 people in the past 30 days
8.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.8
8
Best Tall Heavy Duty Camping Chair
Timber Ridge Camping Chair
Features
What makes it stand out?
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Also Product Ranking:
If you’re planning on getting a camping chair, you’re going to want to make sure it is decent quality and has the capacity you need to support you while you sit in it. To do so, you should check the features each chair has to offer, making sure they fit with what you require in a heavy duty camping chair. This way, you’ll know you have the right chair for you, to meet your needs for years to come.
There are a few reasons to buy a heavy duty camping chair over a lighter, cheaper model. These chairs are designed with a higher weight capacity, so they can support individuals of every shape and size. They also have wider seats and backs, so you’ll fit in them comfortably, even if you tend towards the larger size. Heavy duty chairs use sturdy materials for the frame and the upholstery, adding in some comfort features to make sure you enjoy sitting in them as well. These chairs also include many of the extras found on other camping chairs, like cup holders, storage pockets, and carry sacks for portability.
When you’re trying to find the best heavy duty camping chair, there are a few features you should check out. Some are important for the stability, durability, and comfort of the chair, while others are handy extras that make the chair even more convenient.
The maximum capacity of a heavy duty camping chair describes the maximum amount of weight the chair can hold at any given time. Most of the chairs we’ve reviewed have a maximum capacity ranging from 300 to 350 pounds. A couple of them go well above that, like the 600 pounds maximum capacity of the Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair. The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair has an even higher capacity of up to 800 pounds. The more weight the chair can hold, the more peace of mind you’ll have when sitting in it, even after a few months of wear.
People come in all shapes and sizes. This is why you need to pay such close attention to the dimensions of the chair. Dimensions are usually stated as the length, width, and height of the chair after it is open and ready to use. These dimensions are clearly stated to ensure you are getting the right chair for your own size, so you know you’ll fit in it comfortably.
The height of the backrest is not always stated but you should try to find it, or at least a picture of what it looks like with someone sitting in it. A backrest is meant for your back but many camping chairs are high enough to support your head and neck as well. If not, you won’t have that extra support, so may have a sore neck after sitting for a while.
The height of the seat may not seem important at first until you sit down in a chair that isn’t meant for you. If the seat is too high, your legs may be hanging down. This forces them to press into the fabric at the edge of the seat, which can put pressure on the backs of the knees. Over time, this can become uncomfortable.
If the chair is too low for you, your knees will be too high or you’ll be forced to extend your legs out. This may also make it harder to get out of the chair, especially for larger people or seniors who may not be as mobile as the younger members of the group.
The seat width needs to be able to accommodate the width of the body sitting in the chair. If it is too slim, even by a few inches, it can squeeze or pinch you, making it quite uncomfortable and impossible to relax. A chair that is too wide is much better than one that is too slim, no matter what size you are.
The upholstery material used for a heavy duty camping chair needs to be durable and strong to withstand the weight it will be holding. Polyester is a popular choice because it doesn’t tear easily, resists moisture and stains, and won’t fade too quickly if left out in the sun repeatedly throughout the summer.
The Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair uses nylon for the upholstery material, which is a bit stronger than polyester, plus is softer against the skin, which is essential if you’re wearing shorts while you sit in your chair. Nylon will absorb more water, though, so you won’t want to leave it out in the rain.
A couple of chairs in our review also use oxford fabric, which has a thicker weave than the other two, making it a bit heavier as well. It is an insulating material, so it can be warmer than the other two, but it is still quite durable and should last for years without wearing out. Oxford dries fast and despite its original coarseness, it softens with every use.
The frame materials are as important as the upholstery, if not more. A cheap frame will buckle under the weight you put in the chair, even if you’re a relatively small person. The frame also adds to the weight, so it’s best to find a heavy duty chair with a sturdy frame that isn’t too heavy.
Aluminum is a popular choice, due to the light weight of this metal. Steel is another great choice, as it is strong and resilient, though it is a bit heavier than aluminum. Both resist rust, provided they aren’t left out in the rain all summer long. They can also handle frequent use and resist scratches and other disfiguring marks.
Keep in mind that the frame is only as good as the connectors used to hold it together. If the rivets are substandard, they may break while you sit, spilling you onto the ground. Check them out before you buy the chair, to ensure they are as durable as the frame itself.
As we’ve established above, the materials used for the upholstery and the frame are what determine the weight of the heavy duty chair you’re buying. Though you may want heavy-duty materials to ensure your chair lasts a long time, you need to consider how you’re going to be using your chair. If you plan on using it in your backyard most of the time, the weight won’t be much of an issue. Those who plan on taking their camping chair to the beach, camping, sporting events, or outdoor shows will spend more time carrying it around on their back, so a heavier chair may become a burden in no time. If this is your plan, a lighter chair, like the Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair, is a better option.
The warranty is one of the most important features of any product, especially one that is meant to be heavy duty and last for a long time. That’s why most brands offer a decent warranty to ensure you’ll be using your chair long after you bought it. For instance, many of the chairs, including the Timber Ridge Camping Chair, have a one-year warranty. This covers you for any defects in the parts or workmanship, so you don’t have to pay extra to repair a chair that isn’t up to the company standards.
One chair on our list goes well beyond this. The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair has a fantastic lifetime limited warranty, which covers those manufacturer defects for the lifetime of the original user. This way, if the defective parts show up even many years after the purchase, you will still be able to get repairs done or a brand new replacement chair if necessary.
There are a few additional features that can make a good chair even better. One is a cup holder. These come in a few sizes, most of which are built right into the arm of the chair, keeping your drink near your hand. Storage pockets are also handy, keeping phones, wallets, keys, or other items safe and close at hand.
An inbuilt table, like the one on the Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair, can hold snacks, magazines, phones, or anything else you want right next to you. Plus, they can be folded down with the chair so you don’t have to carry a separate table around with you.
Heavy duty camping chairs are sturdy additions to any outdoor activity. They have large capacities, wider seats and backs, and can fit people of almost any size comfortably. There are a few worth taking a second look at, though.
Our top model is the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair, which has a considerable weight capacity of 800 pounds, a sturdy steel frame, and padded polyester material. There are adjustable armrests, two cup holders, and three pockets for amazing storage capabilities.
The KingCamp Moon Saucer Leisure Heavy Duty Steel Camping Chair also uses steel for the frame, with moisture-wicking padded oxford upholstery. There is a cup holder on the side and a handy cooler bag on the back.
The Stylish Camping SL1215 Heavy Duty Folding Camping Chair is the only one on our list with an attached table and a cup holder incorporated into it. It also folds flat, with carry loops right on the chair for added convenience.
