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11 Best Camping Chairs of 2026 Work Everywhere (Including Your Home)
Jan
Despite the name, camping chairs—or beach chairs, folding chairs, whatever you call ‘em—are good for way more than just camping. They’re one of the most functional pieces of outdoor gear you can own. I’ve brought them to barbecues, the beach, an outdoor movie night, the park, that one friend’s house who doesn’t have enough furniture but insists on having people over for game night.
Over the last few years, camp chairs have gotten a serious rebrand. You can forget about that sun-faded, sticky Coleman your parents used to haul to the family cookout. Today’s camp chairs are sturdier, more comfortable, and a lot better looking. Brands like Helinox, Nemo, and Snow Peak have made foldable furniture feel design-forward instead of disposable, and some of them look just as good on your patio as they do in the dirt. My favorites even double as outdoor furniture so I can work from my stoop or backyard as long as the weather holds out.
Below, you’ll find a camp chair for every type of hang: lightweight options you can throw in your hiking pack, double seaters for date night by the fire, and even minimalist designs that look good at home but are rugged enough for camp. I tested them all to find the ones that are comfortable, durable, and actually worth hauling around.
The Best Camping Chairs, According to GQ
Best Overall: Helinox Sunset Chair
Helinox is one of the biggest names in the camp chair world—best known for its ultralight, ultra-packable Chair Zero, which backpackers swear by (and which we get into below). But it also make a version that’s a lot more comfortable for everyday use.
The Sunset Chair takes the same minimalist frame and scales it up for a more luxurious experience. The scoop seat feels closer to your chair at home than the creaky, low-slung kind you dread standing up from, and the taller frame means you don’t have to do that awkward squat to get out. The extended back panel adds legit neck and shoulder support—something I’ve appreciated after a day of hiking. Breathable mesh panels allow for airflow so you don’t get too sweaty, and there’s even a little pocket for your phone.
Downsides? No cup holder or armrests, which feels like a miss. But if you want something that’s both portable and genuinely comfortable, this is the one. Keep in mind it doesn’t fold to open; set-up takes about two minutes.
Best Double Camp Chair: Kelty Low Loveseat
Kelty’s loveseat style camp chair has quickly become one of my favorites, even when I’m sitting solo because it has enough room to stretch out. The frame feels solid, the fabric is thick, and the cup holders can handle my largest Yeti mug (and then also my phone, keys, and more). Despite the size, it packs down surprisingly small for a two-seater, with a roll-top bag that slings over your shoulder (although, to be honest, I rarely think it’s worth the effort of finagling it back into its bag unless I have to walk far.) And at $130, it’s not a bad price because you basically get two chairs in one.
While the polyester fabric feels thick and comfortable, it’s not breathable at all, so maybe not the best option for that little league game in the blasting sun. Another note: The weight capacity (400 pounds) is pretty weak for a double seater.
