It’s hard to find a home, a store, a school, a church, a gas station, or a hospital without them. They’re everywhere and we use them for everything. After six months of frequent use, the stitching along one arm had come unraveled, and the small straps holding up the back of the armrests had both ripped in half.
Someone out there in history—perhaps multiple people, even—deserve(s) credit for such a popular product, right? So let’s find out who invented the folding chair and dish up some kudos. The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair and the Flexlite Air (its featherweight sibling) are lighter than any other chairs in their category, but they felt less steady. We blame the crossbar design, which runs front to back rather than side to side; this creates a lot of wobble from right to left, especially if the chair is not on perfectly even ground.
Check out outdoor furniture and accessories like canopies, wagons, tents, air mattresses, etc. to prep for your next camping trip. From backpacking to hiking, and family picnics get everything you need for all your adventures. Browse through a large collection of camping chairs and furniture to find the right pick. A firm backrest and seat bottom makes this foldable chair ultra supportive and comfortable.
They also love that it’s easy to fold and easy to open and set up. Fast forward to 1855, and an American inventor in Boston named John Cram patented what was arguably the first folding chair to resemble the modern ones we use today. In Cram’s patent filing, he mentions an earlier patent by one J. Middleton, though we couldn’t find any patent predating 1855 from an inventor by that name, or any patent related to folding chairs.
It’s large enough to accommodate a wide range of body types, and its steel frame supports up to 325 pounds. This wider and longer set will provide support for larger adults with the same upright style as the traditional bagged camping chair. Has been rated for 300 pounds, but can hold more weight comfortably.
It’s currently low in stock, but REI tells us this chair will be widely available again over the summer. It’s durable and comfortable for a range of campers. The Coleman Cooler Quad has been our pick since 2016, through numerous camping trips and several testing sessions. That’s because it’s among the most durable and comfortable chairs we’ve tested.
Its base design is the same as for other variations, the Flexlite Camp Dreamer and Flexlite Camp Boss. If you’re unsure which camping chair to buy, you can’t go wrong with the classic Coleman Cooler Quad Chair. Beyond campsites and parks, these chairs can be an easy go-to option for other outdoor activities, such as lounging at festivals, beaches, backyards, and beyond. A beaming sun and no shade in sight can lead to a very unhappy camper. This shaded option from Camping Brothers has a large canopy for ultimate sun protection, with overhanging flaps to cover every angle. If you need even more shade, you can lower the back and side flaps for near complete blocking of rays.
Perfect for cold-weather campers or parents sitting on the sidelines for early-spring and late-fall games. It is best if you only have to carry it short distances. Right now Walmart.com has this Ozark Trail Quad Folding Camp Chair 2-Pack priced at just $12.95 (reg. $19.95). Shipping is free on orders of $35 or more, otherwise you may be able to select free store pickup if available near you.
They fold nicely and include convenient carrying cases for easy transport and storage! Note that some reviewers mention these run on the smaller side. If you want to upgrade your current camping chair to be more comfortable—rather than buying a new one—there are a few things you can do. Adding an extra lumbar pillow, comfortable ozark trail chairs cushions or a padded seat cushion can make a world of difference. You can also consider using a foot rest while sitting in one for some added elevation to create a more comfortable lounging position. Many testers found other chairs more comfortable and easier to put together than the Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair.