After looking at many camping chairs to find the best heavy-duty camping chair of the year, we’re happy to present the ones we like the most.
There’s nothing quite like some time spent camping in “the great outdoors.” Of course, even if you prefer “roughing it,” that doesn’t mean your time in the woods needs to be rough on your back or your back end.
Today, there are all sorts of portable, comfortable, and heavy-duty camping chairs available. However, as they range drastically in design, price, and function, it’s not easy to identify which one will best fit your needs.
Luckily, we’ve done some research and looked at some of the most popular large capacity and heavy-duty camping chairs to see if we could identify the overall best heavy duty camping chair.
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair: Our Recommendations
- Top choice: KingCamp Heavy Duty Compact Camping Folding Chair
- Largest weight capacity: ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camping Chair
- Most affordable: Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
- The roomiest: KingCamp Moon Saucer Heavy-Duty Camping Chair
- The tallest: LivingXL Heavy-Duty Portable Chair
Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair: Quick Answers
1. KingCamp Heavy Duty Compact Camping Chair
The KingCamp folding mesh chair is a heavy-duty camping chair that’s durable and really comfortable. It supports up to 300 lbs, it’s reinforced in the back and bottom and designed to sit much higher than most other foldable chairs, making it much easier to get in and out of it without struggling.
When collapsed, the chair measures only 20 x 19 x 6 inches, making it easy to store with the rest of your camping supplies. However, it is relatively heavy, weighing nearly 12 lbs.
There is also no carry bag, but the chair is instead moved from place to place by means of a handle built into the frame. This does, however, allow for the chair to be set up and collapsed in mere seconds.
While there are no cup holders built into the mesh, the chair does feature a collapsible “side table”.
The KingCamp may not carry as much weight as the ALPS King Kong chair on our list but overall, we really like this chair because it’s super comfy and it doesn’t hurt the back of your legs like other camping chairs.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 32.7 x 23.6 x 36.2 inches
- Weight: 11.9 pounds
- Seat Height: 18.5 inches
- Pack Dimensions: 19.6 × 19.6 × 5.9 inches
Pros
- Sits higher than most other collapsible chairs, making it easy to get in and out.
- Included side table with cup holder.
- Folds up very small for easy packing on camping trips.
Cons
- May not suit larger people
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2. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
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The ALPS King Kong chair is a no-apologies, ultra-heavy duty camping chair that boasts a staggering 800 lb capacity. As one might expect, the chair is designed almost exclusively for the comfort of people with larger-than-average frames.
This chair is supported by a strong steel frame and a patented support system. You can tell it’s built strong and it will last a long time.
Features of the King Kong include an adjustable armrest, two cup holders, a side pocket storage bag, and a mesh back pocket.
Weighing in at 12.5 lbs, this is not a light chair by any means, so the manufacturer has included a shoulder strap bag to help carry it from place to place.
While ALPS has clearly put a lot of thought into this chair, and we found it pretty comfortable, we’ve heard some complaints that the seat sits a bit too low, putting lots of pressure on the back of your legs.
For larger people, this could be a big point of concern. The low seat could potentially make it harder to get out of the chair.
Despite these concerns, the King Kong chair is a popular choice among campers, with the overwhelming majority praising its solid construction, storage capacity, and portability.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 800 pounds
- Dimensions: 38″ W x 20″ D x 38″ H
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Seat Height: Front/Back: 18 inches
- Back Height: 38 inches
Pros
- 800 lb capacity exceeds almost any other chair on the market.
- Lots of storage options as well as multiple drink containers.
- Polyester fabric over a rugged, solid steel frame.
Cons
- Some have reported discomfort in their legs from the front of the chair fabric digging in.
- Can’t use the armrests to push yourself out (bad for seniors or the disabled)
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3. Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair
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Not surprisingly for a Coleman product, the primary goal of the Quad Chair is providing comfort and convenience. This is exemplified by the built-in water-resistant smartphone sleeve on this chair.
The sleeve features a touch-compatible clear PVC window that protects your phone. It also has an additional media pocket that stores your headphones or music player, and an insulated cup holder. The chair also features a wide seating and extra-wide adjustable armrest design.
The Big-N-Tall Quad Chair can support up to 600 lbs with a strong steel frame and oversized feet. Though boasting a good weight capacity, the Coleman Big-N-Tall is not too heavy at 10.3 lbs which makes it easy to carry from place to place in the included bag.
All things considered, the Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Chair is a solid, reliable product designed almost exclusively for the big and tall. Providing it can deliver what you need, we think it’s an excellent choice for a heavy-duty camping chair.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
- Dimensions: 38.2 x 7.9 x 7.1 inches
- Weight: 10.3 lbs
- Seat Height: 18 inches
- Pack Dimensions: 19.6 × 19.6 × 5.9 inches
Pros
- The 24-inch seat provides plenty of “bottom room.”
- 1-year warranty.
- Built in water-resistant smartphone sleeve, and insulated cup holder for convenience.
Cons
- Some reports of the fabric tearing quite early on.
- The cross bar under the legs may be uncomfortable for some heavier users.
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4. KingCamp Moon Saucer Heavy Duty Steel Camping Chair
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The KingCamp Moon Saucer is a steel frame camping chair designed to maximize comfort and reduce strain on your back. It features a rugged steel frame, a padded, round seat, and moisture-wicking 600D oxford fabric.
This KingCamp chair is ideally suited for outdoor use but comfortable enough to keep people of all sizes happy.
One of the significant notable differences in the design of the Moon Sauces is the height of the seat. At 13.8”, it puts you in a comfortable, almost reclined position. Even so, the maximum weight of 330 lbs is quite generous, especially as they carry weight is only just over 10 lbs.
If you want a total “laid back” approach to your camping trip, the cup holder, cooler bag, and small packed size of this chair will be a huge appeal.
However, if you have difficulty getting around, the chair may prove a bit hard to maneuver in and out of because it does sit a bit low to the ground.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 330 lbs
- Dimensions: 27.2 x 33.9 x 31.5 inches
- Weight: 9.9 lbs
- Seat Height: 13.9 inches
- Packed Dimensions: 34.6 × 9.1 × 7.9 inches
Pros
- Packs up small and comes with a shoulder carry bag.
- Max weight of 330 lbs while only weighing 10 lbs.
- More comfortable and spacious than other similar products.
Cons
- While comfortable, many users think it can be tough to get out of.
- Some users think it sits too low to the ground.
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LivingXL 500-lb Capacity Heavy-Duty Portable Chair
As the name implies, the LivingXL 500 lb portable chair boasts a decent weight capacity of 500 lbs, making it one of the strongest chairs of this type on the market.
The tubed frame measures over 22mm and the fabric that covers it is specially designed to distribute weight evenly which should make the chair last a long time.
Standout features include the additional supports at the center of the frame, the shatter-proof feet, and the oversized cup holders in both armrests. For additional storage options, the chair also features a mesh side pocket.
Perhaps the biggest complaint about the LivingXL is that it sits too low to the ground, particularly for a chair designed specifically for larger persons. This can make it hard for people with limited mobility to get in or out.
All that aside, the chair is widely considered to be extremely comfortable for people of all sizes. We’ve heard many people rave about the supportive design of this chair and how it saved them a lot of back pain.
For the money, we think it’s a great choice for anyone looking for heavy-duty camping chairs.
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs
- Weight: 10.6 lbs
- Seat Height: 19 inches
- Packed Dimensions: 4ft × 8 inches
Pros
- Lots of storage options, cup holders, etc.
- Extra spacious seat and support at the center of the frame.
- Distributes weight evenly to prevent breakage or collapse.
Cons
- May hurt the back of smaller people’s legs.
- It sits a bit low so some users will have trouble getting out of it.
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Considerations Before Buying a Heavy Duty Camping Chair
The first thing to consider when shopping for a heavy-duty camping chair is: what exactly are you looking for in a chair? That is to say, what features are an absolute must, which are a “bonus,” and which are entirely unnecessary for the type of camping you want to do.
After all, if you’re searching for heavy-duty camping chairs, there has to be a reason why a regular chair wouldn’t fit the bill. Is it merely a question of surviving rain, snow, or extended use in the outdoors, or is there some reason why a more robust, more durable chair is on your radar?
For instance, larger folks, the elderly, or the disabled will be greatly concerned with the comfort and overall construction of the chair. How much weight can the chair hold? Does it have padding or other comfortable features?
Also Read: Best Camping Chair for Bad Back
Is it designed in such a way that it will be hard to get in and out of. Do you need it to be high enough to sit at a camping table? Does it have pockets to save me trips to the tent and back? These are just a few things that need to be considered before firing up the computer for some online shopping.
How is the chair carried?
Most chairs designed for camping or other portable uses will fold up in some way for easy carrying. However, some offer bags that can be slung over the shoulder, while others only have handles and will need to be carried in hand, limiting your ability to bring other objects. Some chairs fold up quite small, while others remain pretty bulky, which can make them hard to carry from place to place.
How much does the chair weigh?
Heavy-duty chairs like these can often be more “heavy” than anything else. As they are often designed to handle more weight, these chairs are frequently designed with stronger materials which can make them quite hefty. Not only do you know how much is too much for you to carry, but who else might be moving the chair as well.
Type of Material & Build Quality
What the chair is made of will go a long way toward determining whether or not it’s “heavy duty” enough for most users, especially when it comes to camping. For some, waterproofing is a must, stain resistance is desirable, and comfort is of the utmost importance.
Storage
Most chair manufacturers have caught onto the fact that people like a cold soda or two when they’re camping, and have installed cup holders in most foldable chair designs. Still, others have gone to the next level and added small cooler pockets or other storage options. If these are important features to you, you’ll want to pick the appropriate chair.
Other Features to Look For:
As camping and outdoor equipment is a highly-competitive market, many manufacturers have tried to outdo one another by integrating innovative, helpful features into their chair designs. Such items include:
- Easy fold up and deployment.
- Reinforced frames to support extra weight.
- Carrying cases / bags to keep items clean / increase portability.
- Extra sturdy and / or slip-resistant feet.
- Pockets or compartments.
- Warranties or money-back guarantees.
Heavy-Duty Camping Chair Styles
Camping chairs fall into the following 3 main styles.
Quad Chairs
Quad chairs have 4 legs that come together towards each other making them easy to fold up. Some come with a carry handle or carry bag. The arms are fabric, the back and seat are made from a single piece of material.
Quad chairs usually have an upright position. Even though you can find quad chairs that are low, most are a “standard” chair height which makes them ideal for use around a table.
Director’s Chairs
These chairs fold in half making them flat and easy to store. Most of them also come with a carry handle. The back and seat have separate pieces of fabric and are in a more upright posture. Just like the quad chairs, they also have a “standard” chair height.
Reclining Chairs
These usually have a seat and back like a quad chair, but reclines to different positions. Typically, they have molded armrest and and adjustable padded headrest. They fold up flat for storage and transportation.
Precautions to Take While Using Your Heavy-Duty Camping Chair
While the fact that heavy duty camping chairs are “heavy duty” implies that they can take more punishment, more frequent use, and more weight than the competition, it’s important to remember a few things.
Comfort is not a replacement for safety.
These chairs are not medical products, and if you’re the type of person who has medical needs that require a certain standard of comfort or require you to be in a particular position, an investment in these chairs is not a replacement for the Doctor’s orders.
We encourage anyone, regardless of disability or disadvantage, to enjoy the outdoors, but please do so as safely as possible.
Keep all chairs away from open flame.
Many camping tools are made of fire retardant material nowadays, but that does not mean that they are 100% safe in the event they catch fire.
In many cases, certain fabrics can burn quite quickly when exposed to even a tiny flame, like from a cigarette.
Final Thought
Based on comfort, portability, and heavy-duty use, we believe the most comfortable and best heavy-duty camping chair is the KingCamp Compact camping chair. Unlike many of the other products featured on this list, the KingCamp delivers on comfort, portability, and capacity.
However, if you’re a larger person who needs more weight capacity, the ALPS King Kong camping chair would be a better choice. The sturdy frame and fabric are capable of holding the most weight of all the chairs we’ve looked at.
All in all, any of these chairs will likely do a fine job for the majority of users. However, it’s the KingCamp Compact Camping chair that gets our vote as the best heavy-duty camping chair.
