During camping, a comfortable and practical camping chair is a key piece of equipment to enhance the outdoor experience. When you are able to sit comfortably on a chair and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors after a day of hiking or sightseeing, the feeling is simply delightful. However, there are numerous types and styles of camping chairs on the market. How can one choose the “go outdoors camping chair” that suits them? Next, I will explain it in detail for everyone.
The key factors to consider for camping chairs
Portability
When camping, we usually need to carry a large amount of equipment, so the portability of camping chairs is very important. If the chair is too heavy, it will be very difficult to carry and add a burden to the trip. Generally speaking, chairs made of lightweight materials have more advantages. For instance, frames made of aluminum alloy are not only strong and durable but also relatively light in weight. At the same time, the storage design of the chair is also very important. For instance, some folding chairs can be easily folded into a small shape, making it convenient to put them in a backpack or the trunk of a car. For instance, the common moon chair is compact in size when stored and usually weighs around 1 to 2 kilograms, making it very suitable for backpackers to carry.
Stability
Outdoor ground is often not as flat as indoor ground, so the stability of camping chairs is of vital importance. The leg design of a chair should be reasonable. Generally speaking, a chair with four legs evenly distributed will be more stable. Some chairs also add anti-slip pads to the legs, which not only prevent the chair from sliding on smooth ground but also provide better grip on grass. In addition, the structure of the chair should also be stable. For instance, a chair with a cross structure can effectively enhance stability and prevent it from flipping over during use.
Comfort level
Sitting on a chair for a long time and feeling uncomfortable will greatly affect the mood of camping. Comfort is first reflected in the materials of the chair seat and backrest. Soft and somewhat elastic materials make people feel more comfortable, such as Oxford cloth and canvas. They have good breathability and are relatively soft to sit on. The height of the chair is also crucial. Generally, a sitting height of around 40 to 45 centimeters is more appropriate. Such a height allows the feet to touch the ground naturally and the knees to bend naturally, reducing the pressure on the legs. The design of the backrest is also important. A backrest with a certain tilt Angle and providing support for the waist can effectively relieve back fatigue and make you sit more comfortably.
Durability
Camping chairs need to withstand various outdoor environments, so their durability cannot be ignored. High-quality materials are the foundation of durability. For instance, metal frames should have the properties of rust prevention and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel or specially treated aluminum alloys are excellent choices. The fabric of the chair seat and backrest should be strong and wear-resistant, capable of withstanding scratches from branches, stones, etc. The manufacturing process is also very important. All the connection parts of the chair should be firm, and the stitching should be fine and tight. Only in this way can the chair be less likely to be damaged during long-term use.
Common types and features of camping chairs
Moon Chair
The moon chair is a very popular type of chair in camping activities. Its seat surface is concave oval-shaped. This unique design is ergonomic. After sitting on it, the seat surface can well wrap around the body, providing a comfortable sitting experience, especially suitable for those who want to relax and rest. The moon chair usually features an aviation aluminum alloy frame and an Oxford fabric seat. It is relatively light in weight, generally around 1 kilogram, and is convenient to carry. When stored, it can be folded into a smaller shape and doesn’t take up much space. However, the drawback of the moon chair is that it is relatively low in height. If the ground is uneven, it may not be very comfortable to sit on. Moreover, some models do not have armrests, which may be inconvenient for those who are used to relying on armrests.
Kemet chair
The Kemite chair is loved by many camping enthusiasts for its classic appearance and stable structure. Its original design features a combination of solid wood and canvas seat surfaces, offering excellent stability and a retro style. There are also various types of Kemite chairs available on the market now, such as those made of aluminum alloy. Chairs made of this material are lighter and relatively cheaper. The storage method of the Kemite chair is simple, just fold it, but its volume after storage is relatively large. Its sitting height is generally around 26 to 30 centimeters, which is relatively low. For taller people, sitting for a long time might not be very comfortable.
Director’s chair
The most distinctive feature of the director’s chair is its relatively high seat height, usually around 40 to 45 centimeters, making it suitable for use with taller camping tables. Its seat surface is usually quite wide, providing a relatively spacious sitting experience. The backrest of a director’s chair is usually quite straight, which may not be very relaxing in terms of sitting posture. However, it is still quite suitable for scenarios where maintaining a proper sitting posture is required, such as during meals or when drinking tea. Its frame is mostly made of metal, with a stable structure. However, when stored, it is relatively large in volume and heavy in weight, which is not very suitable for camping activities that require long-distance travel.
Folding stool
Folding stools are one of the smallest and lightest categories among camping chairs. Many folding stools can be stored in a very compact size, making them convenient to carry. Whether placed in a backpack or hung on a belt, they are all very easy. It is very suitable for some activities that require frequent movement of positions, such as splitting firewood and making a fire around the camp. However, the disadvantages of folding stools are also quite obvious. Their height is usually low, which may not be very comfortable for tall people when sitting upright. Moreover, most folding stools do not have backrests or armrests, and sitting for a long time can be quite tiring.
How to choose a chair according to the camping scene
Self-driving camping
If you are camping by car, you don’t need to worry about the weight and size of the chairs, as the car can provide sufficient storage space. At this point, you can choose some chairs with high comfort and more complete functions, such as lounge chairs with adjustable backrests and footrests, or sofa chairs with wide armrests and thick cushions. Although this type of chair is relatively heavy, it enables you to enjoy ultimate comfort at the campsite, just like moving the cozy corner of your home outdoors.
Hiking and camping
Hiking and camping have extremely high requirements for the weight and portability of equipment. Moon chairs, ultra-light folding stools and the like are excellent choices. They are light in weight, small in size when stored, and can be easily put into a backpack without adding too much burden to hiking. Under the premise of ensuring basic comfort, the portability requirements during the hiking process have been met to the greatest extent.
Family camping
Family camping usually needs to take into account the needs of different age groups. You can choose some chairs with good stability and sufficient seating space, such as multi-person connected chairs, which can allow family members to sit together and enhance interaction. At the same time, to take care of the children, you can also prepare some low-height, lightweight and safe camping chairs specially designed for children, so that the children can also play comfortably outdoors.
Conclusion
When choosing outdoor camping chairs, one should comprehensively consider factors such as portability, stability, comfort and durability, while also taking into account one’s own camping scenario and personal needs. Only by choosing the right camping chair that suits you can you fully enjoy the fun of camping outdoors and make every camping experience an unforgettable and wonderful memory.
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