Best Camp Chairs for Hunting Camp, the Boat Ramp & Ballfield
Around a deer-camp fire, at a sandbar party or watching the kids' ballgame, you want a chair that holds a big man, keeps a drink cold and doesn't rust out after one season of humid storage. Here's how three popular styles compare.
Comparison
| Chair | Frame | Weight | Capacity | Seat | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Cooler Quad Check price → | Steel | 8.2 lb | 325 lb | 24" wide, 18.1" high | Built-in 4-can cooler, cup holder, pockets |
| ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Check price → | Powder-coated steel | 13 lb | 800 lb | 24" W × 20" D, 19" high | Two cup holders, armrest pockets |
| Helinox Chair One Check price → | DAC aluminum | 1 lb 15 oz | 320 lb | 20.5" W × 20" D | Packs small, 5-yr warranty |
Specs from Coleman, ALPS Mountaineering and Helinox.
1. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong: best for deer camp
Who it's for: big guys and anyone who wants a chair that'll last for years. ALPS rates it at 800 lb on a powder-coated steel frame with 600D polyester fabric. It's heavy at 13 lb, but it's a camp chair, not a backpacking chair.
Check price on King Kong → ALPS Mountaineering
2. Coleman Cooler Quad: best for the ballfield and boat ramp
A steel quad chair with a 325 lb rating and a small insulated cooler that holds four cans built into the armrest. It's inexpensive and easy to find, and in the heat, cold drinks within arm's reach are a real convenience.
Check price on Cooler Quad → Coleman
3. Helinox Chair One: best for the kayak or boat
Under 2 lb and packs down small enough to ride in a kayak hatch or a boat locker. Its 320 lb rating is impressive for the weight. It sits low and its legs sink in soft sand, so pick up sand feet if you're headed to a sandbar.
Check price on Chair One → Helinox
Chair tips for the humid South
- Dry chairs fully before bagging them, or the fabric will mildew in a week.
- Rinse off salt and sand after beach trips. Steel frames rust at the joints first.
- Store chairs out of the sun. UV breaks down polyester faster in Florida than almost anywhere else.
FAQ
What camp chair is best for big guys at deer camp?
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, rated at 800 lb on a powder-coated steel frame with 600D polyester fabric. It weighs 13 lb.
Which camp chair is best for a kayak or boat?
The Helinox Chair One. It's under 2 lb, packs small enough for a kayak hatch, and is rated to 320 lb. Add sand feet for sandbars.
How do I keep camp chairs from mildewing and rusting in the South?
Dry chairs fully before bagging them, rinse off salt and sand after beach trips, and store them out of the sun, since UV breaks down polyester fast in Florida.
