There’s no better way to finish a winter day outdoors than by gathering around a campfire. While many of us have spent numerous evenings sitting on the ground or perched on a log, experiencing the comfort and refreshment of a good winter camping chair is hard to surpass.
We dedicated many hours to testing various chairs in different environments to identify the best winter camping chairs. Over the past five years, we’ve evaluated nearly 25 different camping chairs, compiling this guide’s top 9 available today.
During our evaluation and ranking of camping chairs, we prioritized comfort, value, and portability (including size and weight). Other important factors considered were durability, ease of setup, and extra features (such as cupholders and storage pockets). For additional guidance in selecting the perfect winter camping chair, check out this article with the National Park Shops team!
Contents
- 1 Best Winter Camping Chairs: Zenpetio Heated Camping Chair ($80.99 on Amazon)
- 2 Heated Camping Chairs: Portal Heated Camping Chairs ($94.99 on Amazon)
- 3 Best Budget: Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair ($26.07 on Amazon)
- 4 Best Overall: ALPS Mountaineering King Kong ($79.99 on Amazon)
- 5 Best Beach Camping Chair: BOTE Inflatable Aero Chair XL ($79.99 on Amazon)
- 6 Most Luxurious: Yeti Trailhead ($300 on Amazon)
- 7 Best Two-Person: Kelty Low Loveseat ($129.95 on Amazon)
- 8 Guide Gear Oversized XL Comfort Padded ($69.99 on Amazon)
- 9 Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair ($62.16 on Amazon)
- 10 How we test winter camping chairs?
- 11 Conclusion
Best Winter Camping Chairs: Zenpetio Heated Camping Chair ($80.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 330 Pound
- Special Feature: Side Pocket, 3 Level Heating, Cup Holder
- Shape: Oval
The Zenpetio Heated Camping Chair is a revolutionary product for outdoor enthusiasts who venture into chilly weather. This spacious rocking chair boasts dual heating zones that warm both your back and seat, ensuring you remain snug even in colder temperatures. With three adjustable heat settings, you can customize the warmth to suit your preferences.
I took this chair with me on a winter camping adventure, and it quickly became my top gear choice. The cushioned seat and back offer fantastic comfort, while the robust frame can hold up to 500 lbs, accommodating various body types. Additionally, the chair features handy storage pockets for your items and a cup holder to keep your beverage close at hand. Weighing just under 10 pounds, it’s simple to carry and easy to set up at your campsite.
Heated Camping Chairs: Portal Heated Camping Chairs ($94.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Polyester
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 400 Pounds
- Special Feature: SArm Rest, Foldable
- Size: Large
Another excellent choice in the realm of heated winter camping chairs is the Portal Camping Chair. This chair comes with various heat settings and is specifically crafted to keep you cozy during those chilly nights spent outdoors. It features a robust steel frame and high-quality fabric, making it resilient against tough weather elements.
I discovered this chair to be exceptionally comfortable due to its ample padding and ergonomic design. The heat settings can be easily modified through a user-friendly control panel on the armrest, allowing you to quickly find your ideal warmth level. Moreover, it has a compact foldable design, which simplifies storage and transportation. If you’re committed to staying warm while camping in the winter, think about including the Portal Heated Camping Chair in your gear collection.
>> The 7 Best Portable Heaters For Camping: Safe, Small (Tested)
Best Budget: Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair ($26.07 on Amazon)
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 250 Pounds
- Special Feature: Foldable, Adjustable
- Seat Material Type: Mesh
For just $30, the Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Chair offers a cooling mesh back, making it an excellent value. Our initial tests showed it to be quite comfortable. While many winter camping chairs exist, this one stands out with a reputable brand behind it.
Measuring 21 inches wide, it has a larger seat compared to the smaller options we’ve seen. The higher seat and upright back design make it easier to get in and out. The seat combines breathable mesh and sturdy fabric for added comfort during extended use, unlike most chairs at this price that use only solid fabric.
The chair features an armrest with a cup holder, but drinks need to be without a koozie to fit, which is minor given the price. At $30, you might even find a cheap cooler to pair with it. However, there’s no storage on the chair itself, so you’ll need another place for your keys.
Best Overall: ALPS Mountaineering King Kong ($79.99 on Amazon)
- Material: 600D Polyester
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 800 Pounds
- Special Feature: Portable, Arm Rest, Cup Holders
- Seat Material Type: Polyester
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is our top choice for winter camping chairs and one of the most comfortable options. It’s always the first one picked by our test team at campfires. Its slightly padded fabric is perfect for extended lounging, and the seat is spacious but a bit slouchy, supported by a very stable frame. It has a weight capacity of 800 pounds, making the sturdy fabric quite durable. Testers liked its practical storage features, which include two cup holders, two side pockets, and a small pocket behind the headrest. Setting it up is quick and easy.
However, this comfort and durability come with extra weight, making the King Kong one of the heaviest single-person chairs we tested. It also lacks a headrest, so it’s not ideal for napping. Nonetheless, it meets all camping needs, including tailgating and fishing.
Best Beach Camping Chair: BOTE Inflatable Aero Chair XL ($79.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 350 Pounds
- Special Feature: Lightweight, Portable
- Seat Material Type: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
The BOTE Aero Chair XL is an inflatable, collapsible beach chair that redefines beach camping comfort using drop-stitch technology from paddleboards.
Traditional camp chairs struggle at the beach due to saltwater, UV damage, and sand accumulation. The Aero Chair’s durable design and PVC material withstand these challenges, making it our preferred choice for Pacific Coast camping.
Inflating is easy, and while the recommended max PSI of 10 felt stiff, we preferred a softer 7 PSI. Its low seat allows you to dig your toes in, and the rail-like legs prevent tipping on uneven ground. We also used it in the forest without worrying about punctures, proving its toughness.
>> 7 Best Emergency Blankets For Cold Weather, Tested & Reviewed
Most Luxurious: Yeti Trailhead ($300 on Amazon)
- Material: FlexGridTM Fabric
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 500 Pounds
- Special Feature: Lightweight, Durability
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
To start off, if you want the least expensive winter camping chair, this isn’t the one for you. However, if you’re in search of a highly comfortable, sturdy, and reliable chair, you’ve found it.
Weighing 13 pounds, the YETI Trailhead is a well-balanced option in terms of winter camping chair weight. The FlexGrid fabric provides consistent support and is resistant to UV rays. It also allows for good airflow on warmer days. It can be easily folded and comes with a carry bag that has backpack straps. The Lockdown feature at the back prevents the chair from folding unexpectedly. We appreciate the wide, non-slip feet.
Besides camping, we’ve utilized this winter camping chair as our daily office seat for several months. It shows no wear and remains comfortable throughout. In our opinion, this chair would be an excellent investment for furnishing a lake cabin: it’s durable, suitable for nearly anyone, and built to last.
Best Two-Person: Kelty Low Loveseat ($129.95 on Amazon)
- Material: Polyester, Alloy Steel
- Size: One Size
- Seat Material Type: Polyester
The Kelty Low Loveseat impresses us with its remarkably comfortable design for two people. This model is very stable, featuring a lower seat height compared to most conventional winter camping chairs. While our shorter testers found their feet comfortably on the ground, Kelty also offers a taller version that is several inches higher.
Constructed from sturdy materials, this chair can withstand the wear of seating multiple individuals and even dogs for long durations. After three years of consistent use and significant sun exposure, it has faded slightly but remains as comfortable as it was on the first day we received it. Our lead tester has grown increasingly fond of this winter camping chair over time, reflecting its remarkable durability and comfort.
Besides its overall size and weight, our main concern was how popular the Low Loveseat became among our friends, which limited our time to enjoy its excellent features. Given its comfort, durability, and capacity to accommodate a few friends, we believe this chair deserves consideration.
>> 7 Best Lightweight Sleeping Bags For Winter Camping (Tested)
Guide Gear Oversized XL Comfort Padded ($69.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 400 pounds
- Style: Deluxe
If you’re after the ultimate in comfort for your outdoor seating, check out the Guide Gear Oversized XL Comfort Padded Chair. This spacious chair is designed with thick padding all around, making it perfect for extended relaxation at your campsite.
I brought this roomy chair along on my recent winter getaway, where we spent cozy evenings gathered around the fire, exchanging stories with friends. The ample padding ensured that I remained super comfortable even after hours of sitting! Additionally, this winter camping chair comes equipped with sturdy armrests and cup holders, allowing you to sip on drinks while you unwind by the fire without any concerns about spills or discomfort.
Kijaro Dual Lock Camping Chair ($62.16 on Amazon)
- Material: Diamond Ripstop Polyester
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 300 Pounds
- Special Feature: Durable, Foldable,Portable, Cup Holders, Seat Lock, Arm Rest
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
Unlike inferior winter camping chairs, the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair locks securely in place to prevent any chance of collapsing, which made it stand out to Fox when compared to our initial test winners. The chair is simple to set up and once you find the lock, it’s also easy to collapse and pack away in the included carrying bag; however, this bag only has one strap, so it cannot be carried like a backpack.
Weighing 9 pounds, it is slightly heavier than some other options, but this weight provides one of the most stable seating surfaces available, offering plenty of support on the armrests and wide, padded leg tips that ensure stability on various terrains. The breathable mesh ripstop poly material used in the back is durable enough to withstand heavy use, and Kijaro has included several additional features such as two cup holders, a zippered pocket, and a mesh pocket.
How we test winter camping chairs?
We have examined and evaluated numerous winter camping chair models in our ongoing quest for the top options. Each chair is used extensively with friends over several months. We take them on weekend camping excursions, set them up at family gatherings, enjoy late nights by the fire pit, watch sports events, and relax during full-day backyard barbecues. Throughout our testing phase, we focused on important features of camp chairs, such as the effectiveness of the cup holders and pockets. We measured their weight and dimensions, transported them everywhere, and tested their durability by jumping into them. Below is a detailed account of our thorough findings from months of relaxation.
To assess these winter camping chairs, we utilized four key criteria:
- Comfort (40% of total score)
- Portability (25% of total score)
- Quality (20% of total score)
- Ease of Use (15% of the total score)
Conclusion
Wrapping up your winter camping adventures, having the right winter camping chairs can transform chilly outings into cozy, memorable experiences. These chairs are more than just a place to sit, they offer warmth, durability, and convenience, letting you relax comfortably even in frosty conditions. Whether you’re enjoying a fireside chat, stargazing under a crisp winter sky, or just taking a break after a long hike, the perfect camping chair enhances every moment. Choose a chair that suits your needs, and get ready to embrace winter camping with added comfort and style!
