Best Heavy-Duty Camping Chairs: Trialed & Tested [2024 Update]

Needing a chair for lazing around camp that is built to last and can cater to heavier users? Our article reviews a variety of the best heavy-duty chairs to help find the right model for you.

Sara Hall Avatar
Written by: | Reviewed by: Kieran James Cunningham
Last Update:

Want a camp chair that’s made to last and more capable of accommodating heavier users than traditional camping chairs? We hear ya. Check out our favorite durable camping chairs in this post and you’ll be sure to find something to fit your style and budget!

Whether you want your chair to have a high weight limit, focus on comfort and padding, or have it be blessed with handy features like storage pockets and cup holders, there’s bound to be something on our list to pique your interest.

Our article will review 7 of the top plus-sized camping chairs, why our reviewers chose the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong as our favorite camping chair, and what factors you should consider to help you find the right camping chair for your needs.

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At a Glance: Quick Recommendations

Which are the Best Camp Chairs for Big Guys?

From car camping in California to RVing across the northwest and Canada, our crew has tested a number of chairs this year before settling on the shortlist below.

  • ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
  • ALPS Mountaineering Camp Chair
  • Coastrail Outdoor Camping Chair with Lumbar Back Support
  • Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler
  • ALPS Mountaineering Adventure Chair
  • Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Chair
  • KingCamp Camping Chair

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camping Chair

Editor’s Choice

Unfolded Dimensions: 24.5 (W) x 20 (D) x 38 (H) inches ⸱ Weight: 13 lbs  ⸱ Capacity: 800 lbs

The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is the best camping chair for larger folks, boasting an impressive 800-pound weight capacity, meaning the ALPS King Kong is strong enough to hold an actual large, adult gorilla. And you too!

You won’t feel squished in this one thanks to its roomy seat width of 24.5 inches and a gap of 18 inches between your butt and the ground. Keep your drinks nearby in the two cup holders, and secure your stuff in the hanging side pockets and an additional mesh seat-back pocket.

ALPS made the King Kong to withstand regular, long-term use and abuse, combining a powder-coated steel frame with 600-denier polyester fabric. The only downside is that all that durable material equates to a heavier piece of furniture, and at 13 pounds, it’s the heaviest on our list.

  • PROs

    • Highest capacity on our list thanks to heavy duty steel frame
    • Durable materials
    • Pockets
    • Mesh cup holders
    • Oversized seat
  • CONs

    • Expensive
    • Heavy

Bottom-Line: Has the highest weight capacity and a durable build.

ALPS Mountaineering Camp Chair

Most Comfortable Camping Chair

Unfolded Dimensions: 24 (W) x 22 (D) x 36 (H) inches ⸱ Weight: 11 lbs. ⸱ Capacity: 425 lbs

The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Chair is our top pick for comfort, and also boasts a high weight limit of 425 lbs.

It has comfort-focused features like a curved armrest, closed-cell foam padding, and a tall back, making this such a cozy and comfortable pew that you won’t want to get up. The 24-inch wide seat gives you ample room without feeling constricted and the 18-inch seat height allows you to stretch out your legs.

The Pro-Tec engineered aluminum frame, with steel tubes and connectors, creates a distinctive design that folds flat so you can easily carry and store it. And with a detachable back frame, the packed size is cut down even more. The steel connecting bars between the legs will also help with stability, particularly if you’re sitting on sand or soft ground.

This folding chair only has a single cup holder and no pockets and is also on the pricier side, but it’s still a great option if comfort is high on your list of priorities.

  • PROs

    • High capacity
    • Comfortable
    • Nice padding
    • Folds flat
    • Functional carry bag with shoulder strap
  • CONs

    • Expensive
    • Only one cup holder

Bottom-Line: An expensive camp chair with comfort-focused features and high capacity, but fewer organizational features.

Coastrail Outdoor Camping Chair with Lumbar Back Support

Best Value

Unfolded Dimensions: 24 (W) x 19.6 (D) x 42.1 (H) inches ⸱ Weight: 12 lbs ⸱ Capacity: 400 lbs

The Coastrail Outdoor Padded Camping Chair has a 400-lb capacity, is reasonably priced, and comes with a lot of comfort-focused details and extra features. This is one of the best camping chairs you can get for the price.

The lumbar support system is what sets this Coastrail apart. It has a back alignment strap that you can adjust to fit your lumbar support needs. The rest of it is ergonomically designed, extra-wide, and stuffed with padding. You can also put a pillow into the head storage bag for neck support.

A built-in insulated cooler bag is another highlight. You can store up to three cans in the bag, so you won’t even need to get up for a refill. Other features include a convenient cup holder and a storage organizer.

The frame is made of anodized steel and the fabric is 600D oxford polyester, sturdy enough for any outdoor excursion and built to resist wear and tear.

  • PROs

    • Built-in cooler bag
    • Lumbar support and padding
    • High capacity
    • Affordable
    • Practical carrying bag
  • CONs

    • Heavy

Bottom-Line: A durable and comfortable chair that comes with a cooler and other storage features.

Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler

Best Budget

Unfolded Dimensions: 24 (W) inches ⸱ Weight: Not specified ⸱ Capacity: 325 lbs

The Coleman Quad is the most budget-friendly chair on our list but it comes with a lot of great features.

If you like your drinks nearby, the Quad has a built-in cooler that can hold four cans, so you’ll never go thirsty. It also features side storage pockets and an extra mesh cup holder.

It has a fully padded seat and back, with adjustable armrests so you can fine-tune it however you like. The seat is 24 inches wide and 18.1 inches in height, so you have room to wiggle and stretch out.

  • PROs

    • Affordable
    • Cushioned
    • Adjustable
    • 4-can cooler
  • CONs

    • Lower capacity

Bottom-Line: An affordable, durable, and comfortable camping chair with a handy cooler feature.

ALPS Mountaineering Adventure Chair

Best Ultralight

Unfolded Dimensions: 20 (W) x 16 (D) x 30 (H) inches ⸱ Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz. ⸱ Capacity: 400 lbs

Most heavy-duty camp seating weighs in at about 10 pounds or more, so, with that in mind, the 5 lbs. 8 oz. Adventure from ALPS Mountaineering is considered ultralight.

It holds up well compared to other heavy-duty, durable camping chairs with a 400 lb capacity, although the powder-coated aluminum frame isn’t as strong as its sturdy steel-framed alternatives. The patented telescoping legs will, however, provide you with some extra support and stability.

It’s not quite as comfortable as other options, as there are no armrests or padding. Instead, it has a PVC-coated polyester mesh seat that sits 17.5 inches high, a little closer to the ground than others.

You won’t find any cup holders or pockets either. While it’s not the most stylish chair, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for something minimal and functional.

  • PROs

    • Lightweight
    • High capacity
  • CONs

    • Aluminum is less durable
    • No armrests or padding
    • No cup holders or pockets

Bottom-Line: A good option for ounce-counters.

Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Chair

Best For Tall Folks

Unfolded Dimensions: 24 (W) x 19 (H) inches  ⸱ Weight: ‎9.9 lbs  ⸱ Capacity: 600 lbs

The Big-N-Tall is a great all-around option that has a maximum weight capacity of a mighty 600 lbs and large feet for added stability.

The most notable feature is a draining system that empties collected water from the seat. If you tend to hang out in wet or damp weather, or if it gets left outside, this feature is amazingly handy. It also has a CellPort™ water-resistant sleeve that protects electronic devices from getting wet.

You’ll have plenty of room with a seat 24 inches wide and 19 inches in height. This is a tall camping chair, so taller users can kick back and relax in comfort.

  • PROs

    • Draining system
    • High weight limit
    • Affordable
    • Shoulder carry bag
  • CONs

    • Heavy

Bottom-Line: High capacity and the only chair on our list with a draining system.

KingCamp Camping Chair

Best Director’s

Unfolded Dimensions: 20.8 (W) x 19.6 (D) x 32.6 (H) inches ⸱ Weight: 9.7 lbs ⸱ Capacity: 396 lbs

This sturdy chair from KingCamp has some unique features, like a convenient side table with an integrated cup holder that folds down flat when you’re not using it. On the other arm is a removable, organized side pocket to store your phone, keys, or other items.

This is one of the few with an oversized cushioned seat as well as a padded back. The armrests also have padding wrapped around the steel tubes of the durable frame. They won’t be too comfortable to rest your arms on, but they are strong and stable enough to help hoist you up. The seat is only 17.7” off the ground so that extra help standing up might come in handy.

This portable chair folds up flat and has a carrying strap built-in, so you can transport it easily.

  • PROs

    • Affordable
    • Side table
    • Portable carry strap
    • Padded armrests, back, and seat
  • CONs

    • Seat height is a little short

Bottom-Line: An affordable, cushioned, and durable chair with a side table.

How to Choose a Large Camping Chair?

When choosing the best camp chair for your needs we recommend taking into consideration the following factors.

  • Weight Capacity
  • Comfort
  • Durability/Materials
  • Portability: Size and Weight

Weight Capacity

How much weight a chair can handle is the most important factor when shopping for a heavy-duty chair.

Most can handle 300 to 500 pounds, but always confirm the number with the manufacturer. At the very least, make sure it can hold you plus any heavy items you might hold or have on your lap (a child, a big backpack, etc.).

If weight capacity’s your biggest concern, check out the Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad (600 lbs.) and ALPS King Kong (800 lbs.)

Comfort

This is the most subjective category to consider when shopping. The most universal comfort factor is padding. The more the better. Other things to consider include back and neck support, and solid armrests. 

Comfort-wise, the ALPS Mountaineering Camp Chair is our pick of the bunch.

Tall man sitting in camping chair beside the sea
Comfort is highly subjective. Do you need more back support? Do you prefer more padding underneath?

Durability/Materials

How durable and long-lasting is another feature you may want to consider

Other regular camping chairs tend to rip or buckle after time or when loaded with too much weight. Heavy-duty chairs, on the other hand, have a sturdy frame, stronger fabric, and a higher weight capacity. 

Look for chairs with steel frames, these will be stronger than aluminum, but heavier. 

Most traditional chairs use nylon, although some are polyester, which is not as durable. The density of the fabric is rated by denier value (D). A higher denier rating means the fabric is better quality, stronger, and less likely to tear. The most durable camp chairs use around 600D fabric.

Portability: Size And Weight

Heavy-duty camp furniture focuses more on strength and durability than weight, so most will be pretty hefty. If you’re camping next to your car or RV, the weight isn’t much of an issue. But if you’re backpacking, every ounce counts. It’s a trade-off though, lighter chairs are less likely it is to hold up to heavy-duty standards.

The size of the chair, both folded and unfolded, is something to think about if you have a smaller vehicle or limited space at the campsite. 

Sturdy camping chair in front of RV
Your maximum chair weight will depend on the type of camping you plan to do

The Best Oversized Camping Chairs: The Verdict

Overall, if you need a strong camp chair that can take on weight, there are a lot of good options. 

Our pick of the bunch, however, is the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, a beast of a chair with an 800-pound weight limit and plenty of comfort-focused features. If that one’s a little too pricey for your budget, the next best thing is the Coastrail Outdoor Camp Chair, a more minimalist but adequately comfortable option with a decent weight limit and nice features.

If you have any suggestions or questions about chairs or other camping gear, connect with us in the comment box below. And if you’d like to share this post with your friends, share away!

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Sara Hall Avatar

Sara Hall is a journalist, photographer, and freelance writer in her professional life, and is passionate about camping, hiking, and backpacking in her personal life. Growing up in the rural mountains of Northern California, a love of the outdoors was instilled in her at an early age.

Her favorite adventures are often solo backpacking treks out in the wilderness. Or hiking most weekends on local trails. Or with friends and family discovering new campsites. As long as she’s exploring, that’s her new favorite trip.

For Sara, one of the best moments of every journey is turning a corner or climbing above a ridge and an epic view reveals itself. That moment is one-of-a-kind and no two people experience it the same way. That’s yours and yours alone.

She also loves to travel and take local and long-distance road trips.

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