5 Reasons to Avoid Cheap Camping Chairs

Sitting around a campfire is a great way to end a day of adventuring. However, choosing the wrong camping chairs can make it miserable for everyone.

It may be tempting to buy the cheapest chair you see at your local big-box retailer – five bucks is a pretty good price. But, you’ll likely regret it if you do.

Let’s look at a handful of reasons why you should avoid cheap camping chairs.

Think Twice Before Buying Cheap Camping Chairs

A great deal is often only a great deal because it’s sacrificing something. You might be giving up a lot in quality to save a few bucks.

1. They’re Uncomfortable

If you’ve ever sat in cheap camping chairs, they’re notorious for being extremely uncomfortable. A cheap chair doesn’t distribute weight for optimal comfort. You’ll likely find a bulk of your weight on the back of your thighs, which can get uncomfortably very quickly.

If you’re not comfortable while sitting in your camping chair, you’ll be less likely to want to use it. Spending a few extra bucks for better quality will allow everyone to be comfortable around the campfire.

2. Flimsy and Unstable

Cheap camping chairs often use substandard parts. These low-quality parts often make these chairs feel incredibly flimsy and unstable. When you feel like your chair is on the verge of collapsing, you’ll never be able to relax around the campfire.

You shouldn’t need to question the stability of a camping chair when you go to sit down. Higher-quality chairs often use high-quality materials. You’ll likely pay a premium price, but you’ll get much more stability as a result.

3. Can’t Support Much Weight

Cheap camping chairs are often severely lacking when it comes to supporting weight. A cheap chair will likely have a weight rating of no more than 225 pounds. Considering the average American man weighs roughly 198 pounds, that doesn’t leave much room before you’re exceeding a chair’s max weight.

By purchasing a higher-quality chair, you’ll gain significantly more when it comes to weight capacity. It’s not uncommon to find quality chairs with a weight rating of 300-400 pounds. This extra weight capacity helps create a large buffer when it comes to max weight capacity.

4. Not Made to Last

A cheap camping chair won’t last long. How much you weigh and how often you’re using your it will play a key role in its longevity. These chairs are usually not made to last as cheap materials often break or fail quickly.

If you’re regularly using your cheap chair, you may end up needing to replace a chair multiple times within a year. Purchasing camping chairs over and over again is not only incredibly wasteful but also can be expensive.

5. Sink in Soft Dirt or Sand

Cheap camping chairs aren’t for use in soft dirt or sand. The legs will sink into soft ground. When you finish using your chair and pack it up, the sand or dirt particles can often cause issues closing the chair.

These sand and dirt particles can be incredibly frustrating and lead to prematurely replacing your cheap camping chair.

Our Pick for the Best Camping Chair

We’ve sat comfortably around many campfires, and today we want to share our top pick for camping chairs. 

Zero Gravity Chairs

A Zero Gravity chair has a maximum weight rating of 300 pounds. They require no assembly and are incredibly compact for storage. The padded seat will ensure you’re comfortable around the campfire. You’ll find an adjustable, lockable reclining system.

When you choose a quality camping chair like this Zero Gravity chair, you won’t have to worry about assembly or storage. This chair takes up a limited amount of space and can quickly be ready for use. The double bungee supports provide a comfortable and supportive feeling. It’s important to note that a quality chair, such as this Zero Gravity one, isn’t cheap. The Zero Gravity chair will cost $120-$130. 

Enjoying your time around the campfire can be relaxing if you’re in the right chair. Experience will often teach you that you usually get what you pay for when buying camping gear. You can’t expect a luxury feel from a budget-friendly chair. If a comfortable chair is essential, expect to pay a premium price.

Pro Tip: Here is the absolute best Zero Gravity Camping Chair on the market this year.

Do you have a camping chair you prefer?

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