Shopping for Your Throne: Buying a Camping Chair

The camping chair: your new best friend at the campfire

You know that magical moment when you finally arrive at the campsite after a long day on the road, you unpack your gear and realize you forgot... your camping chair? It's happened to me more often than I care to admit! Result: I spent the evening sitting on a wet log while my friends relaxed comfortably around the fire.

After testing dozens of models over the years – from ultralight to comfort behemoths – I can tell you that buying a camping chair that truly suits you is a game changer for your adventures. Whether you're going car camping in the Laurentides, canoe camping, or simply for a day at Parc du Mont-Royal, having the right seat can transform your experience.

In this guide, I'll share everything I've learned in the field: the different types of chairs, the criteria that really matter, and my favorites according to your specific needs.

What type of camping chair matches your adventures?

Before diving headfirst into a purchase, you need to ask yourself the right question: how will you use your chair? Because believe me, the perfect chair for a car camping weekend isn't the same as the one you want to haul on a portage!

Car camping chairs: comfort first

If you're traveling by car and weight isn't an issue, it's time to treat yourself! These models offer:

• Padded armrests and sometimes even cup holders
• High backrest that supports the neck well
• Wide seat for long evenings around the fire
• High weight capacity (often 120-150 kg)

The only downside? They take up space and are heavy (generally between 3-6 kg).

Ultralight chairs: for minimalists

Going hiking with your gear on your back? Every gram counts! Ultralight chairs can weigh as little as 500g and compress into a bag the size of a water bottle.

However, you sacrifice:

• Comfort (smaller seat and backrest)
• Durability (more fragile materials)
• Ease of setup (more parts to assemble)

Versatile chairs: the smart compromise

This is often my choice for most adventurers. They offer a good balance between comfort, weight and compactness. Perfect for canoe camping, outdoor festivals or beach outings.

The criteria that really make a difference

After breaking my first chair after only three outings (it was cheap, but clearly not solid!), I learned to look at the right details before buying.

Structure and materials

Aluminum remains my #1 choice: lightweight, corrosion-resistant and durable. Steel is heavier but ultra-solid if you don't have weight constraints. Avoid cheap plastic – it always ends badly!

For fabric, look for:

• Polyester or ripstop nylon (tear-resistant)
• Reinforced seams at stress points
• Water-repellent treatment (handy under morning dew)

Ease of assembly

You don't want to spend 10 minutes setting up your chair while mosquitoes devour you! The best models unfold in 30 seconds max. Test it in store if possible.

Storage and transport

A good camping chair comes with its carrying bag. Make sure that:

• The bag has a solid shoulder strap
• The chair fits easily (no battle every time!)
• The folded dimensions suit your mode of transport

How much to invest in your camping chair?

That's THE question everyone asks! After testing chairs from $25 to $300, here's my honest breakdown of price ranges.

Tight budget ($25-60)

You can find decent chairs in this range, especially for occasional use. However, don't expect miracles in terms of durability. It's perfect if you camp 2-3 times per summer max.

Watch out for in this range:

• Seams that give way quickly
• Fragile folding mechanisms
• Limited comfort for long periods

Mid-range ($60-120)

This is my sweet spot for most campers! You get access to quality materials, decent comfort and durability that will survive several seasons.

High-end ($120+)

If you spend a lot of time outdoors or have specific needs (ultralight for hiking, maximum comfort for car camping), it's worth the investment. The quality difference is real.

My recommendations according to your adventure style

Okay, enough theory! Here are my concrete suggestions based on my years of experience on trails and around campfires.

For car camping and long stays

If you're going camping with your vehicle and want comfort, go for a chair with:

• Adjustable backrest (some recline almost horizontally!)
• Padded armrests
• Footrest (optional but total luxury)
• Built-in cup holder

I've spent memorable evenings at Parc national des Hautes-Gorges in this type of chair, contemplating the stars with hot chocolate. It's worth every dollar invested!

For canoe camping and festivals

You need a good compromise between comfort and portability:

• Weight around 1.5-2 kg
• Quick and intuitive setup
• Good stability (important on uneven terrain)
• Moisture resistance

For hiking and trekking

Every gram counts when you carry everything on your back! Look for:

• Less than 1 kg ideally
• Maximum compactness (size of a water bottle)
• Strength despite reduced weight

Even if comfort is less, having a seat after a long day of walking is indescribable happiness. I appreciated mine during my trek at Mont du Lac des Cygnes!

Pitfalls to avoid when buying

I made some beginner mistakes in my early camping years, and I want to save you the same hassles!

Relying solely on price

The cheapest chair is never a good deal if it breaks after three uses. Similarly, the most expensive isn't necessarily what you need.

Ignoring weight capacity

Even if you weigh 70 kg, a chair with an 80 kg capacity will be at the limit. Always take a safety margin of at least 20-30 kg.

Not testing comfort

What's comfortable for me might not be for you! If possible, test the chair in store. Otherwise, make sure returns are possible.

Forgetting actual usage

A chair perfect for evenings around the fire can be horrible for eating (too low relative to a table). Think about all your intended uses.

How to extend your chair's life

A good well-maintained chair can last years. Here are my tricks to maximize your investment:

After each outing:

• Shake it to remove sand and debris
• Let it dry completely before storing
• Check wear points (seams, joints)

Occasional cleaning:

• Mild soapy water for fabric
• Silicone lubricant on metal joints
• Storage in a dry place

Minor repairs:

• Fabric repair kit (self-adhesive patches)
• Replacement parts available from some manufacturers

My favorite models (field tested)

After years of testing gear, here are the chairs that really impressed me in different categories:

Best value for money

For most Quebec campers, I recommend a versatile chair in the $70-90 range. It will follow you everywhere: summer camping, festivals, beach, and even on the patio at home.

Ultralight choice

If you do hiking with gear, invest in a chair under 800g. Yes, it's more expensive per gram, but comfort after a long day of walking is priceless.

Maximum comfort

For car camping, nothing beats a real chair with reclining backrest and footrest. It's the equipment that transforms ordinary camping into a luxurious experience.

"The best camping chair is the one you'll use. No matter the price or features, if it stays in your garage, it's worthless!"

Where to buy your camping chair in Quebec

You have several options, each with its advantages:

Specialty stores: You can test before buying and get expert advice. Perfect for a first purchase!

Big box stores: Competitive prices, especially off-season. Good for basic models.

Online: Bigger selection and often better prices, but impossible to test. Make sure of the return policy.

No matter where you buy, take time to read reviews from other users. They often reveal problems that technical specs don't mention.

In summary: your perfect chair awaits

After all these years testing camping chairs, here are my key points for buying a camping chair that will truly improve your adventures:

• Define your main use: comfortable car camping vs ultralight hiking vs versatility
• Invest in quality: a mid-range chair ($60-120) will last years
• Test before buying when possible, or make sure you can return it
• Think long-term: durable materials and repairability rather than minimal price
• Don't forget maintenance: a well-cared-for chair can last a decade

Your next adventure deserves better than a seat on a wet rock or wobbly log! Whether you're planning a weekend at Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno or a more ambitious expedition, a good chair will transform your evenings around the fire.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to find your new portable throne and plan your next outing! Quebec's most beautiful sunsets await you, and they're even more magical when admired comfortably seated.