Not all camping chairs are born equal! The best camping chairs for a bad back should help you appreciate your camping experience, whether while having a beer or waiting for a catch. The KingKamp Camping Chair should keep your spine supported while providing the necessary comfort.
Here a few of the top chairs from this article:
- KingKamp Camping Chair — Best camping chair for bad back
- Strongback Elite Chair — Best for lumbar support
- Timber Ridge — Best high-backed ergonomic camping chair
- Bliss Hammocks Zero-Gravity Chair — Great reclining camping chair for a bad back
- Strongback Low-Gravity Beach Chair Review — Best beach chair for a bad back
KingKamp Camping Chair Review — Best Camping Chair for a Bad Back
Specs
This camping chair comes with adjustable lumbar support and can hold up to 350 pounds. It can be folded into the included carry bag and carried over your shoulder.
It weighs just over 11 pounds and measures 23.5 x 23.5 x 41 inches when in use. This seat includes various storage pockets. You’ll also find an insulated storage space within the armrest — large enough to fit three cans of soda.
This model includes a cup holder and a magazine or tablet side hanger. It’s made of steel tubes and sturdy black and white polyester fabric. Lastly, this product is one of the least expensive models ($$).
The Verdict
The KingKamp camping chair is my best overall seat. This model can be adjusted for optimal lumbar support and includes padding for comfort.
Users love the pocket design. Some of them have even placed a small pillow inside the head pocket. This adds comfort and support to the neck.
In Summary
If you don’t want to put a heavy load on your wallet, yet are still looking for a comfy and convenient chair, this might be a seat for you. It should provide enough storage and pockets to keep your belongings organized.
Some reviewers wish that the carry bag’s straps were longer for convenience. If you need to transport the chair over a long distance, we’d recommend looking at the Strongback Elite Chair.
Strongback Elite Chair Review — Best Camping Chair for Lumbar Support
Specs
This camping chair — 28.5 x 27 x 36.5 inches — features padded armrests and support for your drink, with a padded cushion for lumbar support. It weighs below 12 pounds and can hold up to 300 pounds. When not in use, it can be folded and stored inside a carry bag made with two shoulder straps.
It’s made with resistant polyester fabric, a steel frame, and designed for individuals 5 foot 8 inches and taller. Although its price is steeper than the previous product, this model comes with a two-year warranty ($$$.)
Note: This product comes in black/grey, camo, lime/grey, and navy/gray colors.
The Verdict
If you’re suffering from severe back pain and worried about remaining seated for a long time, this might be a model worth looking into. The ergonomic design helps to align your upper body to remove neck, shoulder, and lower-back tensions.
Whether you’re fishing by a river or enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends, the chair should make you feel at ease.
Reviewers could sit in any position and still feel comfortable, whether curled reading a book or toasting marshmallows by the fire.
In Summary
If you need to regularly get up and stretch to avoid bad back pain, you’ll likely enjoy this seat. It’s designed to make your camping trip comfortable, even while sitting for long periods.
Keep in mind that this model isn’t adjustable. If this feature is important to you, have a look at the KingCamp Camping Chair.
XGEAR High Back, Padded Lawn Chair – Best Lawn Chair for Bad Back
Specs
- Weight Capacity: 350lbs
- Weight: 11.5lbs
- Seat Width: 21″
- Height (Ground to Seat): 17″
- Height (Overall): 41″
- Folded Dimensions: 12″ x 12″ x 44″
- Padding: Back, Seat Cushion & Armrests
- Storage: Back Pocket, Side Pocket & Cup Holder
- Carry Bag: Yes
- Colours Available: Black
The Verdict
The XGEAR High Back Camp Chair might be ideal for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, ergonomic product with a high back.
You should still be able to keep your cold drink at an arm’s distance while your forearms are comfortably resting on the padded armrests. Besides, users love that the cup holder pivots to save space when not needed.
In addition, the ergonomics provide support to both the waist and upper back. The padded armrests combine well with this for optimum comfort.
In Summary
Overall, this is a great value product. It combines high back support, comfort, and is affordable for most budgets.
This model can be heavy for some reviewers. If you’re looking for a light product to carry easily, the Strongback Elite Folding Camping Chair might be a good alternative.
Availability
You should be able to find the XGEAR High Back Camp Chair in the following stores:
- Check out the prices on Amazon >>
- Check out the prices at Walmart >>
Bliss Hammocks Zero-Gravity Chair Review — Best Reclining Camping Chair for a Bad Back
Specs
This lounging chair measures 34 x 31 x 45 inches and reclines into 31.5 inches in height. It also has a side tray to place drinks, tablets, or magazines.
The seat comes with a head pillow and an adjustable canopy to keep the sun away. Once folded, the chair measures 31 x 38 x 6.25 inches and has a snap-lock to prevent the seat from unfolding.
It’s also made with a steel frame, but coated with a rust-resistant powder to withstand moisture and water. It weighs 28 pounds and is designed to take on up to 360 pounds. This high-end product is more expensive than other models, yet offers unique features and benefits ($$$$).
Note: This product comes in 15 different colors and various widths — 26, 31, or 33 inches.
The Verdict
If you’re looking to take naps while enjoying camping, this camping chair should meet your needs. Its ergonomic shape will support your bad back when you’re seated, and it can also hold your entire body in a reclined position. The pillow should also provide neck support while your upper body remains in the shade under the canopy.
You’ll be able to keep your entertainment and drinks handy with the side tray table. If you happen to leave the chair under the rain, the anti-rust coat should protect the frame from corrosion. Lastly, reviewers love how sturdy the chair feels, even when handling heavy weights.
In Summary
If you like to take naps and relieve your entire body from gravity, this reclining model offers a seated or lying position. Keep your belongings closeby and stay in the shade, whether to get some rest or read your favorite book.
Even folded, this chair typically takes more space than other camping chairs. If you’re looking for a more portable and compact option, we’d suggest looking into the recliner version of the Strongback Low-Gravity Beach Chair.
Strongback Low-Gravity Beach Chair Review — Best Beach Chair for a Bad Back
Specs
This low-gravity beach chair sits 4 inches away from the floor. It’s also ergonomically designed and includes padding. It provides a locking system for your safety and a dedicated spot for your drink.
Each leg features a flat platform, and the entire chair is compact — 20 x 23.5 x 24 inches while in use. It’s light, weighing only 8.5 pounds but can nevertheless carry 300 pounds of weight.
This product also features a two-strap carry bag and padded armrests for comfort, while remaining at a reasonable price-point ($$). You’ll also benefit from a two-year warranty if anything were to go wrong.
Note: This product comes in black, blue, camouflage, or lime green color. It’s even available in a recliner version.
The Verdict
If you enjoy sitting near nature and the elements — beach, water, grass — this seat is ideal. Also, it’s a great option if you’d like to keep your legs stretched out in front of you. Besides, when chilling by the beach or a grass area, this chair shouldn’t sink into the ground.
Users also appreciate how compact and easy to move the chair is. Its small size is easy to fold inside the included carry bag, and its light weight makes it a breeze to transport.
At only 4 inches from the floor, it’s the lowest of all the chairs I’ve reviewed. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t provide lumbar support, though, which the included padding does just fine. This combines well with the sturdiness in the flat platform on each leg to prevent the seat from sinking into soft ground.
I particularly like the locking system for your safety and a dedicated spot for your drink.
In Summary
If you’ve got a bad back and want an easy-to-carry chair to bring to the beach, this one should meet your needs. Is there anything better than sipping a cold drink with your feet stretched out into the water?
If you need more storage space for books or drinks, have a look at KingKamp Camping Chair. While you’ll be sitting further away from the ground, you can keep more of your possessions nearby.
Portal Oversized Zero-Gravity Recliner Chair Review — Best High-End Camping Chair
Specs
This reclining camping chair can go back as far as 170 degrees with a total length of 72 inches. A simple locking system allows the chair to remain in place once you’ve set your desired position. The robust frame can take on up to 350 pounds.
The chair weighs a total of 28 pounds and measures 29 x 7.5 x 37 inches once folded. It includes an adjustable head pillow, extra-large armrests, and a padded seat. Unlike other models, the back is made of a breathable mesh material.
It even includes a tray that can be set-up either on the side of the chair or underneath. Either way, it can hold up to 4.5 pounds. While it’s more expensive than most other models, it still offers excellent value for the quality and features offered ($$$).
Note: This product comes in either dark blue or dark green/black.
The Verdict
This camping chair is suitable for anyone in need of a high-end product providing optimum comfort. It can be used both in a seating or a 170-degree reclined position.
Even if you fall asleep, the locking system should keep you safe in the set position. Don’t forget to move the pillow to the ideal height to support your head, neck, or even as lumbar support for your lower back.
Reviewers like the breathable material. It helps prevent sweating and avoids perspiration marks on the fabric.
In Summary
This model allows you to enjoy your camping vacation, whether while seated or sleeping. It combines comfort, convenience, high-quality material and design for a long-lasting model.
If you’d like to remain in the shade, however, have a look at the Bliss Hammocks Zero Gravity Chair. It comes with a canopy to keep your upper body cool.
Jet Tent Pilot DX Camping Chair Review — Best Adjustable Chair for Bad Backs
Specs
This camping chair — 15.7 x 17.3 x 39.7 inches — provides a three-sleeve adjustable lower back support, able to carry 330 pounds. It includes a padded material and armrests, and a wide seating space — 24 inches.
You’ll find two hanging side pockets. One is insulated to place a drink, and the other one comes with a cover to secure a phone or other device. The headrest also provides a storage area.
The product is made with durable material — a high-quality steel frame, along with padded polyester material. Nevertheless, it only weighs 11 pounds and includes a five-year warranty.
It’s only available in a classic dual-tone of light brown and black and has a premium price point, compared to other models ($$$$$).
The Verdict
If custom-fit is a feature you’re aiming for, this model should provide just that. You’ll be able to set the waistline to match your preferences, which users rave about. The large sitting area should also offer you comfort and plenty of space. This heavy-duty seat should comfortably fit even the heaviest of us.
The three pockets — two on the sides and one inside the headrest — make this chair versatile and user-friendly.
In Summary
This camping chair is a great option for anyone with a bad back. It provides the most customized waist fit for optimum comfort. Unlike other products, the extra padding throughout should also offer warmth and coziness.
If you’re looking for more pockets to store your belongings, have a look at OzTent King Kokoda Chair. It’s a similar chair with an additional side pouch.
OzTent King Kokoda Review — Best Mid-Range Camping Chair
Specs
This camping chair is the twin of my previous review. It features a padded back and seat, plus a headrest containing a storage pocket to place the carry bag. You’ll also be able to adjust the back for extra lumbar support.
This model weighs almost 14 pounds and can also carry up to 330 pounds while being available in the same light brown and black.
Yet, this model features a few differences. The armrests aren’t padded. Instead, they’re made with aluminum and are wider than the previous version.
Furthermore, this camping chair includes one additional pocket. You’ll have two of them on the right-hand-side, and an extra insulated one on the left side of the seat. Finally, this model comes at a lower cost than the Jet Tent Pilot DX ($$$).
The Verdict
If you like a snug fit with proper storage space, this should be ideal. The padding provides comfort that most other models don’t include. If you place the carry bag inside the headrest, it’ll even offer good cushioning behind the neck and head.
On top of that, the adjustable back can be set to your liking. Your arms have the option to either comfortably rest on the wide armrests or reach for a drink in the insulated pocket.
In Summary
This model could be a good substitute for the previous review. Furthermore, if comfort is your concern, this chair should provide the needed custom-support to enjoy your camping vacation. It’s an excellent mid-range option for its comfort and price.
If you’re looking for a similar camping chair, yet, at an even lower price-point, consider the KingCamp Camping Chair.
Selecting the Best Camping Chairs for Bad Backs
Here are the main elements I evaluated when selecting a camping chair:
- Good lumbar support to avoid making a bad back worse
- Type of camping chair.
- Weight capacity.
- Seat’s weight.
- Accessories and storage space.
- Armrests.
- Portability.
Good Support
For all of us suffering from a bad back, a proper camping chair with lumbar support is critical. This means that the seat should be ergonomically designed for this purpose.
High-back models are preferable as they allow better comfort and encourage a straight sitting position. Besides, you’ll find that some products include straps to adjust the seat’s lumbar support, as well as enhanced lower-back padding.
Bottom line: When looking for a camping chair with back support make sure to check out the features being advertised. Most camping chairs with lumbar support will state that fact very clearly. If lumbar support isn’t mentioned, it’s probably a chair you want to avoid.
Type of Camping Chair
Before selecting your camping chair, you’ll need to know what kind of chair you’re looking for. There are mainly two types:
- Low-gravity.
- Recliners.
Low-Gravity Seats
You’ll find camping chairs almost sitting on the floor, such as the Strongback Low-Gravity Beach Chair. While it may be challenging to get in and out of it, they make fantastic options when chilling on a beach or by a lake.
The Recliners
A recliner design — such as the Bliss Hammocks Zero-Gravity Chair — might be the best camp chair for bad back. They allow both a sitting and resting position. The latter allows full pressure to be lifted from the lower back potentially helping your bad back..
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is an element that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Most seats should be able to carry at least 300 pounds. A few camping chairs, however, can withstand up to 350 pounds, such as the PORTAL Oversized Zero Gravity Recliner Chair.
For heavier weights, you’ll need a seat with a steel frame and high-quality polyester fabric.
Armrests
Armrests contribute to the stability and strength of the seat. Furthermore, they’re important for comfort and maintaining a proper seating position. The best camping chair for bad back is unlikely to come without wide and padded armrests.
Portability
Campers typically travel over 136 miles from their home. With that in mind, a compact and portable camping chair can be more convenient to carry than a bulky one — even more so if you have lots of other camping gear to bring along.
Weight
The first element to consider is the weight of the chair. Not only is a light model easy to transport, but it should also keep your back healthier. Seats generally range from 8 to 30 pounds, but some are even heavier than this.
Heavier camping chairs can often handle more pressure. You’ll need to find the right balance between weight capacity and the product’s mass. Before purchasing one, it’s best to lift the seat and carry it over a short distance to see how it feels.
The Strongback Low-Gravity is the lightest in this at 8.5 pounds, whereas the heaviest are the Bliss Hammocks and Portal Oversized chairs.
Carry Bag
Most camping chairs are foldable; however, not all come with a carry bag. Yet, this convenient feature makes the seat easier to move and transport.
An important aspect of the storage pouch is the strapping system. Two straps are preferable compared to a single one. The weight of the camping chair is then spread over both shoulders, preventing further back pain.
Accessories and Storage Space
While they may seem unnecessary and luxurious, a camping chair with pockets, a drinks holder, or a tray can be more useful than most may think. When suffering from back pain, any movement can be the source of trouble. Ensuring that your drink, book, tablet, or other devices are handy is, therefore, critical.
Ensure that the camping chair comes with at least a drink holder, ideally one that’s insulated. In addition, look for a sturdy tray to hold other items.
Also, a headrest providing storage space isn’t only convenient, but it can also provide nice-to-have cushioning and neck support.
Conclusion
Having back pain doesn’t mean that your camping trip should turn uncomfortable. The best camping chair for bad back should make you feel at ease, even when sitting for long periods.
Our winner in this category is the KingKamp Camping Chair. It’s sturdy, adjustable, and can take on a large amount of weight.
It also includes more pockets and storage space than most other camping chairs. Finally, this model is compact and can be easily folded into the included carry-on bag.
