The best camping chairs for big guys really depend on how tall you are, how heavy you are, how portable you need it to be, where you plan to store it and how much you’re willing to spend.
This article recommends a bunch of oversized camping chairs in a bunch of different styles and with a bunch of different features. So hopefully you can find one that’s just right for you.
However, if you are looking for an all-round team player, the best heavy duty camping chair we could find was the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong. It’s a hugely popular big and tall camping chair. It’s rated to hold up to 800lbs. It’s super comfortable. There are loads of colors to choose from. And it is not expensive!
The King Kong does weigh 13lbs, though. And if you’re looking at something more lightweight and portable, then the best backpacking chair for big guys is probably the Helinox Chair One. It weighs just over 2lbs and is rated for 320lbs. It’s a really lovely bit of kit.
Read on for more info!
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair Review — Best Camping Chair for Big Guys
Specs
This chair weighs 13 pounds, making it one of the heaviest on our list. It comes with a shoulder carry bag and can support weights of up to 800 pounds — you can’t get any stronger than that! The dimensions are 38 inches by 20 inches by 38 inches and the seat height is 18 inches above the ground.
The Verdict
As you can tell by the name, this ALPS Mountaineering camping chair is the “King Kong” of heavy duty lawn chairs. The frame is made of powder-coated steel, which makes the chair stable and durable. This chair has the highest weight capacity we’ve seen in camping chairs — a whopping 800 pounds.
The main drawback is that the sturdy frame makes it pretty heavy. Although it comes with a convenient carrying bag, it’s not ideal for taking on long hikes over your shoulder. It is, however, one of the easiest chairs to collapse and pack.
The chair is designed using durable 600D polyester, which is one of the most robust materials that can endure harsh conditions without excess damage. This material helps to provide comfort as well as stability. Besides looking attractive, the hems are stitched and finished to minimize fraying.
Both armrests are adjustable with a cup holder on each side, making it perfect for left-handed or right-handed people. Alternatively, you can place two drinks to save you having to get up for a while.
If you need a place to keep your phone, magazine, car keys, novel, sunglasses, or your glasses, this chair has it all. There are storage pockets on either side for you to keep your necessary items nearby. It also has a mesh back pocket that can store the carrying bag and other items.
The generous seating space measures 24.5 inches wide, meaning most people of any size should be able to sit comfortably. It’s suitable for tall people of all ages and it’s designed to last over the years.
This model comes in three color options, including deep sea, charcoal and citrus, salsa, and khaki, so there’s something for everyone. The powder-coated frame is scratch-resistant, allowing you to enjoy a timeless look on your camping chair. The design ensures the chair stands the test of time without looking old.
Availability
Because it’s so popular you can find an ALPS Mountaineering Kong Kong it loads of different stores, so shop around and check out the prices:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at CampSaver >>
- Check prices at Sportsman’s Warehouse >>
- Check prices at Cabelas >>
- Check prices at Optics Planet >>
- Check prices at Walmart >>
- Check prices at Moosejaw >>
- Check prices at Scheels >>
Summary
If your priority is size and comfort when enjoying your outdoor activities, this is the chair that will exceed your expectations. The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is categorized as a high capacity and can fit anyone — big or small.
Overall, it’s exceptionally sturdy and supports a huge weight. Even if you’re not interested in the huge weight capacity, the strength and comfort you gain from this chair is not comparable to any other.
Best Backpacking Chair for Big Guys — Helinox Chair One
Specs
The Chair One weighs 2lbs 2oz, making it one of the lightest camping chairs on the market. It comes with a small carry bag that’s just 13.5″ long and it’s got a weight capacity of 320lbs. The seat is slightly bucket-shaped, measuring 25.5″ x 19.5″ x 20″ (height, width, depth) and it sits fairly low to the ground.
The Verdict
The Helinox Chair One is a pretty astounding piece of kit. It’s not just lightweight and compact. It’s also incredibly strong and way more comfortable than you might expect.
I bought one of these when they first came out and have never looked back. They’ve come down in price significantly since then and I reckon they are a no-brainer for anyone wanting to carry a chair in their backpack, pretty much regardless of size.
They are really popular in the plus size outdoor community but not all big guys agree that it’s awesome. Some folk worry that it feels too flimsy. That’s a fair concern, but we’ve not heard any reports of these chair actually bending or breaking.
They can be a bit tricky to get in and out of. But so long as you are prepared to kneel to lower yourself in and get yourself out then they are super stable. You kind of have to have your legs stretched out in front of you or tucked behind you. The chair does become unstable if you sit with your feet full square on the ground in front of you. But once you find your balance it’s unbelievably comfy and has an ever-so-gentle rock to it.
The only thing we’ve found frustrating about the Chair One is that the feet are quite narrow and definitely sink into soft ground. The bigger you are the more likely this is to be an issue. You mitigate this either by setting up on firm ground, sticking some rocks under the feet on soft ground or springing for a set of ball feet (they add a bit of weight but are a great accessory).
Availability
You should be able to pick up a Helinox Chair One at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Helinox >>
- Check prices at CampSaver >>
Summary & Alternative
Although we reckon the Chair One is the best backpacking chair for big guys because of the blend of weight, compactness, build quality, comfort and capacity, there are a few bigger folk who think they feel too flimsy or don’t find them comfy enough.
While we haven’t tested them, we have heard folk recommending a fairly new backpacking chair for big guys: the Mulibex Capra. The main attraction for big guys looking for a backpacking chair is that the Capra chairs have a 550lb weight capacity while their weight and dimensions are almost identical to the Chair One. They are also about 3x more expensive! Time will tell if these chairs are a success but possibly worth looking at if you aren’t sold on the Chair One (which you should be!).
KingKamp Camping Chair — Most Comfortable Camping Chair for Big Guys
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 with lumbar support is an extremely popular chair with big guys and with folks who have a bad back. It’s really quite a roomy chair and, because the lumbar support is adjustable, it means you can shift things around to fit your body shape.
The feet are quite wide which means even bigger folk are unlikely to find the chair sinking into the ground.
If you like to put your feet up then it might not be the chair for you, as it doesn’t recline. But if you are looking for a camp chair that’s relatively lightweight, portable and comfortable, then you might just find that your butt loves this chair!
In Summary
Probably the most comfortable camping chair for big guys and great value to boot!
PORTAL Oversized Quad Chair – Best Camping Chair for Tall Person
Specs
The Portal Oversized Quad Chair weighs 11.8lbs and is rated for 300lbs. The seat sits 20″ off the ground and the back has a height of 26″. The seat itself measures 23″ x 29″. When folded it’s 38″ x 5″ x 5″. The back panel is mesh. And the chair comes with a side pocket and a cup holder. It’s available in 3 shades of grey.
The Verdict
The reason this is one of the best camping chairs for tall people comes down to the height off the ground and the height of the back. Most tall people will be interested in a seat that sits at least 20″ off the ground, which this does, making it easy to get in and out of. That’s helpful for anyone who doesn’t want to sink too low into a camping chair, and not just tall people.
The height of the back is also a benefit, because unlike standard camping chairs, your extra long back will get extra support. Not everybody agrees that the support is excellent, and some folk have found that their heads kind of flop back a bit. But for the most part, tall people seem to appreciate the extra height of the back.
The 300lb rating may not be for all big n tall folk, especially if you are big as well as tall. But for most tall people, it’s an excellent choice and it’s also one of the more affordable camping chairs on the market.
In Summary
This is a fantastic “tall chair” and a great value camping chair for tall people. Check it out here >>
Kijaro XXL Dual Lock Portable Chair — Best Extra Features
Specs
The Kijaro XXLDual Lock Chair weighs 11.8 pounds and is one of the heavier camping chairs. The heavy duty chair can support weights of up to 400 pounds. It measures 38.6 inches by 29.1 inches by 48 inches when it’s open, and when it’s folded, it measures 7 inches by 4.7 inches by 46 inches. The seat is elevated 20 inches from the ground.
The Verdict
This chair has a generous weight capacity and comes with a wide array of features.
The design of this chair is elegant and practical, with steel diagonal frames for extra support and a breathable mesh back. This makes it suitable for hot conditions because there will be constant airflow. It comes with an organizer, including a mesh pocket, zip pocket, and a cell phone holder.
The seat is elevated higher than some other models at 20 inches, making it suitable for tall people and ensuring you’re far enough away from the cold, wet, muddy ground.
The chair is on the heavier side, so if you’re planning to trek through the woods for miles, then this may not be the model for you. However, it’s a comfortable chair made of diamond ripstop polyester fabric, which is durable and secure.
The seat doesn’t sag over time, ensuring comfort each and every time you use it. The chair comes in a wide array of colors so every member of the group can have their own unique color.
There are wide caps on the feet to ensure legs don’t sink in soft ground, making it suitable to use on a variety of terrain.
The supportive armrests are equipped with two mesh cup holders. One cup holder is larger, holding a 32-ounce drinking cup, and the other holds a standard cup.
The seat measures 22 inches wide, and due to the fabric used, is comfortable for sitting for long periods. The material can dry fast when it gets wet, which is a plus if you’re by the sea or a lake.
The XXL Dual Lock comes with an efficient mechanism to lock open and closed — hence the name — using a press-button. The dual lock ensures maximum back support when in the open position. It also ensures safety when it’s folded.
There’s a carry strap featured on the back of the chair, to move it around the campsite. Plus, it comes with a carry bag for easy transportation.
In Summary
Durability, comfort, and stability, along with lots of extra features, make this chair a must-have. The organizer, armrests, and cup holders are just a few things that will make your experience more enjoyable.
One of the key features of the Kijaro XXL Dual Lock Portable Chair is its locking mechanism. It’s easy and fast to set up and spreads out in one simple move.
Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping Chair Review
Specs
The Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad chair weighs 10.6 pounds and can support weights of up to 600 pounds. It measures 37 inches by 24 inches by 22 inches, where the backrest is 19.5 inches in height.
The Verdict
You’ll have plenty of extra room in this heavy-duty seat, with 2 feet of space for you to sit in.
Its sturdy design makes it capable of carrying weights of up to 600 pounds with a 22 mm tubed frame and 600D polyester. Further stability is added through the use of oversized and shatterproof feet to provide the proper traction.
The seat is also manufactured so that it drains any water falling on it from rain or dew. You’ll never have to worry about water puddling up on your seat, and you’ll always have a dry place to sit in when others are wet.
On the seat’s right arm, you have a waterproof sleeve made out of clear PVC in which you can place your cell phone. You’ll still be able to see and use the touch screen, but you won’t have to worry about the phone getting damaged from falling rain. There’s also enough room in that sleeve for your headsets or any other small items to be placed inside.
On the left arm, you have a spacious and insulated cup holder where you can put your drink. You won’t have to worry about thirst interrupting your relaxation.
Both the seat and the backrest are cushioned throughout to provide extra comfort. After you’re done using the seat, you can easily fold it up and place it into a carry bag that comes with it. You won’t have any trouble transporting the seat in your car or carrying it around.
In Summary
The Coleman Big-N-Tall Quad Camping chair comes with a durable design that’s capable of offering a comfortable place to sit for the bigger and taller among us. It doesn’t compromise on its mobility either, where it can be folded up and carried in a bag.
Worrying about water is no issue with this seat either. When the rain comes, your smartphone and other gadgets will be protected by its waterproof sleeve. Your seat will not collect any water, it will just pass through the fabric and into the ground.
ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Folding Chair Review
Specs
The ALPHA Camp camping folding chair weighs 13.2 pounds and measures 25 inches in depth, 39 inches in width, and another 39 inches in height. That width collapses all the way to 9 inches when the seat is folded.
The Verdict
The seat is constructed using a study steel frame with a hammer tone powder coating and a durable plastic cover wrapped around the pole connectors. As such, it’s able to hold weights up to 450 pounds and is quite resistant to corrosion and fading, a level of durability that makes it last with you.
There’s a drink holder on the right arm rest where you can put your bottles or what you use to hold your drinks. When you’re relaxing outside and enjoying the view, you won’t even have to bother getting up but instead reach for that drink.
It doesn’t stop there, though. To your left, you find a cooler bag in the arm rest which serves as an insulation to keep your cold drinks cool, even on a warm summer’s day.
You still have more space for more things. A side pocket to the right of the chair serves as a place to put your phone, your favorite book, maps, or anything of a similar size. So your stuff too will become within the reach of your hand.
Comfort is provided through a padded backrest and seat, as well as arm rest. The padding is covered with sturdy 600D as well as 300D Oxford fabric to add to the chair’s durability.
In Summary
This is a great seat to have if you’re looking for something that has room in it for more things than usual. It even has a cooler bag which you can use on hot days.
Both sturdiness and comfort are provided with the chair’s design, providing a good space for you to sit as well as being able to carry people weighing as heavy as 450 pounds. It’s also foldable and can collapse to a smaller size, which you won’t have trouble fitting in your car.
LivingXL 500lb Camping Chair — Best for Size
Specs
Weighing approximately 10 pounds, the LivingXL chair boasts dimensions of 37 inches in height, with the backrest being 19.5 inches tall, a width of 24 inches and a depth of 22 inches.
The Verdict
Manufactured using a 22 mm steel tubing frame, along with an additional center frame, the seat possesses significant strength and durability. It can handle carrying weights as heavy as 500 pounds.
This is further enhanced through the weight distribution that’s provided by the fully padded seat and the backrest. All of this is topped with a layer of sturdy 600D polyester. Generally speaking, wear and tear isn’t something you’ll have to worry much about using this chair often.
Stability is improved via the large feet included in the seat’s design. They are not liable to break and provide good traction, reducing the chances of slipping significantly.
Extra storage spaces come with the chair’s armrests. Both arms feature an oversized cup holder. You don’t have to fill both of the places up with drinks though. There’s enough room in either of them for your gadgets as well.
A mesh side pocket provides additional space for other stuff you want to put next to you, like a newspaper, a magazine, or book. On top of all of this, you have the option to purchase a canopy that can be added to the chair and serve as good protection from the scorching sun.
Finally, when you’re done using it, the chair can be folded up and placed in a bag that comes with it, which includes a shoulder strap for easier carrying.
In Summary
The LivingXL camping chair is a great choice for those who seek something durable and also provides ample space for extras.
Two oversized holders for cups or other gadgets like your smart phone along with a side pocket give you plenty of space as well as options. The frame’s structure along with full padding makes for an even weight distribution.
ALPS Mountaineering Steel Camp Chair Review
Specs
The ALPS Mountaineering Camp Chair weighs 10.5 pounds and can support up to 425 pounds. When open, it measures 24 inches by 18 inches by 36 inches, and the height of the seat is 17 inches above the ground.
The Verdict
The ALPS Mountaineering Steel camp chair is a comfortable chair with padded curved armrests. This unique model has a frame made of aluminum and steel tubes that offer firm support.
The structure of the chair is stable and strong. Two horizontal bars are fitted between the back and front legs to increase the strength of the chair and to prevent it from sinking on a soft surface.
It can support up to 425 pounds and is made with a durable 600D polyester fabric. The chair is designed with a detachable back frame for ease of compact transport and storing.
However, compared to other camping chairs, this one remains relatively large when folded, as it folds from the sides into the middle much like a book. Due to its size, the chair suits camping areas that can be accessed by car.
The seat of the chair is 17 inches above the ground. This height may not be suitable for those on the taller side. However, the solid armrests make it easy to get in and out of the chair.
In Summary
The design of the ALPS Mountaineering Steel camp chair is an outstanding feature that compensates for its relatively large size when folded.
It has a large weight capacity and is sturdier than many other camping chairs out there. With its supportive frame and padded armrests, it’s solid, comfortable, and easy to set up as well as fold.
How to Choose the Best Heavy Duty Camping Chair
Sitting for long hours in the wrong chair could result in a wide range of health problems. Some of these problems include musculoskeletal dysfunction or musculoskeletal disorders. These disorders lead to pain and injuries to ligaments, joints, tendons, nerves, the back, and the neck.
For big guys, choosing the right heavy duty camping chair is good for your overall health, and it also doesn’t hurt to make sure it’s comfortable too! Not all people have the same preferences on what’s important.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing your camping chair include:
- Portability and storage
- Extra features such as storage pockets.
- Back and neck support.
- Durability.
- Comfort and padding on the chair
Portability & Storage
Portability is generally one of the more important factors when buying heavy duty lawn chairs. Unfortunately a lot of camping chairs for heavy people are, themselves, quite heavy. Expect a plus size camping chair to weigh between 10lbs and 15lbs.
Of course, if you’re planning to use your chair in your backyard and nowhere else, then portability may not be a major consideration. But if you’re backpacking then you really will want the lightest, most compact chair you can find (Pro Tip: it’s the Helinox Chair One weighing in at around 2lbs).
Even if you’re car camping then you’ll probably want a chair that’s fairly compact when folded up. Again, even the best oversized camping chair is likely to be have rather larger folded dimensions than standard chairs.
Extra Features
Extra features are a plus for your outdoor experience. These include cup holders, side pockets, carrying bags, and locking systems for your foldable chair. Each of these can affect how big guys can enjoy their chair.
Durability
Durability is one of the key features to consider when buying heavy duty camping chairs. After all, that’s why you’re looking for something heavy duty.
Regarding seat material, make sure it’s thick, weatherproof, and rip-resistant. For the frame, steel is the strongest and most durable material.
Back and Neck Support
Good posture while you sit is critical to your health, so you have to take this into consideration when buying your camping chair. Look for something that’s engineered for back and neck support. Some of the best chairs for back support are slightly reclined.
Comfort and Padding
Overall comfort is one of the leading key features when you’re buying a chair. A good amount of padding is an indicator of a comfortable chair, as well as a headrest and armrests.
Taking Care of your Chair
Although robust camping chairs are designed to last for a long time, you also have to take care of them:
- Never exceed the specified weight limit.
- Ensure the chair is clean before storing.
- Lubricate any moving parts.
The instruction manual that comes with your camp chair will have hints on how to care for your specific model and the regular maintenance to carry out.
FAQs
How Much Weight Can a Camping Chair Hold?
Camping chairs can hold between 250lbs and 1,000lbs. Most standard camping chairs range between 250lbs and 350lbs, with the lower end targeting customers who want a lighter chair. 500lb weight ratings are not uncommon while the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong can hold a massive 800lbs!
How to Keep Camp Chair From Sinking?
You can keep a camp chair from sinking by putting tennis balls on the feet (or anything else you can think of to increase the surface area of the feet). Or why not buy a camping chair that has extra wide feet? Or a chair that uses bars instead of feet?
Conclusion
The overall winner of the best camp chair for big guys has to be the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair because it offers almost all the features you would need. It’s unique when it comes to weight capacity, durability, extras, back and neck support, and overall comfort.
Coming second is the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair due to its qualities that stand out, such as portability, strength, and extra features. The Strongback Elite comes in third place because of its superior design for overall comfort. I wouldn’t mind spending a few hours chilling on that, roasting my marshmallows, and playing the guitar.
