Camping in the warmer months is a family-friendly activity that anyone can enjoy. But it’s the most fun when you have gear that makes it easier and more comfortable.
If you’re big into backpacking, weight might be your primary consideration when looking at camping chairs, but a high-back camping chair is a must for those who value comfort.
We’ve performed extensive research and compiled thousands of customer reviews to provide you with the following list of the six best high back camping chairs.
ENO Lounger DL: Best High Back Camping Chair
Specs
- Weight: 4lbs 8oz
- Seat Height: 32″
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Legs adjust to three and ten inches, giving you the seat height range
- Two cargo pockets make it easy to have essential items or snacks on hand
- Single external cup holder for holding a drink
- Integrated pillow headrest for optimum comfort
- Stuff sack included
Cons
- No armrests
- The headrest sits at the top of the seatback, and more petite people may not comfortably reach it
- Weighing over four pounds, it may not be suitable for backpacking usage
The ENO Lounger DL is a well-designed chair with a heavy focus on comfort. The high back is especially nice for taller individuals looking for a more relaxed seating experience.
However, be advised that the headrest is not adjustable, and this may be a pain point if you’re not a tall person.
The chair is exceptionally comfortable when you’re sitting in it, includes a cup holder and two cargo pockets, and the included stuff sack makes it easy to carry around.
It may take a bit to get used to the chair and may be better suited to a more experienced camper. The setup and takedown of the chair have a definite learning curve, and getting into and out of the chair takes a few uses to master.
If you’re having issues with the chair’s stability, particularly when you’re trying to sit down or stand up, make sure that the chair is on stable ground, and use the armrest poles to help stabilize yourself.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Sportsman’s Warehouse >>
- Check prices at Walmart >>
In Summary
The ENO Lounger DL is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-back lounge chair with adjustable leg height. However, if you’re under 5’6”, you may not benefit from the headrest and may be better off purchasing a chair with a lower back.
Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair: Best Ultralight High Back Camping Chair
Specs
- Weight: 3lbs 3oz
- Seat Height: 20″
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Lack of plastic hubs reduces weight and improves packability
- Stable and sturdy with a tall, broad back
- Seat capacity of 300 pounds offers more usability than the ENO Lounger DL
Cons
- No armrests or cupholders
- So lightweight that the chair will blow away if nobody’s sitting in it and it’s not being weighed down by something
- expensive
The Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair is a luxurious, high-back camping chair option. It significantly reduces the weight associated with a traditional high back camping chair, weighing just over three pounds.
The patented hubless technology significantly cuts down on bulk and unnecessary weight and reduces potential pain points in the chair’s design; the pre-bent poles provide additional depth and comfort to the chair seat and back.
Overall the Big Six chair is an excellent option for people looking to blend reduced pack weight with the comfort of a high-backed chair; however, there are a few sticking points with this chair.
Firstly, the cost is higher than some of the other options on this list, and with a higher sticker price typically comes higher expectations.
The fatal flaw of the Big Six design lies in the fabric being pulled so tight over the legs that it can dig into users. Despite advertising a wide back, the Big Six doesn’t have armrests, and it can be challenging to fit your body and arms inside the chair comfortably. In addition, the chair seat can dig into the bottoms of your thighs if you’re sitting for a long time.
However, some sacrifices need to be made to reduce the overall weight, and the chair is still overall comfortable, despite being less comfortable than some other chairs on the list.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Campsaver >>
- Check prices at Scheels >>
- Check prices at Black Ovis >>
- Check prices at The House >>
- Check prices at Backcountry >>
In Summary
The Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair is the best option if you’re looking for a tall and wide chair that takes weight into account. However, if weight is your primary concern, you may be better off sacrificing comfort and opting for an ultralight chair with a lower back.
Alternative: The Helinox Savanna Chair
Specs
- Weight: 4lbs 3oz
- Seat Height: 17.5″
- Weight Capacity: 320lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Tall back and wide chair seat provide comfort and allow enough space that the frame and seat fabric don’t dig into your skin
- The chair features an external cup holder and slim, minimal headrest for improved comfort
- Mesh paneling along the seat back provides additional airflow
- Very sturdy and easy to construct
- It comes with a stuff sack and breaks down into a highly portable, compact size
Cons
- It weighs a pound more than the Big Six ultralight chair
- No armrests
- The price point is high
The Helinox Savanah chair is a solid ultralight chair if you want to blend a significantly lighter weight and smaller pack size than a traditional high-back camping chair with good comfort and baseline features.
This chair’s extra tall back and wide seat base provide comfort, and it’s far more spacious than most ultralight high-back chairs on the market.
The aluminum frame with plastic hubs offers stability even on uneven ground, and the mesh back adds extra airflow, perfect for warmer summer days.
However, weighing over four pounds, the Helinox Savannah is exactly one pound heavier than the Big Agnes Big Six and may be too heavy for people looking for a true ultralight chair.
Backpackers may be more interested in a different, lower-backed Helinox model if they’re concerned about weight, but if you’re looking for a chair that’s lightweight enough to car camp and cart around with ease, look no further.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Helinox >>
- Check prices at Moosejaw >>
- Check prices at Backcountry >>
In Summary
The Savannah Helinox chair has improved comfort over the Big Agnes Big Six and is an excellent option if you’re a larger person susceptible to your chairs digging in. However, it weighs more and costs more than the Big Six, so this chair isn’t worth the upgrade unless comfort is your primary concern.
GCI Outdoor Wilderness Recliner: Best High Back Recliner
Specs
- Weight: 8lbs 10oz
- Seat Height: 11″
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- The chair has straps so that you can wear it on your back like a backpack for portability
- You can adjust the seatback into four positions that allow you to sit upright or recline backwards
- Cupholder and a large pocket on the back make it easy to store beverages and essential items
- Mesh fabric on the seatback allows for improved breathability
- The Wilderness Recliner features a comfortable headrest and wooden armrests
Cons
- At 11 pounds, the chair is cumbersome to carry long distances
- No stuff sack, making it bulky to carry and store
- The chair sits low to the ground, and the seat height is not adjustable
The GCI Outdoor Wilderness Recliner is a solid camping chair, and at the price point, you get a lot of great features. However, the reclining feature is the most significant benefit of choosing the Wilderness Recliner.
The chair locks into place in four different positions, allowing for optimum comfort and versatility. The high-end wooden armrests and the comfortable headrest also aid in comfort.
However, while the Wilderness Recliner is extremely comfortable while in use, it’s seriously lacking in comfort when transporting the chair.
At 11 pounds, the chair may be too heavy for some users, especially if walking long distances. In addition to this, a lot of the pressure is placed on the shoulder straps, and the aluminum bars tend to stick in your back as you walk.
Another significant design flaw lies in the storage pocket, which doesn’t use a zipper or any other secure closing method. So use caution if storing essential items in the pocket, and make sure they don’t fall out.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Buy direct from GCI Outdoor >>
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at LL Bean >>
- Check prices at Scheels >>
- Check prices at Moosejaw >>
- Check prices at Dick’s Sporting Goods >>
In Summary
The GCI Outdoor Wilderness Recliner is a great option if you want to blend comfort with a solid mid-range budget. The chair is comfortable and reliable, but the heavy weight and discomfort when carrying the chair might be a dealbreaker for some.
Alternative: The Eureka Highback Recliner Chair
Specs
- Weight: 12lbs 4oz
- Seat Height: 17″
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Mesh paneling along the seatback helps with airflow
- It packs down conveniently and comes with an easy to carry stuff sack
- Comfortable armrests and external cup holder
- The simple collapsible design provides easy set-up and take-down
- Seat height and chair construction make it easy to get in and out of the Eureka Highback Recliner, even if it’s not set in a fully upright position
Cons
- The steel frame makes the Eureka Highback Recliner one of the heaviest on the list
- The faux-leather fabric used on the seat bottom and headrest restricts airflow and gets hot in warm weather
- Only has three seat position options
The Eureka Highback Recliner is a solid and reliable reclining chair at a reasonable price point. While the chair only has three reclining positions instead of the four the GCI Outdoor Wilderness recliner offers, you still get great versatility and can lean way back in this reclining chair.
In addition, the Eureka Highback doesn’t skimp on features, and like the GCI recliner, it features wooden armrests and a collapsible drink holder.
However, the faux-leather material can be a significant sticking point for some, as it means decreased airflow and is more likely to hold moisture from sweat or swimming than some other materials. In addition, it is more difficult to clean and takes longer to dry than other chair materials.
The chair is also significantly heavier than the GCI recliner, but the easy-to-use carrying case almost makes up for the difference in weight.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Campsaver >>
- Check prices at Campmor >>
- Check prices at Optics Planet >>
- Check prices at Moosejaw >>
In Summary
The Eureka Highback Recliner is an excellent chair at its price point and provides exceptional comfort. It improves portability over the GCI Outdoor Wilderness recliner because of its carrying case, but it has increased weight and decreased functionality with only three seat positions.
Coleman ComfortSmart: Best Budget High Back Camping Chair
Specs
- Weight: 14lbs
- Seat Height: 19.7″
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Mesh fabric along the chair back improves ventilation
- Collapsible design and storage sack makes the chair easy to set up and put away
- The chair has a wide base and ergonomic design, making it very comfortable
- Comfortable armrests and external cup holder
- Bungee suspension design improves overall comfort
Cons
- Because of the chair design, if something happens to the bungee or one of the grommets, the whole chair could fail
- Even with the storage sack, the chair is large and cumbersome when not in use
- Very heavy to carry, which limits portability and use
The Coleman ComfortSmart is precisely what you’d expect for a budget-friendly high-back camping chair; the chair fabric is attached to the frame using a bungee and grommet system, which improves comfort and weakens the chair’s overall integrity and durability.
Considering the price point, most people don’t expect their ComfortSmart chairs to last more than a couple of camping seasons, but if you’re looking for a durable product or something that can withstand everyday use, this may not be the chair.
The grommets are susceptible to rust, and if something happens to the bungee cord, the entire chair is rendered useless.
In addition, Coleman doesn’t offer any replacement parts for this chair, so if something happens to one of the screws or any other piece, you’ll need to buy an entirely new chair.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
In Summary
The Coleman ComfortSmart delivers on comfort and has basic features like a carrying case and cup holder that many budget chairs don’t have. However, the quality and durability are lower because of the lower price point, so you may save money by investing in a higher quality item.
Alternative: TIMBER RIDGE Padded High Back Camping Chair
Specs
- Weight: 9.5lbs
- Seat Height: 18.5″
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Significantly lighter weight than the Coleman ComfortSmart
- Additional padding improves overall comfort
- It folds in half and comes with a storage sleeve with handles
- Comfortable armrests and external cup holder
- One-year manufacturer warranty helps with peace of mind for how long your budget chair may last you
Cons
- More expensive than the Coleman ComfortSmart, and on the high end of the “budget” range
- Despite having a handled storage sleeve for portability, the chair is bulky to store and awkward to carry
- The seat base is not as broad as many other high-back chairs, cutting down on overall comfort
The TIMBER RIDGE Padded High Back Camping Chair is an acceptable alternative to the Coleman ComfortSmart but comes at an even higher price point.
The padding of this high-back chair does improve overall comfort, but the seat itself is narrower, reducing the widespread appeal that the Coleman ComfortSmart has.
In addition to this, while the Coleman ComfortSmart collapses and has a storage sack, the TIMBER RIDGE simply folds in half and comes with a zippable carrying sleeve.
Because of this, it’s bulkier to store and more awkward to carry, but weighing nearly five pounds less, they almost even out.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
In Summary
The TIMBER RIDGE Padded high back camping chair is perfectly acceptable in terms of comfort and weight, but its high price point nearly prices it out of the “budget” range. In addition, the lack of features and inconvenient storage system makes it almost not worth it.
PORTAL High Back Camping Rocking Chair: Best High Back Rockers
Specs
- Weight: 16lbs
- Seat Height: 19.5″
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Collapsible design and storage sack makes the chair easy to set up, put away, and carry
- A thin storage pocket under the seat allows you to store essential items discreetly
- The PORTAL high back chair is designed to rock with ease
- Padded armrests and headrest provide additional comfort
- Mesh fabric in the seatback helps provide ventilation
Cons
- Despite the carrying case, this chair is very cumbersome to carry because it weighs 16 pounds
- The storage pocket doesn’t have a zipper, so use caution when storing valuables in it while rocking
- Rocking base means you have to use caution when sitting down and standing up
The PORTAL High Back Camping Rocking Chair is one of the most comfortable chairs on our list, and the rocking feature only increases this comfort.
The chair is “oversized,” which means that it’s extra roomy and comfortable, and it includes features such as the armrests and padded headrest that increase comfort.
However, because the chair has a rocking base, it should only be used on solid, level ground, as it doesn’t have four stabilized feet the way other high-back chairs do.
In addition, the rocking mechanisms mean additional materials required to build the chair, so this rocker is one of the heaviest on the list.
This chair is better suited for car camping and lounging in your yard than in any sort of rugged terrain, but as long as you don’t have to cart it around very much, it’s exceptionally comfortable and easy to store.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
In Summary
The PORTAL High Back Camping Rocking Chair excels in comfort and functionality, but it comes at a medium price point which some users might not be willing to spend because of its lowered functionality due to its rocking base.
Alternative: Guide Gear Oversized High Back Rocker
- Weight: 18lbs 4oz
- Seat Height: 22″
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- The Guide Gear Oversized High Back Rocker has a 500-pound weight capacity
- The seat is 21 inches wide for optimum comfort
- Ergonomic armrests and dual-sided cup holder
- The headrest is adjustable and can be used lower down on the chair as a lumbar pillow
- Made with a sturdy steel frame
Cons
- It only folds in half and doesn’t come with a carrying case, significantly lowering its portability
- Very heavy, weighing over 18 pounds
- High price point
The Guide Gear Oversized High Back Rocker delivers on comfort and durability. It is suitable for use for individuals weighing up to 500 pounds, which offers peace of mind about its comfort and ability to stand the test of time.
However, the Guide Gear Oversized High Back Rocker is not without issue, and one potentially detrimental feature comes with the locking mechanisms used when you set the chair up.
While these locks are beneficial when setting up and breaking down the chair (simply pull the lock upward, and the chair will fold in half), if you forget to lock it when you set the chair up, or you don’t push the lock down all the way, you seriously compromise the structural integrity of the chair.
In addition, the chair is heavy and bulky to carry and store, making it less desirable to carry around places.
Overall this chair is a great choice but may not deliver the perfection people expect when spending as much on a camp chair as they will on this one.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
In Summary
The Guide Gear Oversized High Back Rocker is comfortable and durable and a great option if you’re looking for a chair suitable for users that weigh over 300 pounds, which is the typical weight capacity. However, it may not be worth the high price point.
Alternative: Sunnyfeel High Back Camping Rocker
Specs
- Weight: 15lbs 3oz
- Seat Height: 19.6″
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- Cupholders integrated into both comfortable armrests
- Storage pocket on the side for easy access to essential items
- Collapsible design and storage sack makes the chair easy to set up, put away, and carry
- Reasonable price point
- Auto-locks into place
Cons
- Despite carrying case, the chair weighs over 15 pounds, making it cumbersome to carry
- Chair design makes the Sunnyfeel High Back Camping Rocker more difficult to rock than the other rockers on this list
- It can be challenging to fit the chair into its carrying sack
The Sunnyfeel High Back Camping Rocker delivers the least out of the three high-back rocking chairs on this list in terms of quality and comfort.
The Oxford material provides less breathability and padding and may not stand the test of time quite as well as the other two rockers.
However, it has additional safety features that may be beneficial for some users, including the auto-locking mechanisms which solve the issue of the manual locks on the Guide Gear Oversized High Back Rocker.
In addition, it is not as easy to rock all the way back as it is in the other two rockers, which may be annoying for some, but can actually provide extra support and ease when getting in and out of the chair.
In addition, it comes at a reasonable price point and has bonus features like a second cup holder (one in each armrest) and a large storage pocket that can fit multiple essential items.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
In Summary
This rocking chair ranks lowest out of the three rockers on the list in terms of comfort. However, the Sunnyfeel High Back Camping Rocker is a reasonable price and offers easier portability in terms of weight and bulkiness when carrying.
ALPS Mountaineering Escape Chair: Best High Back Camping Chair with Footrest
Specs
- Weight: 10lbs
- Backrest Height: 30″
- Seat Height: 17.5″
- Weight Capacity: 225lbs
The Verdict
Pros
- It comes with a built-in, removable, adjustable ottoman for exceptional comfort
- Armrests are adjustable for optimum comfort
- Cupholder integrated into one of the armrests
- Collapsible design and storage sack makes the chair easy to set up, put away, and carry
- The footrest is situated far enough away from the chair that you can sit up and stand down with ease without having to remove it
Cons
- The chair only features a weight capacity of 225 pounds
- The ALPS Mountaineering Escape Chair has many small pieces and is just out of the budget category, meaning it may not last for years to come
The ALPS Mountaineering Escape Chair is one of the best chairs on the list in terms of overall comfort. In addition, its ergonomic design features multiple intelligent design choices that increase the overall functionality of the chair.
Firstly, the chair has a removable footrest that is adjustable, meaning you can situate it exactly where you want it to be if you want to lounge. In addition, there is still enough room between the chair and the footrest to get in and out of the chair without it being awkward.
In addition, the chair armrests are adjustable, which means you can share the chair with a loved one and adjust it to each of your individual needs, or you can adjust the armrest based on if you want to sit up straight or lounge back using the footrest.
The one downside of the chair (besides its heavyweight for ideal portability) is that it may not be as durable as some of the other chairs on the list. But at its mid-range price point, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most.
Availability
You should be able to pick one up at the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Campsaver >>
- Check prices at Optics Planet >>
- Check prices at Moosejaw >>
In Summary
The ALPS Mountaineering Escape Chair blends exceptional comfort with a reasonable price point. It is the only chair on the list that features a footrest and has a hammock-like design. It is a reasonable price point, and while the durability may not hold up for years to come, it’s an excellent choice if you only expect it to last a few seasons.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best High Back Camping Chairs
Selecting the best high back camping chair isn’t simply about finding the best chair on the market, but rather finding the most suitable chair to meet your specific needs.
It’s essential to consider what is most important to you before looking for a high-back camping chair so that you don’t end up with a chair that isn’t what you were looking for.
Height of Seat Back
One of the primary considerations you should have when shopping around for high-back camping chairs is the seat-back height.
Different chairs will feel more or less comfortable to some based on their height, size, etc. So make sure to test a few chairs out and consider what height you want your seat back to be.
Do you want to find a chair with a pillow rest? If so, you should make sure to factor that into your seat back height. If you’re not interested in a headrest, you should look for a chair with a lower seat-back height that only provides support up to your shoulders.
In addition, make sure to read reviews of chairs to get a better sense of whether or not the chair will be the right height for you.
The ENO Lounger DL, for example, has several reviews from people who are under 5’6” saying that the chair was uncomfortable because they weren’t tall enough to use the non-adjustable headrest.
Portability
Portability is another important consideration and will determine which high-back chair is right for you. Portability can refer to several things, all important when thinking about which chair you want.
Most obviously, portability refers to how easy it is to bring your chair with you, particularly when it’s packed. Does your chair come with a stuff sack? Does this stuff sack have features that might be beneficial for some uses but not in others?
Some stuff sacks, for example, have wheels designed to help with portability. However, if you primarily intend to use your chair when backpacking, these wheels will simply add additional weight and bulk.
If you’re planning on taking your chair backpacking, you’ll be focused on the overall weight and pack size of a chair when it’s put away; on the flip side, if you only use your chair to car camp, you’ll be considerably less concerned with how heavy or bulky it is when it’s packed away.
Consider when you plan on using your chair and what your needs are in terms of its overall portability.
Overall Comfort
Overall comfort will likely be your primary concern if you mostly plan to use your high-back camping chair for car camping. Indeed, the best high back camping chairs will most certainly be comfortable.
Someone planning on doing a lot of backpacking may be more willing to compromise on comfort to shave a pound or two off their pack weight.
Consider if overall comfort is your primary concern when selecting a high-back camping chair. If it is, make sure to look for certain comfort-boosting features such as added padding or stability.
In addition, consider how much back and neck support the chair provides and the seat height; a chair with adjustable seat height is a great comfort feature, as it allows you the flexibility to adapt to different situations. See our reviews of the best camping chairs for a bad back for more examples >>
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is essential in selecting the right high back camping chair.
Not only should your chair be able to support your body weight, but consider that you may be wearing wet or additional clothing and holding heavy items or beverages.
Other Features
In addition to height, portability, overall comfort, and weight capacity consider any other important features when looking for a high-back camping chair.
Are you planning on spending a bunch of time around the fire drinking with friends? If so, a chair with at least one cup holder might be an essential feature for you.
If you’re spending the bulk of your time with your chair in the river fishing, you may want a chair with cargo pockets that you can stash your phone in.
If you plan to share your chair with your partner, a chair with adjustable features like adjustable armrests, adjustable seat heights, or adjustable headrests might make it more comfortable.
The most important thing to remember when looking for a high back camping chair is that the best chair for other people may not be the best chair for you.
When searching for a chair, keep in mind your specific requirements and when you’ll be using your chair most, and buy a chair that will meet your specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the best high back camp chair is the Eureka! Portable Folding Chair because of its versatility, stability, and overall comfort, with an easy-to-use carrying case.
This chair is an excellent, budget-friendly option if you’re looking for a solid high-back chair to take car camping.
If weight is more of a concern, the Big Agnes Big Six chair is a reliable and highly usable lightweight chair. Just be careful to weigh it down if you get up, so it doesn’t blow away!
While these are great options, they may not be the right chair if they don’t meet your specific needs.
Think about what you’re looking for, and merge your needs with your budget to find the right high-back camping chair!
