Camping chairs aren’t just for camping. Chances are, you’ve seen people toting and using camping chairs at many other places besides a camp ground or forest. Camping chairs are generally small, folding chairs with a light, aluminum frame and strip of tough material in the middle where you sit upon. Usually they do not have a back.
Depending on the store which you shop, camping chairs may be listed under different names, such as stadium chairs or director’s chairs. Usually, director’s chairs have a back and arms to them, but some sporting goods stores, department stores and their online equivalents may still refer to any lightweight folding backless chair as a director’s chair.
There are lightweight folding camp chairs that do come with backs and armrests. Sometimes they are listed by stores as beach chairs. However, these are much heavier than the usual backless camping chair. These more chair-like folding chairs may be a viable option for those who do their camping in RVs or who will not be traveling very far into the wilderness.
If you are going to be hiking, traveling to a parade or need to wait in long lines for a great sale or concert tickets, then the backless camping chair would be a much better option. It weighs a lot less and can be easily attached to a backpack or carried with one arm. Think about how long you need to carry the chair.
If you are going to be carrying the camp chair for a long time, then you really should go to a bricks and mortar store and try the chair out before purchase. This way you can feel how light it is, how easy it is to set up or take down and if it is comfortable at all to sit upon.
But it you won’t be carrying the camping chair for long, then consider online shopping outlets for camping chair selection. Many websites will offer free shipping and limited warranties if you spend a certain amount of money. If you have had great service in the past with a particular online store, then the chances are high that you will be able to get a quality product and quality service with a camping chair.
Whether you choose to buy in a store or online, be sure you know the store’s return policy before you buy the camping chair. Find out if shipping is included in the refund and if the chair would have to be sent to a different address than where it came from. Also find out if you need to get a mailing label (which is often has pre-paid postage on it) or if you need to make your own mailing label.
Yard sales, flea markets, thrift shops and online auctions are dicey places to get camping chairs. Although bargains can be had, you need to check the camping chair carefully for rust, mildew and tears or frays in the fabric. Sit in the camping hair and note if it feels steady or wobbly.