This is a review of best camping chairs for bad back.
You need the right camping chair, especially if you suffer from recurring back problems.
It will be every painful if you can’t sit comfortably.
You need the camping chair with stronger back support.
Bring a camping chair is easy, but find a good camping chair for bad back need some extra work.
We’ve got you covered here, check our picks beblow.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- For specially designed back support, check out the Strongback Elite Folding Chair.
- For a simple, sturdy chair with good value, try the Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping Chair.
- If you need something lightweight and portable, go for the Marchway Lightweight Folding Chair.
- If you’re keen on reclining back for an afternoon snooze, consider the Portal Zero Gravity Camping Chair.
Best Camping Chairs for Bad Back: Our Picks
1. Strongback Elite Folding Chair
Strongback Elite Folding Chair features a shaped backrest intended to keep your spine in the right position.
The seat is firm, which personally suits me (although others may prefer a softer feel).
Despite the well-shaped backrest, if you want to sit otherwise than in an upright posture, you’ll find the back support is redundant.
Furthermore, the lumbar support is not adjustable, which means that if you’re a little on the shorter side, it won’t be at the right height.
However, you might be able to solve this by putting a cushion on the seat to raise you up.
The manufacturers claim a 300-pound loading capacity, although some have found that the chair buckles under strain: it might be better not to risk this product if you’re on the heavier side.
Strongback’s smaller Guru model is a little cheaper and for those of slighter build, while the company also offers beach and patio chairs.
What We Like:
- Well-designed backrest
- Range of models available
What We Don’t Like:
- Non-adjustable
- Fairly expensive
2. Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping Chair
Kijaro is a popular option.
With a sleek, minimalist look, the chair nonetheless includes a cup holder in each armrest and a breathable back.
Unlike your department store variety, the Kijaro is durable with a firm, sturdy feel – but without much of a mark-up in price.
While this chair, unlike the Strongback, isn’t specially designed for back problems, its comfort and solidity allow it to be a reasonable and economical alternative.
There is also an XXL version available with wider dimensions.
What We Like:
- Firm feel
- Durable
- Excellent value
What We Don’t Like:
- Back support may not be enough for everybody
3. Marchway Lightweight Folding Chair
Marchway Lightweight Folding Chair weighs only 3.7 pounds (compared to 11.9 for the Strongback and 9.5 for the Kijaro) and it can be folded into a compact travel bag.
Marchway is the chair to go for if you’ll be carrying your seat while hiking or cycling.
There are even lighter chairs out there: but few that still offer decent comfort and a reasonably well supported back.
That said, as the chair is not adjustable, if you’re on the taller side, you may find that the built-in head pillow is too low for you.
If you’re on the broader side, you may find the dimensions a little narrow.
Like a tent, the chair is stored as fold-out poles held together by cord. It’s easy to assemble: there’s only one place for each pole to connect into so you can’t go wrong.
A top tip is that the bag in which the unassembled chair is stored can be slid over the two back poles when you put it up.
Not only will you prevent yourself from losing it, you can store things in it while the chair is standing!
What We Like:
- Highly portable
- Comfortable
What We Don’t Like:
- Must be assembled (although this only takes a minute)
- Non-adjustable
4. Portal Zero Gravity Camping Chair
The idea of “zero gravity” seats is to enable your feet to be raised to the same level as your heart, reducing the stress on your body and providing a ‘weightless’ feel.
This Portal model allows you to recline by 170 degrees. It also comes with an adjustable pillow: move it to the top of the backrest to support your head and neck, or slide it to the base for lumbar support.
At 27.5 pounds, it’s hefty – though it folds away fairly well, and bulk is minimized.
With a loading capacity of 350 pounds, it should remain stable for those on the heavier side, or for when any little ones jump on to your lap.
With wooden armrests, it’s best not to leave this one out in the rain or high humidity.
There are plenty of other zero gravity camping chairs on the market, but the Portal provides the best balance of comfort, durability, and value.
What We Like:
- Great for relaxing in comfort and style
What We Don’t Like:
- Its weight – not great for carrying far
- Reasonably expensive
Best Camping Chairs for Bad Back: What to Look For
Portability
Some camp chairs on the market weigh up to 35 or even 40 pounds: not ideal for a product which is supposed to be for taking with you on adventures.
You’ll want something lightweight and not too bulky if you need to hike with it.
If you do a car camping, the weight will not be a priority. Consider other feathers first.
Adjustability
Being able to fit a chair to a shape that suits your body best is key to comfort.
Some chairs place built-in cushions at set positions that don’t suit all heights and forms.
The same goes for lumbar supports.
If it’s not adjustable, it might not offer any help to your body.
Durability
Poor quality seats often collapse or rip after only a few uses. Look for something that’s going to last through rain or shine.
Useful Tips and Resources
If you do suffer from back pain, it needn’t prevent you from enjoying the outdoors.
There are plenty of items available to assist you – from these chairs, to the right walking shoes, to lightweight backpacks.
And indeed, getting into the fresh air for some exercise may be exactly what your back needs.
Strengthening the core muscles through hiking or biking can often aid your body better support your spine, helping to alleviate pain.
Final Words
You deserved to get a better chair that is friendly for bad back.
These chairs can also be used in your backyard, at the park, or watching a sports game.
Wherever you go, wish you a comfortable and relaxing time.
Hope you can focus on what’s in front of you, not on your back!
