Portable and Folding Chairs Buying Guide

Find the perfect seat for your activity with our guide to portable and folding chairs.

Accessible. Comfortable. Easy to set up. These are just a few of the qualities you might be looking for in a portable folding chair. Whether adventuring to the sidelines for a game or the outdoors for some family fun, you need the right equipment. A quality chair can help take your experience from unpleasant to comfortable.

Follow our all-inclusive guide to ensure you always have the perfect seat.

*Disclaimer: Product availability may fluctuate due to inventory.

Before you select your seat, you assess your environment. For maximum comfort and portability, you may want to purchase multiple chairs for different activities. While one chair style might cater to sitting at a sporting event, others might be better suited for backyard gatherings. Are you hiking into the backcountry or heading to the beach? A lighter, more portable option would likely best fit your needs.

After determining the portability factor, consider the features you'll need (and want) most. For example, do you prefer a chair with cup holders for convenience? How about padded arms for comfort? Do you want some added benefits like a rocking chair or a zero-gravity chair for extra relaxation? 

Also think about storing and transporting the chair of your choice. A quad fold chair will typically fit inside a portable bag in a cylindrical shape, while a quad fold lays flat when not in use.

Foldable chairs can seem relatively light. That is, until you have to carry them for a few miles — then their size and weight really start to matter. Consider choosing a chair made with aluminum instead of steel for a lighter carry. Additionally, aluminum chairs are a great choice for the beach as they will not rust.

Similarly, if you’re hiking, hunting or walking a distance to your camp, you may want something even more compact, like a tripod stool. What these models lack in comfort, they make up in portability. Plus, any seat can be better than sitting on the ground.

Not all chairs — even some that look similar — can hold the same amount of weight. It’s important to check each model’s weight limit.

Some kids’ chairs hold as little as 150 pounds or as much as 225 pounds. Some adult chairs are built to hold between 225 and 500 pounds. It might seem like more than enough if a chair says it holds 250 pounds. But it can be best to err on the side of caution, especially if you have young kids running and jumping around. 

Height is a crucial element when buying a chair for the beach. Consider both the backrest height and the distance between the chair and the ground. Some beach chairs are lower to the ground, allowing you to stretch your legs on the sand.

BONUS PRO TIP: Beach chairs are also perfect for festivals, according to Mosler. Most festivals limit chair height to 30 inches, making these a great go-to option.

Check out a few styles we like!

Before you venture outdoors for some fun and excitement, it’s important to know what options are out there. There are an abundance of seating options to choose from, especially when it comes to style and features. Consider your needs, your comfort and your activities. Whatever you have planned, there is a chair out there for you.