I know you’ll agree with this: the chair is the most boring object on the campsite. For years, camping chairs have been virtually the same. They fold away for storage, some have cup holders, some have pockets, but all in all, it’s just a chair — and worse, it’s not very comfortable. But, if you add a footrest and a sunshade/canopy to any camping chair, the whole experience changes. Suddenly, after pulling the ice cooler a little bit closer, you can relax and enjoy watching others do the hard work of pitching the tent, starting the campfire, preparing that awesome barbecue, or any other labor-intensive campsite job.
With all these great benefits in mind, let’s see the nominees for the best reclining camping chair with footrest.
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1. CampLand Deluxe Padded Reclining Chair
This chair (Amazon link) is the cream of the crop. It is a mesh chair, with removable padding and a footrest. It supports up to 300 lbs, has three different positions, and reclines comfortably. It also comes with a 100% money back guarantee. It can be a bit awkward to carry, since it doesn’t come with a bag and the pad is separate from the chair, but this is perfect for glamping or even car camping. One other drawback is that it would take quite a while to dry out if it were to get wet — days, presumably.
2. Sport-Brella Recliner Chair
If the sun is your enemy, then this reclining chair (Amazon link) is perfect for you. It holds up to 250 lbs, includes a detachable footrest, and a full coverage umbrella. The umbrella swivels so that you can position it appropriately to block the sun. It also contains a UPF protection coating. Some complain that the umbrella on this chair does not stand up to wind very well, but if you are not camping in extremely windy conditions, then this shouldn’t be a problem. If you do find that it is a problem, the umbrellas is detachable, just like the footrest.
3. Camp Solutions Light Weight Backpacking Reclining/Lounging Camping Folding Chair
Yes, they threw all the buzzwords into the name of this item, but it’s only because it really is that good. Weighing in at only 10.9 lbs, this chair (Amazon link) can be carried while backpacking if a chair is a necessity. It also reclines with a headrest and a footrest, something not many camping chairs can boast. It even has a built-in (removable) pillow for ultimate relaxation. It has cup holders, side pockets, and mesh back to keep you cool on summer days and to make sure it dries out quickly if it were to get wet.
4. ALPS Mountaineering Escape Chair
If you are a seasoned camper, ALPS is probably a familiar brand to you. This Mountaineering Escape chair (Amazon link) has some of the highest ratings out of all of them. Sure, it looks basic, but the high back and the hammock feel pleases even the pickiest of campers. The footrest is detachable, and while the chair doesn’t necessarily recline, it puts you in a nice relaxed position. You can sink into this chair like you would a home recliner.
5. KingCamp Zero Gravity Chair Oversized XL
Although it is not praised as a backpacking chair, it is even lighter than the Camp Solutions chair, weighing in at just 9 lbs. The KingCamp (Amazon link) chair also holds more weight than any other chair so far, a whopping 350 lbs. It has a curved ergonomic design which supports the human body in a way that most camping chairs cannot. Unfortunately, it cannot lay flat, and the back is not adjustable. Nevertheless, it has no reviews lower than four stars.
6. PHI VILLA Padded Zero Gravity Lounge Chair
If you want to feel like you’re poolside, while also having the option to sit upright, grab this lounge chair. (Amazon link) Not only does it offer a cup holder, but it also has a small tray to place your snacks on (or your phone, camera, flashlight, etc.) This chair maintains it’s curved shape as it reclines, making it ergonomic and comfortable, while also easy to get in and out of. Simply pop it back into upright position and stand.
7. SwimWays Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair with Ottoman
If you’re 6 feet tall, you probably find camping chairs to be ridiculously small. SwimWays has you covered, though (quite literally). The canopy doubles as the bag, so you never have to worry about losing your camping bag again! The ottoman extends out or can be tucked away under the chair if you don’t want to use it. The major downfall of this chair is that it doesn’t come with a storage slot or a cup holder, both add on features that have become customary for camping and outdoor chairs.
Honorable Mentions
These items didn’t quite make the cut for all-inclusive, camping specific relaxation chairs, but are still worth a mention.
Intex Inflatable Ultra Lounge with Ottoman
This inflatable lounge chair isn’t listed as a camping item, but if you are car camping on smooth terrain, there is no reason why you couldn’t set this up and veg out on an inflatable paradise. It has a waterproof top, side, and bottom, making it a comfortable choice for outdoor excursions. As with most inflatable items, camping with them can be tricky. Just be sure to buy a protection plan, if offered, that way you can trade it in should you happen to scratch a hole into it.
Forbidden Road Camping Stool
If you already have a chair that you love that didn’t come with a footrest, invest in one of these camping stools. This doubles as a chair which can hold 240 lbs or as a footstool for your camping relaxation needs. They are also less than 2 lbs, making it an easy travel companion.
ONIVA Picnic Time Ottoman
This item is just plain cool. It is an all-in-one collapsible cooler, bench seat/footrest/ottoman, with a detachable wheeled trolley. It holds up to 350 lbs and can be used by two people at once as a footrest. It also features easy access insulated pocket, in case you are using your cooler as a footrest, you won’t have to remove your feet to get to the goodies.