Do you love camping but suffer from back pain? Finding the right camping chair that provides the required support to your back is imperative. A good camping chair is a wonderful camping gear for chilling out with friends and family around a campfire. Camping chairs are designed for various needs, and comfort is the first. But if you have a bad back, then you need to be extremely careful when buying a camping chair for yourself. These days there are a lot of camping chairs available that can give great support to your spine.
After a tiring day of hiking and exploring nature, it’s time relax in your nice, comfortable camping chair. Camping chairs are designed with foam materials in such a way that they give excellent lumbar support and make you feel very comfortable. To help you find the best camping chair for your own needs, we’ve reviewed the five best camping chairs for a bad back.
The 5 Best Camping Chairs for a Bad Back
5. G4Free Portable Camping Chair
The G4Free Portable Camping Chair is an extremely comfortable, lightweight and portable chair. It’s a great option for both indoors and outdoor use. You can easily take it for camping, fishing, hiking, picnic, etc. The chair gives low back support and has a medium size back that can keep your back straight. This collapsible, backpacking chair is easy to carry and store. The chair also includes a small storage pouch that can be used for holding mobile phones, water bottles, and other items. The build-in pillow can support your neck and back. The breathable mesh keeps the chair ventilated in humid conditions. Its seat size is 22.8 x 11 x 15.8″ and weighs 2.86 lbs.
Pros and Cons
4. Stansport “Go Anywhere” Chair with Padded Back
The Stansport “Go anywhere” Chair features multi-fold padded seats can turn any uncomfortable seating into a comfortable experience. This padded seat comes with a reclining backrest that can adjust to 10 different positions. There is a shoulder strap attached to the seat for easy transport. The polyester fabric makes the seat sturdy and will last you many years. It is perfect for the beach, sidelines, eating, poolside, or just relaxing. The unfolded size of this padded seat is 29.48 x 20.9 x 2.0″ and weighs 5 lbs.
Pros and Cons
3. Vingli Folding Fishing & Camping Chair
The Vingli Folding Fishing & Camping Chair is designed for several outdoor activities and is perfect for a camping adventure, beachside, or relaxing outdoors. The chair has back padding and slopes adjustable extending legs. It has a tall back and quite spacious. The chair is made with durable steel tubes and can support weight up to 350 lbs. This over-sized chair is ideal for tall people. The chair has a 600D waterproof fabric, and the frame is made of high-quality corrosion-resistant steel. An attached footrest allows you to relax from head to toe. The unfolded size of the chair is 48 x 22″ and 26 x 26″ is the footrest attachment. The chair is made of aluminum and steel.
Pros and Cons
2. Portal Zero Gravity Recliner Chair
The Portal Zero Gravity Recliner Chair is a fantastic chair for anyone suffering from back pain. It’s well-built, so it remains sturdy when sitting or when laying back in it. This zero gravity recliner is super stylish and easy to adjust. It is great for camping and can also be taken to the beach or can be laid out near the pool or anywhere in the house. The recliner also includes a large cup holder that can hold up to two drinks, a mobile phone, or any other thing you want to be held. The unfolded size of the recliner is 30 x 29 x 44,” and ground to seat height is 21′. The chair can support weight up to 350 lbs. The chair has a padded seat and adjustable pillow for both headrest and back support.
Pros and Cons
1. Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Camping Chair
The Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Recliner Camping Chair is a ridiculously comfortable camping chair. It’s great for people with back issues, even while sitting for long periods of time. The chair uses high-quality fabric and aluminum tubes. It can easily hold up to 350 lbs of weight. It comes with a padded pillow and a foldaway side table. The big over-sized seat is suitable for different body types. It has a durable steel tube frame, a bungee suspension system, and a sturdy polyester fabric. The chair also has the easiest locking mechanism to lock the chair to any position from upright to all the way to the back. The chair can also be used at the beach. Its unfolded size is 20 x 22 x 29.9,” and the ground to seat height is 43.5.”
Pros and Cons
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Chair for Your Bad Back
You need a good camping chair to unwind in, and if you have back back issues, then it is even more important that you have a good one. When choosing a new chair, these are a few of the factors that it is important for you to consider.
Size
Camping chairs for bad backs have different heights and different seat sizes. You should keep in mind these aspects with respect to your body size. The chair will not be comfortable for you if it is too tall. If it will be too low and you are an older adult, then you will find it difficult getting in and out of it. All the camping chairs for bad backs have armrests, either fabric supported or solid bars supported by metal handles on the front. Always consider your weight before buying a chair. Find one that can hold your weight as well as provide support too. Camping chairs can handle different loads. A regular, modern camping chair can support up to about 250 lbs to 350 lbs. If you are big and tall, then you may want to opt for a heavy duty camping chair that can support over support over 350 pounds of weight.
Comfort
If you have a bad back, then the name of the game is comfort. And when we say comfort, it means proper back support, armrests, headrest and ventilation. Three-legged camping stools and loveseats are out of the question. If you have back issues, then sitting down on a chair can be excruciatingly painful. Therefore it is crucial to have a fully padded chair that can relax every muscle of your body.
Many chairs, including our top two selections in this guide, provide the ability to recline. Reclining camping chairs are a great option for people with back issues, since they can help to alleviate some stress and redistribute your weight.
Weight
You would want a light and portable chair for your camping adventure. But you need to think about how you intend to use your chair. Will you be carrying it on your back while backpacking in the woods over the weekend or you will only be taking it from your car to the campsite. Backpacking chairs should be light, collapsible and easily pack into the carry bags.
Frame Material
Choose camping chairs with sturdy materials like aluminum and steel. Aluminum is mainly used for legs and frames of the chair. It is lightweight but provides firm support. Steel is another material that is used to make the chairs. Steel is primarily used to make the tubing, as steel is more durable than aluminum.
Upholstery
The upholstery of the camping chairs is made of nylon, polyester, and foam. Nylons are easy to maintain and are lightweight and water-resistant. Nylon is also abrasion-resistant and holds a tremendous amount of weight too. Polyester lacks the durability of nylon but still is a good option. Extra cushioning gives extra comfort to the back. A camping chair with cushions at the back is a plus. Camping chairs with closed cell padding give complete support for the back.
Camping Chairs for Bad Backs FAQs
What are zero gravity chairs?
Zero gravity chairs are designed to distribute your weight and give you a weightless feeling evenly. They provide better comfort and support and provide ultimate relaxation. A zero gravity chair cradles your whole body – your arms, spine, legs, and neck in a neutral position. These chairs are quite akin to the chaise lounge chairs. Zero gravity chairs boast of numerous health benefits, especially the back. The chair ensures that your body always stays in the right natural curvature of the spine while still giving full support to the back and neck. It also reduces muscle tension and promotes proper posture.
What should be the height of a camping chair?
The height of the camping chair includes the height of the seat back and the ground to seat height. The height of the camping chair is a great way to avoid back pain, slouching, and other back-related issues. The higher the back will be, the greater the support and comfort your back and neck will get over prolonged periods. Ground to seat height means the distance between the ground and the bottom of the seat. A higher chair will be more comfortable for your legs and back and is also easier to get in and out of.
How do I clean mold off of camping chairs?
Your camping chairs always face clammy weather, collect dampness, and hence create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Apart from the musty smell, the molds can leave a stain on your camping chair. Firstly you should leave the chair out in the sun to dry out completely. This should kill most of the mold. Then take a spray bottle and fill it up with alcohol and spray it on the chair where you have the mold and allow it to dry in the sun. Another method to get rid of the mold from your chair is spraying white vinegar on the area affected by mold. Then later wipe the sprayed vinegar with a clean sponge. Keeping your camping chair dry is the best way to prevent mold and mildew from developing.
Final Thoughts
Camping with a bad back can be inordinately frustrating, especially when you are looking forward to having a good time with family and friends. Camping is a lot of fun, and you don’t want the fun to be marred by back pain. You certainly can minimize your back pain and enjoy sitting around the campfire gorging on yummy food and maybe roast marshmallows by investing in a camping chair, specially designed for a bad back. Camping chairs cannot cure your weak back but can help mitigate the pain and any other additional stress and make your camping trip bearable and enjoyable. So don’t just buy any random chair, instead get a chair that gives optimum support to your back and neck and allows you to sit well and enjoy your camping adventure to the fullest.
Happy Camping!
Is there a comfortable camping chair that you think we should have included? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The ergonomic design also provides hip support for maximum comfort and the solid, padded armrests and an integrated cup holder to help you relax even more.