In our June 2015 issue we tested our favourite camping chairs under R600. Unfortunately not all of the chairs squeezed in under that price, so we’ve put all of them together here – our top 10 bum-holders of 2015. In no particular order…
1. Front Runner Expandable Chair
R850, frontrunner.co.za
Packing size: 41 x 44cm
Weight: 4,1kg
Max load: 113kg
Structure: Rugged steel
Seat padding: No
Comfort: I found it very comfortable, but the more heavy-set might find it a little narrow
Features: One cup holder, small stash pocket and a utility pocket for maps and magazines
Verdict
Sadly, this awesome chair was a little too pricey for our initial feature, but we loved it and are very happy to be able to include it here. This nifty camping chair features a telescopic design that allows it to fold into an extremely compact unit, which is easy to store and transport. I even took it on a Joburg to Cape Town flight as hand luggage.
2. Oztrail Moon Chair
R899, seagullindustries.co.za
Packing size: 109 x 15cm
Weight: 4,2kg
Max load: 120kg
Structure: High-tensile steel frame and circular couch-like seat
Seat padding: Yes
Comfort: Comfort-wise it’s more sofa than chair with a roomy, padded backrest made from sturdy 600D fabric (D stands for Denier – a rough indicator of an individual fibre’s density. 10D is less dense – and subsequently lighter – than 50D).
Features: Wine glass holder, normal cup holder and comfy moon shape.
Verdict
My favourite thing about this chair has to be the wine glass holder – if you’ve ever tried to balance a wine glass in the mesh cupholder of a camping chair and failed, this is the chair for you.
3. Natural Instincts Oversize Deluxe Heavy Duty Chair
R790, outdoorwarehouse.co.za
Packing size: 103 x 30cm
Weight: c. 4kg
Max load: 150kg
Structure: Hardy, durable fabric
Seat padding: Yes
Comfort: A sturdy, comfortable chair
Features: One cup holder and one arm stash-pocket.
Verdict
This spacious camping chair can take a beating. The dark colours mean it won’t look dirty and it can take a maximum load of 150kg.
4. Afritrail Duiker Mesh-Back Folding Armchair
R299,95, seagullindustries.co.za
Packing size: 98 x 15cm
Weight: 3,2kg
Max load: 110kg
Structure: High Tensile Steel frame
Seat padding: No
Comfort: This chair is all about breathability and it is very comfortable
Features: Mesh back and bottom, one cup holder
Verdict
This is a great beach holiday chair. The heavy duty plastic mesh back and underside allows for good ventilation, but it doesn’t compromise on durability. It’s got a cup holder and features a high tensile steel frame.
5. Kaufmann Outdoor Layback Chair
R649, kaufmannoutdoor.co.za
Packing size: 104 x 20cm
Weight: 5,9kg
Max load: 140kg
Structure: Powder-coated steel frame and hardy, dark-coloured fabric. The reinforcement is well-designed because the fabric doesn’t connect directly to the chair but rather joins to the steel via heavy duty seatbelt-like straps
Seat padding: Yes
Comfort: 8/10 – a very comfy chair!
Features: One insulated cup holder and an in-arm storage pocket, adjustable arm rests
Verdict
It’s not the most lightweight, but is our stargazing champion and ultimate relaxation chair. Great value for money, exceptionally comfortable and great features. Perhaps our favourite chair on this list.
6. Camp Master Classic 200 Oversize Chair
R229, makro.co.za
Packing size: 94 x 20cm
Weight: 3kg
Max load: 110kg
Structure: Thinner legs than others featured here but the PVC-coated fabric is well reinforced
Seat padding: No
Comfort: 5/10. Not uncomfortable, but not especially comfortable either
Features: One cup holder (stable with fabric sides) and side pocket
Verdict
A great budget-buy for entry-level campers or regular sundowners on the beach and the side storage pocket is a win.
7. Checkpoint Anyplace Quad Chair
R350, campworld.co.za
Packing size: 90 x 16cm
Weight: 3kg
Max load: 120kg
Structure: Thicker padded arm rests and denser fabric than the other chairs under R300, but a shorter back than the others and nothing to rest your head against. Fun colour scheme though (currently only available in blue) and good reinforcement
Seat padding: No
Comfort: 5/10 – again nothing particularly comfortable or uncomfortable about this chair
Features: One mesh cup holder
Verdict
Lightweight with great packing dimensions and soft arm rests; every member of the family will want one to sit on around the campsite fire.
8. Tentco Big Boy Chair
R465, tentco.co.za
Packing size: 47 x 27cm
Weight: 2,6kg
Max load: 150kg
Structure: Thick and sturdy steel frame with hardy polyester fabric and a wide seat area so the poles don’t cut into your legs
Seat padding: No
Comfort: 6/10. The wider seat area makes for a slightly above average comfort level
Features: Two sturdy fabric-walled cup holders and mesh backrest for better ventilation
Verdict
An incredibly hardwearing and sturdy chair that’ll see you through many adventures and impressively lightweight for its sound structure
9. Cape Union Mart Spider
R299, capeunionmart.co.za
Packing size: 98 x 30cm
Weight: 3,5kg
Max load: 100kg
Structure: Nice thick legs and sturdy and features the same PVC fabric
Seat padding: No
Comfort: 5/10. Everything you’d expect with no fancy frills
Features: One cup holder (but with flimsy netting)
Verdict
Your camping basic – a sturdy black chair with thick legs.
If you’d like a colourful option, Outdoor Warehouse sells a very similar chair called the Natural Instincts Standard Oversized Chair for R370 in lime green, red and blue.
10. Bushtec Adventure Comfort High Back Chair
R590, bushtecadventure.co.za
Packing size: 120 x 25cm
Weight: 5,1kg
Max load: 130kg
Structure: Hardy polyester material with an inner sponge layer for comfort and steel tubing leg structures. The fabric reinforcement is well-designed because it doesn’t connect directly to the chair but rather joins to the steel via heavy duty seatbelt-like straps
Seat padding: Yes
Comfort: 8/10. The name does not lie. This is a very comfy camping chair.
Features: Storage pocket in the headrest (although this will be uncomfortable if you use it to stash hard objects) and one fabric-lined cup holder.
Verdict
A little more upright, and a very close second to the Kaufmann chair, the Bushtec Adventure Comfort High Back Chair falls down only because of its lack of easily accessible storage pouch and lesser maximum kilogram rating.
This article first appeared in the June 2015 issue of Getaway magazine.
Get this issue →
All prices were correct at time of publication, but are subject to change at each supplier’s discretion.
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