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As we all continue to navigate life during a pandemic, our safe summer plans are more often than not taking place outside—meaning there's never been a better time to make use of outdoor folding chairs. Whether you’re spending your Saturdays socially distancing on a beach, by the pool, in your neighborhood garden, or even in your own backyard, you can easily upgrade your staycation by investing in a comfortable place to rest. Below, we've rounded up 11 of the best outdoor folding chairs to tote around this summer, whether you’re looking for a retro, lightweight lawn chair, a beach lounger to stretch out on, or a fold-up camping chair for roadside stops where you can take in the view.
All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article was originally published in July 2020. It has been updated with new information.
Serena & Lily Teak Sling Chair
Serena & Lily's sling chairs look more appropriate for a poolside cabana than family camping trip, but are plenty durable thanks to a teak wood frame and weather-resistant fabric that comes in a range of solid and patterned colors, like this coastal blue. (Can't decide which to get? You can buy the fabric slings separately, too, to swap out patterns whenever the mood strikes.) The chairs fold flat for easy storage and transport, and recline to four different positions to accommodate both full-on napping and sitting upright.
Buy now: $398, serenaandlily.com
Sunflow Beach Chair
It only takes a few park days sprawled out on a blanket to realize you'd be much more comfortable just slightly above the grass (and with a nice backrest to boot). Sunflow's compact lounge chair is a favorite—while it takes a try or two to get the hang of unfolding it (follow the photo directions in and on the box), it's extremely comfortable, and reclines to four different positions. Straps connect to the armrests so you can carry the chair like a backpack and at just under 10 pounds, it's not a chore to bring with you. For those always on the look-out for shade, snag a Sun Shade too; it pops on to the top of the chair for instant cover.
Buy now: $198, getsunflow.com
Picnic Time Portable Backpack Chair
This director's-chair-meets-camping-seat, made by Picnic Time, a California-based outdoors brand, blends the best of both worlds. At 12 pounds, it's easy to carry, especially since it folds up to be toted like a backpack, with adjustable straps attached to one side. When it's unfolded, it'll be the go-to mealtime chair, thanks to its decent-sized side table, two insulated cup holders, and a pocket to slide your phone or book into. Order it in the beachy light blue and white stripe or a camping-ready red plaid.
Buy now: $99, food52.com
Telescope Casual Original Mini-Sun Folding Aluminum Beach Chair
Settling on a beach chair can be a tricky proposition, because unless you’re staying at a beachfront property, you’re going to have to get your chair from the car down to the water—and those 30-plus yards can feel endless when you’re carrying all sorts of gear. This model from outdoor furniture outfit Telescope Casual weighs in at just seven pounds thanks to its lightweight aluminum frame, and can be adjusted into four different positions, depending on how far back you want to lean. If you're sensitive to the sun, you can also opt to add a canopy, guaranteeing instant shade whenever you want it.
Buy now: $116, bbqguys.com
Lands' End Wooden Lounge Chair
For a sturdy lounger you can use almost anywhere, Lands’ End’s wooden lounge chair does the job well. Made of solid oak wood with a lined marine-grade acrylic fabric, it'll be used for summers to come. At 22 pounds, it’s not as heavy as other similar options, and looks just as nice on the back porch of a beach house as it does by the pool. For an even more comfortable set-up, add the footrest to your order.
Buy now: $270, landsend.com
Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair
Ideal for road trips, camping trips or afternoons at the park, Coleman’s classic camping chairs will get plenty of use, while taking up minimal space in your garage or hall closet. On one arm, there’s a cupholder and a mesh side pocket for your keys, a phone, sunglasses, or anything else you want to keep close by; on the other, a cooler pouch keeps drinks chilled, and can hold up to four cans at once.
Buy now: $35, amazon.com
The Citizenry Palermo Tripolina Chair
This gorgeous leather sling chair, handmade in Argentina, may not be the most practical choice, but it's the one you’ll want to keep around the longest. Set it up under an overhang on the back patio (it’s best to store it away from direct sunlight, to avoid fading), or bring it along to your vacation rental. Since it folds down, it doesn’t take up much room; it'll also make for great additional seating the next time you choose to have a house full of visitors.
Buy now: $675, the-citizenry.com
Hartington Plastic Folding Adirondack Chair
There’s something about Adirondack chairs that makes us want to plop down with a good book and a cold drink and never get up. This folding version is much easier to move around than the traditional model, though at just over 30 pounds, it’s better suited to car trips to the beach or a drive-up campsite than a jaunt to the park. (It also makes for a great backyard staple). Choose from dozens of colors, like black, white, lilac, or a teal shade called 'Aruba.'
Buy now: From $210, wayfair.com
MoMA Design Store Classic Lawn Chair
These classic, aluminum-frame folding chairs from the MoMA Design Store look straight out of the 1950s. Available in a multicolor or black-and-white pattern (both of which are handwoven in a family-run workshop in Georgia), the 4.2-pound chairs are your go-anywhere summer seat: throw them in your trunk, the camper, or an oversized beach tote, and you're all set.
Buy now: $70, store.moma.org
GCI Outdoor Reclining Director's Chair
If you’re going on a camping trip, you’re in for long days outside, filled with hiking, fishing, and setting up shop—not to mention, making your meals. So when you’re finally ready to take a seat around the campfire, these GCI director’s chairs are what you want on hand. Each one comes with its own fold-out side table and cup holder that makes eating easier, along with a side pocket and a mini ottoman to rest your feet on. Each chair folds completely flat, weighs 16 pounds, and can support up to 250 pounds.
Buy now: $65, amazon.com or rei.com
Best Choice Products Zero-Gravity Patio Chair Recliners
For a proper lounger, it doesn’t get better than a zero-gravity chair. This model has a cup holder and side tray to hold your phone and book or tablet, plus a removable padded headrest and a sturdy frame that supports up to 250 pounds. The recliner's Textilene mesh fabric is made to resist fading from the sun; it also folds completely flat, ideal whether you're storing it between beach days or tossing it in your trunk en route to the lake.
Buy now: $90 for two, bestchoiceproducts.com
