Light AND Comfortable Chairs?

[melissab]

I'm making my list of things we need for our trailer. I already have most items from our popup but would like to replace our camping chairs. We have the traditional folding fabric style. The ones you have to pry yourself out of b/c your bum sinks so low and cuts off circulation to the legs and feet due to pressure on the back of the thighs.
I was wondering if anybody has found a comfortable yet still lightweight folding camp chair?

[SherryNPaul]

I know what you mean about the umbrella style chairs. They're really easy to haul, and light, but extremely uncomfortable after awhile.
We purchased metal directors' style chairs at Aldi's, during a couple of their special purchase sales. They're great: lightweight, slightly padded seat, a flip-up table for drinks. padded armrest, side pockets for pens, sunscreen, bug repellant, etc. Downside: they take up more space to haul, but not as much space as our loungers.
My friend got a similar chair at Kmart. I've seen them (for a much higher price) at the sporting goods stores, and once in awhile at Sam's Club for a good price.
Try them out, though, before purchasing. They all seem to be different seating heights. I have a shorter one for my short legs, my husband's is taller.
We've had two shorter ones for two years, and look like new. The taller ones, purchased last year, are very sturdy also, and expect good wear from them, also.
Sherry

[Bobbie Mayer]

I agree with Sherry, I have one like this which is very light. It is slightly bulky but not bad compared to the more comfortable recliners (I might pack one of those for a long stay in one place.) The tray is great. It is much more comfortable than the umbrella style and has lasted longer.

[Mike Magee]

I know you said "light", but I'll mention this because I just got one and I'm lovin' it. Google "zero gravity chair". Like this one: Caravan Canopy - Infinity Zero Gravity Chair - Beige - Outdoor Recliners - Camping World
It supports the legs and will recline as little or as much as you want, and locks into place with a lever on each side if you want it to stay in the position you've set. I got mine at Kohl's but they are on Amazon and many other places. Feels like it might weigh about 20 lbs but I would rather give up a little lightweightness for more comfort. Unless the extra weight will put you over some limit, you won't regret one of these.
[edit: mine weighs 18 lbs, compared to my old simpler folding lawn chair at 6 lbs.]

[Ray N]

Something to consider is how the chair legs rest on the ground. Unless you always sit on a paved pad, the legs with long bars on the ground (like the ones shown above), are less prone to sink into the soil than the "peg legs." We bought the directors chairs from Sams and have been very happy with them, although they aren't exceptionally light or compact.

[melissab]

I guess I'll wait to get the actual weight of our trailer to decide how much chair weight we can carry, lol. Those all look nice though! Have to do something for sure, cant take those umbrella chairs any longer.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by melissab

I was wondering if anybody has found a comfortable yet still lightweight folding camp chair?

IMHO there is comfortable, OR there is lightweight... but not both.
My fat a** needs a substantial seat, and since I lift weights for a living (really!) I decided to use the most comfortable chairs that I already have.


2nd Row Seats out of the minivan

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by Frederick L. Simson

IMHO there is comfortable, OR there is lightweight... but not both.
My fat a** needs a substantial seat, and since I lift weights for a living (really!) I decided to use the most comfortable chairs that I already have.

Attachment 34792 Attachment 34793
2nd Row Seats out of the minivan

I like your solution!

[melissab]

Those small blocks of wood and rods keep them from tipping back???? They dont look heavy enough to ground the chair base. I've never removed my 2nd row Toyota Seats, will have to see how they work.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by melissab

Those small blocks of wood and rods keep them from tipping back?

The lever under the front of the seat which allows it to slide forward or backward in the van (to adjust legroom) are still fully functional on my bases. When I want to recline I can shift the seat forward first which re-centers the base under the reclined seat, preventing them from tipping back. See post #13 in my link.

[melissab]

Ahhhhhhhhhh, that's what that meant, ok. So the center of gravity stays where it should, lol.

[artspe]

We have always used our beach chairs. Very lite and low to the ground so you can stretch your legs out.

Art

[Brian Van Snell]

Originally Posted by melissab

I was wondering if anybody has found a comfortable yet still lightweight folding camp chair?

Here are the ones we found at Costco which are quite light and comfortable, and relatively inexpensive.

Old Timers "relaxing" | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Brian

[melissab]

Brian, those look like the style we have and it cuts the circulation off to my legs and feet. I think there is too much pressure on the back of the thighs as it always leaves. Maybe it's b/c I'm short (5 ft) and my toes barely reach the ground.

[Gina D.]

I snag up those old aluminum webbed chairs at garage sales any time I see them (Not made anymore.. sigh)

They are comfy and don't weigh much more than an envelope. folds flat.. tossable anywhere.

[Brian Van Snell]

Originally Posted by melissab

Brian, those look like the style we have and it cuts the circulation off to my legs and feet. I think there is too much pressure on the back of the thighs as it always leaves. Maybe it's b/c I'm short (5 ft) and my toes barely reach the ground.

Our chairs are like these:

YouTube - Review Tommy Bahama Reclining Event Chair

Brian

[melissab]

Brian, I cant tell but it looks like your chairs support your Bum so it doesnt sink lower than your thighs cutting off circulation. Is that correct?

Oh I know Gina! My G'parents always had those light aluminum lawn chairs too. I never see them for sale here in FL though. Wonder why they stopped making them? Maybe somebody here should start. Might be a profitable little business as I've seen postings on the web by folks looking for them too.

[Bobbie Mayer]

They still have those web chairs at Target here, or at least, did the last time I looked. They are not as comfy as the sports-type with the side tables, though, and don't last as well, and weigh just as much.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by melissab

My G'parents always had those light aluminum lawn chairs too.
Wonder why they stopped making them?

Ever have a chair collapse beneath you? They're made of Steel now, a little heavier but stronger.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Gina D.

I snag up those old aluminum webbed chairs at garage sales any time I see them (Not made anymore.. sigh)

They are comfy and don't weigh much more than an envelope. folds flat.. tossable anywhere.

Because they're aluminum, when scrapped across asphalt to throw under the trailer at night (to keep the dew off), no RUST. Unlike powdered coated steel. I have the aluminum frames to three chairs under the carport. The webbing is still available online and I've seen it at Wally World.

I can't sit in most slingback chairs for more than about five minutes. First few minutes feel comfy, then it feels like a hot poker jabbed into my spine. Previous back surgery has a tendency to do that! Give me my lightweight, aluminum web chair anyday.