How to Choose a Camp Chair

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This travel-friendly chair raises the bar for comfort with exclusive X-Web technology that evenly distributes your weight to make your campfire or backyard lounge sessions so much more enjoyable.
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View all REI Co-op Camp ChairsBest Use | Camping |
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Unfolded Dimensions | 31 x 31.25 x 20 (H x W x D) inches |
Folded Dimensions | 7 x 33 inches |
Seat Height | 10.5 inches |
Weight Capacity (lbs) | 300 pounds |
Seat Material(s) | Polyester/nylon mesh |
Frame Construction | Steel |
Weight | 7 lbs. 3 oz. |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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I like these chairs, but they're just not very durable. I take good care of my gear, and the front grommets are already cracking with minimal use over two years. The hardware holding the legs together at their pivot points also looks about to shear as described by other reviewers. The cup holders are also a bit weird--one is useless, and you need some sort of koozie for the best shot at your drink not tipping over in the other. I was surprised that the REI salesperson said I was out of luck when I inquired about repair or replacement. I would expect chairs like this to come from a discount store, not REI.
These chairs are a second purchase after the first set broke within the year. I took a chance again because they dry quickly and are light. They absolutely do not last. Refer to the pictures posted. I have made countless repairs to the cross bolt on all four chairs as the rivets snap. Sadly, I am walking away from this chair. But not before I warn you about it.
I bought 3 Camp X chairs 2 years ago. We’ve used 2 about 15 times and both broke at the same place within 24 hours. I went to REI and was told (a) no warranty after 1 year and (b) what do I expect for $35? I complained that several really cheap camp chairs we've had for over 10 years still work fine and why is REI selling stuff that they know will end up in a landfill after a year or so. One employee admitted there was a manufacturing flaw & suggested I buy a non-REI product if I wanted something that’d last longer - especially if I intended to use it on anything but level concrete. I’m done shopping at REI.
We've had a set of three chairs for three seasons now, and couldn't be happier. They're light, set up in a flash, and completely comfortable. You can slouch all the way down and the back will support your head, for the ultimate in deck or lawn loafing. Some comparable products force you into a rather upright position, but we enjoy having the option to droop and melt into whatever pose is most comfortable. The holder on the right can accommodate all of our drinks glasses (some are on the large side) while the one on the left is useful for phones or whatever. These chairs also dry quickly. I can't readily think of a way to improve these chairs.
This is the second set (4 chairs in total) that I have bought that have ripped in the same spot. I have only owned these two chairs for a couple years. They were kept indoors during the winter and when outside under a covered porch. They have never been sprayed with anything that may degrade the material. Also, I am 100lbs! I will NEVER purchase these again!
I have two Mesh Chairs, which, according to REI, are structurally the same as the X Chair. There are rivets, about 1-1/2" long, that create pivots where the diagonal legs cross. Normal use causes the legs to saw through the rivets. On one of my chairs, the front rivet snapped. When the front rivet snaps, the chair still stands. But, I don't know what happens if one rivet snapping puts enough strain on the other rivets to possibly have multiple ones snap together... ...and if the chair collapses. The rivets appear to be steel. There's not enough clearance to be able to look at the wear points to know when a rivet is about to snap. In the attached picture, you can see the grooves that formed. The rivet snapped at one of the grooves.
I'm small, and I don't usually fit well in this style of chair. They just swallow me up, and end up being uncomfotable. But this one works very well for me. Supportive enough to be comfortable, but I can still recline, relax, or curl up in this chair. And it feels stable, not wobbly. My average sized husband seems to fit pretty well in the chair too. The cup holders are handy for miscellaneous items and beverages with lids. But an open can of beer or soda could easily be spilled, so caution is required with open containers. This style of chair I think is natrually a little bulky, but this one is actually smaller (both stowed and deployed) than several other similar chairs.
Bought two of these in 2020. They get used quite rarely. They've never been wet or left out in the weather. The mesh material is now tearing - the armrests each have holes and are non-functional, and the seat bottoms are starting to tear out. REI warranty is now only 1 year, so I can't return these on warranty. I've seen camp chairs that cost 1/4 this amount last for 10 years. Summary: definitely pass on this product.
Our 2 REI X chairs each had 2 essential parts that failed simultaneously in the middle of a camping trip - the rivet that holds the frame togetherin the front where the legs cross, and the grommet that holds the fabric to the frame in the front of the chair. I.e., they were unusable. These chairs were lightly used over the course of 3 summer camping seasons. We tried returning them to REI where we were told no refund or exchange and, “What did you expect for $35?” (A lot more REI! Our $7.99 chairs from BiMart we bought 10 years ago are still going strong.). Shame on you REI for selling junk chairs that go right into the landfill after light use!
I have put these chairs to the test and they shine at every party, Fire and camp spot imaginable!