GCI Outdoor Camping and Hiking

How will you use the chair? 

• If you plan to take it backpacking, consider its weight and packed size.  

• For car camping, picnicking or sitting in your backyard, pick a premium chair that's as big and plush as you'd like. 

Chairs for backpacking  

• Stools: These are the lightest and simplest option. They don't have a back rest.  

• Scoop: These resemble a sling and offer a good compromise between lightness and comfort.

• Legless: A clamshell-like mat that opens into a chair. Lightweight and packable.

Chairs for camping

• Classic: Has four legs, a straight back and a flat seat. Affordable, stable and typically high enough to sit and stand with ease. 

• Low: A chair with four short legs that’s good on uneven ground. 

• Suspended: A newer, pricier style that suspends the sitter from the chair frame. 

Features to consider 

• Price typically reflects frame quality and materials used, with lighter options often costing more.

• Pay attention to extras such as cup holders, footrests, head and lumbar pads. 

Do you want a cookset or individual pieces? 

You can buy a collection of pots and pans that nest together or build a set piece by piece.

Cookware materials

• Aluminum: Lightweight and affordable. Good for simmering without scorching. Dents easily.
• Hard-anodized aluminum: Resists scratches and lasts a long time.
• Stainless steel: More durable and scratch resistant than aluminum. Heavy.
• Titanium: Lightest option, heats quickly and is highly corrosion resistant. Pricy.

Other considerations

• Pot size: The largest pot in a cook set should hold about 1 pint of water per person in your party.
• Number of pots: If you plan to rehydrate food for two backpackers, one pot is sufficient. More elaborate meals require more pots.
• Lid: Adding one reduces cooking time and saves fuel. Some double as plates.