GCI Outdoor Padded Camping and Hiking

How will you use the chair? 

• If you plan to take it backpacking, weight and packed size are key.  

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

Chairs for backpackers  

• Camp stools: the lightest and simplest option of all— light but with no back rest.  

• Two-legged chairs: Your feet act as the front feet of the chair, which saves weight and lets you rock a little.  

Pick a camp chair style 

• Classic camp: has four legs, a straight back and a flat seat. Afforable, stable and typically high enough to sit down and stand up with ease. 

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

• Suspended: a newer, more pricey style; sitter suspends from the chair frame. 

• Scoop: resembles a sling. Good compromise between lightness and comfort.  

Other features to consider:  

• Price often reflects the quality of the frame and fabric material. 

• 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 designed to nest together or build a set piece by piece.

Pick the cookware material to suit your activity.

• Aluminum is lightweight and affordable. Good for simmering foods without scorching. A drawback is that it dents easily.
• Hard-anodized aluminum resists scratches and abrasion and last a long time.
• Stainless steel: More durable and scratch resistant than aluminum but heavier so is better suited for car camping.
• Titanium cookware is the lightest option, heats up quickly and highly corrosion resistant. But titanium costs more than other options.

Other considerations and items

• Pot size: The largest pot in a cook set should hold about 1 pint per backpacker or camper in your party.
• Number of pots: If you plan to cook dehydrated foods for two backpackers, then one pot is sufficient. More elaborate meals mean more pots.
• Lids reduce cooking time and save fuel. Some double as plates.