Camp Chair Mulling

[AnnArborBob]

My principal issue with the Zip Dee chairs is the steel rail that cuts into the undersides of my thighs when I sit in them. I personally much prefer a chair without any "hard support" in that area.

For an upright non-reclining style of camp chair, we use the Stongback Chair. I find it a solid, comfortable and stable chair.

http://www.amazon.com/Strongback-Eli...rongback+chair

For a reclining style chair, we like this one from Lafuma:

http://www.amazon.com/Lafuma-Futura-...=lafuma+rsx+xl

[Drathaar]

Originally Posted by dkottum

We've had two Zip Dee chairs for five years and they spend at least 6 months each year outdoors as we travel. They are a very good and strong basic chair, heavy enough to not blow around in the wind, don't sink into sift ground when sitting, and reasonably comfortable. The canvas looks as good as new, the wood armrests shown minor weathering from being outdoors, and the chromed steel frames have a little rust color at the connections, nowhere else. They easily fold up to be compact.

If you need a good, reliable, compact chair that can take the rigors of travel, it's a good buy.

We wanted Zip Dee chairs until we sat in them. They didn't fit either the bride or me. Zip Dee's are probably the best made chair I've ever seen, but just didn't seem comfy for us.

We finally found Coleman chairs that fit, gave good comfort, and are reasonably well made.

[Pagey]

We are preparing to sell our house in order to become full-time Airstreamers.

We have sold all of the seating (couches, chairs, etc) in our living room and are now using our Pico chairs and Lafuma recliners as our main seating. These will be going with us when we get on the road. We find our Picos and Lafumas to be quite comfortable for us. (I am 5'5" and hub is 5'11".)

[m.hony]

For size/space/weight the Zip Dee chairs or the 50's/60's aluminum frame chairs with the nylon webbing-
The more comfortable chairs generally cost more, weigh more, take up more space-

[PharmGeek]

Mhony - not so...arguably

I think the helinox or alite mantis or joey chair (all same type), the eureka curvy and others are very small for storage - actually smaller - and are more comfortable - but will they last for 10+ years strong ?

I think the helinox type if made right just may as it has I think no steel parts - but that I would say is very uncertain

The zip dees are freaking rock solid and will last a long time - i do find this attractive - but am not impressed with level of comfort

Doug - I had not thought about the weight factor if leaving them out unattended ...good point - the helinox would sail away if left out lol

Another problem with the helinox is the base legs will sink down in soft ground (like the very sandy spot I'm in - some put tennis balls on theirs to correct or as a previous photo showed - small PVC electrical conduit that fits in bag

I have not yet say in a Strongback but it's on my list of to do's

Lafumas so far are amazing - my wife was a skeptic - but now...




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[m.hony]

That chair in the picture is much larger than an ordinary lawn chair.

[Bruce B]

I like shopping for Airstream stuff!!!
I am becoming more intrigued with the Kermit. It stores in a very small bundle, It has leg extensions to bring up the height and what can I say, it is wood...I like wood!
It also has a 30 day return policy. This means that I can return it if I do not like it. Kind of takes the edge off.
Bruce

[TinTin]

I do like the look of the Kermit Chairs, I have seen motorcyclists using them. Also like that they're hardwood, and made in the US.

The price is a bit high once you add the leg extensions. If they are built to last though, the price isn't excessive.

[Bruce B]

I'm happy to spend a bit more for US built. Especially if the quality is high...
Bruce

[PharmGeek]

I like the Kermit chair too - would like to sit in one....earlier in this thread I think someone vouched for it....


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[PharmGeek]

Right now I use the zero gravity when kids napping and I read for a while and such - I use these lafuma camp stools to sit around the campfire






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[blmitch5]

Airstream has 20% off on Monday if you want Zip Dee chairs.

[Roadtech]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

My principal issue with the Zip Dee chairs is the steel rail that cuts into the undersides of my thighs when I sit in them. I personally much prefer a chair without any "hard support" in that area

This is one of the things I love about our Kermit chairs. The back and seat supports are curved wood and there is no body contact with the supports. Very comfortable.

[Lara Me]

I can vouch for the Kermit chairs. Use them regularly on long distance motorcycle rides and added them to the airstream arsenal. They are not a lounge chair by any means, but way more comfy than the Zip Dee and various ultra light camp chairs. The quality is outstanding, and while they are pricey to be sure, it's a chair you buy just once. I can also fit 4 of them in the space of one recliner style chair.

Spring for the leg extensions. Makes it easier to exit the chair with a beer in one hand.


Search the advrider.com forum using Google and you may find a discount code.

[Bruce B]

We ordered a matching pair of red Kermit chairs today with black leg extensions and cup holders...
Will report back after they get here next week.
Bruce

[PharmGeek]

Bruce - this will be much appreciated

Please if you will include all cost figures


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[Roadtech]

Originally Posted by Bruce B

We ordered a matching pair of red Kermit chairs today with black leg extensions and cup holders...
Will report back after they get here next week.
Bruce

Did you order the wide chair or the regular?

[Bruce B]

I am waiting for an email receipt. I'll share the numbers when I see them!

I can say this about the ordering process though, the owner Tom was as friendly,helpful and concerned that we get what we want as anyone I have ever dealt with!
I initially asked if he could build a couple of tall chairs so that we could forego the leg extensions. He said that he had some already made that he would happily sell me but he urged me to consider the standard chair instead for a number of reasons.
He made it clear that he really believes that the chair in its standard version (no extensions) is more comfortable for lounging. He believes that with the extensions, the chair is actually stronger and he claims more versatile too (he talks about using the chair with extensions on the front legs only to sit on a hill for example).
He then went on to talk about the history of the chair, the original designer (Kermit an IBM engineer) and how in his (Tom's)12 years of ownership the company has been fun to run. He says that he will fix any chair sent into him for free regardless of age or its demise. He says many are run over by trucks! He fixes them and sends them back...some even burn in camp fires and are repaired. About 5 to 10 chairs a year are warrantied.
He build about 4000 chairs a year and he just wants people to be happy.
If we do not like them when we get them? Return them...no questions asked.
Finally he said that he still uses his own 14 year old chair regularly. He won it at a BMW rally all those years ago and was so impressed he bought the company.

Like I said, nice guy to talk to and I couldn't resist ordering!
Bruce

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by Roadtech

Did you order the wide chair or the regular?

The regular chair. I am not worried as I can return anything. I do not expect to have any issues though...
Bruce

[Bruce B]

Speak of the devil...
Just got my receipt and; each chair $139, black extension kit $40, cup holder $18 and shipping of $12.64 per chair for a total of $419.28 for two chairs.
Certainly not the cheapest chairs on the planet but with their reputation, the money back guaranty and the fact that they are made in the USA.... not all that a risky an endevour.
I will send some pictures and report back when we see them.
Bruce