Camp Chair Mulling

[PharmGeek]

So, we do not have any camping chairs. It was my B-day yesterday and could not still decide on what chairs I wanted to buy.

I plan on going to sit on some zip dee chairs this coming week and see if comfort for me is acceptable...I am just 150 lbs, wife is light as well (I wont risk posting a weigh here )...I had a couple cheapy camping folding chairs with those plastic joints...I say back and leaned in one of them and busted the plastic joint...I hate to buy cheap junk anymore.

I have scoured various threads...zip dee seems solid...pricey but if fairly comfy and as good quality as many seems to report, I could live with that.

Someone on another thread asked me to check out the strongback folding chair...I loved the look of those, but all those joints (they appear to be plastic) make me worried....if I pay 80 bucks I dont want something that just breaks...mostly good reviews on that chair it seems but a “decent” amount of reports of quality issues.....maybe those are more stout than I give them credit...I would like to have a set of those especially if they could slid into that front storage compartment just behind the propane tanks (not a deal breaker).

[PharmGeek]

Ive considered something like or lafuma themselves....but im not sure I wanna give up that much storage real estate...with kids, we dont really get to lounge all that much so not sure worth it for me....

[jpons]

I've tried dozens of chairs at Walmart, dicks, target, cabelas, rei and the flagship llbean store. And none have felt as good and comfortable as the strongback. My girlfriend got me two of them for my birthday, although I suspect one is for her.

I've had mine since January and they have excessed my expectations. I was also hesitant to spend $80 per chair but having used them already a couple of dozens of times I can honestly say that I would not hesitate to spend that kind of money on them. Yes they do have some plastic parts but they appear to be strong enough to me.

In any case, the chairs are something I use extensively and I can sit on these for hours and not get sore like so many others I've had. Nothing about them makes me think they would last less than any other high quality folding chairs, but even if they did I would gladly trade a little lifespan for the comfort of that these provide.

[PharmGeek]

Compelling point! Thanks for the review!

[jpons]

One drawback to the strongback chairs that I did not mention is that when folded these are not as compact as some others so if this is a big concern make sure they will fit. My guess is that this is because of their ergonomic design. I carry mine under the dinette table.

If you are going I buy these consider buying from LLBean as they have an excellent warrantee and return policy and you should be able to get free shipping.

[PharmGeek]

Even better! Thanks.

The space for these two chairs would not be a big deal for me if I opted for them

[jpons]

If you have any specific questions about them don't hesitate to ask.

BTW I have no connection to strongback, just a very happy customer.

[noreen&sal]

Pharm, you sat down with us at Canopener. When your as old as I am, any chair works. When You have all the little urchins running around You don't have time to sit down anyhow. Sal

[SL4BLLT]

PharmGeek, a belated Happy Birthday.
A few lessons learned that we have experienced on the ownership of many chairs.
1. We own the Zip-Dee chairs to include the leg extensions to make them into a sort of recliner. The chairs are probably 15 years old, have weathered well and store easy. The weight compared to the next set I will mention is the only down fall. Well worth the investment.
2. Telescope "beach chairs" You can get these in regular height, off the ground and chaise style. Amazon normally has these on sale, off season or a few right now to include cup holders for about $115 a piece. Very comfortable, light and versatile. Downfall, they do take up some space as they do not fold to the 2" that the Zip Dee chairs fold too.
We own about five of these (telescope) as we bought them when blizzards were taking place in the winter for about $65 a piece to include the chaise lounge which normally run about $225 each. If you do go this route, become a Amazon Prime Member for $79 and they will be shipped for free. Normally 2-days. Amazing. Again, great for the beach as they recline and are aluminum so salt water is really not a worry.
3. The lafuma, we've got these in storage. We used them, found them to be kind of heavy, but they did store nice. I kept ripping my shorts pocket (right side) on the arm for some reason as I would sit down. I'm a little bigger than you at about 225 so the width could have been the limit due to what we purchased.

On storage, based on your comment about behind your propane tanks, your Zip Dee and Telescope would be strong contenders. Both come with great warranties and years of tradition. We still carry the zip-dee as they store real easy and we can get the two regular Telescope in the rear closet and the Chaise go on the floor during travel.
You may ask why so many chairs, well the 8" brass captains bell that we have on the side of the Airstream (Land yacht) to ring in Happy Hour may be the reason.

Good luck in your choice.

SL4BLLT

[PharmGeek]

I'm not sure I am aware if this "telescoping chair". Link?

[Airrogant]

This might interest you:

Camping Chair Reviews - OutdoorGearLab

[SL4BLLT]

Here is the Amazon link
Amazon.com : Telescope Casual Light and Easy High Boy Folding Beach Arm Chair with Cup Holders, Blue/White Stripe : Folding Patio Chairs : Patio, Lawn & Garden

[PharmGeek]

Nice offering from lafuma as well I am contemplating

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DDxRdp1eqC0

[jpons]

I have one of these and they are very comfortable and very well made. However they are very very heavy and don't fold down all that much making them impossible to fit in my 20' safari.

Something else to consider are small pack able hammocks. I have a couple of these http://Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammoc..._WYmLtb0CFXYKV and they are awesome. Make sure you get the "slap straps" and they are super easy to hang from a couple of trees.

For me, the combination of the strongback chairs and the hammocks is just perfect.

-J

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

Nice offering from lafuma as well I am contemplating

[PharmGeek]

I have two tommy Bahama reclining beach chairs I bought at Costco a few years back - love them - would enjoy something of similar design but sitting higher - the lafuma cham elips seems to fit that bill 80-100 bucks and they appear pretty light - 6 lbs (if you know other brands of this style please share)

Those hammocks look awesome - lots to consider

[PharmGeek]

That eureka curvy chair looked interesting as well - somewhat similar to the strong back - that company seems to make a reclining basic type similar to the cham elips but it looks more complicated and ?problematic? A mechanism

[m.hony]

The Zip Dee chairs don't have a drink holder, but the chairs with drink holders don't have their own little cabinet in my trailer and they don't match the awnings.

[m.hony]

The s curvy reclining chairs are the most comfortable, but I don't really have anywhere to store them.

[Arcticfox]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

So, we do not have any camping chairs. It was my B-day yesterday and could not still decide on what chairs I wanted to buy.

I plan on going to sit on some zip dee chairs this coming week and see if comfort for me is acceptable...

Hold the Presses -
The way this B-Day present thing actually works is you have to make up your mind on or before your big day. After the date DOES NOT work and you must forfeit this years gift and wait till next year....

So with that in mind, I would consider going to the wood pile on your next camping trip and find yourself a proper stump that you can sit on.

(Just think of the $$ you will save also....)

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

I have two tommy Bahama reclining beach chairs I bought at Costco a few years back - love them - would enjoy something of similar design but sitting higher - the lafuma cham elips seems to fit that bill 80-100 bucks and they appear pretty light - 6 lbs (if you know other brands of this style please share)

I have several camp chairs in my shed that don't get used for various reasons. I would shop around at local stores to see what suits you. Nothing like trying before buying.
We also have the Tommy Bahama beach chairs from Costco and like them for lounging at the beach or at the lake, but are too short for regular camp use. We also have Lafuma zero-gravity chairs that we always carry with us. To me they can't be beat for a good afternoon snooze, but aren't very well suited for sitting around a campfire.
The chairs that we use the most, because they are comfortable, durable, good for sitting around a campfire and light (about 7lbs) are the Coleman deck chairs with the side table. You can keep your drink, snacks and book handy at all times! If I had to choose only one chair, it would be this one.
Amazon.com : Coleman Deck Chair With Table : Camping Chairs : Sports & Outdoors