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Portable chairs must have easy folding mechanisms, padded carrying straps, and extra storage compartments forpicnic blanketsandbeach towels.
The Spruce
It has a 19-inch seating width and supports up to 240 pounds.
A safety hinge also locks this chair when its fully open.
We also found it easy to collapse once it was time to head home.
With ample storage options, a head rest, and a safety hinge lock, this chair earned our top spot.PHOTO: The Spruce / Ivy Ford
We even secured a sun hat around the chair to keep it from flying away.
The fabric is also easy to clean with mild soap and water.
The padded, adjustable straps also helped keep the chair’s weight evenly distributed on our back while carrying.
The dual straps of the Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair make it easy to hold and keep the chair’s weight evenly distributed on your back.PHOTO: The Spruce
This chair also has a cup holder to keep your beverage of choice close by and free from sand.
During testing, we could sit for hours in this chair without an issue.
On uneven grass and solid pavement, we never felt unstable or on the verge of tipping over.
We also appreciate the high weight capacity of 325 pounds.
While it doesn’t have any specific padding or a headrest, the fabric felt immensely comfortable.
Another great feature of this chair is how easy it was to pick it up and move it around.
Speaking of kids, this chair withstood being covered with water and chalk and ended up looking brand new.
Stains were easy to wipe away and water dried quickly.
Once you’re ready to fold this chair back up, you must unlock the tab as well.
We found it easier to adjust the seat back, which is accomplished by lifting the armrests.
The back even reclines flat for full sun tanning.
One of the pouches is even insulated to double as a cooler.
The Rio Beach Big Boy 4-Position Backpack Folding Chair features a flexible suspension to conform to your body, so we found it super comfortable.PHOTO: The Spruce / David Lee
Notably, we felt no usual neck discomfort from craning our heads side-to-side to find the right position.
This chair also has an adjustable footrest that can be moved between three positions.
The shoulder strap has a surprising amount of padding, making the carrying experience even easier.
The large storage pouch on the back of the chair eliminates the need to carry another bag to and from the beach.PHOTO: The Spruce
The armrests are curved and padded, adding to the overall sling-chair design.
This is the lightest chair on our list at 6.6 pounds.
Even though it’s lightweight, it can still accommodate up to 300 pounds, which we love.
However, it is very lightweight and easy to store in the included bag.
However, we love the amount of storage in the arm pocket and the collapsible table.
The aluminum frame makes this chair lightweight and portable, and it has an adjustable shoulder strap.
The hanging armrest caddy is also great for holding a phone, book, or sunscreen.
It also has two insulated beverage pockets and several covered Velcro pockets for valuables.
However, you may need a hand to put the folded chair back into its carrying case.
Still, it felt lightweight and simple to fold and unfold, which we loved.
We even let our dog sit on the chair with us and there was plenty of room for both.
After a few hours in the sun, it was completely dry.
We could sit in the Coleman Portable Camping Chair for hours thanks to the comfortable back and seat that contours to your body.PHOTO: The Spruce / Julia Warren
Both steel and aluminum are rust-resistant, so they will last longer than plastic chairs.
The alloy steel frame is easy to fold and lasts several seasons.
However, keep in mind that wood will fade over time.
With a wide seat and supportive back, we could sit in this chair for hours during testing without feeling uncomfortable.PHOTO: The Spruce
Backpack beach chairs also free your hands to guide children back to the car or carry a cooler.
The chair accommodates two people and packs into one carrying case with a useful strap.
Why Trust The Spruce?
She used testing insights from real-world testers who used these chairs for weeks.
She also researched further purchasing guidance for beach chairs and considered the best ways to maintain beach chairs.
She has also written similar stories about outdoor chairs, including thebest patio chairsand thebest outdoor chaise lounge chairs.
We enjoyed lounging in this chair for hours, especially due to the adjustable backrest.PHOTO: The Spruce / Karen Chen
The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair comes with thick dual straps and foldable legs for full reclining that make it easy to transport and set up.PHOTO: The Spruce
We appreciate the adjustable back and foot rest of the Ostrich Deluxe Padded Sport 3-in-1 Aluminum Beach Chair, so every user can feel optimal comfort.PHOTO: The Spruce / Lizz Leonard
This pick comes with a removable headrest and an adjustable lower back rest for extra support when sitting.PHOTO: The Spruce
This simple chair comes with a cup holder and sits low to the ground with a contoured back.PHOTO: The Spruce / Megan Rogers
We love the mesh back of the KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair that allows for airflow on hot days.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Amazon
We love this chair as a spacious option for two people (or one person and a pet).PHOTO: The Spruce / Daniela Galvez
When testing the Kamp-Rite Outdoor 2-Person Double Folding Lawn Chair on uneven grass, we felt stable and comfortable for hours.PHOTO: The Spruce
Though it expands so you can lay flat, the Ostrich Deluxe Padded Sport 3-in-1 Aluminum Beach Chair was easy to set up and collapse.The Spruce
We love chairs with zippered storage pockets, like the Coleman Portable Camping Chair, to keep your phone or snacks safe and dry.The Spruce
