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Oct 19, 2024

The Best Beach Chairs of 2024 | The Inertia

The Tommy Bahama Classic has a nice storage compartment on the back of the chair. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia There’s nothing better than sinking into a comfy beach chair. Perched on your

The Tommy Bahama Classic has a nice storage compartment on the back of the chair. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

There’s nothing better than sinking into a comfy beach chair. Perched on your beachfront throne, you can enjoy well-deserved R&R, take the time to sip on a cold one, eat lunch, watch the waves roll in, or read. While there are countless beach chairs on the market, there’s a wide range in price and quality among the options out there. After testing a bunch of different chairs over the years, and factoring in our lifelong experience as surfers and beachgoers, we’ve rounded up some of the best.

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Best Overall Beach Chair: Tommy Bahama Classic Lay Flat Backpack ChairRunner-Up Best Overall: GCI Outdoor Waterside ChairBest Lightweight Beach Chair: Helinox Beach ChairBest Budget Beach Chair: Coleman Broadband MeshMost Durable Beach Chair: YETI Trailhead Camp ChairBest Beach Couch: Kelty Low Loveseat

Pros: Pillow, comfortable backpack strapsCons: Difficult to fold, lay flat position isn’t the most comfortable

Weight: 7 lbsWeight Capacity: N/ASeat Height: 8.5 in

Head to any beach and you’ll likely find a Tommy Bahama Classic Lay Flat Backpack Chair. And for good reason. They’re affordable, comfortable, and easy to transport.

As the name suggests, the Tommy Bahama chair can be used in an upright position or a lay-flat position. We found that it was really comfortable in all of its four upright positions, but wasn’t the most comfortable when laid all the way flat – although we did appreciate having the option. The chair comes with backpack straps, making it easy and comfortable to carry. The wooden armrests added some style points and we appreciated both the cup holder and the zippered pouch on the back of the chair.

Getting the chair to fold up after use can take a few tries to figure out, but other than that, it’s an incredible chair. Due to its comfort, portability, and affordable price point, we named the Tommy Bahama Classic as our Best Overall Beach Chair. If having shade with you at all times is essential, our runner-up best beach chair, the GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair, below, has a built-in shade cover, but without that classic Tommy Bahama styling.

Pros: Built-in sun shade, padded headrestCons: Not the most stylish option

Weight: 9.7 lbsWeight Capacity: 250 lbsSeat Height: 11 in

The GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair is tailor-made for beach chill sessions. Featuring a built-in adjustable sun shade, the UPF 50+ fabric allows you to easily take a much-needed break from the sun. Designed with comfort in mind, the chair includes a padded headrest and a four-position mesh backrest that allows you to configure the chair to your preferred sitting position.

On hotter days, the mesh back is a huge boon for a bit of extra airflow. When you’re ready to pack it up for the day, the Waterside Chair folds flat and includes backpack-style straps for the walk back to the car. Although it looks a little dorky, we’re big fans of this chair for its functionality. Although the Waterside Chair has a built-in sun shade and the Tommy Bahama Classic does not, we chose it as the runner-up option because the Tommy Bahama chair is more affordable, lighter for carrying around, and more stylish.

Pros: Super portable, pocket for stashing itemsCons: Not the most comfortable option

Weight: 3.19 lbsWeight Capacity: 320 lbsSeat Height: N/A

If you’re someone who values portability above all else, you’ll love Helinox’s Beach Chair. With all the comforts of a beach-ready lounger, but the packability of your classic lightweight camp chair, the Beach Chair ticks all the boxes. With a low profile and legs that are splayed so as not to sink into the sand, this unit is beach-ready, and it even has a couple of pockets for smaller items. Setup is more involved due to the lightweight design, but it should only take a minute or two more than your average beach chair.

If you’ve tried the Sunset Chair from Helinox, the Beach Chair is very similar, except for the splayed legs, which have the chair sitting a bit lower to the ground. The splayed legs help in the sand, but it’s still not as sturdy as some heavier options on this list. But, weighing in at just 3.19 pounds, it’s easy to carry and bring on hikes either up or down long trails to get a bit off the beaten path. A major plus of this chair is that Helinox makes an add-on sunshade that can be mounted to the back, similar to the shade on the GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair, above. If you’re not concerned about weight and want a sturdier, easier-to-setup chair that sits higher above the ground, the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair, below, is incredibly durable but not as easy to transport.

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Pros: Tried and true design, cup holderCons: Not the most durable option on this list

Weight: 6.25 lbsWeight Capacity: 250 lbsSeat Height: 18.1 in

Ahh, the classic camp chair. Hard to mess with something that’s been around for so long and is still this wildly popular. The classic folding camp chair is certainly not proprietary to Coleman, and Coleman’s isn’t even the cheapest option out there, but when it comes to the right combination of price, features, and quality for the budget-conscious buyer, Coleman, as usual, hits the nail on the head.

The Coleman Broadband Mesh Chair comes with a single cupholder, a mesh back to make the most of that sea breeze, and a carry bag for easy storage and transport. For $30 bucks, you certainly can’t ask for more than that. You can likely find a similar design online for half the price, but you’ll certainly be compromising on quality and durability if you do. While this chair certainly isn’t the most durably-made option on this list, if you treat it well (e.g. don’t leave it in the elements for weeks on end) it should last you a few years at least. Should something happen in the first year, Coleman offers a one-year warranty on this chair for peace of mind.

For a souped-up version that only costs a few extra dollars, check out the Coleman Cooler Quad which features an integrated four-can cooler, additional storage, and a padded back. If you’d rather be closer to the ground or like to adjust your seat back, the Tommy Bahama Classic, above, sits much lower and can be adjusted into five different positions, but it’s also more than double the price of the Broadband Mesh.

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Pros: Supportive, durable, comfortableCons: Heavy, pricey

Weight: 13 lbsWeight Capacity: 500 lbsSeat Height: 16.75 in

In our experience, all of YETI’s products are exceptional and the Trailhead Camp Chair is no exception. The chair features a supportive, UV-rated FlexGrid fabric that’s extremely comfortable and perfect for relaxing in after a long session. Additionally, the Camp Chair is very well made and includes a convenient cup holder.

Weighing in at 13 pounds, the Camp Chair is on the heavy side for a beach chair, but it does pack into a travel bag complete with a shoulder strap to combat the weight. It also includes instructions for set up and tear down on the armrests, which we appreciate. It is pretty pricey but is a chair that will last a long time. The Trailhead Camp Chair can also support up to 500 pounds, which is hands down the highest weight capacity of all the chairs we tested. The next closest was the Kelty Low Loveseat which can accommodate up to 400 pounds, but for two people.

If you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort for a more lightweight, portable chair, the Helinox’s Beach Chair weighs just 3.19 lbs but it sits low to the ground and doesn’t have any cup holders. But if you’re tight on space or want something easier to transport, it’s a great option.

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Pros: Room for two, beverage holders, super comfortableCons: Big and a bit heavy

Weight: 15.4 lbsWeight Capacity: 400 lbsSeat Height: 13.5 in

If you’ve got a couples surf trip on the books or plan on getting away to the beach with your significant other, look no further than the Kelty Low Loveseat. Its double-wide design lets two people get cozy instead of awkwardly holding hands from separate chairs. It’s like a couch, but for the outdoors. Another great couch-style chair is the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch, which utilizes wind to reach its full size – but it’s better suited for one person.

Beverage holders on the armrests tick the “storage” box, and despite weighing in at 15 pounds (it’s basically two chairs, remember), a roll-up sling helps transport this bad boy from the car to the sand, as well as doubling as a place to put your feet, or a mat for your dog to curl up beside you. If you prefer to sit solo, the Kelty Lowdown Chair is the single-person model of this chair and is equally as awesome if you’re by yourself.

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Pros: Sits low to the ground, compact and portableCons: Doesn’t have a cup holder or storage areas

Weight: 6.6 lbsWeight Capacity: 250 lbsSeat Height: 5 in

We always love it when a product name says what it is without any flashy jargon. The Low Profile Camp Chair from Cascade Mountain Tech is just what it says it is, but you can also do much more than take it camping.

There’s something relaxing about being low to the ground with the knees above the waist. It puts us in a naturally reclined state, getting us in proper chill mode just by simple body positioning. We’re sure there’s some sort of scientific explanation, too, but we all intuitively know what we’re saying here and we’re sure many of you agree.

Not only that, but having a seat that’s low to the ground will keep you in the good books of anyone behind you at an outdoor movie or concert. Nobody wants to get insults hurled their way for being a head above everyone else.

This chair could also be in the running as the “best budget chair” as it boasts a remarkable price tag for its portability and craftsmanship. You could get a few of these for less than some other options on this list, not a bad idea as sitting at the beach is always better in good company. If you are willing to shell out some more cash, the Helinox Beach Chair, above, is about half the weight and has a higher back, but it’s about four times the price.

Pros: Incredibly comfortable, portable, pocket on the sideCons: Can be tricky to set up

Weight: 2.3 lbsWeight Capacity: 440 lbsSeat Height: N/A

Calling the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch a chair is a stretch, but it serves a similar purpose and is insanely comfortable. The Chillbo Shwaggins is essentially an inflatable couch/chair, but instead of blowing it up with your mouth or a pump, you use wind to inflate it. If you’ve never set one up before, it can be tricky to set up at first. But, once you get the hang of it, set up is a breeze (pun intended).

The Chillbo Shwaggins is super lightweight and packs down into a convenient bag with a strap, so you can easily bring it along to all of your beach days. It’s also insanely comfortable and allows you to stretch out and relax. The only way it could be more comfortable is if it had some sort of a headrest – to rectify this, we found a balled-up beach towel did the trick. Available in thirteen unique patterns, you’ll undoubtedly be turning heads with this setup. If you prefer a more traditional couch-style chair, the Kelty Low Loveseat is another great couch-style chair that you can lay down on or sit side by side with a buddy.

Pros: Simple yet comfortable, chair includes backpack strapsCons: Doesn’t provide neck support

Weight: 7.4 lbsWeight Capacity: 250 lbsSeat Height: 11 in

The REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair is like a classic lawn chair, only a whole lot better. It has a simple, lightweight design, but the cushioned seat and backrest make it nice and comfy. The chair features backpack straps, which make it easy to carry, and the secure closure system allows you to stash blankets and sweaters in the chair while you travel.

The wooden arms add a little bit of style and the coated aluminum frame ensures the chair is strong yet lightweight. The only way this chair could be more comfortable is if the back went up high enough to provide some neck support, like the Coleman Broadband. The seat back on the Broadband hits seven inches higher and is less than half the price, but it lacks the padding and stylish design of the Padded Lawn Chair.

Pros: Well made, durable, lightweightCons: No extra frills, pricey

Weight: 8 lbsWeight Capacity: 220 lbsSeat Height: 12 in

Available in two different colors, Snow Peak’s Low Beach Chair is designed for long days at the beach. Featuring a rugged canvas fabric, bamboo wooden armrests, and an aluminum frame, this chair has a nice, sleek look and solid durability. The wood arms have a similar look to the REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair, but the Lawn Chair is padded whereas the Low Beach Chair has canvas fabric.

Weighing in at eight pounds, the Low Beach Chair is fairly lightweight and easily packs into its included carry case, so transportation is a non-issue. Although the chair doesn’t recline or include any add-ons like cup holders or storage space, it’s quite comfortable and plenty good enough for a good beachside hang. For such a minimalist design, it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, which kept this comfortable and stylish chair out of our top picks.

Pros: Pillow, zippered compartment on the rear, cup holderCons: Cup holder isn’t large enough for a water bottle, tricky to fold

Weight: 8 lbsWeight Capacity: N/ASeat Height: 11 in

The RIO Beach 4-Position Lace-Up Backpack Chair is a classic and comfy beach chair. The Lace-Up Chair comes with backpack straps that make it easy to transport, even when your arms are full. There is also a large, zippered pouch on the back of the chair that is perfect for storing sunscreen, water, keys, and other essentials.

The Lace-Up Chair is easy to set up and the chair’s legs adjust ever so slightly, allowing you to find your perfect lounging position. The chair includes a pillow that is nice to use but can easily be flipped over the back of the chair if you prefer to go without it. There’s a built-in drink holder which works great for cans and bottles but is a little too small for larger water bottles. The chair can be a little tricky to fold up, but once you’ve figured it out it’s a non-issue. The Lace-Up Chair is comfortable and supportive and nice and slim once it’s packed up. RIO also makes a compatible umbrella if you’re looking to sit under some shade.

If you prefer a chair where the sun shade is built in, the GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair also can adjust to four different positions and has a built-in sun shade. The Waterside Chair is slightly heavier and pricier, but not by much.

Pros: Padded seat, made from recycled materialsCons: No armrests or neck support

Weight: 8.2 lbsWeight Capacity: 250 lbsSeat Height: 9 in

The REI Co-op Camp Low Chair is a no-frills camping chair that is comfortable and has everything you need for a day at the beach. The chair sits low, making it easy to lean back and relax and the seat is padded for extra comfort. The chair is well made and the powder-coated steel frame ensures the chair is plenty durable.

While the Camp Low Chair is comfortable, it doesn’t have armrests or neck support, so you may want to look elsewhere if that’s important to you. The chair includes a rear pocket for storing essentials and it includes an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transport. At the end of the day, the Camp Low Chair packs down flat, which is nice for storage. If you’re willing to spend a bit more in the name of comfort, the REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair has a slightly higher seat, armrests, and the chair is cushioned.

REI makes some great, affordable beach chairs. The REI Co-op Camp Low Chair pictured front and center is a prime example. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

In order to test these chairs, we took them to the beach and planted our rears in them. Seriously. How else could one test a beach chair? We packed them in the car, carried them down the beach path, set them up, and sat back and relaxed. We considered how transportable each chair is based on weight, packed size, and helpful extras like backpack straps. We considered how much storage the chairs offer, both cupholders for drinks as well as storage compartments for other items.

Comfort is a massive part of the equation in determining a good beach chair, and as such, this was one of our main considerations in determining our favorites. As with any piece of gear, price is always a factor, and we took that into account as well in making our choices and doling out rewards among these awesome beach chair options. We let our friends test them out as well because it never hurts to get a second opinion, or three, or four. We consider ourselves professional beach bums, so this was right up our alley.

We first ran this review in the spring of 2023. In May of 2024, we updated it, adding a few additional chairs and some more info to our Buyer’s Guide. We once again updated it in October of 2024 after some additional testing, paring down our list to only include the best of the best, and adding comparison info between the chairs to help you make an informed purchasing decision between all the great options we have included here.

When it comes to beach chairs, there are a lot of options to choose from. As lifelong surfers and beach enthusiasts, here are our top picks. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

When picking out a beach chair, there are a few things we take into consideration. First and foremost, we want our chair to be comfortable. Additionally, we want our beach chair to have some storage space, be portable, and come at an affordable price point.

Comfort

If you’re anything like us, summer days call for hours and hours at the beach. When we’re not in the water, we’ll post up in our beach chair to read, write, and watch the waves. Since time on the beach is our down time, we want to spend it being as comfortable as possible. The REI Co-op Outward Low Padded Lawn Chair is a great comfort option as it’s padded and the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch is a good pick if you prefer to be cozy while laying down.

The Kelty Low Loveseat comfortably seats two, or one, and comes equipped with cup holders. Photo: Suzanne Sheley//The Inertia

Materials

Because you will almost exclusively be using your beach chair outside, you’ll want a chair that is made from durable, weatherproof materials. Sand and saltwater are especially corrosive, so you’ll want a chair that is up to the challenge. For the frames, steel and aluminum are excellent choices. A couple of the chairs we tested had wooden arms, which are weather-resistant but will fade with time. For the seat and the body of the chair, we found that polyester or alternative synthetic fabrics worked well as they fare well in a variety of weather conditions and are fade-resistant. Our top pick in terms of durability is the YETI Trailhead, which will last you many years if you treat it right, but is not cheap.

The Tommy Bahama Classic Lay Flat Backpack Chair is tailor-made for post surf chill sessions. It’s affordable, comfortable, has a built-in cup holder, backpack straps for easy transport and it can be adjusted to five different positions.

Price: ($70)

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Chair Seat and Back Height

Both the size of the seat and the back height play big roles in how comfortable (or uncomfortable) your chair is going to be. You want to make sure your chair has a seat that is wide and sturdy enough to comfortably accommodate your tush. A too-small seat that curls up around your hips and thighs won’t feel good to sit in for extended periods of time.

The back height comes down to personal preference but in our opinion, chairs with higher backs tend to be more comfortable. A high-back chair supports your head and neck and allows you to comfortably lean back into your chair. The added height naturally adds size and weight, so you’ll have to decide where your priorities lie. The highest seat back of all the chairs we tested was the Coleman Broadband Mesh at 18.1 inches and the lowest was the Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile Camp Chair at just five inches.

Portability

If you’re lucky, your favorite beach offers beachfront parking. But for most of us, all-day beach excursions require a few trips to and from the car. Beach chairs come in many shapes and sizes but the most important factor to us is that it’s easy to transport. We look for backpack-style straps like those on the Tommy Bahama Classic or a shoulder sling like the one on the REI Co-op Camp Low Chair. We also prefer our chair to be lightweight like the Helinox Beach Chair. Added points if it can carry a few items as well, which the Tommy Bahama and REI Camp Low both have in spades.

Lightweight chairs like the Helinox Beach Chair are great for long treks to the beach. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Durability

Have you ever bought a beach chair that falls apart after one summer? When we’re in the market for a new beach chair, we want that will last years, not just a single season. We consider the materials the chair is made of and if it seems well made. Because in our opinion, a good beach chair should be built to last. Of all the chairs we tested, the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair was the most durable but also the most expensive.

Support

Support goes alongside comfort, but varies based on what you’re looking for. Some chairs come with armrests and others don’t. If you like resting your arms on something, then be sure and look for a chair that includes armrests. Additionally, some chairs offer generous back and neck support but others are cut lower to save weight. If you like extra support and aren’t worried about weight, consider a chair with a high back like the Trailhead Camp Chair.

The GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair is tailor-made for post-surf chill sessions. Featuring a built-in adjustable SPF sun shade, the UPF 50+ fabric allows you to easily take a much-needed break from the sun in maximum comfort.

Price: ($70)

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Weight and Weight Capacity

Weight is an important factor to consider when purchasing a chair. First, you’ll want to consider the weight capacity of the chair. If your weight, or the person intending to use the chair’s weight, exceeds the chair’s weight capacity then you should look elsewhere to ensure you have a chair that can reliably support you. Most of the chairs we tested could support up to 250, give or take. The highest weight capacity of all the chairs we tested was the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair which can support up to 500 pounds.

Additionally, you’ll want to take a look at the weight of the actual chair. If you don’t plan on carrying your chair far, then weight may be a non-issue. But, if you travel far with your chair or find yourself carrying a lot to the beach, then you may want to look for a lightweight chair like the Helinox Beach Chair. Lightweight chairs tend not to be as comfortable as their heavier counterparts because something’s got to give – think about which factors are the most important to you.

Storage

When it comes to storing and transporting your beach chair, less is more. Ideally, a beach chair will fold up or pack down so it easily fits in the car and can be stashed in the garage or closet at home. If space isn’t an issue for you, you may prefer a large, comfy chair like the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair. But if you’re tight on space, be sure and check what size the chair packs down to.

Ventilation

Most beach chairs have a full-fabric seat and don’t offer much ventilation. If ventilation is something that is important to you, then you’ll want to look for a chair that has a mesh seat like the Coleman Broadband Mesh. Mesh seats typically aren’t as comfortable, especially on bare skin, but they allow for much better airflow.

We appreciate extra features like cup holders, pillows, backpack straps, and storage pouches. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Extras

We don’t require a lot during our time chilling at the beach, but we think a good chair should include a cup holder (or two) like the Kelty Low Loveseat and a spot to stash a few essential items like keys, sunscreen, etc. A small, zippered compartment on the back of the chair or underneath the seat are some additions that we love. Other fun extras include detachable pillows/headrests, the option to recline, a built-in sunshade, and adjustable footrests.

Cost

We’re not sure why the price range is so drastic when it comes to beach chairs, but it is. We want a chair that ticks all our boxes but also comes at an affordable price so we can spend our hard-earned dollars on other necessary surf equipment. The most expensive chair on our list is the YETI Trailhead Camp Chair which rings in at $300 but is insanely durable and will last you for years. The most affordable is the Coleman Broadband Mesh which costs just $30 and is about as durable as you might expect at that price point. It’ll last a good while, but plan on replacing it at some point down the line.

Editor’s Note: For more chair options suited to the outdoors, here’s our guide to The Best Camping Chairs. If you’d rather lay down on the beach, check out our article on The Best Beach Towels. Looking to escape from the sun? Here’s The Best Beach Umbrellas and The Best Beach Canopies. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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