Camping is a fun activity. It is that thing you plan to do with your family or your friends on the weekends or whenever you manage to free some time off on your work schedule. It gives you time to bond, relax your mind, surround yourself in nature, exercise, and breathe in some fresh air (which, by the way, you don’t always get to do nowadays especially if you live in a loud, bustling city).
But while the thought of camping is tempting, the process of preparing for it is not as appealing. You have to add quite a few things on your to-do list, such as inviting people you want with you (and making sure your schedules meet!), booking your camping site, and preparing your activities, tools, and gear.
Now when going out for camping, you have to make sure to bring flashlights, sleeping bags, tents, knives, clothes that are suitable for the weather, and of course, a camping chair. But not all camping chairs are created equal. If you bring the wrong one with you, it just might end up ruining your entire camping experience. Also, if it gets damaged after just one use, you might not be able to use it again later not just for camping, but for picnics, fishing, and the beach, too! In other words, it will be a total waste of money! Thus, when choosing a camping chair, you must know what to find in one so that you purchase a chair, you’ll be certain that it will last for a very long time.
Steps to Know If Camping Chair is Durable
1. Be Knowledgeable About the Type of Camping Chair You Want
Camping chairs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. You could be overwhelmed by the variety you can choose from. This is why it’s important to know what you want. There are plain ones such as stools, beach chairs, and compact folding chairs. They are easy to set up and stow away, but they might not be very good for your back.
Under the mid-range classification are director’s chairs, moon chairs, high chairs, kid chairs, and bench seats. These chairs are just enough to make you comfortable. Lastly, luxury chairs include recliners, loungers, and rocking chairs. These provide more stability and support than others. Be clear about what you want and take your pick!
2. Decide Its Purpose
The next question you should ask yourself when picking out a camping chair is, “What are you planning to use it for?” Is it just for camping alone? Or are you planning to take somewhere else such as the beach or the countryside for a picnic? This is another way to know what it is exactly that you need.
3. Look at the Features
Features are more of accessories in a camping chair, and they don’t directly determine the quality, but they also contribute to the choice that you will make. Gone are days when camping chairs are just that–camping chairs. These days, one camping chair could have armrests, pockets, a cup holder, a cooler bag, and a side table. Pick the one that meets your needs.
4. Think about the Material
Perhaps the most important factor you should consider if you plan on buying a camping chair that you want to last for a lifetime is the material. Look at the fabric. Polyester can be exposed to the sun much longer. Nylon, on the other hand, is thinner and lighter, but it might last for a shorter period. Mesh will allow more airflow than most other materials.
Consider the color, too. If your camping chair is dark in color, it could absorb more heat. Finally, make sure that the frame of the camping chair is sturdy.
5. Think about Mobility
When considering the material, consider also its contribution to the mobility or portability of the material, especially if you are going to walk with your camping chair for quite a long distance.
Be kind to your back and get a camping chair that is made of materials that are highly durable and yet are not too heavy.
6. Think about Capacity
Aside from considering the material used to produce the camping chair, also consider capacity. Who is going to use the chair most of the time? If you’re buying a chair for a little kid, you can probably buy pretty much any chair as long as it’s safe for kids. But if it’s going to be used by someone who weighs a lot more than a child, look for something that appears to be able to hold much more weight. Ask someone at the store to help you out. Also, if you are planning to reduce the hassle and bring just one chair for two people, then consider buying a two-seat lounger instead!
7. Consider the Overall Quality
Sum up all of the factors (with emphasis on the material, portability, and weight capacity) and check the camping chair you want to buy carefully. Try to sit on it for a few seconds if you have to, just make sure that you are going to get your money’s worth! If something is being advertised as highly durable and yet costs so little, scrutinize it and make sure that the chair is as good as it is being marketed as.
If you are buying online, you might want to check out the reviews of other buyers. Also, take note of the proper storage and care instructions for the camping chair you are planning to get and follow it carefully. Sometimes, the longevity of an item depends on how well you take care of it.
Conclusion
Now that you know the things that make a durable camping chair, it is time to put your newly earned wisdom to use and head to the store to buy one! You are most likely going to find that the most durable ones are more expensive, but think about it–buying an expensive one that is of high quality now will undoubtedly to save you a lot of money instead of buying one that is cheap and will make you buy more camping chairs later, so make sure that you choose wisely!
Andrea Vaso
When Andrea is not writing, you’re most likely going to find her drinking coffee, reading a novel, or watching medical dramas. She holds an undergraduate degree in biology and as of this moment, she is attending medical school.