To test the best camping chairs, I first identified a range of needs and preferences for campers, including price, weight, packed size, weight limit, seat width, ease of use, comfort, stability, and cup holder functionality. I then called in the top products from a range of the best camping brands, including Kelty, Dometic, Yeti, Helinox, GCI, ENO, and Nemo. I also included my current camping chair, the top-rated Kijaro.
- Best Overall: Stone Glacier Sky 5900 with XCurve Frame
- Best Heavy Hauler: Kifaru Bedlam with ARK Frame
- Best Day Pack: Eberlestock Team Elk Pack
- Best Value: Sitka Mountain Hauler 4000
- Best Fast and Light Daypack: Kuiu Venture Divide 2000
- Best for Extended Trips: Kuiu PRO LT 7000
- Most Versatile Pack System: Eberlestock EMOD system
- Best for the Minimalist Hunters: Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75
I put my standard elk hunting gear in each pack, along with a day’s worth of food and my rifle. My day hunt gear weighs 23.8 pounds, and my rifle adds 10.2 pounds. I walked a 1.2-mile loop with 510 vertical feet of elevation change near my home in Montana. Halfway through the hike, I simulated getting ready for a shot opportunity. As I hiked, I took notes on how well each pack performed.