What Are the Benefits of a Solo Camping Chair? A Guide to Choosing the Right One and Recommended Chairs!

Solo camping lets you enjoy a special, out-of-the-ordinary moment alone—whether brewing coffee or cooking outdoors while gathered around a campfire in the great outdoors.

An outdoor chair for solo camping is an essential item for spending these precious moments in comfort.

With so many sizes, materials, and designs available, many people are unsure of what criteria to use when choosing a solo camping chair.

In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of using solo camping chairs, key selection tips, and recommended products.

If you’re unsure which chair to choose, please use this as a guide.

Pros and Cons of Using a Camping Chair for Solo Camping

When solo camping, you want to keep your gear as light and compact as possible.

You might be wondering, “Isn’t it enough to just sit directly on the ground with a sheet?” Here, we’ll explain the pros and cons of using a chair for solo camping.

−Pros

If you set up a comfortable solo camping chair at your campsite, you can relax and unwind during meals, coffee breaks, reading, or meditation.

There are various types of chairs available, such as:

• Chairs where you can sit back and relax
• Chairs where you can lie down for a nap
• Chairs that are convenient for working

Plus, even if the ground is wet from rain or dew, a chair solves the problem. Since you’re elevated off the ground, the risk of being bitten by insects or having them crawl up on you is reduced.

Solo camping chairs come in a wide variety of designs and price ranges, from affordable options to high-end models.

Simply setting up a chair creates an atmosphere of “my own private space in the vast wilderness,” allowing you to fully enjoy the feeling of being on a solo camping trip.

−Disadvantages

Solo camping chairs vary by product in terms of design, size, and weight, but in any case, the main drawback is that they add to your luggage.

This isn’t a problem if you’re going on a solo camping trip by car, but if you’re going by motorcycle or bicycle, you’ll need to choose carefully, considering whether the chair fits within your vehicle’s load capacity or is small enough to carry in a backpack without causing discomfort.

Choose a product that packs down as compactly as possible and is both lightweight and durable. However, cheaper models may not last long and could break while you’re sitting in them, so be sure to check their strength.

Key Points for Choosing a Solo Camping Chair

With so many solo camping chairs on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re ready to buy one. Here are some key points to consider when making your choice.

Point 1: First, Check the Types

First, familiarize yourself with the different types of chairs to determine which one suits your solo camping style.

−Low-Type

As the name suggests, a “low chair” is a chair with a low seat height. The seat height is typically around 20–40 cm, and since the seat is close to the ground, it’s the perfect height for sitting by a campfire.

Your feet rest flat on the ground when seated, and you can stretch your legs out comfortably in front of you, so you won’t get tired.

Additionally, because your line of sight is lower, there is more distance to the ceiling of your tarp or tent, making the space feel more open.

It’s perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy a break from the daily grind—leaning back comfortably against the backrest to listen to birdsong or gaze at the starry sky at night.

However, since you sit low and sink deeply into the seat, a seat that is too soft can put strain on your lower back when standing up or sitting down.

−High Type

A "high chair" refers to a chair with significant height. It generally refers to chairs with a seat height of 40 cm or more.

Since they are about the same height as standard living room or office chairs, they are comfortable to sit in.

It’s ideal for people who are frequently on their feet doing various activities while solo camping, such as cooking or taking photos.

It is also highly recommended for those suffering from lower back pain, as it reduces strain on the legs and lower back. Since it is taller than the low type, it increases in weight and size when stored, making it suitable for solo camping trips where a car is used.

−Bench Type

Bench-type chairs have a seat height similar to low-type chairs, ranging from 20 to 40 cm, and are primarily designed to seat 2 to 3 people. There are two main types: those with backrests, similar to the benches commonly seen in cities, and those without backrests, resembling beds.

Because the bench type remains fairly large even when folded, it’s difficult to transport without a car. However, its appeal lies in its versatility—it can be used not only for sitting but also for lounging or as a place to store gear.

They are suitable not only for solo camping but also for duo or family camping.

−Folding Chair Type

Folding chairs are chairs designed for outdoor use. If you lay down a mat on the ground and place a folding chair on top, you can relax in a traditional Japanese-style sitting arrangement. Like low-profile chairs, you can stretch out your legs and relax at a low height, but these chairs offer an even more comfortable experience.

Some models also feature a backrest that can be fully reclined; by laying the backrest flat, you can lie down and use it as a makeshift bed, which is very convenient.

The materials and patterns used for the seat vary, and another key feature is that they fold up compactly. Since the backrest has a handle, they are highly portable.

−Reclining Type

Many reclining chairs have a seat height of about 20–40 cm, similar to low-profile chairs.

The appeal lies in the fact that when you recline the backrest, you can stretch your legs all the way out on the seat, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxing experience than with any other chair.

They are perfect for those who want to spend time relaxing in the great outdoors. Of course, they can be used not only for solo camping but also on your home balcony or in the garden.

However, since they have a large packed size and are heavy, they are best suited for solo camping trips where you have a car with ample space.

Point 2: Lightweight and compact models are recommended

When choosing a chair for solo camping, we recommend products that are as lightweight as possible and can be stored compactly when not in use.

As mentioned earlier, if you’re traveling in a car with ample space, you can carry even a larger reclining model.

However, if you’re heading out for a solo camping trip by motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot, it’s best to choose a product that’s compact and lightweight when packed. Be sure to check the packed dimensions before purchasing.

Point 3: Check for functionality

For solo camping, where you want to minimize the amount of gear you carry, a camping chair with multiple features can be very useful.

[With Cup/Drink Holders]

If the chair’s armrests feature deep, removable cup/drink holders that can hold a Sierra Cup, water bottle, or plastic bottle, you won’t have trouble finding a place to put your drink even without a side table.

Models with a drink holder on the side tray are extremely convenient for holding drinks, smartphones, and other items.

[With Side Table]

Some models feature a foldable side table attached to the side of the armrest. Since you can place drinks and serving dishes there, a separate side table isn’t necessary. This is ideal for those who want to keep their gear to a minimum.

[Swivel Chairs] 

Swivel chairs have been gaining popularity in recent years. Just like an office chair, you can rotate 360 degrees while seated to change your direction. When you want to change the view from your chair, you don’t have to stand up every time to adjust your position.

Even if smoke from a bonfire drifts your way, you can simply swivel around while seated to easily avoid it.

However, be careful where you place it to ensure your legs don’t bump into other furniture and knock it over when you swivel.

Since the seat is relatively small and may sway slightly, these chairs are better suited for people who prioritize the convenience of easily changing directions over a sturdy, stable seating experience.

Point 4: Be sure to check the weight capacity

When buying a chair for solo camping, you should always check the “weight capacity.” Weight capacity refers to the maximum weight the chair can support.

While the weight capacity of a typical outdoor chair is about 80–100 kg, compact chairs designed for solo use may have a lower weight capacity due to their lightweight construction. As a general rule, you should choose a chair with a weight capacity of at least your own weight plus 10 kg.

There are also sturdy models with a weight capacity exceeding 100 kg, but since they are heavier, they are best suited for solo camping trips where you drive to the site.

Recommended for Solo Camping! TOKYO CRAFTS Chairs

"A sense of satisfaction that defies words." With this concept in mind, "TOKYO CRAFTS" is an original Japanese camping gear brand that combines both high functionality and design.

Here, we introduce a chair from this brand that is perfect for solo camping.

Sleek Modern Chair

The Sleek Modern Chair is a foldable camping chair that can be set up in just 3 seconds. Although it’s a low-style chair, the seat and backrest are made of firm black polyester, so your hips and back won’t sink in too deeply, allowing you to sit for long periods without getting tired.

The frame is made of black-coated aluminum, which offers excellent strength and lightness, and the chair features a modern design with natural-looking bamboo armrests.

It folds up easily for storage and takes on a compact shape that’s easy to carry with one hand, so it doesn’t take up much space in your car or home and is easy to transport.

It’s perfect for solo camping, of course, but it also looks great as a piece of furniture on your balcony, terrace, or in your living room.

Find the perfect solo camping chair for you!

The appeal of solo camping lies in escaping the daily grind to enjoy a bonfire and outdoor cooking amidst nature, savoring that special alone time.

Even if you face a few inconveniences or forget something, figuring things out on your own is part of the unique fun of the outdoors.

However, since you’ll be sitting for long periods—whether gazing at the scenery or taking a nap—the comfort and usability of your camping chair are crucial.

Consider your mode of transportation and the quantity and weight of your other gear when going on a solo camping trip, and find a chair that suits your camping style—one that’s both practical and comfortable. Be sure to check out the essential gear sets for solo camping as well.

TOKYO CRAFTS offers a wide variety of outdoor camping tables, including the Zika Table, Zika Manai, COORDUNIT, MFT, and Coside Table, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your camping style. In particular, the MFT Multi-Frame Table—a folding camping table released in 2025 that complies with IGT standards (allowing the use of flat burners)—has received an overwhelmingly positive response for its innovative design.Whether for barbecues, as a campfire table for solo camping, or for family camping, its compact storage makes it incredibly convenient to use.