A perfect day at the beach requires a few important items, one of which is a beach chair, which provides the ultimate spot to sit back and relax. The best beach chairs are portable, easy to unfold and repack, and are comfortable perches on which to catch some rays, read a book, or spend time with friends and family.

　　Beach chairs have been around for nearly as long as people have been spending leisure time at the beach. What was once a relatively standardized market with only a few basic options has blossomed, and there are now more beach chairs to choose from than ever before. With modern materials, technologies, and refined designs, todays beach chairs suit every need and preference.

　　Of course, with so much variety to choose from, finding the perfect beach chair isnt as straightforward as it used to be. From classic styles to padded loungers, pop-up loveseats to inflatable couches, and everything in between, you can find the ideal model to make your time at the beach more comfortable and convenient than ever before.

　　Our beach expert, Hannah Haas, tested a diverse selection of eight beach chairs to compile this list of the best. From beach days on the rugged central California coast to backyard hangs with friends, we tested those chairs for months and have recommendations for you. Below are the best beach chairs based on our testing. To help you find the best chair for your unique needs, we’ve included a buyer’s guide, an FAQ section, and a handy comparison chart.

　　Best Overall Beach Chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair Best Budget Beach Chair: Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack Best Beach Chair With a Shade: GCI Outdoors Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade Best Lounge Beach Chair: Neso Beach Lounger Most Portable Beach Chair: Helinox Beach Chair Best Beach Chair for Moving Cargo: Mac Sports Beach Day 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart Best Inflatable Beach Chair: Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch Best 2-Seater Beach Chair: Kelty Low Loveseat Best Overall Beach Chair Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair Specs Weight 7.9 lbs. Materials Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Polyester Reclining Yes Features Backpack straps, rubber carry handle, adjustable pillow, insulated pockets, cup holder, phone holder

　　

　　Pros Cup and phone holder Adjustable reclining angle Backpack straps for easy carrying Insulated beverage pouch Cons No footrest Sometimes difficult to adjust Hannah Haas The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair ($90) is what many of us think of when we picture lounging on the beach. It’s a reliable classic, and for good reason. This chair has many enticing features including an adjustable pillow, padded shoulder straps, rubber carry handle, insulated storage pouch, cellphone holder, cupholder, and a folding towel bar. It truly is the perfect chair to unfold by the water and start relaxing.

　　This chair is super lightweight, making it easy to transport using its built-in backpack straps — even if you have a long walk to the beach. With the integrated insulated pouch, you can pack snacks, drinks, and pretty much everything else you need for a casual day at the beach without the need to carry an additional bag. The phone and drink holder also ensure that you keep both close at hand and out of the sand while youre taking in the view.

　　On top of that, it’s simple to unfold and refold and can adjust to five reclining positions, including lying flat. The low seat height gives it a very relaxing position to stretch out your legs. This makes it ideal for reading, napping, or just taking in the views. The low height also makes it easy to sit beneath shorter umbrellas and shade canopies when you want to stay out of the sun.

　　If you know you’ll be carrying a backpack filled with other beach necessities, the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair might be overkill since its extra features add some weight and bulk. For those who need a footrest or a full-length chair that supports their legs, this model may not suit you. Additionally, we found it to be a little fiddly when trying to get it to recline to the flattest position.

　　Regardless, the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is a timeless classic that we feel will meet the needs of most beachgoers. Its light, easy to carry, folds down flat for transport, and has all the features we look for in a beach chair.

　　$65 at Amazon Best Budget Beach Chair Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack Specs Weight 6 lbs. Material Alloy steel frame Reclining Yes Features Backpack straps, zippered storage pocket, adjustable back rest

　　

　　Pros Lightweight Easy to use Easy to carry Relaxed position Cons No armrests No cup holders Sits directly on the ground Hannah Haas The Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack ($83) is a uniquely designed alternative to your typical beach chair. Its a three-section pad that sits directly on the ground with a support that props up the top like a chair back. If you like sitting on the sand but want more comfort and support than a beach towel, the Pacific Breeze Lounger is the way to go.

　　This beach chair is much lighter than most other models, weighing in at only 6 pounds. The whole package also folds down impressively small and backpack straps make it incredibly easy to carry from place to place — even if you have a long walk to the beach. Additionally, no instructions or help is needed to set up the Pacific Breeze Lounger. It simply folds back up when you’re done using it and doesn’t have any extra parts that need to be attached.

　　The Pacific Breeze Lounger includes a zippered pouch near the top thats perfect for phones, books, snacks, sunscreen, or any other beach necessities. Its shape is ideal for those who love a good beach nap since the leg section stretches out completely, providing a more reclined position than the sharp right angle of a traditional beach chair. It’s also a great deal since the package comes with two chairs, so you and a friend or family member can lounge together.

　　The Pacific Breeze Lounger’s simple design does have some limitations. It does not have any armrests, so choose another model if that is a necessary part of your beach relaxation. Since there aren’t any armrests, it doesnt have any cupholders either.

　　Additionally, sitting directly on the sand may not be ideal for some people, as it makes it a little harder to stand up and sit down than other models. Also, if you know you’ll be carrying a backpack with other gear, this chair won’t be easy to carry since it’s meant for your back.

　　Assuming those issues dont bother you, the Pacific Breeze Lounger is a lightweight, simple beach chair that provides an ideal spot for relaxing on the beach. The fact that you get two chairs for the $83 price makes it one of the best values weve found.

　　$88 at Amazon Best Beach Chair With Shade GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade Specs Weight 10.3 lbs. Material Polyester, alloy steel, aluminum, mesh Reclining Yes Features Adjustable sun shade, backpack straps, large storage pouch, beverage holder, head pillow

　　

　　Pros SPF sun shade Storage pouch fits lots of stuff Backpack straps for easy carry Beverage holder Affordable Cons A little heavier than similar options Difficult to adjust Bulky Hannah Haas The GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair with Sunshade ($80) is pretty much the complete package when it comes to beach chairs. It offers every amenity under the sun (no pun intended) and is reasonably priced.

　　Its an ideal option for those seeking a classic beach chair that shields their face and upper body from the sun without lugging around a separate beach umbrella or shade. If you are really hoping to soak up some Vitamin D, the sunshade is easy to collapse, and the chair can be used without it.

　　The GCI Outdoor chair is very similar in design to the Tommy Bahama. Its incredibly easy to fold and unfold, and it has four positions of recline so you can choose your ideal level of lounging. On the back of the chair is a large storage pouch with a thick drawstring on the top to keep all of your belongings secure.

　　The pouch is larger than the storage on similar models, which is great if you’re planning to spend the whole day at the beach. Other features include a small cushion to rest the back of your head as well as a cupholder conveniently attached to an armrest. 

　　Like many other models, the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair comes with backpack straps, making it super easy to carry. This is an essential part of the chair since it is a little bit heavier than alternative options. It also folds down nice and flat, so its easy to stash in the trunk of your vehicle or squeeze into a beach wagon.

　　However, if you need to carry other gear on your back, it will likely be challenging to do so simultaneously. This chair is on the heavier and bulkier side since it has pretty much every feature you could hope for. Along with its weight and bulk, we found it slightly difficult to adjust. It also doesnt feel like the sturdiest or most durable chair, but if you arent too hard on it, it should stand up to years of regular use. 

　　With its classic style and wealth of features, the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade is ideal for beachgoers who want to protect their faces from too much sun while still enjoying a relaxing day by the ocean.

　　$80 at AmazonCheck Price at GCI Outdoor Best Lounge Beach Chair Neso Beach Lounger Specs Weight 12.3 lbs. Material Rust-resistant aluminum and steel; Water resistant polyester Reclining Yes Features Full length lounge chair, folds up small, shoulder carry strap, water resistant, small storage pocket

　　

　　Pros Easy to use Durable material Full length Cons No arm rests No cushioning Somewhat narrow Hannah Haas For beachgoers who like to fully extend their legs and lean back on their beach chair, the Neso Beach Lounger ($100) might be for you. Unlike your classic beach chair, this model is a full-length lounge chair that lets you completely stretch out rather than remaining at a 90-degree angle with your feet in the sand.

　　The back is easily adjustable to whatever angle you need, whether thats sitting upright or completely flat for taking a nap or getting a tan. Both the upper and lower sections are adjustable into five positions, so you have plenty of options.

　　When youre done hanging out, the whole chair is simple to fold back up at the end of the day. It folds down pretty flat, plus it comes with an already attached nylon carry strap that makes the chair super portable, especially considering its length. You can just throw it over your shoulder and carry it like a duffel bag.

　　The Neso Lounger is made of rust-resistant aluminum, steel, and water-resistant polyester which seems to be durable enough to withstand many uses in windy or wet conditions. It also has a pocket on the back so you can stash your book, phone, or sunscreen and keep it out of the sand. While it doesnt have a head pillow, the upper part of the frame is wrapped with a thin pad to keep your head from resting on metal.

　　While the Neso Beach Lounge is very easy to use and transport, it does have some potential downsides. The chair does not have any armrests or cupholders. Similarly, it does not have any cushioning beyond the flexibility of the fabric. Although the chair has an attached strap that makes it easy to carry on one shoulder, it isnt the lightest, and carrying it for long distances may be a bit cumbersome.  

　　Beyond those minor qualms, the Neso Beach Lounger is a great option for those who want a portable beach chair for full maxing and relaxing. Sit up or lie all the way down, the choice is yours.

　　$100 at REI$100 at Amazon Most Portable Beach Chair Helinox Beach Chair Specs Weight 3.3 lbs. Material Polyester, aluminum Reclining No Features Storage bag (converts to pillow), mesh back for breathability

　　

　　Pros Very lightweight Simple set up Small collapsed size Breathable mesh back Good for camping too Cons No armrests or cupholders Stiff fabric can be tough to stretch into place the first few times Hannah Haas Leveraging their expertise in making some of the best camping chairs, tables, and cots on the market, Helinox has created one of the best beach chairs, too. The Helinox Beach Chair ($170-180) is a super lightweight and impressively portable option thats great for everything including days at the beach, camping, or any outdoor excursion.

　　Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, it is super portable, especially when you store it in the pouch it comes with. You could easily stash it in a backpack and it wont take up any space in your beach wagon.

　　The lightweight and small size also make it very reasonable to bring with you to those hike-in beach spots that are miles from the parking area. You could easily carry lots of other gear with you since you don’t have to carry the chair as a backpack, as you do with most other models. 

　　Setting up the Helinox Beach Chair is intuitive and we didnt even need to look at the instructions to figure it out. It goes together in less than a minute and youre ready to lounge. Stuff a towel or some clothes into the storage bag, and it doubles as a pillow for your head. A stretchy pocket on one side has space for small items like sunscreen or a phone.

　　The fabric feels durable and the chair is sturdy considering how light it is. We also like the mesh panels to keep a little air flowing around your body on hot days. It also seems like it will withstand salt and sand easily, and can be easily washed off with a hose when it gets dirty.

　　The main frustration we had with the Helinox Beach Chair was how tight the fit of the seat fabric was on the legs for the first few uses. It took some muscle to get it on. Additionally, there is nowhere to put your arms or hold your drink.

　　Even with those minor complaints, the Helinox Beach Chair is a fantastically light and portable option thats as well suited to days at the beach as it is to sitting by a campfire roasting marshmallows. If you want a versatile and comfortable beach chair thats easy to carry anywhere, you should give it a look.

　　$170 at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry Best Beach Chair for Moving Cargo Mac Sports 2-in-1 Beach Day Lounger and Cargo Cart Specs Weight 19 lbs. Material Aluminum; polyester; plastic Reclining Yes Features Converts from cart to chair, head cushion, wheels

　　

　　Pros Beach cart and lounge chair in one! Can carry up to 100 lbs of beach gear Wheels make it easy to roll your gear to the bech Easy to assemble Cons Heavier weight and bulkier size Wheels dont roll great in soft sand Pricey Hannah Haas The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart ($150) is a great chair for a family beach day. It doubles as a lounge chair and a cargo cart that can hold up to 100 pounds, making it a nifty 2-in-1 solution for transporting your gear to the beach and relaxing once youre there.

　　While it may look like a relatively standard beach chair, it has two large rubber wheels that make it easy to push or pull with a full load of beach gear. The leg portion folds up to create a relatively spacious cargo cart to haul a cooler, toys, towels, or whatever you bring to the beach. This way, you dont have to carry a backpack on top of everything else.

　　The chair is pretty standard, offering three different recline angles, armrests, and a cushion to rest your head. Even though it has wheels and a cart, the whole thing is easy to assemble and folds right back up so it can fit back in your car after a day at the beach. It feels super sturdy and can probably hold a parent and child, depending on the weight.

　　The most obvious downside to the Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo cart is its weight and bulk. At 19 pounds, its heavier than most, so its nice that it has wheels to roll it. The cargo cart feature may also be overkill a lot of the time if you arent hauling a bunch of gear down to the beach. Additionally, while the wheels are helpful, they dont roll that well through super soft sand. It does, however, roll more smoothly over grass and firmer surfaces.

　　The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart is a great option for a family or large group wanting to be prepared for a long day outdoors. Sure, you could buy a separate beach wagon, but you could kill two birds with one stone and get a cargo cart and lounge chair in one.

　　$167 at Amazon Best Inflatable Beach Chair Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch Specs Weight 2.3 lbs. Material Polyester Reclining N/A Features Fills with air, storage and carry bag

　　

　　Pros Very lightweight Easily portable and storable Comfortable Can sit in a variety of ways and/or with more than one person Affordable Comes in lots of fun patterns Cons Not that easy to inflate Wind dependent Loses air over time Hannah Haas In addition to having a truly unforgettable name, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch ($39) is a super-comfortable alternative to a regular old beach chair. After spending a few minutes inflating it, the Chillbo can seat several people and provides the perfect place to relax. It’s meant for camping, going to the beach, or any outdoor space you like to unplug in. We could even see ourselves enjoying midday naps on it in the backyard when working from home.

　　One of the first things that stands out about the Chillbo Shwaggins is its weight — just 2.3 pounds — and small packed size. Its even more impressive when you consider that it can seat several people or that you can completely lie down on it. It comes with a storage bag with a shoulder strap so you can easily carry it anywhere. This makes it a no-brainer to bring with you, no matter how far you need to walk to your favorite beach spot.

　　Since it’s a full body length, it’s amazing to fully recline in and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. It sort of feels like you’re sitting on a blown-up cloud, and it’s great for anyone trying to soak up some extra sun at the beach. Another perk is the fact that you can lounge in it with several people if you’re on an outdoor excursion with the family or a group of friends.

　　The primary drawback of the Inflatable Couch is that it can be difficult to inflate at first. We went back to reread the instructions to make sure we were doing it right, and even then, it felt a bit silly running back and forth, trying to get the couch to inflate.

　　Inflating this couch could be somewhat problematic for someone with limited mobility. We felt that ours wasnt completely airtight, either. After a while, the couch starts to deflate, and you may need to add more air.

　　Overall, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch is best for people who love to lie down fully or need seating for several people. Its super light and easily portable, and its also very affordable at just $39. Plus, its available in a huge range of fun patterns to match your style.

　　$39 at Amazon Best 2-Seater Beach Chair Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair Specs Weight 15.4 lbs. Materials Seat: 600D polyester; Frame: powder-coated steel Reclining Slight Features 2 seater, arm rests, insulated beverage holders, shoulder strap for carrying, storage wrap

　　

　　Pros Sturdy Easy to use Durable Seating for two Also good for camping or backyard hangs Cons Heavy Expensive Best for two people Hannah Haas The Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair ($140) is an excellent two-seater that is perfect for a couple to relax in just about any outdoor setting. While it isnt specifically designed for use at the beach, it works just as well in that setting as it does car camping, at the park, watching your kids sporting events, or adding some seating in your backyard.

　　The Kelty Loveseat feels incredibly sturdy and well-made with quality materials. After removing from its original packaging, it is easily unfolded and ready to go — no instructions are necessary. It simply pops open and folds closed like a classic pop-up chair.

　　You can sit in it with another person (or your dog) and still have plenty of room for yourself. The quilted fabric and padded armrests are extremely comfortable and since the chair is relatively low and has a slight recline, you can really relax into it.

　　Since the chair is a loveseat, it fits two people while taking up less packing space in a vehicle than two separate camping chairs. It isnt the lightest at 15.4 pounds, but when collapsed and wrapped for transport, its a reasonable size. The padded shoulder strap also makes it easy to carry for moderate distances. If youre going farther, tossing the Kelty Loveseat in a good beach wagon will make moving it around even easier.

　　This chair would be a great purchase for a family or couple thats always heading outdoors together. The cup holders are perfect for enjoying hot cocoa by the fire or a cold drink as you soak up the sun. It would be perfect for a night at the beach watching the sunset or enjoying a picnic with a group of friends. You can easily squish the chair back together to pack it away if you need to quickly clear your campground or protect it from overnight weather.

　　As a two-seater with a heavier weight and larger stored size, the Kelty Low Loveseat may not be the ideal beach chair all of the time. If you’re packing other equipment like towels, umbrellas, and coolers, it could be tough to carry without the assistance of a beach wagon.  

　　At the same time, the Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair might be the perfect addition to your beach or camp gear setup. This well-made option is a dependable and comfortable chair for lounging with your significant other, friends, or kids on any outdoor adventure.

　　$130 at REI$127 at Amazon Beach Chair Comparison Chart

Beach Chair	MSRP	Weight	Reclining	Features
Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair	$89.50	7.9 lbs.	Yes	Backpack straps, rubber carry handle, adjustable pillow, insulated pockets, cupholder, phone holder, towel bar
Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack	$83	6 lbs.	Yes	Backpack straps, zippered storage pocket, adjustable backrest
GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair w/ Sunshade	$80	10.3 lbs.	Yes	Adjustable sun shade, backpack straps, large storage pouch, beverage holder, head pillow
Neso Beach Lounger	$100	12.3 lbs.	Yes	Full length lounge chair, folds up small, shoulder carry strap, water resistant, small storage pocket
Helinox Beach Chair	$170	3.3 lbs.	Yes	Storage bag (converts to pillow), mesh back for breathability
Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart	$150	19 lbs.	Yes	Converts from cart to chair, head cushion, wheels
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch	$39	2.3 lbs.	n/a	Fills with air, storage and carry bag
Kelty Low Loveseat	$140	15.4 lbs.	Slight	2-seater, armrests, insulated beverage holders, shoulder strap for carrying, storage wrap

How We Tested Beach Chairs The team at GearJunkie knows what gear is necessary for every type of outdoor excursion. We know that having the right tool for the job can make your experience better, even if thats just lounging at the beach. For our beach chair buyers guide, we recruited Hannah Haas, a graduate student, outdoor enthusiast, avid beachgoer, and freelance journalist who’s spent pretty much her entire life on the beaches of California’s coastline.

　　After scouring the market for the best beach chairs available in 2024, we rounded up a diverse selection of eight models for side-by-side testing and comparison. We crafted a detailed testing regimen that aims to compare these chairs on a level playing field. We compare weight, dimensions, materials, portability, comfort, features, and more in order to find the best chairs to bring to the beach.

　　Beyond Hannahs personal expertise and experience, we solicited the opinions of fellow beach lovers and stewards of the outdoors. By combining our testing with the opinions of friends and family, we were able to narrow down our selection to our favorite models and those that excel in specific ways compared to the rest.

　　However, the beach chair market is constantly evolving and improving. Rest assured, as new and exciting models hit the market, well test those to ensure that our list stays up to date and brings you the best options for your days at the beach.

　　

　　Testing beach chairs isnt the worst job in the world. Still, we went out of our way to put each model through its paces while examining the usefulness and functionality of features like the shade on the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair; (photo/Hannah Haas) Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Beach Chair Trying to find the right chair for a day at the beach can be overwhelming. In 2024, there are seemingly endless options and it can be difficult to find what you’re looking for. While finding the best chair for you does require some thought and research, this handy how-to-choose guide has all the essential information compiled so you can make the best decision for your needs.

　　We delve into everything from overall size, set-up, portability, adjustability, and other features such as cupholders and armrests. Each brand and style of chair considers different factors and provides varying features, each of which is more or less important to consumers. We’ll explain it in a clear and concise way so you can choose the best chair for your ideal beach day.

　　Types of Beach Chairs

　　

　　There are numerous types of beach chairs from loungers to loveseats. The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is the epitome of a classic beach chair; (photo/Hannah Haas) There are a variety of different style and types of beach chairs on the market. From classic beach chairs to inflatable couches like the Chillbo Shwaggins, and everything in between, youve got options to suit your preferences.

　　Classic beach chairs are typically low to the ground and have a folding metal frame with a nylon/polyester fabric comprising the seat and back panels. Typically, they have the ability to recline and many come with features like head pillows, storage pouches, cupholders, and backpack straps. Both the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair and the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair with Sunshade are prime examples of classic beach chairs.

　　Lounge chairs arent too different, although they typically involve an additional section to support the legs. Lounge chairs can typically be oriented in a number of ways to lie flat, sit upright, or positions in between. The Neso Beach Lounger and the Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart are both good examples of lounge chairs.

　　Pop-up style chairs are popular at the beach because they are typically quite affordable, fold up small, and are versatile for use in a wide range of outdoor settings. We didnt test any single pop-up chairs, but we did try the Kelty Low Loveseat. This two-seater pop-up chair is super well made, packs down small for its seating capacity, and will work well for everything from car camping to a day at the beach with the family.

　　Camp-style models employ the designs of lightweight and super portable camp chairs and tweak them slightly for the beach environment. The Helinox Beach Chair is a great example. This chair weighs just over 3 pounds and folds down incredibly small, yet its feet are designed for stability in the sand along with mesh back panels for breathability.

　　Hybrid beach chairs are another interesting innovation. The Pacific Beach Lounger is essentially a full-length cushioned beach pad with support to prop up the back into a variety of lounging positions. Likewise, the inflatable Chillbo Shwaggins Couch uses air to fill a large chamber that you can lie on or sit numerous people.

　　Size

　　

　　Different styles of beach chairs vary in size and seating style. The Neso Lounger can be set up in a variety of ways from sitting upright to laying down completely; (photo/Hannah Haas) Most beach chairs are designed to fit one person, so youll often want to bring several to the beach if youre hanging out with family or friends. There are a few models that we tested that can fit two or more people, like the Kelty Low Loveseat and the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch.

　　The size of a chair may also be important depending on your height and if you want to be able to fully extend your legs or not. On the low-height classic beach chairs, you can always extend your legs out ahead of you, but if you want to support them, youll be better off going with a lounge-style chair. Lastly, the size largely determines how portable the chair will be.

　　Portability

　　

　　Since you have to get your chairs to the beach, portability is a factor for transporting them in your vehicle and from your vehicle to the beach; (photo/Hannah Haas) Weve all got to get our chairs to the beach one way or another, so portability is an important factor to consider. Any good beach chair folds to a smaller size for transport in your vehicle or carrying to and from the sand, but how much they weigh and how small they pack down varies among the different models. The weight of the chair is the main factor when determining how easy a chair will be to carry, but how compact it is, and whether or not it comes with a case to carry it in also plays a role. The most portable models we tested are the Helinox Beach Chair and the Chillbo Shawaggins Inflatable couch, both of which collapse to a small size and weigh just 3.3 pounds and 2.3 pounds, respectively.

　　Some chairs, like the Tommy Bahama and the GCI Outdoor, come equipped with integrated straps so they can be carried as a backpack. This makes them very convenient and easy to carry but could be a pro or con depending on your need to carry a backpack filled with gear to the beach. Other models like the Neso Beach Lounger and Kelty Low Loveseat come with shoulder straps, but their slightly heavier weights make them less ideal for carrying long distances. A very novel approach comes from Mac Sports and the 2in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart. This chair converts to a small beach wagon and rolls on two wheels.

　　Setup

　　

　　Most chairs are quick and easy to set up. Some, like the Pacific Breeze Lounger, are easier than others. We were so eager to use this comfortable lounger that we even forgot to pull the tag off; (photo/Hannah Haas) Assembling and disassembling the chair is a crucial part of choosing the perfect model for you. If you’re unable to set up the chair, you’re better off not having carried it with you in the first place. An easy setup of your beach gear (and an easy pack-up process at the end of a long day) can make or break any day at the beach. Most people don’t enjoy reading complicated instructions or experiencing gear malfunctions when they’re just trying to relax.

　　Fortunately, most brands realize this, and pretty much every chair we tested is very straightforward to set up and break down. Some simply fold open and closed while others need to be filled with air, but for the most part, they arent too complicated.

　　Adjustability

　　

　　The ability to recline is a feature that many beach chairs share. Models like the GCI Outdoor (pictured) and the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chairs offer several positions of adjustable recline so you can choose your perfect lounging position; (photo/Hannah Haas) Whether or not a piece of equipment adjusts easily is a crucial factor to consider. Some beach chairs recline, have adjustable shades, and optional head cushions. Who knows if you’ll want to read, lay back and take a nap, or sit upright for a card game by the campfire? We think the best beach chairs typically include some sort of adjustability to dial in your seated position.

　　Both the Tommy Bahama and GCI Outdoor chairs have several reclining positions to choose from. The Tommy Bahama can even go down to flat. The Neso Beach Lounger has 5-position adjustability as well and can go from sitting upright to laying down completely flat.

　　Extra Features

　　

　　Most chairs have a few features that make your life a little easier. Were huge fans of cup holders and pockets that keep our drinks upright and out of the sand; (photo/Hannah Haas) Features arent mandatory, but we always appreciate it when little details are included that can enhance the quality of our beach experience. Some chairs include special features like cupholders, extra storage, armrests, head cushions, and sun coverage. Determining how crucial these features are to your ideal day is important when shopping for the best beach chair.

　　We love cup holders for keeping our beverages within arms reach and out of the sand. Likewise, a pocket that can hold your book, phone, or sunscreen can help you stay organized. Backpack straps and large zippered compartments may also be useful for bringing the essential gear along and negating the need to carry an additional bag. Some of these features are pretty personal and will determine whether or not you enjoy your day at the beach.

　　Versatility

　　

　　Loveseat for two at the beach? Yes. Extra seating for friends in the backyard, a comfy double seater at an outdoor concert, or a lounge spot on your next car camping trip? Also Yes. Most beach chairs are impressively versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings; (photo/Hannah Haas) While many beach chairs have the word beach in their name, most are highly versatile and can be used in any number of outdoor settings. Whether youre hanging out at the park, going to an outdoor concert, car camping, or chilling in the backyard, most beach chairs will transition well into just about any situation. Likewise, many camp chairs may work quite well at the beach too. If youre hoping to get a camp chair that works well in sand, however, you may want to consider the size of the feet for use in soft sand. Skinny little feet may work well on firm surfaces but can sink into and be unstable on the beach.

　　Frequently Asked Questions Why should I get a beach chair? While many people enjoy laying on a towel directly on the sand, that doesnt work for everyone all the time. A quality beach chair can be a great investment in your comfort and the enjoyment of your time spent at the beach. Not only will they get you off the ground, but many will allow you to adjust your position for comfort or things like reading or napping. Many beach chairs are also optimized for use at the beach with carry straps, reclining features, pockets, cup holders, and more to make getting it to and from the beach and staying organized while youre there much easier.

　　What other gear should I consider for trips to the beach? There are quite a few pieces of gear that can make your trips to the beach easier and more enjoyable. Since getting all your gear to the beach can be a hassle, consider adding a good beach wagon to your routine to cut down on trips and carrying it all in your arms. If you like being in the sun but dont love getting sunburn, there are lots of great beach umbrellas and shades that can add a layer of sun protection. Beach towels are also a critical part of the equation, and there are lots of great new beach specific towels to choose from. If youre bringing food or drinks along, a great hard-sided cooler, soft cooler, or backpack cooler can keep everything ice cold until youre ready to enjoy it. And, if youre spending the whole day at the beach with the family, a portable grill can help you serve up hot, delicious food wherever you are.

　　Why are some beach chairs so low to the ground? Classic beach chairs are pretty low to the ground. While this does make it slightly harder to sit down and stand up from them, it puts the user in a position where they can comfortably stretch their legs out in the sand in front of them. And when you recline the seat back, it feels pretty darn close to sitting in a full-on lounge chair. The low seat height may not be for everyone, so if you have mobility issues or bad knees, you may want to look into chairs with higher seat heights.

　　Whats the most portable beach chair? Realistically, all the beach chairs weve tested are quite portable, some more easily than others. The two lightest and smallest options are the Chillbo Shawaggins Inflatable Couch and the Helinox Beach Chair. They weigh 2.3 pounds and 3.3 pounds, respectively, and collapse down so small that you can toss them in a backpack. Beyond that, both the Tommy Bahama and the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chairs have backpack straps that make them super easy to carry. Similarly, the Pacific Breeze Lounger also has backpack straps.

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