The 56th China International Furniture Fair (Shanghai)
September 9-12, 2025

Shanghai Outdoor Home Expo | Outdoor Folding Chair Buying Guide: Types, Features and Core Considerations

2025-05-15 16:18:46

In outdoor camping, the choice of folding chairs has a direct impact on the experience, and its core lies in balancing portability, comfort, stability and aesthetics. Common outdoor folding chairs are mainly based on the evolution of Kermit Chair, Moon Chair, Seadog Chair, Sketch Chair / Mazza, Butterfly Chair and other types, each of which has a unique design logic and applicable scenarios. If you want to learn more about the tips,the best way is to visit Shanghai Outdoor Home Expo.

 

1. Core indicators and design logic

When choosing an outdoor folding chair, you need to pay attention to four core indicators:

Portability: Light weight and small storage volume is the key. When the vehicle space is limited, the lightness directly affects the handling experience, and the folded chair with compact size is easier to carry.

Aesthetics: styling design affects the effect of photography, such as the classic shape of the Kermit chair can optimize the sitting posture, enhance the aesthetics of the picture.

Comfort: the sitting height, thigh support, seat width, backrest height and support, material touch and other common decision. For example, the Moon Chair's large seat design provides a sense of wrapping, while the Kermit Chair's flat fabric seat requires legs to be stretched forward for comfortable back support.

Stability: often inversely proportional to portability. Structurally stable chairs usually have a higher weight and need to be balanced in camping scenarios, for example, the high back design of the Sea Dog Chair brings stability but sacrifices part of its portability.

 

2. Mainstream types in detail

(1) Kermit chair: classic modeling and comprehensive performance

The Kermit chair originates from the demand of motorcycle camping, with simple structure, aluminum alloy bracket and 600D Oxford cloth, which is stable and durable. The chair surface is close to horizontal, and when sitting straight, the thighs are easy to overhang, so you need to stretch your legs forward and lean your back slightly to form a comfortable and photogenic sitting posture. Advantage is that the design is classic and comfortable, suitable for the pursuit of value and practicality balance of the scene. The disadvantage is that the weight is slightly higher, the width is larger after storage, and there are certain requirements for vehicle space.

 

(2) Moon Chair: lightweight and comfortable ergonomic choice

Named for its curved design, the Moon Chair has a wide seat surface that provides wrap-around support, is lightweight and easy to store, and is suitable for prolonged sitting. Its core advantage is its light weight (about 1.1kg) and small storage volume (37cm x 12cm), which makes it suitable for campers who demand high portability. Structurally, aluminum alloy connectors enhance durability, and some styles offer high and low backrest options to meet different height requirements. However, due to the structural characteristics, load bearing and stability depend on the strength of the material, and attention should be paid to the articulation process between the bracket and the chair surface.

 



(3) Sea Dog Chair: the ultimate in comfort, “mobile getaway chair”

Seadog chair is characterized by high back, wide seat surface, sitting posture relaxation, suitable for lazy sunbathing or long time rest, comfort is known as the “best” outdoor chair. However, its shortcomings are significant: the storage size is large (e.g., 100cm × 32cm), the weight is high, suitable for self-driving camping and ample space in the car scene. The chair body is usually equipped with armrests, back support is sufficient, but the portability is insufficient, more suitable for fixed campsite use.

 

(4) Sketching Chair / Mazza: Economical and Lightweight Choice for Beginners

Sketch chairs are cost-effective, lightweight and easy to carry, suitable for light camping or short trips. Its structure is simple, mostly using aluminum alloy frame and fabric, and the price is low. However, the durability is weak, the connection between the chair surface and the bracket is easy to be damaged due to loose screws or plastic parts aging, suitable for temporary use or limited budget scenarios, long-term high-frequency use need to be cautious.

 

(5) Butterfly Chair: a strong package of sedentary options

Butterfly Chair is named for the butterfly-like support skeleton, chair cloth and bracket split design, providing good lumbar wraparound, high back models can support the head, suitable for the pursuit of sedentary comfort users. But the defect is that the chair cloth is easy to fall off with the rise, and the overall weight is high, inconvenient storage, comprehensive practicality is lower than the Kermit Chair and Moon Chair.

 

3. Material and detail selection

Frame: Aluminum alloy is the mainstream, taking into account the lightweight and strength, avoid choosing styles with too many plastic connectors to prevent aging and fracture.

Chair surface: 600D Oxford cloth is wear-resistant and durable, and some high-end models use anti-collapse fabric to enhance service life.

Storage design: pay attention to the volume and weight after folding, and prioritize the type that does not require complex installation and can be quickly unfolded.

 

4. Scene Adaptation Suggestions

Exquisite camping and photography needs: Kermit chair becomes the first choice by virtue of its classic shape, taking into account the value and comfort.

Lightweight travel: The Moon Chair's lightweight and storage advantages are irreplaceable, suitable for hiking or models with limited space.

Fixed family campsite: the high comfort of the Seadog Chair is suitable for scenarios with children or the pursuit of relaxation, sacrificing portability for an upgraded experience.

Temporary or low-cost needs: writing chair is economical enough for occasional use or as a spare seat.

 

 

The essence of choosing an outdoor folding chair is the balance between demand and design. From the material process to the use of scenarios, clear core requirements (such as portability, comfort, value), combined with details (such as load-bearing, storage size), you can find the most suitable style, so that outdoor recreation more comfortable.

 

Source: Zhihu

 

If there is any infringement, please contact to delete.