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By use
What for?
Backpacking
When you carry everything, take a folding chair with aluminium poles: according to Helinox it weighs 650 g, takes 145 kg and packs down to 35 × 12 × 12 cm.
- Under 1 kg
- Shock-corded poles
- 145 kg load capacity
Pitch
At your pitch, comfort counts: according to GCI, a folding armchair has a 45 to 50 cm seat height and fits a table at dining height. Check the load capacity.
- Armrests
- 45 to 50 cm seat height
- Check load capacity
Cooking
For cooking and eating you need a table at dining height: 68 cm according to Helinox, 72 cm according to GCI. According to the makers, light tables take 27 to 50 kg, so no heavy equipment.
- 68 to 72 cm
- Flat top
- 27 to 50 kg
Sleeping
A camp bed lifts you off the ground; a hammock only needs two trees. On cool nights, add a sleeping pad: for nights around 0 °C, REI suggests an R-value of 2 to 3.9.
- Camp bed or hammock
- Sleeping pad from R 2
- Check the fit
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Brands we carry
Guide
Camping Furniture
The right camping furniture depends on who carries it. For a backpack there are folding chairs under 1 kg; for a pitch by the car, armchairs and tables at dining height.
Key points
- Backpack: folding chair under 1 kg. Pitch: armchair.
- Table at dining height, around 70 cm; seat 45 to 50 cm.
- Hang a hammock at an angle of about 30 degrees.
Which furniture for which trip?
| Use | Choice | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacking, festivals, beach | ChoiceFolding chair | LimitLow seat height, shock-corded poles to assemble |
| Pitch, garden, campervan | ChoiceFolding armchair | LimitAccording to GCI, 5.4 kg heavy, 113 kg load capacity |
| Eating and cooking at your pitch | ChoiceCamping table | LimitAccording to the makers, light tables take 27 to 50 kg |
| Campsites, guest beds, stony ground | ChoiceCamp bed | LimitNeeds a level 187 × 58 cm space in the tent |
| Woods, garden, breaks on the go | ChoiceHammock | LimitNeeds two sturdy trees and wide tree straps |
Types compared
Folding chair (under 1 kg)
For backpacking, festivals and the beach.
- Advantage: Light, small pack size
- Drawback: Low seat height
Folding armchair (with armrests)
For your pitch, the garden and long evenings.
- Advantage: High seat, armrests
- Drawback: Weighs 5.4 kg, says GCI
Camping table (dining height)
For meals and cooking at your pitch.
- Advantage: 68 cm high, says Helinox
- Drawback: Light tables take little weight
What to check before you buy
| Question | In short | Why |
|---|---|---|
| How heavy should a chair be? | In shortBackpack: under 1 kg | WhyAccording to Helinox, folding chairs with aluminium poles and fabric weigh 650 to 893 g and take 145 kg. A steel-framed rocking chair weighs 5.4 kg, according to GCI. |
| How much weight does it take? | In shortCheck load capacity | WhyThe figures vary widely: according to the makers, a light chair takes 145 kg, a rocking chair 113 kg, a camp bed 120 kg and a camping table 27 to 50 kg. |
| Which seat height is comfortable? | In short45 to 50 cm | WhyArmchairs with a 45 to 50 cm seat height, as GCI specifies, fit a dining table. Light folding chairs save weight, but you sit closer to the ground. |
| How high should the table be? | In shortFor meals: 68 to 72 cm | WhyFor meals a table needs dining height: Helinox gives 68 cm for a camping table, GCI 72 cm. Low side tables go with low chairs and a picnic blanket. |
Frequently asked questions
Do folding chairs sink into sand?
The narrow feet sink easily into sand and soft forest ground. Helinox offers ground sheets that spread the weight, and wide rubber ball feet.
Do I need a sleeping pad on a camp bed?
Not on warm nights. When it gets cool, air flows under the bed. That's why Helinox offers warming covers for its cots against draughts; a sleeping pad does the same job.
How much room does a camp bed need in a tent?
According to Helinox, a light camp bed is 187 cm long, 58 cm wide and 12 cm high. Measure the inside of your tent and leave a little space at the sides.
How far apart should the trees be for a hammock?
That depends on the length and design of the hammock. Hang it so the straps run at about 30 degrees and the underside hangs about 45 cm above the ground.
Last updated: October 2026