Whether it’s a sunrise, sunset, or the darting of the campfire’s flames – kicking back and watching the world go by is surely one of the joys of the outdoors.

A good camping chair should be your outdoor companion for many years – and for us we think they should tick a few boxes. Our demands of a chair are quite simple, so it’s a surprise that so many seem to fall short of what would seem an easy mark. 

First up on our list is build quality. If an outdoor chair can’t handle being outdoors then perhaps it should stay home. Outdoor chairs get wet, sandy, salty and bounced around. Like all camping gear they need to be cleaned and looked after, but they should be able to handle the wear and tear from many trips.

Next up for us is comfort, or more specifically back support. 

Finally for us is the stowed size. We simply don’t have the spare space for anything too big – no matter how comfy.

The Snow Peak Low Chair is built from sturdy canvas, aluminium, bamboo and stainless fittings. Ours have travelled across Australia on multiple trips and are still in great shape.

From a comfort perspective, the canvas is firmly supported to form a much squarer shaped lumbar region. The fabric of many chairs curves through this section offering little support – this chair we find is great for backs. 

While not as small as hiking style chairs, the Snow Peak Low Chair packs down respectably small, and it’s stowed size is certainly smaller than most on the market.

Shop Our Snow Peak Range

Mike Collister

Mike Collister has spent his life outdoors. He has represented Australia as a slalom kayaker, guided whitewater expeditions in Nepal, and taught outdoor education and wilderness medicine. He’s paddled the Kimberley’s Fitzroy River in the wet season and across the Bass Strait and is an avid photographer, overlander and camper.