“Wonders” is a strong word for describing folding outdoor chairs, but when you see the variety in price, construction, design and options, the word doesn’t seem out of place. If you judge the market for these chairs just on what shows up at the local music in the park event, you don’t see that much diversity. But if you check the market by shopping both locally and online, you’ll see a vast array of choices.

This article talks about just your simple outdoor folding chair. Doesn’t sound complicated: most items in this market are metal framed, canvas seated, fold-away lightweight outdoor gear. But when you consider that a) equipment of this sort can be made easily in regional manufacturing sites and that b) everybody has a better idea to design the more comfortable chair, then you begin to get a feel for how extensive the market is. Here are some of the out-of-the-ordinary options for someone who wants to purchase folding outdoor chairs.

L. L. Bean, well respected for both the quality of its merchandise and the ease of customer support and returns, markets what they call the “Wilderness Recliner.” Like the standard fare, this camp chair is portable, folding and has a cup holder integrated into the chair. But this item also boasts a backpack design: when folded, the chair can be worn on a person’s back for hands-free portability. And instead of offering only one seating position, the chair can switch between positions: you can sit upright, or you can recline, all with just one adjustment. While the weight capacity is a respectable 300 pounds, the folded chair is described by users as “really lightweight.” Check the reviews on the L.L. Bean website for details on how the chair works for people already using the item.

Another out-of-the-ordinary option for a folding outdoor chair is not a chair but rather a couch. This piece of gear is the Algoma™ Sport Couch and it bills itself as unique on the market: the only 2-person folding chair. The seat of the couch is one piece of fabric. Other folding chairs offer seating for two, but these are generally two chairs that are constructed jointly, with two separate seats. The Algoma couch offers wooden armrests for greater comfort and has a weight capacity of a whopping 500 pounds. (250 pounds per single folding chair is pretty standard.) One particularly helpful feature: the back of the chair includes two zippered, mesh pockets for carrying accessories such as books, glasses or sunscreen. The price for this unique folding outdoor chair is, interestingly, around the same price as the single L.L.Bean outdoor recliner: around 60 dollars.

Photo by chrisstreeter

A practical feature for outdoor seating gear would be to have a side table: not a mesh sling-type fabric but a sturdy surface for books, drinks, personal articles. And yes, they have that too. Check out the folding outdoor table and chairs arrangement in their Picnic Time Sports chair available at Meijer stores, both at locations in the upper Ohio River valley and through the retailer’s online site. The sturdy aluminum frame includes an extra wide seat, and the padding on the arm rests includes a drop-down side panel with multiple pockets to hold all your personal items such as an MP3 player. The table folds out to the right-hand side of the chair. Manufacturer specifications don’t indicate the weight capacity or material for the table top, but the chair itself is rated for 300 pounds capacity. Favorable consumer reviews indicate this may be one of your best options for a folding outdoor chair with a table.

If you’re looking for outdoor seating with all the amenities, there are other “wonders” available. You’ll be surprised at the styles and options offered.

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