Whether it’s off-roading, hiking, biking, camping or all of the above that’s your pursuit of choice, investing in the right equipment can make the entire experience more enjoyable, convenient and comfortable. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the expensive purchases that make the biggest difference. Something as small and simple as a camping chair can transform your outlook when adventuring far away from home.
As a leading stockist of high-quality camping chairs from the world’s best brands, we know the importance of quality, cost and versatility. Here we compare two of the most popular camping chair options on the market right now so you can buy with confidence.
The Go Outdoors Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic
Go Outdoors is often the go-to brand for cheap and cheerful camping accessories, and their Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair is among their bestsellers. With a member price of just £37, this design promises a bargain, but does it deliver in terms of quality and durability?
With quick and simple opening and closing, a compact size, a quilted seat and back, a steel frame and a drink holder, the Go Outdoors camping chair ticks all the right boxes on paper. But in person, you may find that these features fall short, especially if you intend to use your camping chair again and again in more rugged environments.
The ARB Air Locker Camping Chair
Known for its durability and rigorously tested in the roughest settings, the Air Locker Camping Chair from ARB is made for adventure.
Boasting premium quality that won’t let you down and developed to deliver across a wide range of conditions, the Air Locker Camping Chair encompasses all of ARB’s experience in the design and manufacture of 4×4 accessories.
Perfect for an overlanding adventure, weekend camping excursion or trip to the beach, the ARB Air Locker Camping Chair can withstand a series of punishing conditions, and still leave you sitting pretty and in pure comfort.
Its strong, durable and high-quality components make it an investment that will last you years if not decades. There is also a selection of accessories and spare parts available meaning it can be used for even longer. This camping chair is particularly compact too, and able to be folded away easily with minimum effort and stored in its own dedicated carry bag.
With the ARB chair, packing your 4×4 like a pro is simple and straightforward, with minimal space required to stow this camping essential.
Our verdict – budget is not better!
While the Go Outdoors camping chair wins on price, that’s the only area that it succeeds in when compared to the ARB Air Locker Camping Chair. Here Advnture explains why a camping chair’s price point makes for essential reading:
“Going cheap and cheerful can be a false economy when you’re shopping around for camping chairs. You’ll find plenty of flimsy but seemingly functional chairs available for under $10/£10 from supermarkets, gas stations and the like, but they won’t last long and tend to be heavy and unwieldy to erect. Choose one of these and it will likely end up in a landfill after a couple of uses, and that’s no good for anyone.”
Budget camping chairs are made for occasional use only and even then, don’t last very long. These bargain designs often feature smaller diameter, lower grade frames and are lined with thinner, cheaper fabrics, which means durability and comfort are not their priorities.
In contrast, ARB chairs use high-grade metal tubing alongside heavy-duty padded seats and backrests. Additional features of the Air Locker design include a convenient drink holder and mini table; and useful side pockets with Velcro flap for storing your keys, wallet or other small items securely.
Some models even feature a mesh magazine pocket on the rear of the backrest to store all those luxuries that make enjoying your downtime when travelling off-road even more satisfying.
Shop our ARB Air Locker Chairs today and upgrade your camping experience.
