Top Beach Chair Picks From an Arm Chair Enthusiast—Starting at $45
It's time to sit back and relax.
Reviewed by Ryan BrowerSenior Gear and Reviews Editor
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NOTHING EPITOMIZES SUMMER like a day at the beach. Warm sand, lapping waves, and beam of the sun. The difference between a dream beach day and the uncomfortable feeling of sand in your swim trunks is the right gear. For years, I relied solely on a beach towel and tried to convince myself it was sufficient, but that’s the issue—it’s just fine. All due respect to Mother Nature, but a beach chair is infinitely more pleasant than a towel on the ground.
A reliable beach chair needs to have a solid build, be somewhat lightweight, and—most importantly—comfortable. Beach chairs sit lower than camp chairs to keep your toes in the sand and allow you to extend your legs. Some even recline if you need a mid-day snooze. I prefer a beach chair with a crossbar base as it offers more stability in sand, but I’ve included options with the classic four-leg setup.
Between testing a bunch at both the beach and in my backyard, I’m an armchair enthusiast of beach chairs (beach chair enthusiast?). Here are the ones you should consider before your next beach day this summer.
Best Deal
When it comes to crowd-pleasing options, Coleman is at the top of the list. The brand cut its teeth in camping but also knows what makes a great beach chair. At just over 5 pounds, this squat chair is lightweight, includes a cupholder, and features a back pocket for stowing essentials.
Best of all, Coleman offers great build quality for the price. I’ve been using the same Coleman camp chairs for over a decade now.
Read More: Coleman’s New Collapsible Cooler
You want your summer threads to be breathable, and that also goes for your beach chair. Think about it—hours soaking up the sun means a decent amount of sweat, even if you’re shirtless. The mesh-panel back and seat of this chair ensure steady airflow and won’t sop op all that back sweat.
Read More: Yeti’s New Field Chair Review
As with all things Yeti, the Hondo Chair is overbuilt in the best possible way. The Hondo has a wide back, a comfortably squat height, and reclines to four different positions. The mesh fabric keeps things cool and has a decent flex to it that feels more supportive than cheap nylon.
I’ve taken many a day naps in this chair since buying it over a year ago. It feels sturdy yet lightweight, and I love the different reclining positions. It also makes for great extra seating in the backyard. Sure, it’s expensive but I’m also going to have it a lifetime.
An unfussy crossbar beach chair that actually looks good: patterned web seat, oversized buckle to keep it compact in tow, and just under 8 pounds.
It sits lower than others—the seat height is just under a foot—and has a nice pitched back seating angle. While the light weight is appreciated, it can only hold up to 250 pounds.
Japanese design is unmatched, and that ethos is exhibited in Snow Peak’s beach chair. The canvas seat and natural-wood armrest make this chair something that could serve both outside and indoors but—trust us—it’ll be the coolest option at the beach.
The aluminum frame keeps its light for towing, and it packs down into an included pouch for storage.
Why sit at the beach when you could lounge? That’s the idea behind the Ostrich Folding Chaise Lounge, which is truly designed for sand (though it’s also perfect for the backyard). Quick-dry fabric means your wet bathing suit won’t ruin your perfect lazy day by the ocean.
This 2-in-1 combo has you set for a day of sitting and sipping. It includes a compact cooler that hangs underneath your chair for quick access to drinks. There’s also a detachable cup holder to keep you hands free.
I’ve had this chair the past couple of years. Like the Yeti Hondo, it has excellent construction: The frame hasn’t rusted and the fabric has yet to fade or fray. It sits slightly higher than other’s if you’re on the taller side.
If you don’t want to hassle with a pop-up tent or an umbrella, get the Shore Thing beach chair. It features a detachable sunshade which keeps your upper body protected from sun. There’s also a cup holder for drinks.
The chair reclines for extra stretch, and folds up easily to tote between spots. It also has straps so your can throw it over your shoulders like a backpack.
Being low to the ground is great and all, unless you’re a bigger guy with your knees coming up to your chin. This Rio beach chair has a higher back and wider seat than the average beach chair to suit bigger bodies. Adjustable, padded backpack straps make it a cinch to carry.
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Danny Perez is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up. He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
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