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Best Portable Stool – Camping Stool Reviews [Review & Guide]

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Quick Answer – BEST PORTABLE CAMPING STOOLS:

Best Premium (Best Overall)
Walkstool Comfort
Best Value Choice
GCI Outdoors PackSeat
Walkstool - Comfort Model - Black and Silver - 3 Legged Folding Stool in Aluminium - Height 18" to 30" - Maximum Load 440 to 550 Lbs - Made in Sweden
GCI Outdoor PackSeat Camping Stool Portable Folding Stool
Best Premium (Best Overall)
Walkstool Comfort
Walkstool - Comfort Model - Black and Silver - 3 Legged Folding Stool in Aluminium - Height 18" to 30" - Maximum Load 440 to 550 Lbs - Made in Sweden
Best Value Choice
GCI Outdoors PackSeat
GCI Outdoor PackSeat Camping Stool Portable Folding Stool

When resting without access to a chair or bench, the best portable stool offers a unique seating solution to a number of problems. That said, different uses will call for the stool favor one feature or another.

Finding the best portable stool will depend on your planned adventures: camping, overlanding, outdoors sporting, photography, events, etc.

We personally own four of the Walsktool stool (it’s a quality product!) and personally reviewed and tested several of the camping stool models described below.

Camping and Overlanding

Camping and overlanding will have more instances of casual lounging which is not the best use of a camping stool. It can still help supplement the seating for larger parties.

Hiking might call for a brief rest but rarely calls for hours of lounging.

You will want to make sure that a stool used for hiking is especially stable.

Outdoor Sporting

Portable stools used for hunting should maximize their comfort, though walking a hunt should favor the stool’s portability.

Fishing

Fishing is a great time to use a stool with extended stretches of sitting as well as frequently standing. Make sure that the feet of your portable stool will not sink into the soft ground if you are fishing from the shore.

best camping tools

Photography

Portable stools can be great to help you stay still and in position when trying to take photographs. Since this use will have you up and down more often than most, you will likely want a stool with a taller clearance than for other tasks.

Events

Concerts, tailgating, and even just waiting in line are a great time to use a portable stool since these venues often do not provide seating. The fact that you will likely get up more often means you should look for a taller stool. We have put together a list of the 12 best portable stools on the market. We also provide a thorough buyer’s guide, so you can figure out what features you need and which just add unnecessary cost. We feel OverlandSite’s choice Walkstool offers a superior product all-around. Keep reading to find out which one is the best portable stool for your needs.

best camping stools review

Best Camping Stools

Review of KingCamp Slacker Chair 4 Legs Folding Camp Stool

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The steel frame ensures that the KingCamp will not fold under pressure, while the thick joint reinforcement prevents the legs from splaying even under max load.

All combined with a few other features, this is one of the more durable stools that we reviewed. Still, this is by far the most comfortable portable stool tripod we saw.

Even though we called this a portable stool, it is actually a portable quadpod stool which provides some unique advantages. One of the best things this design does is more evenly distribute the weight without creating the same kind of pressure points that are common among the more traditional portable tripod stools.

This is further reinforced with a slight bump with the KingCamp’s sitting height as well as the fabric used. In fact, this stool has some of the best fabrics used with a 600D Oxford polyester that is reinforced with a 300D weave.

What Previous Buyers Said

Aside from the superior comfort compared to other portable stools, customers of the KingCamp laud how easy it is to carry around with the strap being longer than on some other portable stools.

They also appreciate how the Quadpod design feels sturdier than the more common tripod design. 

Specs
Dimensions (Folded): 23 ½” x 4”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 13 ½” x 13 ½” x 18”
Weight: 2 ½ pounds
Frame: Steel
Fabric: 600D Oxford Polyester
Max Load: 175 pounds

Pros:

  • A Quadpod design
  • Frame made of steel
  • Has a solid joint reinforcement
  • Fabric made of 600D Oxford Polyester
  • A less expensive stool
  • More durable than some

Cons:

  • Has a lower max load
  • A bit heavier than some

Review of TravelChair Slacker Chair Folding Tripod Camp Stool

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TravelChair is another company that has figured out how to manufacture a high-end portable stool while still maintaining a lower price.

This is most notable in the Slacker’s max load which ties for the second-most on our list at an impressive 275- pounds. That said, the company prides itself on engineering and design making this the best camping stool fabric we saw.

The TravelChair is easily one of the more durable stools that we saw even if it has a slight flaw with the joints–though the company has recently upgraded that feature as well.

For instance, this stool uses the common 600D polyester that many of the better brands use, but this company also ensures that the weave is reinforced with a PVC Ripstop engineering design.

Moreover, this is actually one of the few stools we saw that featured duck-billed feet to provide better balance, though they are made of nylon instead of rubber.

What Previous Buyers Said

Customers are noting that while this is not the most comfortable portable stool they found, it is a great value for the price. Some note how the Slacker can pinch larger men around their lower areas.

That said, customers regularly observe how strong and stable this stool is at the seat due to the Ripstop polyester. 

Specs:
Dimensions (Folded): 24” x 3”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 12” x 14” x 20”
Weight: 2 ⅕ pounds
Frame: Steel
Fabric: 600D Ripstop Polyester
Max Load: 275 pounds 

Pros:

  • Fabric made of 600D Ripstop polyester
  • Incredibly compact folded profile
  • Has a max load of 275 pounds
  • Frame made of steel
  • Has a carrying strap
  • Has duck-billed feet

Cons:

  • Not the most comfortable
  • Not the best joints

Review of GCI Outdoor PackSeat Portable Tripod Camping and Sports Stool

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Though it may be the most portable stool reviewed, the PackSeat also provides a decent amount of durability.

For instance, the Shock Cord Construction legs pair nicely with the Anti-Splay Reinforcement Panel to provide one of the more durable frames that we saw–even though it is made of aluminum and not steel.

In this product’s instance, we are most impressed with its clearance making it the tallest portable stool on our list. Many brands using steel for their frame, but GCI Outdoor makes it a point to use the lighter metal, aluminum.

On top of that, this stool also folds to one of the smaller profiles–especially as it relates to the folded length. That said, easily the best feature as relates to the GCI Outdoor PackSeat’s portability is the carabiner belt clip.

This allows you to pack the GCI Outdoor PackSeat into its bag and fasten it to your belt for hands-free portability.

What Previous Buyers Said

The biggest gripe that we hear about the PackSeat is that the rounded feet will sink into softer ground. Many customers observe that the PackSeat’s height makes it easier to get up after sitting for long periods of time.

Many experienced customers feel that this stool provides one of the best values.

Specs
Dimension (Folded): 15 ¾” x 4”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 15” x 14” x 20 ½”
Weight: 1 ⅓ pound
Frame: Aluminum
Fabric: Polyester
Max Load: 250 pounds

Pros:

  • Has a max load of 250 pounds
  • Has Shock Cord Construction legs
  • Has Anti-Splay Reinforcement Panel
  • Frame made of aluminum
  • Has a taller height
  • Has a belt loop carrying case

Cons:

  • Feet are not the best
  • Not the most comfortable

Review of ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool

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With a sturdy steel frame and a 600D polyester seat, the ALPS Mountaineering meets all of the expected industry material standards and then some.

What is a bit surprising is the fact that this company made such a good stool at a fairly low price point. As such, it should come as little surprise that the ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg stool is rated as our best camping stool. Since the brand prides itself on its high-quality engineering and design, the company allows the stool to be a bit inconvenient with a shorter height and stiffer folding action.

However, part of this is due to the fact that the ALPS Mountaineering also features some of the best joint reinforcement to help keep the stool upright no matter what. Even better, this stool has a solid folded diameter–even if it is a bit longer than some other models–and also comes in at a lightweight 2 pounds.

Finally, the integrated carrying strap can be adjusted and held in a couple of different arrangements.

What Previous Buyers Said

Some observe that this stool can be tricky to fold. Customers are incredibly appreciative of how easy it is to carry the ALPS Mountaineering stool as well as its small profile whether folded or not.

They also appreciate the thick joint reinforcement that keeps this stool upright when others might splay.

Specs
Dimension (Folded): 24” x 3”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 16” x 14” x 14”
Weight: 2 pounds
Frame: Steel
Fabric: 600D Polyester
Max Load: 250 pounds

Pros:

  • Has a carrying strap
  • Has as solid joint reinforcement
  • Is a less expensive stool
  • Fabric made of 600D polyester
  • Has a carrying bag
  • Is a lightweight stool

Cons:

  • Is a shorter stool
  • Not the easiest to fold

Review of Coleman Rambler II Stool

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By combining an aluminum frame with durable Oxford polyester, the Rambler II provides a solid base with plenty of strength and longevity.

While the Rambler II is not necessarily the best camping stool we saw, it is still a capable product. Even better, this stool was specifically designed for versatility which allows it to be the best portable footrest and stool combo we saw. One of the more notable qualities of the Coleman Rambler II is the fact that it has not changed with the times. The hottest design in the portable stool market is the tripod approach which allows for a smaller profile.

The Coleman Rambler II eschews this innovation as some do not find the tripod design all that comfortable. With a square design, the Coleman Rambler II provides a better seat for certain people. That said, the reason this design is not as common is that the joints do not last as long as the average tripod stool.

What Previous Buyers Said

Customers often observe the Rambler II’s versatility as a stool, table, and, of course, footrest.

The difficulty opening the Rambler II is the most common complaint, though that often has more to do with user error than the stool itself. Other customers appreciate that the slightly larger seat area is more comfortable than with other portable stools.

Specs
Dimension (Folded): 21” x 2 ⅕”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 15 ½” x 17” x 15 ½”
Weight: 2 pounds
Frame: Aluminum
Fabric: Oxford Polyester
Max Load: 225 pounds

Pros:

  • A lightweight stool
  • Has a max load of 225 pounds
  • Frame made of aluminum
  • Fabric made of Oxford Polyester
  • Smaller folded profile
  • Is resistant to weather

Cons:

  • Not the most durable
  • A more expensive stool

Review of Alex Carseon Folding Stool

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While this stool does not really blow you away in terms of the material choices, but their design has a tendency to stand up better than most.

For instance, steel legs are common, but they do ensure structural integrity better than aluminum. This also does not increase the weight unduly either. In this case, we feel the Alex Carseon is the all-around easiest stool to carry with some caveats that are easily fixed. When trying to make a portable stool, there are a number of features that determine how easy or difficult it is to transport. Most companies kick that can down the road and simply use a carrying bag which is not a bad idea.

However, this means that using the stool will inherently require more unpacking. This is where the Alex Carseon is great as it only weighs 1 ½ pounds which is the second lightest weight stool that we saw. Even better, this has one of the smallest folded profiles with a diameter of only 3”.

What Previous Buyers Said

Some customers dislike how short the carrying strap is and have even modified it themselves by either tying an extension or adding a clip.

Regardless, customers love how lightweight the Alex Carseon is coupled with the fact that the 3” diameter makes it especially easy to carry.

Specs
Dimension (Folded): 20” x 3”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 17 ⅕” x 13” x 13”
Weight: 1 ½ pound
Frame: Steel
Fabric: Polyester
Max Load: 200 pounds

Pros:

  • Frame made of steel
  • Is a lightweight stool
  • Has a max load of 200 pounds
  • Has an adjustable strap
  • A more compact folded stool
  • Solid joint reinforcement

Cons:

  • Has a shorter height
  • Not the most durable

Review of Walkstool Tripod Stool Comfort

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The Swedish company, Scandinavian Touch, prides itself on producing some of the best outdoor gear that you can find.

In fact, when it comes to strength and durability, there is no real comparison as the Walkstool offers nearly twice the strength of its next closest competitor.

Even better, the Walkstool actually comes in 4 different sizes, each with an impressive max load that can handle the largest of users. As such, it really should not surprise anyone that the Walkstool is rated as the portable stool with the best weight capacity.

In our opinion, this portable stool is a candidate to be the best portable stool on the market for having the all-around best specs. There is simply no getting around the fact that this particular model of Walkstool has a max load of 495 pounds. A big part of this has to do with the design and materials as the Walkstool features a powder-coated aluminum frame.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW HERE: Walkstool Review

On top of that, the Walkstool also comes with non-slip rubber feet to help make sure that the stool does not lose its balance while supporting all of that weight.

What Previous Buyer’s Said

Numerous customers note how much they appreciate the taller than normal clearance for an easier time getting back up. On top of that, even experienced campers and hikers note how strong and durable the Walkstool is.

Specs
Dimension (Folded): 15” x 4”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 22” x 18” x 15”
Weight: 1 ¾ pound
Frame: Aluminum
Fabric: Mesh
Max Load: 495 pounds

Pros:

  • Comes in 4 different sizes
  • Frame made of aluminum, so very light
  • Has telescopic legs
  • Feet made of rubber
  • Has 2 different heights
  • Has a max load of 440 to 550 pounds
  • Quality design and feel

Cons:

  • An expensive stool
  • Not the most balanced

Review of Coleman Event Stool

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Though they still have not updated the basic engineering design of their stool, Coleman has added some other qualities to enhance its performance and place it in a unique niche.

Granted, this design does mean that the Coleman Event Stool is not nearly as portable as some of the other products we reviewed. However, this is still actually a fairly portable stool, even if its folded dimensions make for one of the largest profiles we saw–whether folded or not. By far the best quality of the Coleman Event Stool is the fact that it provides more than one seat.

Keep in mind, while this will allow two people to be able to sit on this stool at the same time, it also means that a single occupant has more room than they could use most of the time. With this being the case, the Coleman Event Stool is not only the best portable bench stool, but it is also likely the best camping stool for larger people.

That said, both larger people and dual occupants may want to watch out for the 175-pound max load.

What Previous Buyers Said

Many customers have difficulty assembling the Coleman Event Stool, and this difficulty extends to the unfolding process as well. Still, the versatility is unmatched and the customers seem to notice this too.

Specs
Dimension (Folded): 8 ½” x 10 ⅕”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 15 ½” x 7 ½” x 13 ½”
Weight: 2 pounds
Frame: Steel
Fabric: Oxford Polyester
Max Load: 175 pounds

Pros:

  • Has two seats
  • A less expensive stool
  • Is a lightweight stool
  • Frame made of steel
  • Has an X-Frame design
  • Fabric made of Oxford Polyester

Cons:

  • Not the easiest to unfold
  • Not the smallest folded size

Review of GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Field Chair with Backrest

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GCI Outdoor makes another appearance on our list, this time with a deluxe version of their standard portable stool. Keep in mind, the GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat does not actually use different materials than the brand’s other portable stools.

On top of that, the GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat does not really use different engineering techniques outside of the additional features added on top of the base portable stool’s model. It is worth noting before the accolades that the GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat is easily one of the heavier portable stools we saw. That said, this portable stool still provides the impressive max load of 250 pounds that we have come to expect from the brand.

Part of this comes from the steel frame while the auto-fold technology helps ensure that using the GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat is easy. That said, the best qualities of the GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat definitely have to be the included backrest and the only cup holder we saw on a portable stool.

What Previous Buyers Said

Customers love the backrest of the Quick-E-Seat, noting how much more comfortable it is than a tripod stool without.

The tripod design can be restrictive though as larger customers note that the design can pinch the groin area. Still, the Auto-Fold feature makes a positive appearance in many reviews as well.

Specs
Dimensions (Folded): 5 ½” 24 ⅘”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 14 ½” x 17” x 27 ½”
Weight: 4 ½ pounds
Frame: Steel
Fabric: Polyester
Max Load: 250 pounds

Pros:

  • Has a backrest
  • Has a cup holder
  • Has a max load of 250 pounds
  • Frame made of steel
  • Has integrated carrying strap
  • Has Auto-Fold technology

Cons:

  • A more expensive stool
  • A heavier stool

Review of TravelChair 2.0 Ultimate Slacker Chair Folding Tripod Camp Stool with Backrest

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TravelChair seems to have taken a page out of their competitor’s playbook by using one of their flagship products, the Slacker portable stool, and adding a couple of features that significantly increase its comfort.

On the flip side, like many portable stools that improve upon an older design, the TravelChair 2.0 Ultimate Slacker is a bit heavier than most of our products reviewed. The TravelChair 2.0 Ultimate Slacker improves on the previous model by adding a backrest that makes one of the few portable stools with that feature we saw. That said, some of the best features of this portable stool involve other slight tweaks to the original design.

For instance, this stool has one of the widest bases that we saw which provides more seat area. Even better, the TravelChair 2.0 Ultimate Slacker also comes with an impressive max load of 275 pounds which is the second-best that we saw.

What Previous Buyers Said

The Ultimate Slacker is noted by customers for being extremely comfortable even after extended periods of sitting. On top of that, they love how strong and durable the Ultimate Slacker is.

Finally, numerous male customers who are over 6’ tall and weigh more than 200 pounds say this stool is the best they found.

Specs
Dimensions (Folded): 30” x 4 ½”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 5” x 17” x 30”
Weight: 4 ⅘ pounds
Frame: Steel
Fabric: Nailhead Ripstop polyester
Max Load: 275 pounds

Pros:

  • Has a max load of 275 pounds
  • Frame made of steel
  • Has a backrest
  • Fabric made of Ripstop polyester
  • Has integrated carry strap
  • Has a wide frame

Cons:

  • A more expensive stool
  • A heavier stool

Review of GCI Outdoor 360-Degree Swivel Portable Camping Stool

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GCI Outdoor makes its final appearance on our list, and this time, the portable stool in question is definitely unique on our list. Specifically, this is the only portable stool we reviewed that has a seat that can swivel in a full 360-degrees.

This allows you to maintain a seated position while turning the stool to look in the complete opposite direction. This is an especially useful feature for those who need to maintain a watchful eye without distracting what they are watching with movement–though this stool will occasionally squeak as you swivel. One issue that a number of swivel stools have is stability – especially if the stool in question has a tripod design. That said, the GCI Outdoor 360-Degree Swivel has a number of features to help make up for the inherent instability of a swivel tripod stool.

The GCI Outdoor 360-Degree Swivel also features some of the broadest feet that we saw to provide better contact.

Finally, the Shock Cord Construction legs make sure that all of the legs support one another for even more stability.

What Previous Buyers Said

Some customers noted that the Anti-Splay Reinforcement Panel is less effective for this particular model.

However, this does not seem to prevent the swivel stool from still offering a mostly sturdy design that holds up well even at max load.

Specs
Dimensions (Folded): 14” x 3”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 17” x 17” x 21”
Weight: 4 pounds
Frame: Aluminum
Fabric: Polyester
Max Load: 250 pounds

Pros:

  • Has a max load of 250 pounds
  • Seat can swivel
  • Has Shock Cord Construction legs
  • Has Anti-Splay Reinforcement Panel
  • Frame made of aluminum
  • Has broad feet
  • It can be used as a lantern

Cons:

  • A more expensive stool
  • A heavier stool

Review of Aillovcol Mini Portable Folding Stool

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Aillovcol only sells this product which allows them to focus on providing the best value that they can. This attention is well-placed as the Aillovcol is made from an incredibly durable 600D Oxford cloth fabric.

On top of that, this portable stool has a strong steel frame that comes to an end with anti-slip ABS plastic feet. Even better, as a bit of a newcomer to an older market, the Aillovcol made it a point to price their product well below that of their competition.

Still, the biggest draw of the Aillovcol stool is its claim as the lightest portable stool reviewed. At only 1 ⅓ pounds total, the Aillovcol is easily the lightest stool that we saw. However, to achieve this low weight, the Aillovcol stool had to make a smaller product than most of the others we saw.

In fact, this is actually the shortest portable stool on our list. However, it does at least use high-quality materials at every point and allows the stool to provide a max load of 220 pounds.

What Previous Buyers Said

The lower height is something that taller customers regularly bemoaned. Though, the main selling point that we identified is regularly echoed by previous customers who greatly appreciate the lightweight design.

Specs
Dimensions (Folded): 13 ½” x 4 ½”
Dimensions (Unfolded): 11 ½” x 11 ½” x 11 ½”
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Frame: Steel
Fabric: 600D Oxford Cloth
Max Load: 220 pounds

Pros:

  • Is a lightweight stool
  • Frame made of steel
  • Fabric made of 600D Oxford Cloth
  • Has a max load of 220 pounds
  • Is a less expensive portable stool
  • Has non-slip ABS feet

Cons:

  • A smaller unfolded size
  • Low to the ground


Best Books On Overlanding

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Buyers Advice For The Best Camping Stool

When choosing a portable stool, there is a litany of features manufacturers advertise to try and sell you on their particular product.

That is why we have gone through the components, materials, and designs to highlight what each one’s strengths are. Keep in mind, most things have a place – just not in everyone’s hiking pack.

Camping Chair vs Camping Stool

Do you actually need a camping stool or a chair? The biggest functional difference between a camping chair and a camping stool comes down to size.

Camping chairs are almost without exclusion larger than a camping stool. This often allows them to provide a larger max load, but it also makes them less portable. On top of the size limiting portability, camping chairs are also often heavier and more expensive than camping stools.

On the other hand, the increased size of a camping chair often provides additional comfort with both arm and backrests being standard rather than bonus features.

camping stool reviews

Frame

This is potentially the most important consideration to make when choosing the best camping stool. The frame will ultimately play one of the bigger roles in determining how much maximum weight the stool can support.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the different materials will also respond to the elements differently. While this is not much of an issue for plastics, it can become far bigger of a problem for metals.

Of course, most portable stool frames are made of one type of metal or another, so make sure to look for one that has been powder-coated or otherwise protected from rust and corrosion.

Steel

This is the basic material commonly used for portable stool frames. Steel is the heaviest material used for stool frames which ultimately decreases its portability.

Steel is also the strongest material used for portable stool frames, so a larger man who needs a greater max load might want to opt for a steel frame anyway. One of the best benefits of a steel frame is that it costs less than the other materials used.

Aluminum

Aluminum is likely the best material commonly used for portable stool frames, though it is generally a bit more expensive. However, aluminum is better in almost every meaningful way when compared to steel.

Aluminum makes up for less strength by being significantly lighter than steel without giving up much stability. This makes aluminum easier to carry since you do not need to use as much to get the same result.

Aluminum also has natural rust and corrosion resistant properties–though you will still likely want to look for a powder-coated frame when available.

best camping stools

ABS

This material is generally not used for the entire frame, but many portable stools use this plastic as a lightweight way to reinforce structurally important parts of the frame.

ABS plastic is the same kind of plastic used in the manufacture of LEGOs which means aside from being lightweight and durable, they are also incredibly resistant to the elements. ABS plastic is completely waterproof and will not rust or corrode unless exposed to chemicals.

This material does not really expand or contract in the weather and has extremely high maximal and minimal tolerances.

Fabrics

The fabrics are what make up the actual seat of the portable stool on which you sit. More often than not, the fabrics used are made of synthetic materials, though there still are a few natural fiber portable stools still being made.

This choice will generally determine how well the seat holds up under different conditions. While there are a number of weaving techniques that can increase the strength of the fabric, you will want to consider how these materials respond to the elements.

Plastics

This is made up of a wide range of inferior materials that are occasionally used on cheaply made portable stools. Honestly, we are only bringing these materials up to warn you to stay away from them as they all have some fatal flaw.

Keep in mind, these materials are fine for other uses, but they do not meet the standards of expectation for a high-quality portable stool. The most common materials you will find in this category include polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Whether they cannot be spun into fibers, suffer some elemental weakness, or are otherwise unsuitable, a lower cost will not just these materials in the long run.

portable stool reviews

Polyester

Polyester is actually a fairly durable and versatile material. However, a bigger part likely has to do with the fact that polyester is the least expensive material used for portable stool fabrics that also meets the baseline standards of quality.

That is not to suggest that polyester is a poor choice for stool fabrics, but it is not the most durable to stress, abrasions, and other physical damage. On the other hand, polyester is naturally water resistant and can hold up well under prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

Nylon

This is the best of the basic materials in terms of base durability, but nylon is arguably a less ideal choice despite its increased strength. This is because nylon does not travel nearly as well as polyester does, meaning that nylon does not handle the elements as well as polyester does.

For one, nylon only offers a fraction of the natural water resistance that polyester offers. On top of that, nylon is actually far more susceptible to degradation and damage from prolonged exposure to the UV radiation in sunlight than polyester is.

Proprietaries

These are a specific brand of either polyester or nylon which is known for being exceptionally high-quality. The chemical conglomerate DuPont manufactures a fabric called Cordura while Kodra is another popular brand from Korea.

On top of that, there are also other versions of these materials marketed as Ripstop which is really just a way that the manufacturer weaves the fibers together.

Then, there is always ballistic nylon which is also created by a weaving technique rather than representing a completely different material. Finally, the new standard of Oxford fibers has become one of the most popular due to its wide range of features provided by using a blend of different fibers.

best portable stool

Max Load

This is how much weight the portable stool can hold without breaking, though this is generally an estimate and not something to be thoroughly tested. It can be a bit difficult to find a portable stool that is capable of supporting the weight of a rather large man.

The primary factor will often be the materials used for the frame, though the stitching and fabrics can also influence this factor. Ultimately, the joints will determine what the max load is, and that can be affected by engineering as well as the material choice.

Generally, you will want to look for a portable stool that has a max load weight of at least 200 pounds.

Folded Size

For anything to be portable, it by definition must be easier to transport. When looking for the best camping stool, this is easily one of the more pertinent qualities to consider.

The more compact a stool can be folded–or in many instances, collapsed–the easier it will be to transport it from one location to another. In this instance, there is no size too small, though the laws of physics do place some barriers. One thing to consider is that a stool that collapses with joints on the legs will be inherently less durable or stable in the long run.

Between collapsing and folding, collapsing does seem to provide a better balance–though the unfolded size is generally smaller.

best portable stool

Unfolded Size

One of the selling points of a portable stool is its inauspicious profile–whether folded or unfolded. As such, there are a fair number of people who wish for their stool to remain smaller and more compact whether folded or unfolded.

Conversely, there are other people who might prefer a larger surface or seating when their stool is unfolded. In fact, there are portable stools that blur the line of how we define stool and are more appropriately understood as portable benches.

Remember, the larger the unfolded size, generally the broader the base which impacts balance and comfort.

Weight

Considering the whole point of a portable stool is one that is easy to take with you on the go, the weight of your stool will be vital. If your stool is too heavy, you will have to worry about being weighed down by it all day.

While technically there is no such thing as a stool that is too light, certain materials and gauges have a rough average in terms of weight. Ideally, anything under 5 pounds is considered to be reasonably portable for extended periods of time.

Conclusion – The Best Camping Stool

As we can see, there are a great number of products that could easily be the best camping stool depending on your needs. Still, we give that honor to the Walkstool which blew the competition out of the water with a 495-pound max load.

Moreover, the taller sitting height makes this a better option for taller people who have more difficulty standing from a lower position.

For a less expensive option, we feel that GCI Outdoors offers a great value and caters to various different niches.

The Quick-E-Seat, in particular, is noted for both strength and durability as well as comfort.

Make sure you choose the right table for your stool too!

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AUTHOR
Ferenc
Ferenc Elekes has been a devout Overlanding enthusiast for many years. During that time, Ferenc has explored 75 countries on six continents, with overland travel involved in 40 countries on three continents. From his trusty 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with a roof-top tent, he’s blogged about experiences that can only be found in the remotest regions on Earth. Along the way, he's gained in-depth knowledge of the novel challenges overlanders encounter and practical ways to meet them. On his website, he shares informed opinions about everything from the best overland gear to how to get a vehicle unstuck. Ferenc has also written for Ih8mud, the Expedition Portal, the Overland Journal, and he is often invited as a guest to outdoors-related podcasts.
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