Camping chairs aren’t complicated things. You unfold them, sit down, sip your drink, and hope you don’t tip over backward reaching for the chips. But when you’re out under the stars—or even in your backyard for a BBQ—a chair can quietly become the hero or the hindrance of your entire experience. The Coleman Quad Portable Camp Chair with Cooler has earned a lot of praise in recent years. In this review, we’ll see whether it still holds up or folds under pressure—literally.
Our Top Pick
Design & Build Quality
Materials Used
At first glance, the Coleman Quad doesn’t scream innovation. That’s fine. We’re not asking for a sci-fi folding throne—just something that gets the basics right.
The frame is made of steel. Nothing too fancy, but solid. It holds up to 325 pounds, which covers most campers with a bit of room to spare. The polyester seat fabric feels durable enough to handle dirt, damp swimsuits, and those who drop chili dogs in their laps. It’s not luxurious, but it doesn’t pretend to be.
The stitching? Surprisingly good. After multiple setups and teardowns, there’s no fraying, no weird stretching. The feet are wide enough to avoid sinking into soft ground—not a guarantee with cheaper models. It folds easily into its included carry bag, which isn’t reinforced but gets the job done.
Aesthetics
Color choices are limited, and frankly, the aesthetic hasn’t changed in years. But then again, nobody buys a camp chair to show off their fashion sense at 6,000 feet elevation.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Seating Experience
Let’s call it what it is—this is a “plop and chill” chair. And it excels at that.
The seat is roomy. You won’t feel squished even with a puffy jacket on. It leans back just enough to relax but doesn’t leave you wondering if you’ll ever get back up again. For tall folks, the backrest might be a bit low. But for the average camper, it strikes a decent balance between support and recline.
Armrests
The armrests are padded. Not overstuffed—more like a friendly nod toward comfort. They’re adjustable with straps, which lets you tweak their height, though the system feels a bit janky. Still, better than rigid arms that don’t fit your body.
Back Support
No lumbar support features here, but the upright angle of the seat does offer decent posture. You won’t finish a four-hour fire circle session with regrets (at least, not from the chair).
Features & Functionality
Built-in Cooler
Tucked into the armrest is a soft-sided cooler. It holds four cans. Five if you pretend you’re good at Tetris. It’s insulated, but not ice-box quality. Think “keep things cold enough for an hour or two,” not “preserve your craft IPA all afternoon.” Still, it’s convenient. The last thing anyone wants is to constantly get up and dig through a cooler behind the tent.
Cup Holder
The right armrest features a mesh cup holder. It’s deep, which is great. No one wants to babysit a beer bottle balanced on the edge. It fits large travel mugs, although wide-bottomed tumblers will have a harder time squeezing in.
Storage Pocket
Below the left arm is a hanging mesh pocket. You can toss in your phone, a flashlight, bug spray, or the snack you don’t want to share. It’s not zippered, so don’t count on it to protect valuables from rain or rowdy children.
Portability
Folding is easy. Pull the center, and it collapses like an umbrella. The carry bag slips over it without a wrestling match. At 7.75 pounds, it’s not ultra-light, but manageable. You probably don’t want to lug it up a mountain trail, but for campsites, tailgates, or fishing docks, it’s perfectly acceptable.
Durability & Maintenance
Wear and Tear Resistance
This is a rugged little number. After months of periodic use, it holds up. The steel frame resists rust, and the fabric doesn’t tear easily.
Cleaning & Care
If it gets dirty—and it will—a quick scrub with soap and water works fine. It’s not machine washable, so keep the mud fights in check. Storing it in its carry bag keeps it protected, although long-term exposure to moisture will still do damage over time.
Coleman Quad Camp Chair
A sturdy, all-purpose camp chair with a built-in cooler, perfect for relaxed outdoor adventures.
Performance in Real-World Use
Camping Trips
Set it next to your tent, and it feels right at home. Stable enough on dirt or gravel. It doesn’t squeak or sway, even with shifting body weight. We tested it during a three-day trip and found it surprisingly reliable. The cooler arm was particularly handy during late-night marshmallow sessions.
Beach Outings
Sand can be brutal on gear. This chair doesn’t sink fast, thanks to its foot design. It’s not resistant to sand sticking in the joints, so a rinse-off afterward is a good idea. Also, be mindful: polyester doesn’t breathe well in direct sun. If you leave it out uncovered, the seat heats up like a griddle.
Sporting Events & Concerts
Set it up on grass or pavement, and it’ll handle both. Its height gives you a decent vantage point at a concert or kid’s soccer game. Not as tall as a director’s chair, but taller than ground-hugging festival seats. Sitting for an hour or more isn’t a problem. We’ve seen people set it up at backyard weddings. No shame in comfort.
Conclusion
The Coleman Quad Portable Camp Chair doesn’t pretend to be revolutionary. And that’s what makes it great. It’s practical, sturdy, and just comfy enough to be your go-to for nearly any casual outdoor situation.
If you want a chair for occasional use at campsites, sports events, or even just chilling in the backyard, it’s a no-brainer. It folds up, holds your drink, and makes you feel like you’ve got your outdoor life together.
Just don’t expect it to replace your La-Z-Boy. Or to carry itself up a hiking trail. That’s on you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you machine-wash the fabric?
No. Use soap, water, and a brush for surface cleaning.
Does it recline?
Nope. It has a fixed back angle, but it leans enough for casual comfort.
Is it suitable for people over 6 feet tall?
Yes, though taller users might find the backrest a bit short.
Can the cooler hold ice?
It can, but it’s not watertight. Use it for pre-chilled cans or cold packs.
How compact is it when folded?
Roughly 9 inches in diameter and 37 inches long when packed. Fits in most car trunks easily.
