When you’re headed to the beach, lake, or pool with your family, you probably already have plenty to transport. So when it comes to beach chairs, ones that are packable and have a small footprint can really lighten your load. Whether you’re looking for a seat for yourself or the kids, options abound. Offering more than just a place to rest, some travel beach chairs have canopies that provide welcome shade, while others feature pocket coolers that keep drinks chilled to icy perfection. These are the best packable and lightweight beach chairs for the whole family.
1. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Octopus Folding Beach Chair for Kids
Kids can cozy up to a sea creature with this Octopus Folding Beach Chair from Melissa & Doug. Lightweight at under 3 pounds, this cute chair features a cup holder and a matching, cinch-close storage bag, making it easy for little ones to transport on their own. It’s available in other Sunny Patch styles, including Clicker Crab, Bella Butterly, and Giddy Buggy. If kids find themselves so comfy they want to bring the chair indoors, that’s fine, too, because its plastic feet prevent scratches on floors. It’s recommended for children ages 3 to 6.
2. Kelsyus Kids Outdoor Canopy Chair
If keeping your little one protected from the sun is a top priority, the Kelsyus Kids Outdoor Canopy Chair is up to the task. Its extended canopy shields kids from the elements by providing 50+ UPF protection. Strong and sturdy, this travel beach chair supports children 3 years and up who weigh up to 75 pounds. It comes with a carrying case with dual shoulder straps for easy, hands-free transporting. The cup holder helps kids stay hydrated and keep track of their cups or water bottles.
Related: The 7 Best Beach Tents
3. Baby Delight Go with Me Chair
You’ll be able to spy your spot on the beach in no time with this vibrant teal Baby Delight Go With Me chair that’s designed to grow with your little one. It converts to three growing stages of sitting, standing and big kid. This portable seat accommodates tots from three months of age up to 75 pounds and includes a removable five-point harness and snack tray, as well as a sun canopy and a storage bag. Weighing in at less than 5 pounds, it’s infinitely portable and an item you’ll use for years, whether you’re at the beach or in your backyard.
4. Rio Beach Chair
If you’re hoping to rest and relax, but don’t want to lug a large chaise lounge with you, the Rio Gear Ultimate Backpack beach chair will keep you just as comfortable without taking up a ton of space. Choose from five positions, which take you from fully reclined to upright. With its thick, adjustable pillow and cushioned arms, you’ll have no trouble achieving that coveted vacation state of mind. The insulated beverage compartment is an added bonus, and this travel beach chair is made of washable fabric that easily contours to the shape of your body for maximum comfort.
Related: 7 Best Beach Coolers for Families
5. Cascade Mountain Tech Compact Outdoor Folding Camp Chair with Carry Case
If you’re hoping to keep a low profile while you chill in the sand, this lightweight Cascade Mountain Tech Compact chair sits just 9-inches off the ground. But while it’s small, that doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty. Designed with a steel and aluminum frame, it’s a lightweight beach beach but supports up to 250 pounds. A storage bag with shoulder straps is included, making it a great travel beach chair.
Related: The 11 Best Beach Bags for Travelers
6. SwimWays Kelsyus Canopy Chair
Never again will you need to run after your umbrella as the wind carries it down the shoreline. This SwimWays Kelsyus Canopy beach chair shields you from the sun, offering 50+ UPF protection. The expansive visor is not only removable, but it doubles as the chair’s carrying case. This easy-to-collapse chair can hold adults up to 250 pounds and offers a breathable mesh, oversized seat, as well as an armrest cup holder.
Related: 10 Best Beach Umbrellas for Summer
7. Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Camp Chairs
The Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight chair is so compact, you can put into your backpack or your carry-on luggage. How’s that possible? Its legs and frame are on bungees, much like a tent pole, making assembly a “snap.” Available in 10 different colors, this heavy-duty chair weighs only 2 pounds and can hold up to 242 pounds.
8. KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair
If you prefer to sit close to the sand but not directly on it, consider KingCamp’s Low Sling Folding beach chair, which features a mesh back and seat to keep you cool on the hottest days. Maintaining a low profile is easy in this sturdy chair that sets up in just seconds and supports up to 300 pounds.
9. Pacific Breeze Lounger
The Pacific Breeze Lounger’s folding design makes this chaise seem deceptively small. But make no mistake, it unfurls to a full 74.8 inches long and 21 inches wide. It’s well-padded with an adjustable back rest, and a large zipper pocket ready to contain personal items. At around 6 pounds, it’s easy to transport thanks to integrated backpack straps, making it more of a backpack beach chair. Because it’s sold as a two-pack, you’ll have your own chair and a spare.
10. Strongback Low Gravity Beach Chair with Built-in Lumbar Support
If you’re looking for a beach chair that’s truly got your back, the Strongback Low Gravity beach chair may be just what you need. It’s award-winning, patented lumbar support is designed to better align your posture and ease tension on your back. It’s available in four colors and patterns, including camo, in case you hope to go unnoticed while you’re on vacation.
Liz Alterman lives in New Jersey with her husband, three sons, and a very spoiled cat. She is a longtime journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and more. Her ideal vacation includes great food, strong coffee, and a stroll through a botanical garden. Follow her on Twitter.
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