8 Signs It’s Time to Retire Your Old Camp Chair (And What to Upgrade To)
We all have that one camp chair... the one that is sun-faded, squeaky, maybe held together with a little love and a lot of duct tape. It’s been with you through weekend getaways, music festivals, and late-night campfire chats. As much as we love a throw back piece of gear (have you seen our Backtrack Chairs yet?), there comes a time when it’s okay to say goodbye. But when should you replace your camping chair?
You should be comfortable while camping and a saggy, squeaky chair with zero support is not the vibe. So if you’re wondering whether it’s finally time to upgrade, we’ve got you. Here are eight not-so-subtle signs your camp chair is ready for retirement - and what to look for in one that’s worthy of your outdoor adventures.
8 Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade:
1. It’s Held Together by More Duct Tape Than Fabric
We all love a good DIY moment, but if your camp chair looks like it’s been through a survival challenge complete with frayed edges, faded fabric, and questionable tape jobs - it’s officially on life support and needs to be replaced. Sure, it might technically still function, but you deserve gear that does more than just survive. A solid chair should feel like a cozy spot to unwind in, not something you’re afraid to sit in.
2. You Sink So Far Down, You Need Help Getting Back Out
You know that feeling when you sit down and instantly feel like you’re sinking into a black hole? Not fun. Camping is supposed to be relaxing, but if it takes a full core workout to get out of your chair (and a friend’s hand for backup), something is off. Stretchy, sagging fabric might have been fine in your early 20s, but now? We want support. Structure. Something that doesn’t leave us feeling like we’ve aged 40 years after one campfire session.
3. Every Time You Sit, It Sounds Like It’s About to Break Up with You
Snap, crackle, please don’t break! If your chair is louder than the actual campfire, it’s time to part ways. That ominous creaking noise doesn’t exactly inspire confidence when you’re trying to relax with a glass of wine under the stars. You shouldn’t have to cross your fingers every time you sit down. Camping gear should feel sturdy and safe, not like it’s one campfire away from collapse.
4. Everyone Fights Over “The Good Chair”and It’s Never Yours They’re Fighting Over
We’ve all been there: the one chair that’s somehow just… better. It gets claimed instantly, and you’re left eyeing it all evening, waiting for someone to finally get up so you can make your move. Meanwhile, your own chair’s just chilling there all wobbly, worn out, and completely ignored. You deserve to have the good chair. The one everyone else wants to steal. Make this the summer you can say "Hey, get out of my chair."
5. No Cup Holder, No phone storage, No Comfort, No Thanks
It’s 2025. Why are you still holding your drink in your lap like it’s 1999? If your current chair doesn’t come with basic creature comforts like a cup holder, supportive armrests, a stash pocket for your phone or even a proper backrest, it’s not doing you any favours. These aren’t luxury upgrades, they’re the bare minimum. Comfort is not a bonus; it’s the standard you should be expecting from your gear.
6. It’s a Struggle to Carry, Pack, or Even Fold Up
If packing up camp feels like a full-body workout and your chair fights back every time you try to fold it, that’s a hard no. Today’s chairs are lighter, smarter, and way more portable. You deserve the toss-it-over-your-shoulder-and-go levels of easy. You shouldn’t be breaking a sweat just getting from the car to the fire pit. Save your energy for hikes and marshmallow roasting, not wrestling with your gear.
7. It Just Doesn’t Fit Your Vibe Anymore
Maybe it was perfect ten years ago. Maybe it was your first “grown-up” chair. But life changes, and your gear should grow with you. Whether you’re glamping with your girlfriends, camping with your partner, or bringing along a dog who thinks every chair is his throne, your setup should feel like you. If your current chair doesn’t match your lifestyle anymore, that’s your sign to level up. (and if your dog needs an upgrade too, check out our Lazy Bear Dog Bed so they are just as comfortable as you are in the outdoors!)
8. You’re Spending More Time Outdoors - So Your Chair Should Keep Up
You’ve got big plans this season: sunrise coffee by the lake, long trail days that end around the fire, maybe even that epic multi-day camping trip you’ve been talking about for ages. The more time you spend outside, the more you notice when your gear just isn’t cutting it anymore. A great camp chair should feel like a reward at the end of a day well spent! Something that supports you, keeps you warm if the temperature dips, and actually makes you want to sit and stay a while. You’re not just sitting, you’re soaking it all in. You deserve gear that lets you do that, comfortably.
Top 5 Kuma Chairs to Upgrade Your Outdoor Game
If you have just read through this list and have found yourself thinking it is time for an upgrade, we got you. Here’s a quick guide to five Kuma chairs that are perfect upgrades for anyone nodding along to those eight previous signs. Whether you’re after more comfort, better support, or just want to be the one with “the good chair”, these picks have your back - literally.
1. Lazy Bear Chair - The one everyone fights over.
Ultimate comfort, padded armrests, insulated beverage holder, and sturdy frame. If you’ve ever lost a game of camp chair musical chairs, this is the chair you need to call your own this summer. And yes, it comes in a heated version too.
2. Switchback Heated Chair - No more freezing at the firepit.
Built-in heating with adjustable settings, perfect for shoulder season camping or chilly nights. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Not looking for extra heat? This compact, sturdy camp chair also comes in a non-heated version.
3. Backtrack Chair - Vintage vibes, modern comfort.
For those who love a retro look but want more than duct tape and nostalgia. Lightweight, portable, and full of character, it’s ideal for festivals or casual hangs. Available in regular height or low styles.
4. Bear Buddy Double Chair - For couples, besties, or the dog who always steals your spot.
Two-seat design with separate drink holders and storage, because sharing should still mean having your own space! Looking for an upgrade on a basic double camping chair? There’s also a Heated Bear Buddy Chair with individual heat systems so you can each choose your heat setting or our Kozy Bear Chair that helps keep your drinks close with a built-in cooler between the two seats.
5. Yoho Bamboo Chair - When aesthetics meet function.
A lightweight but sturdy choice with a bamboo frame and a sleek, packable design complete with carry bag. Great for campers who want gear that looks good and feels even better. Looking to REALLY elevate your campsite comfort? Don’t forget the matching Bamboo Footstool!
Your next great campfire moment deserves a chair that’s up for the adventure. Every piece of gear tells a story - where it’s been, who it’s traveled with, and the moments it’s helped create. When you choose a Kuma chair, you’re not just buying comfort for the campsite. You’re joining a community that believes in making gear that lasts and giving it a second life when its job is done.
Through our Re-Discover Project, the fabric from well-loved Kuma chairs gets repurposed into new outdoor essentials, like our Treeline Tent Tote, Woodland Tote, or Log Carrier Bags. It’s a way to extend the life of materials, reduce waste, and keep more of our gear outdoors, not in the landfill.
So if you’re ready to upgrade your comfort, and support a more thoughtful way of doing things, your next chair is waiting. And when it’s finally time for your new Kuma chair to retire, you’ll already know where it’s going next!
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