Camping chairs are basically a must for outdoor adventures, but let’s be honest, they’re not always as comfy or handy as you want. A few quick tweaks can turn a basic folding chair into something you’ll actually look forward to sitting in.
These easy camp chair hacks are all about comfort and convenience, without costing much or weighing you down.
Ever get frustrated when your chair sinks into soft ground? Or wished it was easier to lug around on hikes? You’re definitely not the only one.
Campers everywhere are coming up with clever fixes for those classic chair annoyances. From turning regular chairs into backpack chairs to stopping them from sinking in sand, these ideas will change up your outdoor lounging game.
Table of Content
Key Takeaways
- Adding straps turns a regular chair into a backpack chair, making it way easier to carry on trails.
- Clip-on cup holders, extra pockets, and anti-sink feet all boost comfort and usefulness.
- Good maintenance and smart storage help your chair last longer and stay ready for the next trip.
Essential Camping Chair Modifications
It’s amazing how a few upgrades can make your outdoor seating so much better. Most of these are quick, cheap, and totally worth it.
Adding Cup Holders And Storage Pockets
Not every camping chair comes with enough storage. You can add cup holders with clip-on attachments that snap right onto the frame.
They’re usually under $10 and hold drinks, your phone, or whatever small stuff you want close by. For storage pockets, sew mesh pouches onto the chair’s sides using weatherproof material and strong thread.
Old backpack pockets work great for this, just cut them out and attach with safety pins or a few stitches. If you’re a campfire fan, slap a glow-in-the-dark zipper pull on your pockets to find your stuff after dark.
How To Reinforce Chair Stability
Wobbly chairs are the worst. Slap some rubber caps on the feet to keep them steady and stop them from sinking.
In sandy spots, attach plastic discs (cut-up milk jugs work) to the bottom of each leg. It spreads out the weight and keeps your chair from disappearing into the ground.
Weak joints? Wrap duct tape or athletic tape around the connections, or use hose clamps for a sturdier fix. If your chair likes to tip backward, add a small counterweight to the front legs, tiny sandbags do the trick and are easy to remove.
Improving Comfort With Cushions
Honestly, even a basic foam pad can make your chair way more comfortable. Cut it to fit your seat and you’ll notice the difference.
For cold nights, hang an underquilt beneath your chair to block chilly air from below.
Memory foam is nice, but wrap it in something waterproof. Old yoga mats? Surprisingly perfect for this.
Your back will thank you if you roll up a towel and bungee it to the chair for lumbar support, especially if you’ve got back issues.
Look for cushions that reflect heat back to your body, two birds, one stone.
Smart DIY Camping Chair Accessories
With a couple of tweaks, even a basic camping chair can feel like a serious upgrade. These DIY accessories use stuff you probably already have lying around.
Attaching Umbrellas Or Sunshades
Sun beating down? You can rig up a simple umbrella holder using PVC pipe and zip ties. Just strap a piece of PVC to the chair and pop your umbrella in.
Want something more permanent? Sew a fabric sleeve onto the chair’s side for your umbrella or sunshade pole. Or skip the sewing and use heavy-duty clamps made for beach umbrellas, just clamp them onto the frame and you’re good to go.
Clamps with rubber padding are best so you don’t scuff up the chair. And if you’re feeling creative, a tarp and bungee cords can make a quick canopy overhead, especially if you’ve got tall chairs or nearby trees.
Creating Clip-On Table Attachments
Having a flat spot for drinks or snacks is underrated. Make a clip-on table with a plastic cutting board and a few carabiners or S-hooks.
What you’ll need:
- Small plastic cutting board
- 2-3 sturdy carabiners or S-hooks
- Drill (just a small bit)
- Optional: waterproof fabric for a pouch
Drill holes along one side of the board, hook in the carabiners, and clip it to your chair. If you want to get fancy, add hinges so the table folds down when not in use, no more bumping into it.
Add a fabric cup holder underneath to keep your drink steady, even if the ground’s a bit lumpy.
Customizing Headrests And Footrests
Head and foot support can make a huge difference. For a headrest, just roll up a towel and rubber band it to the top of your chair, easy.
If you want something cushier, try a DIY padded headrest with foam and waterproof fabric. Stick it on with hook-and-loop fasteners.
Footrests? A strip of strong fabric between the front legs works. Try canvas or pack cloth, and use adjustable straps so you can tweak the height.
- Canvas or pack cloth for strength
- Adjustable straps
- Stiff insert to avoid sagging
For anti-sink feet, fill milk jug caps with silicone caulk and stick them on the chair legs. It’s a cheap hack that really works in soft ground or sand.
Cleaning, Maintenance, And Safety Tips
If you want your camping chairs to stick around for more than a season or two, a little TLC goes a long way. It’s not just about longevity, it’s about keeping things safe and comfy, too.
Waterproofing And Weatherproofing Tricks
Rain happens. Spray silicone waterproofing on the fabric and frame, then let it dry before packing up or storing.
Metal frames get rusty fast, so rub on some car wax and buff it out. That thin layer can make a big difference, especially if you’re camping near the coast or in humid places.
UV-protective spray is a smart move to keep fabric from fading. You’ll find it at most outdoor stores, and it’s easy to use.
Wooden chairs? Teak oil is your friend; apply it twice a year to keep the wood from cracking and to keep it looking good.
Always store chairs in a dry spot. If you have to leave them outside, use a cover.
Easy Care And Cleaning Solutions
Give your chairs a good scrub with mild soap and water every so often. Use a soft brush for fabric seats, rinse well, and let them dry in the sun.
For stubborn stains, mix white vinegar and water (1:3), spray on the spot, wait 10 minutes, then gently brush it out. Metal frames can be wiped down with a damp cloth; just dry them right away to avoid rust.
Don’t forget to clean cup holders and pockets, crumbs and spills love to hide there. For mildew, use a weak bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) and spray it on, then rinse and dry in the sun.
Let everything dry fully before folding and stashing your chair, otherwise, mold will show up fast.
Safe Repair Methods For Broken Parts
Got a rip? Use outdoor repair tape or tent patches on both sides of the tear. For small holes, iron-on patches work too, just follow the directions on the package.
If bolts or screws are loose, tighten them up with a multi-tool or wrench. A tiny dab of clear nail polish on the threads can help keep them from loosening again.
Broken plastic bits can sometimes be fixed with a special plastic epoxy. Clean the surfaces, mix the epoxy, and press together until set.
Frayed webbing? Sew over the weak spots with heavy-duty thread before things get worse. Bent metal frames can sometimes be straightened out, but be gentle; forcing it might just snap the metal.
Creative Uses For Camping Chairs Beyond Sitting
Your trusty camp chair’s got more potential than just being a spot to plop down. With a bit of imagination, these portable seats can morph into all sorts of handy gear that’ll surprise you out there.
Transforming Chairs Into Outdoor Loungers
Craving a little more comfort at camp? You can turn a regular folding camping chair into a stylish lounger with some basic tweaks.
Try attaching foam padding to the seat and back, using waterproof fabric and a strong adhesive. It’s not fancy, but it works.
For a quick footrest, toss a blanket over a cooler or bring a small stool. Set it in front of your chair and you’re basically in lounge mode.
If you want extra space for snacks or books, sew pockets onto the armrests. Some campers even connect two chairs with a fabric bridge for a makeshift loveseat, pretty clever if you ask me.
At night, for stargazing, you might want to try making a Viking-style reclined “Stargazer Chair” with a few pieces of wood. The angle is just right for gazing up at the sky, and honestly, it’s comfier than it looks.
Repurposing For Storage Or Gear Racks
Camping chairs aren’t just for sitting; they’re surprisingly useful for storage, too. A lot of folks have found smart ways to store their chairs, but you can flip that idea and use the chairs themselves for stashing stuff.
Hang mesh bags from the back to keep little things like sunscreen, bug spray, or snacks handy. It’s simple, but it saves you digging through a backpack every five minutes.
For wet towels or swimsuits, just clip them to the chair back with carabiners or clothespins. The mesh backing on a lot of chairs helps things dry out faster, which is always a plus.
Stick your shoes under the chair at night to keep them dry and critter-free. It’s not high-tech, but it works; no one likes finding a spider in their boot.
Got damp clothes? Hang them from the chair frame for a quick DIY drying rack. It’s especially useful if you’re camping somewhere muggy and need to keep things aired out.
Fun Hacks For Games And Family Activities
Your camping chairs can even become entertainment centers for everyone. Lay a board across two chair seats or armrests, and you’ve got a game table for cards or puzzles.
Set up a ring toss using the chair legs as targets. If you want to get fancy, wrap glow sticks around the rings, kids go wild for that after dark.
For a movie night, arrange chairs in rows and hang a white sheet between trees. Grab a portable projector and you’ve got your own outdoor theater, which is honestly pretty awesome.
Turn chairs into part of a scavenger hunt by hiding prizes under them or making clues that send players from chair to chair. It keeps everyone moving and laughing.
If you’ve got sturdy chairs with hard arms, those flat surfaces are perfect for crafts. Painting rocks, making bracelets, whatever keeps the group busy when the weather won’t cooperate.
Conclusion
Camping chairs aren’t just a spot to plop down after a long hike. With a dash of creativity, you can turn that humble seat into something way more useful.
Ever thought about making your chair double as a backpack chair? Just add some sturdy straps and suddenly, hauling your chair to that perfect hidden campsite gets so much easier.
Chilly nights sneak up fast. A lightweight “under quilt” can be a game changer for cold evenings, just check out this DIY method for staying warm by the fire.
If your chair keeps sinking into soft ground, beach sand, or soggy soil, you know the drill: try attaching bigger feet or a fabric base. This simple fix really helps with stability.
Here’s something a lot of folks miss: some lawn chairs can actually hold your umbrella. Instant shade, right where you want it. If you care about lighting, there are even more clever hacks out there.
Honestly, the best camping chair is the one you’ve tweaked to fit your style. Fancy features are nice, but a few personal touches? That’s what really makes a difference.
