The 8 Best Portable Hammock Chairs

Whether you’re camping, sitting around a campfire, or just lounging about with your friends and family, comfort is of the utmost importance. It’s difficult to relax when sitting in a lawn chair or lounge chair that lacks comfort, stability, and support. If you’re looking to tackle all three of these things in one awesome chair, you should consider purchasing a hammock chair. In this article, we’re going to look at the best portable hammock chairs for every occasion and budget. Let’s get started!

Why Choose a Portable Hammock Chair?

There are few types of chairs that offer as much comfort as portable hammock chairs. The advantage of choosing a portable versus a stationary one is that you can take it with you wherever you go. Portable hammock chairs can be folding, hanging, swinging, or free-standing.

Aside from comfort, portable hammock chairs are surprisingly sturdy and supportive if you choose the right one. They offer the relaxation of a hammock without taking up nearly as much room. Portable hammock chairs also have backs on them that allow you to lean back safely and comfortably while suspended in the air.

If comfort, relaxation, versatility, and the feeling of sitting on a cloud are the things that matter most to you, then a portable hammock chair is the way to go rather than lawn chairs.

How to Choose the Best Portable Hammock Chair For You

The first thing you want to think about when picking out the best portable hammock chair for you is what you plan to use it for. There are two basic types of hammock chairs: folding hammock chairs and hanging hammock chairs. Technically, both are portable, but hanging hammock chairs require something to hang from to be used.

Folding or free-standing hammock chairs pop up and have legs just like other types of folding camp chairs. Therefore, if you want a portable hammock chair that you know you can use anywhere, you should opt for a folding or free-standing hammock chair. If you only plan to use your hammock chair in areas where you can suspend it from something, then the hanging version might be the best portable hammock chair option.

Hanging or Swinging Portable Hammock Chairs

Hanging portable hammock chairs offer a whole other level of comfort and relaxation than folding hammock chairs. Hanging or swinging chairs make you feel more like you’re in a hammock and floating in the air than their folding counterparts.

If you want to use your swinging hammock chair everywhere you go, another option you have is to purchase a chair stand. You can set up the stand anywhere you want it, and it has a hook from which you can suspend your hammock chair. The stand typically costs a little extra, but it’s worth it for your portable hammock chair.

Best Portable Hammock Chairs

Best Portable Hammock Chair Overall

Now that you know a little more about how portable hammock chairs work and the options available to you let’s dive into the best portable hammock chairs. We’ll start with the best overall chair and delve into other top options from there.

Y-Stop Hammock Chair Hanging Rope Swing

This fantastic portable hammock chair has over 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is consistently at the top of people’s best hammock chairs. The Y-Stop Hammock Chair combines comfort and elegance like few other hammock chairs can. You feel like you’re hanging out on a hammock, but the chair itself is very aesthetically pleasing. However, if you want it to be a proper portable hammock chair, you’ll have to purchase a stand to go with it, as it requires top support. Still, by a wide margin of camper reviews, this is certainly the best portable hammock chair.

Pros

• It can support 330 pounds of weight, enough for most adults and kids.
• It comes with two pillows that add comfort and style.
• It has a side pocket for holding things like food, your phone, and other valuables you need while relaxing.
• It also comes with a portable carry bag making it easy to transfer from one place to another.
• It’s made of tough, comfortable, and supportive material designed for ultimate comfort, longevity, and support.

Cons

• Must have a support stand from which to hang.
• Because it only supports 330 pounds, this chair isn’t sturdy enough for everyone.

Best Portable Hammock Chair for Budget

Chihee Hammock Chair

Not everyone has a ton of money to spend on their portable hammock chair. Some people want a hammock chair as an extra sitting option rather than their primary chair. This means they’re looking to spend less. The Chihee Hammock Chair from Amazon is one of the best portable hammock chairs for campers on a budget!

This hammock chair can also support up to 330 pounds and is made of solid and supportive cotton materials. It isn’t quite as durable and supportive as the Y-Stop Hammock Chair, but it comes close. The Chihee also comes at a lower price than the Y-Stop, which is sometimes enough of a difference-maker.

Pros

• The wooden support bar from which the hammock chair hangs is solid, stable, and durable.
• It’s a smaller chair, making it even more portable than other chairs.
• It’s one of the cheapest portable hammock chairs on the market.
• High in comfort and durability.

Cons

• Must have a support stand from which to hang.
• Because it only supports 330 pounds, this chair isn’t sturdy enough for everyone.
• Not quite as aesthetically pleasing as other hammock chairs due to their somewhat basic design.

Best Portable Hammock Chair for Kids

Vivere Brazilian Hammock Chair

The Vivere Brazilian Hammock Chair is slightly smaller and more compact than the other hammock chairs on this list, making it the best portable hammock chair for kids and smaller adults. It’s made of cotton and is extremely comfortable, airy, and soft. It’s only approved for up to 250 pounds, making it more suitable for kids. This hammock chair is portable as long as you purchase a hammock stand from which it can hang.

Pros

• It’s designed more like a chair than a hammock, making it easy to get in and out of.
• This chair gets nearly a perfect five-star rating for comfort, sturdiness, and durability.
• It comes in a ton of different color options so that you can personalize it to your liking.

Cons

• The stand, springs, and hooks are sold separately, which means the total cost can add up.
• Some feel like this hammock chair is too big for kids but too small for adults.

Other Best Portable Hammock Chairs

Segmart Hanging Chair

The Segmart Hanging Chair is another excellent example of a portable hammock chair that combines comfort and support. You can purchase a support stand to go with it, or you can opt to be on the adventurous side and look for support systems wherever you go. The Segmart is slightly sturdier and more padded than most other hanging hammock chairs and can hold up to 350 pounds. It also comes with two soft pillows and a holding bag to keep your valuables in.

Pros

• Very inexpensive hammock chair coming in at under $50.
• Very padded and comfortable.
• Easy setup and takedown.

Cons

• You’ll have to purchase the stand separately if you want it to be truly portable.
• The extra padding on the chair makes it slightly less airy and breathable.

Algoma Hanging Soft Cushion Chair

Unlike the other chairs on this list, the Algoma Hanging Soft Cushion Chair is a solid pillow rather than a true hammock. It hangs and swings freely from a top support like a hammock but isn’t made of ropes and canvas. However, the pillow construction makes it one of the most comfortable, plush, and supportive chairs on this list.

Some people find the rope seat on hammock chairs to be uncomfortable. If this describes you, you should definitely give this soft cushion hammock chair a try.

Pros

• This chair gets a perfect five-star rating on Amazon, including five stars for comfort, sturdiness, and durability.
• Very lightweight at only 7 pounds for how supportive and durable it is.
• Includes a wide spreader top bar to make so that the chair doesn’t cave in on itself.

Cons

• It’s one of the more expensive chairs on this list coming in at just over $100.
• You’ll still have to purchase a support stand to accommodate the chair if you want it to be free-standing.

XXL Hammock Swing by Hammock Sky

If you’re looking for one of the biggest, baddest, and most comfortable hammock chairs on the market, the XXL Hammock Swing by Hammock Sky might just be the best portable hammock chair for you. This hammock chair is wide tall and allows you to truly feel like you’re hanging in mid-air with nothing around you. It’s made of polyester and cotton, making it soft, comfortable, and breathable. It also doesn’t feature the rope seat that adds to a hammock feel but takes away from the overall comfort.

Pros

• It’s one of the largest and most comfortable hammock chairs on this list.
• It is very lightweight despite its size, making it easy to carry from one place to another.
• It supports up to 330 pounds and has enough width and length to hold multiple people simultaneously.
• Surprisingly durable for how affordable it is.

Cons

• While this hammock chair is portable, you’ll have to purchase the support stand separately to make it truly portable.
• The size of the chair is a pro for most, but it also limits the number of places you can comfortably hang it.

Nemo Stargazer Recliner

The Nemo Stargazer Recliner Hammock Chair is an excellent example of a folding, free-standing hammock chair that’s sturdy, comfortable, and portable. It folds in and out and only weighs seven pounds, making it very lightweight and easy to transport. Because of this, it’s one of the best portable hammock chairs for backpackers. As its name implies, this chair also has reclining capabilities making it perfect for late-night stargazing. The one complaint that users mention about the Nemo Stargazer is that it sits too low to the ground for their liking.

Pros

• It has extensive reclining capabilities making it perfect for stargazing or catching an afternoon nap.
• One of the most comfortable and durable portable hammock chairs available.
• Features padded headrests and armrests for optimal comfort.
• It comes with a carrying case for easy transportation.

Cons

• The most expensive chair on this list, coming in at around $250.
• It only sits a foot off the ground, which is too low for some.
• It’s lightweight at 7 pounds, but this is still too heavy for a long hiking trip.

Hammaka Trailer Hitch Hammock

The Hammaka Trailer Hitch Hammock is unique, practical, and highly portable. As the name indicates, the Hammaka setup comes with two support bars and a trailer hitch that fits most cars and trucks. This setup is perfect for those looking for the ability to quickly set up their chairs wherever they are, even if you’re on an uneven surface. Remember, the chairs themselves aren’t included with the hitch, so you’ll have to purchase those separately. You can look at this as a pro or a con because it costs more, but it also offers you the chance to choose whichever chair you want.

Pros

• The support bars are capable of supporting two chairs simultaneously, or you can change things up and hang your hammock from them.
• This setup is a perfect option for uneven surfaces or tailgating.

Cons

• Chairs aren’t included, which means that you might end up spending a decent chunk of cash when everything is said and done.
• It takes a few minutes to take apart and set up every time you use it.

Are Hammock Chairs Worth It?

If you prioritize comfort and relaxation, hammock chairs are absolutely worth it. The great thing about portable hammock chairs is that there are many different types to choose from. You can go with the traditional hammock-style rope chair and hang it from a stand, tree, beam, or anything else you can find.

You can also opt for a foldable, free-standing hammock chair. These types of hammock chairs, like the Nemo Stargazer listed above, don’t have the traditional hammock feel, but they’re more portable and just as comfortable. Regardless of which style you choose from our list of the best portable hammock chairs, your chair is guaranteed to be a source of envy at your next campfire or gathering.

The only real downside of most hammock chairs is that they don’t offer as much back support as other types of chairs. However, if you’re willing to spend the extra money and do some research, you can find more supportive hammock chair options.

Wrapping Up Best Portable Hammock Chairs

Portable hammock chairs have changed the world of camping and lounging. Traditionally, outdoor sitting options were limited to uncomfortable, stiff lawn chairs. Hammock chairs, however, combine the comfort of a hammock with the size and convenience of a folding chair. Throw in the fact that most hammock chairs are portable, and you’ve got a Superchair on your hands. Choosing the best portable hammock chair style for you is a personal choice, but you’d be remiss if you don’t at least try one out!

Hooked on hammocks? Check out our recommendations for The 14 Best Hammock Tents for Outdoor Hammocking and The 10 Best Hammock Pillows You Can Buy to go with your new hammock chair!