Camp chairs matter more than most people think. You sit in them for hours: at lunch, by the fire, and late into the night.
On our first camping trip, I bought a small folding chair for about 1,500 yen (around 10 US dollars). My bottom hurt quickly, the backrest was too short to lean on, and the next morning my whole body was stiff. That mistake is why we now use the Coleman Ray Chair NX18. We have used it for more than a year, and it is the chair we use the most at camp.
Specs
These numbers come from Japanese retailers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) |
| Load capacity | About 80 kg (176 lb) |
| Packed size | About 21 x 16 x 76 cm (8.3 x 6.3 x 30 in) |
| Size in use | About 62 x 79 x 85.5 cm to 62 x 91 x 106 cm |
| Seat width | About 50 cm (19.7 in) |
| Positions | 18 (seat height x backrest angle) |
| Fabric | Flame-resistant |
What we like
You can change how you sit
The seat height and backrest angle are adjustable, so we change how we sit for each moment: for meals, by the fire, and when we just want to relax. After our first cheap chair, we decided to choose a chair we could adjust, and this is the one we ended up with.
Folding has never been a problem
Some people say the Ray Chair is hard to fold. In our experience, after more than a year, we have never had trouble folding it.
What bugs us a little
The feet at the bottom of the legs can pivot, so the chair stays stable on slopes. Because of that, when we pick the chair up and put it down again, the feet sometimes end up facing the wrong way. It still works, but it is a little annoying, and we worry it might wear the feet over time.
Things to know before you buy
- Weight: about 4.3 kg, so it is a chair for car camping, not for backpacking.
- Near the fire: the fabric is flame-resistant, but it is not fireproof. Keep some distance from sparks.
How to get one
The Ray Chair NX18 is a Coleman Japan product, but it is also listed on Amazon.com. When we checked in October 2026, the Jet Black color was in stock there. → Coleman NX18 Ray Chair on Amazon.com
The listing notes that the manufacturer warranty may not apply, so check the seller’s return policy before you buy. If you are in Japan, you can also find it in outdoor shops and Japanese online stores.
Another chair we use
We also use a Coleman Infinity Chair, a zero-gravity style chair that leans back so you can fully relax. We also use it inside our home.
Summary
A good chair changes how a camping trip feels. The Ray Chair NX18 lets us sit the way we want at every moment of the day, and after more than a year it is still the chair we use the most at camp. The pivoting feet are our only small complaint.
More about camping in Japan
In Japan, most campers drive to the campsite and camp in comfort, with big chairs like this one. My book explains how Japanese campers do it, from booking to campsite rules. → Camping in Japan: A Local’s Guide for First-Timers (Amazon)
