Is there a good camping chair that is comfortable for programming?

I'd recommend a chair that folds up to a square shape, rather than a tube shape. Like this one from BCF (available in Australia, I'm sure there's a similar shop in Sweden) : https://www.bcf.com.au/p/wanderer-reclining-mesh-lounger/520...

This is the kind I'd recommend you avoid: https://www.bcf.com.au/p/oztent-king-goanna-hotspot-camp-cha...

The reason being is that these chairs tend to have better back and butt support for longer periods. This particular model allows you to recline as well, which can be good. It'd mess up your neck if you're doing it every day for weeks on end, but the occasional park day would be fine.

I am sitting in a $10 Walmart camping chair as I type this with my laptop in my lap.

[edit: oops, it's $8 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Basic-Quad-Folding-Ca...]

For me, the second part - the laptop in my lap - is 90% of working comfortably whether on the go or in my regular workspace.

The chair just needs to be good enough...just needs to not have terrible ergonomics and for me "better" chairs tend to be worse.

Chairs being better or worse based on theory won't reliably predict whether a chair is going to work for you. That's why Aeron's come in different sizes.

Good luck.

[PS: if a want shade, I put my chair in shade]

I worked in a chinese compact chair like the ones pointed out here(helinox) both the large and small size.

I rather use the cheap decathlon folding chair with armrests: https://www.decathlon.es/es/p/silla-plegable-camping-quechua... which is surprisingly comfortable for me

Check out Helinox https://helinox.eu/. We have a couple that we take to the parks with us in London and they're great.

Regardless of chair, I would also recommend a small folding desk like this one: https://table-mate-llc.myshopify.com/products/table-mate-ult...

It's much more ergonomic than working off your lap, since your arms can be in a more neutral position and your neck isn't tilted down all day.

In a pinch, picnic tables are also ergonomically better, if you can find one nearby.

> We are getting really good weather in Sweden right now

With all that sunshine up north you might also want a build-in unfoldable solar panel so that you can charge your laptop in perpetuity?

The bigger the chair, the bigger the comfort - but you are more restricted in the place, as you don't want to move that big chair so far. And the most accessible places are usually the loudest (but in Sweden you probably have more space).

I do maybe 50% of programming outside and I can use any place, but the best places require a bit more walking (or climbing). So I have some hidden spots around where I live and no one bothers me there, so the best condition for me to get into the zone.

And sometimes I bring a small chair with me (that fits in a backpack), but usuall not and I rather learned to sit comfortable with my legs crossed.

Called Schneidersitz in german (literal: tailors seat, but that does not seem to be a english word)

https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneidersitz

It is also a yoga position and good for your back muscles.

So I don't need a chair and can sit and work anywhere.

(And since I was quite nomadic and outdoor, I did sit in lots of remote, but awesome locations - solar powered).

But I am using this position since a kid, so if you are not used to it, you might never find it comfortable and this surely would not help with any work getting done. But for me it is way better for my back, than a standard camping chair.

I like to hike into the middle of the wilderness and work, which means I want as little weight as possible.

Initially I was thinking I'd buy one of these: https://www.intension-design.com/tripodtable

But it is both heavy, not versatile, and expensive. Instead, I made my own:

1. Got a high quality, lightweight camera tripod with a ball head which I could use for photography anyway. This is more expensive than the above but extremely lightweight, durable, small and w/lifetime warranty: https://www.peakdesign.com/products/travel-tripod or https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085BQS6K4 the important thing here is that the ball head can be well-tightened since you'll be resting both laptop and some weight from your arms on it.

2. Got an HDPE cutting board (you can buy these anywhere for like $10). This acts as the 'desk' surface and is very lightweight and durable.

3. Drilled a hole in the top two corners of the breadboard, through which I passed and knotted 1/4in bungee cord. This crosses along the top of my keyboard, below the screen, in the hinge of my laptop and keeps the laptop from sliding off. It's a bungee seatbelt, basically.

The whole thing compresses down to minimal space inside my backpack, so that I can also fit a lightweight backpacker's chair if I want to sit – but the beauty of the tripod is that it also adjusts for standing height, and I've found I don't even bring the chair anymore and just stand there in the middle of the woods writing. Good for posture and productivity, and when I really need to rest I also have a hammock that I can string up :)

I really like this tripod + breadboard setup a LOT and I even use it around my house now.

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EDIT: photos as requested

Laptop strapped in: https://ibb.co/yNgbtRf

Underside: https://ibb.co/ZhpxdYg

Top w/out laptop: https://ibb.co/rbs2bVK

Mounting bolt: https://ibb.co/5W9BvCH

I use a Tommy Bahama beach chair for this, and I love it. I find it comfortable, reasonably adjustable. Quality is good value for the price but not incredible. Size is not too small, but it has a storage bag + cool bag on the back so it can be used as a backpack (easily fits a laptop + accessories). Some come with little collapsible sun shades.

You can find it online easily (https://www.tommybahama.com/en/c/home-view_all_beach_gear), but again this is a cheap option, don't expect miracles!

I'd love to do the same but I generally find it uncomfortable to use a laptop for two reasons:

The screen is too far down so I have to bend my back and neck to look at the screen causing neck pain.

The screen is at the right height, but because it's a laptop the keyboard is too far up and it's tiring for my hands.

I can't think of a solution to this other than bringing a keyboard, mouse and some awkward stand to elevate the laptop as a screen.

For the most part comfort and small size are going to be something you need to pick one of, except the crazy creek.

I’d recommend this for pure comfort but it’s large

https://www.yeti.com/outdoor-living/chairs/26010000016.html

What about using a foldable standing desk? That would be easier to set up in a shady spot...

I use a low folding beach chair that I think my wife got at a CVS or Walgreens store (US). Sorry I don't have a model number or better photo of the whole chair. One "c" clamp is enough to hold a board in place for the laptop. I'm about 61.5 kilos / 177 cm. In a shady spot I can work comfortably for a few hours with short breaks. The low height means I can put my legs out in front of me. The board fits inside the chair when its folded so I can carry them with one hand.

Pics: https://imgur.com/a/1HjaE2W

I actually use one of these style camping chairs:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0561/9430/1975/products/go...

They have decent lower back support, padded armrests, don't cut off leg circulation and encourage good posture.

You can find them off-brand for about $30 USD around here.

How are you supposed to touchtype if you only have a chair but without a table? I recommend you just to take a hammock, seems like all your requirements have been met.

Crazy Creek chairs. Not many features and low to ground, yet very comfortable for long periods of time and collapses down to very small footprint.

Built in sun shade is totally a thing - there are umbrellas with a built in clamp to attach them to just about any chair. And they work fine as rain umbrellas too.

https://www.outbackadventures.net.au/product/oztrail-clip-on...

Have you used your laptop outside, yet?

Many laptop screens are barely viewable outside (not bright enough), and some have horrible glare.

You should try it and see.

Adjustable and folding chairs don't particularly go together, especially if you're talking light weight.

I have a friend that has one of these: https://www.cliqproducts.com

He swears by it. The main reason he uses it, is because he's a bicyclist, and needs small and light, when folded.

Looks great, but pricey.

I would recommend one of the Herman Miller chairs. They are not cheap but they are high quality. They don't fold but they do have wheels and are easily washable with lots of water, built like tanks, just fine for the outdoors.

Slightly different wish for a garden chair recommendation here:-)

Primary use case - relaxation/sunbathing.

- supports legs (from calfs), trunk, head

- supports sitting/laying body facing up/down

- easy to handle/unfold

- small size when folded

- the weight is not a primary factor

There is no such thing as a camping chair for programming.

I like the kind of beach chairs that place your bottom only an inch or two off the ground. Search for "low beach chair"

That would be nice. It would also probably work as a chair for small houses that you can stow away when you are not using it.

I bought a 3 legged camping stool which I thought would be portable and good for sitting against a tree, but unfortunately it gave me pins and needles after about 20 minutes.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/camping-tripod/_/R-p-13373

Shame, as it was fine up until that point.

Related question: any recommendations on a decent budget portable monitor for a similar purpose?

"chair umbrellas" work really well. They have a clip that attaches to your chair.

I personally like the zero gravity ones. Never fully assembled a setup, tho.

a basic chair with long, straight hard-back are best for long-coding sessions. Also consider an airy surface to place your laptop on (your lap?) e.g a wooden/bamboo laptop support/stand (grill).

REI flexlite camp dreamer is pretty good, but its not adjustable.

Is the Yeti Hondo available where you live?

Is it going to be used with a desk?