By Audrey HayesA kelty double camping chair gives two adults a shared seat at the campsite without the bulk of a full camp couch. This guide walks you through what to check before buying, how to set the chair up safely, how to pack it, and how to keep the fabric and frame in good shape. By the end, you will know whether a double chair fits your trips and how to use one without surprises.
What a Double Camping Chair Is Built to Do
A double camping chair is a folding seat designed for two people sitting side by side. Most are a loveseat-style layout with a shared backrest and a fabric seat panel, sometimes with a center cup holder or a pocket for small items. Compared with two separate chairs, a double keeps you close together, takes up one footprint at camp, and usually packs into a single carry bag. The tradeoff is weight and bulk: a double is heavier and longer than a single chair, so it suits car camping, base camps and campsites with a flat, firm spot more than long backpacking routes.
If you are still deciding between a double and two singles, it helps to read a broader comparison first. Our overview of 6 Best Double Chairs for Camping Options Compared (2026) lays out the main styles side by side, and Kelty Loveseat Camping Chair Review: Features and Performance looks at one specific model in more detail.
Step 1: Check Capacity, Seat Height and Packed Size
Before you buy any double chair, confirm three numbers in the manufacturer’s listing: the weight capacity, the seat height from the ground, and the packed dimensions. These figures decide whether the chair works for your group and your vehicle.
- Weight capacity: Check the stated limit per seat and for the whole chair. Use the combined weight of both sitters plus a small margin, not just the average.
- Seat height: Lower seats (roughly 12 to 16 inches) are easier to get out of for some people but harder for others. Higher seats usually make standing up easier, especially for older adults.
- Packed size: Measure your trunk or cargo space. A packed double is often long and narrow, so measure length first.
For a broader framework on these three specs, see How to Choose a Camping Chair: Height, Capacity and Packed Size.
Step 2: Evaluate Comfort and Support Before You Buy
Comfort on a double chair depends on seat depth, backrest angle and how the fabric sits under weight. Seat depth matters because a shallow seat forces both sitters forward. Look for a backrest that stays upright under load rather than sagging into a hammock shape. Owners often report that a center armrest or divider helps keep two people from crowding each other, though it can make the seat feel narrower.
If you want a feel for how a double chair handles over a full evening, read How to Evaluate a Camping Chair Before You Buy for a checklist you can apply in a store or from listing photos.
Step 3: Set Up the Chair on Level Ground
Setup takes a few minutes but mistakes here cause most of the wobbling and tipping people complain about.
- Choose a flat, firm spot. Sand, soft grass and sloped ground all shift the frame.
- Clear sticks, rocks and pinecones from the footprint.
- Open the frame fully before sitting. Confirm every locking pin, hinge or buckle is engaged.
- Check that all four feet sit evenly. Adjust with a folded piece of cloth or a small pad if needed.
- Test the chair with one person sitting, then both, before relying on it.
Step 4: Pack and Transport the Chair Correctly
Folding the chair the same way each time reduces strain on the hinges and fabric. Fold the seat panel first if the manufacturer’s instructions say so, then collapse the frame in the order shown in the manual. Store it in its carry bag with the bag’s straps buckled so the load does not shift. Keep it out of direct sun and off damp ground in the trunk, since prolonged moisture can weaken seams and encourage mildew.
Packing checklist
- Dry the fabric completely before folding after rain or dew.
- Wipe off sand and dirt before storing.
- Keep the carry bag closed and the chair in a dry part of the vehicle.
- Store the chair loosely folded if it will sit for months.
Step 5: Maintain the Frame and Fabric
A little regular care extends the life of any double chair. Clean spills with mild soap and water, then air-dry fully. Check the frame joints and fasteners before each trip, looking for loose screws, bent tubing or worn pivot points. Replace any part the manufacturer sells separately rather than improvising a fix. Avoid bleach or harsh solvents on the fabric unless the instructions allow them, since these can weaken the material.
If your trips include different environments, you may also want to compare styles. Best Camping Chairs covers a range of options for different conditions.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the combined weight limit. Two sitters near the upper limit of each seat can exceed the chair’s rated total.
- Setting up on uneven ground. Even a small slope makes the chair rock and can stress the joints.
- Folding a wet chair. Trapped moisture leads to mildew and seam damage.
- Sitting down with the locks unchecked. Always confirm every lock before use.
- Buying by photos alone. Measure your vehicle and your campsite spots first.
Tips for Getting the Most From a Double Chair
- Pair the chair with a small side table so both sitters have a surface for cups and food.
- Use a ground tarp under the chair to keep dirt and moisture away from the feet.
- If you camp in windy areas, anchor the chair by positioning it behind a windbreak or your vehicle.
- Bring a second chair or a camp stool for guests so the double stays the shared seat for two.
Recommended Gear
- Ground tarp or footprint: Keeps feet and frame off damp or abrasive ground and protects the fabric from dirt. View on Amazon
- Folding side table: Gives both sitters a stable surface for drinks and snacks next to the double chair. View on Amazon
- Fabric and seam cleaner: Helps lift dirt from outdoor fabric without the damage that harsh household cleaners can cause. View on Amazon
FAQ
How much weight can a kelty double camping chair hold?
Capacity varies by model. Check the manufacturer’s listed per-seat and total limits in the product manual, and do not exceed the lower of the two figures.
Can two adults sit comfortably on a double camping chair?
Most double chairs are designed for two adults, but comfort depends on body size and seat width. Measure the seat and compare it to your combined sitting width before buying.
How do I keep the chair from sinking into soft ground?
Use a flat, firm surface or place a ground tarp or footprint under the chair. Avoid sand and soft grass when possible.
Is a double camping chair good for backpacking?
Usually not. Doubles are heavier and bulkier than single chairs, so they suit car camping and base camps better than long hikes.
How should I clean the fabric?
Use mild soap and water, rinse lightly and air-dry completely. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any other cleaner.
How do I store the chair between trips?
Dry it fully, fold it according to the manual, and keep it in its carry bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Should I check the chair for damage before each trip?
Yes. Inspect the frame joints, locks and fabric seams before each use, and replace worn parts rather than using a damaged chair.
Conclusion
A kelty double camping chair works best when you match its capacity, seat height and packed size to your group and vehicle. Set it up on firm, level ground, pack it dry, and maintain the frame and fabric between trips. Follow these steps and the chair will give two people a dependable shared seat for many seasons.
Related reading
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About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our camping equipment guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
