Let’s be honest, no one likes sitting on the ground. Sand or dirt get everywhere, and there isn’t a backrest in sight.
Mankind invented chairs for just this problem, and chairs have evolved to meet the specific need of supporting your backside in various terrain, like at the beach.
More...
There are so many options for beach chairs that you may be overwhelmed as to what you really need and what is a waste of your money.
We are here to help! We’ve reviewed the best Costco beach chairs to make sure you get the most bang for your buck and come away with a long lasting, feature laden and comfortable chair to serve your every need from the beach to the campsite to the kid’s soccer games.
We’ll cover all the basics to make sure you get the right chair for you!
Our Favorite Picks
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#1 Tommy Bahama 2-Set
#2 RIO Gear Ultimate Backpack Chair with Cooler
#3 Rio Beach Classic
The Top 5
#1 Tommy Bahama 2-Set
The Tommy Bahama 2-set tops our rankings for its durability, ease of carry, and its many well thought out features.
Even though this is a higher price point, it is for two chairs, so you will always have an extra for your friends and family.
The integrated cool bag and backpack carry means you can get much of what you need to the beach with your hands free.
We also like to stuff towels into the folded-up seat for even more carrying capacity in addition to the elastic pouch.
The cupholder/phone holder work really well keeping those important beverages and devices protected while still easily accessible.
Eight reclining positions, including lay flat, and an integrated adjustable pillow mean you can find the most comfortable position with ease.
We love all features and the quality of this chair which is why it is our top pick.
The Rio Gear Ultimate Backpack Chair with Cooler is very similar to our top pick with a few key differences.
One of the things we really like is that the additional storage bag has a zipper, which helps keep your stuff protected.
We also like the sling lace up suspension that allows for some adjustment in the tension of the seat.
However, it does narrow the seating area somewhat.
Otherwise, this chair does have all the bells and whistles you’ll need from full recline positions to a cooler bag to an easy access cupholder.
All of that at a great price will help you have an awesome and relaxing day at the beach.
The Rio Beach Classic may not have started the beach chair category, but it was probably pretty close.
The retro wooden arms are a nice touch to go along with the numerous color and pattern options.
Although it doesn’t have all the latest features, this sturdy chair still has the necessary reclining and lay flat option for comfort at the beach.
We don’t love the usability of the mesh bag cupholder, but it is still functional enough to get by.
The chair also includes padded adjustable straps for carrying.
If all you want is a simple, basic beach chair that will do the job for you year after year then this is the option for you.
For another more basic option, but one that has a few more features, go with the Rio Beach 4-Position Lace-Up.
You get the added benefit of the backpack carry and a large storage pouch as well as the cup holder, but you lose the cooler pouch.
You also do not get full recline.
The flip up pillow and lace up suspension remain, making this a great go-to option at a little bit lower price point.
The Coleman Portable Quad Chair is our go to for a higher vantage point, and for easy access to the cooler bag.
This is the only version that has the cooler bag in the front instead of the back, meaning you can grab your beverage without having to reach too far around or getting up to get to the back of the chair.
The sturdy materials and wide seat are also top of class for camp style chairs, which translates to the highest supported weight rating of any of our top five at 325 lbs.
While the stability of this chair is better on firmer and more level ground, it is still stable enough to plant in the sand and watch the waves roll in.
Finally, this is the least expensive option in our top five, so if you are on a tighter budget this is a great option.
FAQ
What Should I Look For When Buying?
So many small things can add up to a great experience whenever you go to the beach or the ballgame. The most important, of course, is comfort.
Look at the suspension of the chair and how it fits with the frame. If it is attached well and has enough material coverage you should be good to go. We also like to look at the height of the chair, depending on how you will use it.
Ball games or other off beach uses might require a taller camp type chair. No matter what your use, you will have to carry this chair a lot of places. None of the chairs are particularly heavy, but look at the carrying options.
We really like the backpack style when you are carrying one chair because it frees up your hands to carry other things, but the over the should style can be easier for carrying multiple chairs at once. Much of the durability of the chair will come down to materials.
Most of the seat will be made of polyester, which is a good durable material, but look for higher weight/denier versions for the longest life. Also look for frames that are able to withstand salt air exposure at the beach without rusting line anodized aluminum or rust proof aluminum.
Stainless steel is not commonly used because it is too heavy and expensive for this application.
Finally, look at some of the added features. Good cupholder design, phone holders, towel bars and cooler bag access will only add to the usability of your Costco beach chair.
Are The Higher Priced Chairs Worth It Compared To Cheap Ones?
We’ve long advocated to not outspend your budget. A beach chair can be had for any budget, but if you can afford it the extra features in the more expensive chairs are definitely worth it. Once you try the backpack carry and have quality cup and phone holders you will never go back.
The higher prices chairs are also usually made of better materials that can stand up to the wear and tear and harsh salt air. The less expensive chairs can absolutely work but may not last as long and end up costing more when you have to replace them. On the whole, if you can afford it, go a little nicer.
Camping Style VS Classic Beach Chair Style
There are two major factors to consider when deciding between a beach style chair and a camping style chair. The first is height and the second is recline ability. A camping chair will get you higher off the ground, which is very useful for sporting events and other uses where you are trying to get a better vantage point.
Beach style chairs offer the ability to recline for a more relaxing position, which isn’t an option for camp chairs. We tend to think that beach chairs are a little more comfortable, but don’t offer height for any kind of necessary vantage point. Whichever is most important to you will help you decide the best option to purchase.
Why do you keep talking about cup holders?
We’ll admit a bit of an obsession, but we aren’t the only ones. And hey, you have to stay hydrated, so make sure you have your beverage of choice easily at hand. Cupholders also compliment cooler bags very nicely…
Final Verdict - Which Beach Chair Should I Buy?
We really love the Tommy Bahama 2-Set because it has all the features for every added benefit you might need for a great day at the beach.
From a top-notch cooler bag to full recline, you won’t go wanting with this well-crafted chair. The backpack carrying straps and the extra carrying pouch will help you get all you need to and from your favorite lounging spot with ease.
The two pack is just the icing on the cake so you can make sure that your friends and family can relax in the same comfort and luxury as you. All of this adds up to a great beach going experience with your Costco Beach Chair!
