The one drawback of a beach chair is that it makes your backache if you sit for a long time. This is especially horrible for those with back pain, who will find it painful and difficult to sit down or stand up from a beach chair.
So, if you have back pain and want a comfortable, relaxing experience on the beach, you need the best beach chairs for bad backs.
Here are the best beach chairs for bad backs (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair
- Best for Large-Framed People: MacSports TBBM-109
- Best for Lower Back: STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair
- Best for Upper Back: MOVTOTOP Folding Camping Beach Chair
- Best for Summer: GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair
- Best for Heavy People: Kijaro XXL Chair
| 6 Best Beach Chairs for Bad Backs | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair | |
Best for Large-Framed People | MacSports TBBM-109 | |
Best for Lower Back | STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair | |
Best for Upper Back | MOVTOTOP Folding Camping Beach Chair | |
Best for Summer | GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair | |
Best for Heavy People | Kijaro XXL Chair | |
Best Overall: Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair
- Good support and comfort for bad backs - fully padding back and seat & adjustable armrest heights
- Convenient and handy - side mesh cup holder, a built-in cooler, and side pockets
- Easy storage and transport – foldable design & a carrying bag included
- The carrying bag has a very thin material
It’s one of the most favorite beach chairs for bad backs thanks to the fully padding back and seat, along with adjustable armrest heights.
Moreover, it is equipped with lots of practical add-ons, such as side mesh cup holder to keep your drink at hand, a built-in cooler, and side pockets for personal items or magazines.
The chair itself is foldable for easy storage and transport that fits inside most car trunks. There also has a carrying bag as well.
| Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8.82 pounds |
Weight Capacity | 325 lbs. |
Assembled Size | 24 Inches Wide; 18.1 Inches High |
Seat Height | 24 Inches |
Highlight Features | Fully padding back and seat & adjustable armrest heights |
Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair does the trick if all you need is something supportive, comfortable, durable, and convenient to sit down and enjoy while being on the beach. Yes, it’s the best overall performer on our list.
Best for Large-Framed People: MacSports TBBM-109
- Provide extra comfort and support for a large frame - x-large and wide measurements, 22mm steel frame, and rugged 600D fabric
- Superbly stable - a CMSS center mount support system
- Keep you from sweating - a breathable mesh back
- Easy to transport – a carrying bag with shoulder straps
- Wish the back was slightly higher to rest the head on
The MacSports TBBM-109 is appreciated by larger-frame users for its x-large and wide measurements combined with sturdy yet supportive construction.
Aside from the dimensions of 23.2” (wide) by 37” (long) by 38.2” (high), it highlights a strong 22mm steel frame and rugged 600D fabric, which can support a max weight of 350 pounds.
The biggest selling point of this beach chair is a CMSS center mount support system for superior stability.
It also has a breathable mesh back to keep you from sweating. Similar to the previous option, this one provides the user with mesh cup holders, a carrying bag, and adjustable armrest height. But a bonus is the added shoulder strap for easier transport.
| MacSports TBBM-109 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8. 4 lbs |
Weight Capacity | 350 lbs. |
Assembled Size | 37 x 23.2 x 38.1 inches |
Seat Height | 38.1 inches |
Highlight Features | x-large and wide measurements, 22mm steel frame, and rugged 600D fabric |
MacSports TBBM-109 is an excellent valued option built for large-frame users.
Best for Lower Back: STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair
- Bring ease tension throughout the lower back & pressure relief to the spine – patented, award-winning lumbar supportive design
- Maximum comfort on the back and hips - spacious seating area and an ergonomic construction
- Sturdy and durable - heavy-duty construction, enhanced connections, and improved locking system
- A bit too low on the ground
- The carrying bag could be better
- Its cup holders are flimsy
The lumbar supportive design of STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair has been patented and even received an award for its exceptional ability to ease tension throughout the lower back as well as pressure relief to the spine.
Meanwhile, it has a spacious seating area and ergonomic construction for maximum comfort on the back and hips.
To prove its decent performance, the chair is backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Making it outstanding is not just its heavy-duty construction but also the enhanced connections and improved locking system.
Contrasting to its sturdy design, the chair is quite lightweight and it can be folded down for easy storage.
| STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8.5 pounds |
Weight Capacity | 300-pound |
Assembled Size | 20"(Seat W) x 23.5"(D) x24"(H) |
Seat Height | 24” |
Highlight Features | Patented, award-winning lumbar supportive design |
The STRONGBACK Low Gravity Beach Chair earns our Best Buy for Lower Back due to its ergonomic construction with an emphasis on patented lumbar supportive design.
Best for Upper Back: MOVTOTOP Folding Camping Beach Chair
- Supportive for the head and upper back – updated high back design
- Very comfortable - well-cushioned armrests and low seat design
- Extra convenience - waterproof bottom & advanced breathable fabric
- The cup holder could be sturdier
- Not ideal for beach campfire – low seat design
Lots of people with upper back issues have left positive feedback for this beach chair due to its updated high back design (up to 35.5 inches).
For souped-up comfort, it also features well-cushioned armrests and low seat design to keep your legs spreading out in the sand. There is also a cup holder for your drink and a waterproof bottom to save it from being soaked by the seawater.
Don’t worry if you’re a heavy sweated person because it is made from advanced breathable fabric for decent airflow.
Another thing that we really appreciate is the 90-day full-refund guarantee and 100% lifetime benefits provided by MOVTOTOP.
| MOVTOTOP Folding Camping Beach Chair Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7 lbs. |
Weight Capacity | 300 Pounds |
Assembled Size | 30.7x7x6.3 inches |
Seat Height | 35 inches. |
Highlight Features | Updated high back design |
If you have issues with your upper back, the MOVTOTOP Folding Camping Beach Chair might be what you’re after.
Best for Summer: GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair
- Keep the sun off your face and upper back when it is directly overhead - sunproof shade
- Easy to get up – feature a perfect height (54.1”)
- Kid- and pet-friendly – no sharp edges
- No directions
Spending a few extra bucks, you’ve got a beach chair that is not only sturdy and supportive for bad backs but also an added sunproof shade to keep the sun off your face. A big bonus for this additional feature is its rotation ability front to back and collapse flatly when not in use.
Besides, compared to others, this has an ultra-broad seat and backrest. The hard arms and steel frame, on the other hand, add to the chair’s support significantly.
The legs have you sitting high enough off the ground making it easier to get up.
One thing that our testers really love is it has no sharp edges, which is very pet- and kid-friendly.
| GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 9.19 Pounds |
Weight Capacity | 250 pounds. |
Assembled Size | 32.3 x 34.6 x 54.1 inches |
Seat Height | 54.1 inches |
Highlight Features | Sunproof shade; feature a perfect height (54.1”); no sharp edges |
GCI Outdoor Waterside Chair is the one we would like to reach for when finding a bad back beach chair for summer use.
Best for Heavy People: Kijaro XXL Chair
- Superbly durable and heavy-duty – weight capacity of 400 pounds
- Strong and powerful & no sag-down - dual lock system, durable diamond ripstop polyester fabric, and high-grade steel frame
- Heavy
Nothing can beat the Kijaro XXL Chair as it has the highest weight capacity (up to 400 pounds) and highlights indestructible construction.
The design includes a dual lock system, durable diamond ripstop polyester fabric, and a high-grade steel frame. The back, meanwhile, is made from breathable mesh for superb air ventilation.
A big bonus is it doesn’t sag down, especially if you’re a heavy person.
Regardless, it provides you with a carrying bag with straps attached to the chair, meshes pockets with zippers, and two cup holders. The price can’t be cheaper.
| Kijaro XXL Chair Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 11.8 lbs |
Weight Capacity | 400 pounds |
Assembled Size | 28.3 x 37.8 x 40.6 inches |
Seat Height | 40.6 inches |
Highlight Features | Weight capacity of 400 pounds |
The Kijaro XXL Chair will be your best go-to if you are a heavy person.
How To Choose The Best Beach Chair for Bad Backs?
Bad backs need proper support, which is why when searching for a chair in this area, you should prioritize back support. And with most people suffering from lower back pain, it’s best to choose a chair offering firm lumbar aid.
For this purpose, look for beach chairs whose mesh is tight and firm, it helps you sit in the correct position with the spine curved naturally.
If it’s uncomfortable to sit in at first, you can add a pillow. But never pick a chair with loose mesh because it will worsen the back pain.
Seating Height
Seating height is also important to keep you in the correct position. The recommended height for those with back pain, especially chronic pains, is 10 feet for higher.
The chair shouldn’t be too low as it will give you a hard time sitting down and standing up, you will feel the pain even worse.
Legs
The reason why you have to pay attention to the legs on a beach chair is that it determines the height at which you will sit and how easily you can get off from the chair.
If the legs are too small, the chair will sink into the sand and you will sit lower, find it harder to get up. We suggest you pick a beach chair with rubber pads or a full rail between the legs.
Which Brands Make The Best Beach Chair for Bad Backs?
Coleman
This brand has been around for over a century. With so many years of experience, Coleman focuses on innovation to create the newest, greatest products so you can enjoy your trip to the beach.
STRONGBACK
STRONGBACK is specialized in making chairs for outdoor activities. Whether you go camping in the woods or on the beach, you will find the perfect chair to support your back with this brand.
MOVTOTOP
Since its foundation in 2015, MOVTOTOP is a global brand with a wide range of products across different areas. Here, you will find beach chairs made with high quality, efficiency, and affordable prices.
Kijaro
Focusing on outdoor experience, this brand offers products with innovation and high quality for your beach trips. It also offers various color options for you to choose from.
FAQs
Why are beach chairs so low?
Many beach chairs are low because people usually find it comfortable to stretch their legs while sitting on the beach. Beach chairs even allow for reclining so that you can lay on your back or stomach, and take a nap as well.
Are all beach chairs good for your back?
No, not all of them. Most beach chairs feature mesh between the steel/aluminum framing, if the mesh is too loose, you will sit with your shoulders and head bent forward, which isn’t good for your back.
Can you lay on your stomach in a zero gravity chair?
No, you can’t since the chair doesn’t lay completely flat.
Does the weight of beach chairs matter?
Yes, it does as you will have to carry the chair from your house to the beach and along/around the beach. If you don’t have a beach cart and the chair is heavy, your spine, shoulders, and neck will be strained.
What is the best material for a bad back?
For a beach chair, the material is not as important as its structure. Instead, you should consider lumbar support.
In general, however, the best material for bad backs are memory foam and latex. They easily form to hug the body, cradle the natural curves on the body while supporting pressure points such as hips and shoulders.
Conclusion
We hope that by now, you have figured out how to find the best beach chairs for bad backs to use during your trips to the beach.
A good beach chair will help you avoid back pain and long-term influence on your back and sitting posture, so don’t bother spending extra time searching, the list of the best brand in this post will assist you. Good luck!
Bryan Listor
