Ergonomic holiday equipment

Camping means a feeling of freedom for some, a practical alternative to air travel for others. Millions of people travel by camper van, caravan or camping in tents every year – with a rising trend. Campers not only spend a lot of money on travel expenses and site fees, but also on equipment. Camping chairs are among the essential gear.

These usually folding seats are used for many things: at every meal, for a cosy chat or simply to relax and enjoy the day. This can easily add up to several hours each day. And so it is important that camping chairs should have an ergonomic, back-friendly design.

Back-friendly in every sitting and lying position

Compared to the rickety items provided in the past, today industry offers top quality products. They support a back-friendly posture in various inclined sitting and lying positions. It is important for the chair to be suitable for different uses. However, individual adjustment is not always possible, so that the chair should have the widest possible range of ergonomic properties.

One of the requirements naturally also includes product safety, which has to be monitored constantly by the manufacturer. This is the only way to warrant that even heavy persons (heed the maximum weight) can use all sitting and lying positions without any danger.

Ideally, a foot rest or stool should be available for clearly improved relief for the back when sitting; this also facilitates venous reflux from the legs.

• For the size of the chairs, pay attention to the following values to make sure the chair will fit most people. The seat height should be in the range of 42 to 47 cm, the seat width in the range of 43 to 48 cm, and the minimum seat width should be 43 cm.
• The seat bottom has to be designed so that sliding off the chair when leaning back is prevented.
• For sitting in comfort, the backrest must be high enough – at least 68 cm – and has to provide balanced support in all areas. An additional, adaptable neck support is beneficial.
• The backrest adjustment has to be safe and easy to use, making various sitting and lying positions possible. From an upright sitting position (90°), a rear inclination of at least 50° and preferably 60° should be possible.
• The seat and backrest upholstery has to be breathable to prevent sweating.
• The armrests have to comfortably support the forearms. They need to be at least 4 cm wide.
• Since you often take camping chairs to various places, make sure they can be folded and unfolded safely and easily.
• The weight also plays a role, because the chairs have to be frequently carried or stowed. Therefore, look for chairs that are sturdy, yet as light as possible – a weight of 6 kg should not be exceeded.
• A stool or an additional footrest that can be attached is not essential, but considerably relieves strain on the back while sitting. Putting your feet up every once in a while is not just very pleasant, it also improves the flow of blood in the legs.

Minimum requirements

• Medium dimensions (recommended: seat height between approx. 42 and 47 cm, seat depth between approx. 43 and 48 cm, seat width at least 43 cm)
• The seat material prevents "sliding out of the chair"
• Adequate back rest height (at least 68 cm)
• Balanced support for the entire back and neck region
• Easy, safe adjustment of the back rest over a large range
• Breathable material for the seat and rests
• Wide arm rests (at least 4 cm)
• Easy unfolding and collapsing
• Lightweight (no more than approx. 6 kg)

Also appropriate

• Stool or foot rest

• currently none