Concept Ultralight Buccaneer
Price £25.99 (RRP)
Tel 01342 833 822
Web www.concept-international.com
Colours Woodland Green, Olive, Storm Blue, Mulberry Red
Seat dimensions 52cm x 40cm
Weight 3kg
Like the Explorer, the sturdy Buccaneer has a 100kg weight capacity and extra stitching and reinforcement in high-tension areas. Its triangular back looks narrow, but it is actually very comfortable. Both armrests can be tightened by adjusting a sliding buckle; the right-hand contains an 'Acticool' insulated drinks holder, with a drainage hole for spillages. However, because this is a fabric pocket, it holds your drink at a slight angle. Wide, shatterproof nylon feet bases prevent the Buccaneer from sinking into soft ground, and the chair can be packed away into a sturdy carry bag with a wide, comfortable strap.
Verdict
Innovative, functional, affordable - and built to last.
Rating: * * * * *

Concept Ultralight Explorer
Price £18.99 (RRP)
Tel 01342 833 822
Web www.concept-international.com
Colours Woodland Green, Olive, Storm Blue, Mulberry Red
Seat dimensions 46cm x 42cm
Weight 2.2kg
The Explorer is a simplified version of the Buccanneer. The seat and the low backrest are comfortable, and the latter moulds to the shape of your lower back. The Explorer's lightweight construction makes it ideal for taking on picnics, and it folds into a bag with a wide strap that won't dig into your shoulder. Despite its small size, it has a 100kg capacity, and high-tension areas have reinforcement patches and extra stitching and.
Verdict A comfy, no-frills chair that's easy to pack and carry.
Rating: * * * *

Pyramid Regal Recliner
Price £29.95 (RRP)
Tel 01623 754 567
Web www.pyramid-products.com
Colours Green & blue, burgundy, green
Seat dimensions 47cm x 36cm
Weight 5kg
This is an affordable high-backed chair that doesn't skimp on comfort. The headrest is padded, and the seat is just deep and firm enough to stop you feeling as if you're being swallowed up. The reclining system is adjusted by lifting the narrow (and rather uncomfortable) armrests and, for the ultimate in comfort, you can also buy a matching footstool for £11.99. This chair folds flat, and its checker pattern is smart and cheerful. Overall, this wasn't the sturdiest model on test.
Verdict Really affordable and supportive, but it feels a bit flimsy.
Rating: * * * * *

Amazing Outdoors Crespo Chair
Price £69.95 (RRP)
Tel 0800 915 8991
Web www.amazingoutdoors.com
Colours Blue & cream
Seat dimensions 50cm x 40cm
Weight 4.2kg
This is a high-backed chair that offers excellent lower back support and is very comfortable too. The Crespo's seat is not too deep, which means that if you're short, the front edge won't dig into the backs of your knees. While the plastic armrests aren't padded, they are wide enough to be comfortable. The Crespo's backrest can be set at six different angles by lifting up the armrests once you're seated. The chair folds flat for easy storage in the van, and comes with a two-year guarantee. The downside is that this is the most expensive chair we tested, and the optional footrest (£19.95) and variable headrest (£9.95) take the cost higher still.
Verdict In the case of the Crespo, supreme comfort and a sturdy build come at a high price.
Rating: * * *

Pyramid Sport Compact Aluminium
Price £17.95 (RRP)
Tel 01623 754 567
Web www.pyramid-products.com
Colours Red, green, blue
Seat dimensions 59cm x 49cm
Weight 2.3kg
This is an extremely lightweight model - only the Concept Explorer is lighter. It provides a wide, stable seat, with a drinks holder in each armrest and a magazine compartment on its side. The seat moulds to fit your shape, but it's so low-slung that older users may struggle to get up from it, especially since it is prone to tipping if you exert downwards pressure on one arm only. It folds away into its own carry bag, but we found it a bit fiddly to get it back in there after use.
Verdict Lightweight and affordable with some great lounging features - but the low seat won't suit everyone.
Rating: * * *

La Fuma Chamonix
Price £45 (RRP)
Tel 01489 557 600
Web www.lafuma.com
Colours Seigle (light beige), Highland (green & brown stripes), Forest (dark green)
Seat dimensions 49cm x 36cm
Weight 2.9kg
The Chamonix has a narrower seat than some of the chairs we tested but it is still comfortable and offers good lower back support. What's more, the seat isn't too deep, which means the frame won't dig into the back of your knees. The backrest can be set at five different angles, ranging from upright (90º) to fully reclined (45º). The top of the backrest is slightly angled so that your head rests against the fabric rather than the frame - although this won't work if you are very tall. The armrests are wide and curved, although they are too short to support your entire forearm. The Chamonix folds flat and has a two-year guarantee.
Verdict A lightweight, stylish and well constructed chair that's a little on the pricey side.
Rating: * * * *

Amazing Outdoors Folding Director's Chair
Price £24.95 (RRP)
Tel 0800 915 8991
Web www.amazingoutdoors.com
Colours Greena
Seat dimensions 53cm x 34cm
Weight 2.8kg
This director's chair has an extra-wide seat that makes it perfect for curvy caravanners. The back has just enough give for it to be both supportive and comfy, and the foam-padded armrests are easy on the elbows. The side table will hold a glass and a plate, and boasts a wipe-clean surface. The chair folds flat, and has carry handles sewn into its fabric. It is sturdy, but it creaked loudly as we moved.
Verdict A wide, sturdy chair, ideal for barbecue gatherings.
Rating: * * * *

Hi Gear Aluminium Arm Chair FC420
Price £29.50 (RRP)
Tel 020 8847 4422
Web www.higearinfo.com
Colours Two-tone grey
Seat dimensions 48cm x 43cm
Weight 3.6kg
This is a rock-solid chair, with a seat that's set high enough off the ground to make it accessible even to those with stiff joints - although snapping it open took some muscle. The foam-padded armrests curve comfortably under your arms, and extra padding has also been added to the backrest - although we couldn't actually feel any difference between this and ordinary fabric. You can sit right back in the deep seat, although the feel of the protruding aluminium frame can be a bit of a shock to bare legs at first. This is a tough durable chair that looks stylishly modern, too.
Verdict Solid and roomy with smart, modern styling.
Rating: * * * * *

Hi Gear Aluminium Arm Chair FC421
Price £27.95
Tel 020 8847 4422
Web www.higearinfo.com
Colours Two-tone grey
Seat dimensions 57cm x 41cm
Weight 3.4kg
Unfolding this sturdy chair takes a bit of figuring out, but once you've done it you can make the frame extra-secure by way of two large plastic clips that rotate into place. The seat is wide and firm, although there is little in the way of lower back support. What's more, the angled backrest tips you backwards, but the fabric isn't taught enough to support your head. The arms aren't particularly comfortable either: they're made from aluminiumand would benefit from some padding. Having said all that, this is incredibly lightweight for a chair of this type, and its packs into its carry case with ease.
Verdict Smart and sturdy, the FC421 just isn't as comfortable as it looks.
Rating: * *