There’s nothing better than enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends. If you’re an avid camper, hiker, beach-goer, fisherman, or BBQ-er, you’ve probably owned your fair share of folding chairs. While these highly portable chairs get the job done, they’re not the most supportive or comfortable. If you’re looking for a studier outdoor chair—one with a fully padded seat and the ability to recline—the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Outdoor Lounger might be of interest. We took one for a spin to see how it held up outdoors and if it delivered on its promise of comfort. Keep reading for our full review.
Delivery and Setup: Simple and easy
The Timber Ridge Zero Gravity chair shipped fully assembled straight to our door. It didn’t have a lot of extra packaging, either, which made it easy to unpack and start using right away. The advantage of the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity chair is its portability. At 26.4 pounds, it’s bulkier than most compact camping chairs, but the set up was just as easy. We pushed down on the seat of the chair and it clicked right into place. To fold it up again, we pushed the seat toward the backrest and then pushed the legs flat.
Comfort: Minimal cushions but great recline
If you’re expecting a chair you can sink into, the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger is not for you. Apart from the removable head cushion, the chair has only minimal cushioning and is constructed of polyester fabric. This means that it’s easy to clean—a major plus for an outdoor chair—but at the same point, it can feel tough and rugged. This wasn’t a big issue for us, though, as we value durability and portability over ultra-luxe fabric. The biggest factor when it comes to comfort is the chair’s ability to recline. Using a locking lever, you can adjust the chair from an upright position all the way to a fully reclined horizontal position. This meant that everyone in our family could find their perfect setting. As previously mentioned, the Timber Ridge chair is a bit heavy to carry around. We took it to the beach and had to walk some distance from the parking lot to the sand. Carrying the chair while walking in sand proved to be difficult and while we were happy to be able to recline, we questioned bringing it when a folding chair—which we could sling over our shoulder—would have been fine. Due to its heft, we’d say the chair is best suited for camping or fishing trips that require minimal travel on foot.
Design: Rugged with some nice details
As a permanent patio chair, the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger is a bit informal for our taste. But for a portable camping chair, it’s both attractive and practical. We appreciate that the cup holder is separate from the natural wood arm rests; we were able to use the arm rest without sacrificing space to hold a beverage.
Support: Not quite weightless but very supportive
As the name implies, the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger is designed to support your body as if you were in zero gravity. Zero gravity chairs relieve the pressure of aching joints and muscles, allowing you to relax in total comfort. While we didn’t feel completely weightless, the chair was noticeably more supportive than other outdoor recliners.
Durability: The best of the best
Timber Ridge is a well-known gear retailer. They stand behind their products and the chair comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for issues related to the construction of the chair. The metal frame is constructed from powder-coated steel, which can stand up to the elements quite well. Timber Ridge does recommend keeping the chair out of extreme sunlight to prevent fading and because it folds up and stores easily, it’s simple enough to stow it in a garage or shed. We spilled water on the polyester fabric while first testing the reclining options and after a quick wipe with a washcloth, it was hard to tell there was even a spill. The headrest also detaches so you can more thoroughly clean it if needed.
Price: Expensive for a camping chair
To us, $130 seems like a lot to spend on a portable camping chair. While the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger is noticeably more comfortable than other outdoor chairs, there are a lot of other pieces of gear that you’ll need for a camping weekend. If your budget needs to cover other accessories—like a cooler, portable grill, or tent—you may want to go with a budget-friendly folding chair.
Competition: More options are out there
Timber Ridge Camping Chair Ergonomic High Back Support: Portable camping chairs can be found for as little as $20, but the Timber Ridge Camping Chair offers extra comfort and features while still coming in at a reasonable price. For less than $70, this chair folds up more compactly and is able to be carried in an included shoulder bag. For most campers, this is all they need to enjoy a night full of s’mores, campfire songs, and stars. Mainstays Woven Wicker Outdoor Recliner: If you’re looking for a more permanent fixture for your patio or deck, the Mainstays Woven Wicker Outdoor Recliner is much more appealing. It’s a little bit more expensive at $200, but it has more cushion, is sturdier, and looks like an actual piece of furniture. As much as we enjoyed the comfort of the Timber Ridge Zero Gravity Lounger, the price tag is hard to justify. Unless you have back issues or you’re able to find it on sale, you’re probably better off with a $15 folding chair.
