Setting up the Ozark Trail Camping Chair, like most traditional models of camp chair, is a simple pull out and extend which takes seconds. The frame felt robust and the legs sat securely on the ground to give stability, despite the small tree roots on our camp site. It is built to last with its heavy-duty powder coated steel frame and 600D denier fabric. The telescoping adjustable handle locks and extends, allowing effortless transport across multiple surfaces. The cockpit consists of unbranded aluminum parts that get the job done in a workman-like fashion. We were really happy to see a quick-release seatpost clamp since it allowed us to drop it for the descents.
The saddle even drew high marks for its overall shape and comfort. Sure, it’s a bit on the soft side, but it strikes a nice balance between plushness and support for less experienced behinds. The gear ratios felt well suited to climbing thanks in part to the 30-tooth chainring that made steeper sections on the heavier-than-average hardtail doable.
There are also built-in rack mounts, a kickstand mount and non-Boost 135mm quick-release-style dropouts. Interestingly, the frame’s stays are robust looking right up until they connect to the comparatively spindly looking dropouts, which also bow in a touch. It would not surprise us one bit if there is a Boost thru-axle version of this frame out in the world somewhere.
Testers consistently ranked this chair as one of the most comfortable models (typically second to the Yeti Trailhead, which costs almost four times as much). The few testers who didn’t like it often preferred the Kijaro Dual Lock XXL Chair, which costs a little bit more but provides a roomier seat. Testers with knee and hip issues reported that when they were getting in and out of this chair, its armrests felt more stable than those of any other model. So they felt comfortable leaning onto the frame for extra support. With its spacious seat width, this chair also offers more room than any other model we tested. And its backrest extends higher up than those of other chairs; this is nice for taller folks or people who like a good slouch with some head support.
The Ozark Trail had its beginnings in the 1970s when a group of public land managers, land owners, and trail users met to discuss the concept of a long-distance hiking trail. A comprehensive state outdoor recreation plan prepared by the state of Missouri in 1975 showed a need for an addition of 500 to 900 miles (805 to 1,448 km) of hiking trails. A first meeting in 1976 at Meramec State Park lead to the first draft of the trails proposal in February 1977 and in 1981 the first sections of the trail were under construction. In the early 1900s, a Christian minister wandered into the Ozark hills, looking for better health, and found a community that would change his future. Wright camped on the very homestead you can visit today and wrote The Shepherd of the Hills based on the people he grew to love, and set in the hills that soothed his soul with their fresh, natural beauty.
The fork is old-school tech, like early ’90s tech that relied on friction to control movement, and the results are similar, or perhaps even worse, since there is actually less friction in this one. What this fork does best is add comfort to the ride at low to mid-trail speeds, not control. After years of intermittently using the Renetto chair, one staffer said it has held up great. Helping build, maintain, or promote the Ozark Trail is a rewarding experience, and numerous opportunities are available to volunteers. Become a member of our organization or make a donation to help us keep our trail system beautiful. Our Mega events provide free camping, free lunch & dinner, live music, a giant bonfire, and fun raffles for kids and adults.
I’m a writer for Wirecutter covering outdoors and travel gear. I’ve lived in Southern California, Washington, and the home state of Vermont. I’ve camped throughout those regions and everywhere in between, toting gear to mountains, forests, beaches, and deserts. Wherever I go, a crucial piece of the camping setup is a stable, comfortable chair. Comes with the same compact bag with a shoulder strap for ozark trail chair carrying. We were strolling through the aisles of Walmart one day when something caught our eye in the bicycle department—a mountain bike.
Walmart added over 100 new markdowns on camping gear, including chairs, tents, lanterns, flashlights, coolers, and so much more. We rounded up the 15 best deals, with discounts of up to 80 percent, from brands like Ozark Trail, Warmounts, and Igloo. Continue reading to see what we’re eyeing at this major sale event. The Ozark Trail XXL Director chair is a good, if somewhat basic, director’s style camp chair offered by a company with a solid reputation in the market.
What shocked us most is nothing broke or bent under moderately hard riding. Descending performance does not quite match its climbing prowess, but it’s still pretty good. Since the bike doesn’t have a dropper, we had to go old-school with our technique by stopping at the top of each descent, loosening the quick release and dropping the saddle.