ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair

Waiting for a train can mean hours in one place: a gravel shoulder, a grassy bank above a curve, a fence line near a crossing. A chair with real support is kinder to the back than standing or perching on a bag. The King Kong offers a roomy seat and back, and its cup holders and pockets keep a drink and small items within reach while you watch the line. The test summary calls it a stable and user-friendly chair with room in the seat and backrest for a variety of body shapes and sizes.

OutdoorGearLab's testers found that it sets up in seconds, and they describe the seat as exceptionally roomy, if a little slouchy, on an incredibly stable frame. They also found the reinforced fabric durable. The test notes that there is no headrest. The maker supplies a carry bag with adjustable backpack straps; packed, it measures 40 inches long, so expect to carry it on a shoulder. Check that chairs are allowed where you plan to sit, and keep well clear of the track and inside any fence or line the property sets. The maker lists quilted 600D polyester over a powder-coated steel frame, with a mesh pocket on the back, a stash pocket on each armrest and two mesh beverage holders. The test calls it one of the heaviest single-person chairs in its lineup, and says the extra features add the weight. One tester expects it to stand up to camping, tailgating, fishing or anything else.

Expert pick · OutdoorGearLab: OutdoorGearLab's testers named it the best overall camping chair among 22 tested, praising its comfort, stability and durable fabric while noting that it is bulky and heavy. Read the review

It suits a railfan who drives to a vantage point, expects a long wait and values comfort over weight. Anyone who walks a long way to the line, or who travels light, should look at a lighter chair. If you will carry it more than a short distance from the car, the weight and the 40-inch packed length are the points to weigh.

The Kijaro Dual Lock Chair is lighter, at 9.5 pounds by its maker's figure, and is the budget pick of the same test, though its capacity is 300 pounds. The Yeti Trailhead is that test's upgrade pick, which it calls very expensive and heavy.