Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile Camp Chair

Railfanning is mostly waiting: an hour at a crossing, an overpass or a quiet siding for a train that may or may not be on time. This is a plain, light folding chair for that wait. OutdoorGearLab's testers found the seat wide, the mesh back cool on a hot day and the padded side bars comfortable, with a slightly reclined but upright posture that opens the chest instead of forcing a slouch. It packs into its own bag with a shoulder strap and a carry handle, so the walk from the car to a vantage point stays manageable.

Cascade Mountain Tech lists a steel and aluminum frame, a 250 lb capacity, a chair 22 inches high and 20 inches wide, and 26 by 8 inches folded; OutdoorGearLab weighed it at 7 lb. Setup means pulling two opposing frame pieces apart, and folding reverses it. Its testers dropped into it hard and found it stayed intact and silent, helped by rubberized feet and a wide base. There are no cup holders, pockets or headrest, and padding runs only along the arm bars, so rest your things on the ground, where they are easy to reach at this height. Sitting this low changes your sightline: check what stands between you and the track before choosing a spot, and set up well clear of the right-of-way.

Expert pick · OutdoorGearLab: OutdoorGearLab, which buys what it tests, named it its best low-budget low-profile chair, praising simple setup, a breathable mesh back and easy carrying. It cautioned that the 5-inch seat is hard to get out of and that padding and features are limited. Read the review

Budget-minded railfans, and anyone buying a first camp chair, who want a simple, packable seat that asks nothing beyond pulling the frame apart, for long waits at ground-level vantage points. It suits those who are limber enough for a low seat. If getting up from the ground is hard for you, choose a chair of standard height instead.

Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair, which OutdoorGearLab found much easier to get in and out of, with good seat support, at a similar price. ALPS Mountaineering King Kong, OutdoorGearLab's best overall, which adds storage and cup holders.