Chama Vaquero Chair — Hardwood & Canvas Folding Camp Chair

The Chama Vaquero is a hardwood-and-canvas folding chair for people who'd rather buy one camp chair for life than replace a flimsy one every season. A scissor-fold dark hardwood frame, 20 oz cotton canvas, and marine-grade stainless hardware make it heirloom-grade — genuinely at home at the firepit, the tailgate, or the back porch. The honest trade-off: at 11 lb it's built to last, not to shave grams.

Why it stands out

• Dark, weather-resistant hardwood frame with hand-machined marine-grade stainless steel hardware.
• Tough 20 oz cotton canvas seat — removable and machine-washable, with double-reinforced corners.
• Holds up to 300 lb and folds flat with no assembly.
• Ships with a matching canvas carry bag — leather handles, adjustable strap, brass zip pocket.
• Backed by a lifetime warranty.

Specs

Who it's for

A great fit if you want a durable, comfortable chair that looks as good on the porch as it does in the backcountry — and you plan to keep it for years. Look elsewhere if you need an ultralight backpacking chair: the Vaquero is a car-camping, overland, and base-camp chair, and its wood-and-canvas build is heavier (11 lb) than a packable nylon seat. One care note — the canvas is weather-resistant and washable, but let it dry before packing it back in the bag.

Built for real use outdoors

In a two-week overland test between Eastern Oregon and Western Montana, Expedition Portal found the Vaquero's chamfered hardwood feet didn't split on rock and didn't sink into soft ground the way ultralight chairs do — and it shrugged off rain and an overnight desert sandstorm with just a shake-out. From camp to coffee table, it's equally at home at the firepit, the tailgate, the ranch, the back porch, or as a permanent reading chair indoors.

Vaquero vs. a typical ultralight camp chair

Colors

Three colorways: Wheat & Pine (tan canvas, forest-green trim), Azul & Bone (deep blue, natural trim), and Slate & Bone (cool grey, natural trim). The canvas has a spot for a custom monogram if you want to make it yours.

What owners say

Rated 4.5 out of 5 across 44 ratings on Amazon. Owners consistently call out how sturdy it feels next to collapsing metal-and-plastic chairs, the all-day comfort for taller and larger adults, and the tool-free setup and well-made carry bag.

Pairs well with

Round out your camp with more Camp Chairs and Camp Essentials.

Common questions

Is it good for backpacking? No — at about 11 lb it's made for overlanding, car camping, and base camp, not ultralight backpacking.

Can it stay outside — is it weatherproof? The hardwood is sealed and the canvas is weather-resistant, so it handles rain and sun. Let the canvas dry before storing it in the bag.

Is it comfortable for tall or larger adults? Yes — it's a roomy seat rated to 300 lb, and reviewers 6'2"–6'3" report all-day comfort.

Can I wash the canvas? Yes — it's removable and machine-washable (cold, hang dry).

Does it need assembly? No — it unfolds ready to use and scissor-folds flat for the included carry bag.

What's covered by the warranty? A lifetime warranty from Chama.