Big Agnes Big Six Camping Chair Review
The Big Agnes Big Six ($200) is by no means a poor performer, but it’s stuck in camp chair no-man’s land. It occupies a nebulous ground between compact chairs and heavier, more full-featured, and more comfortable models. A tall back, generous seat height, and dedicated headrest are all pluses, but the Big Six skips extras like pockets or cup holders. You’ll also have to shell out quite a bit of money for this chair, which puts its lack of features—and specialization—in a different light. The Big Six is ultimately best suited for tall users or anyone who prioritizes support and packability over bells and whistles.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Weight
3 lb. 3 oz.
Dimensions (W/D/H)
26 x 24 x 40 in.
Seat Height
20 in.
Weight Capacity
300 lb.
Pros
Cons
Big Agnes Big Six
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Camping Chairs.
The Big Agnes Big Six earns its name with a spacious seat and overall generous dimensions that cater especially well to tall users. With a height of 20 inches, it’s noticeably easier to get in and out of than low-slung models such as the Kelty Lowdown (12 in.). The Big Six’s back also rises a full 40 inches from the ground, making it one of the tallest scoop-style designs on the market, and that height pays off: I was able to lean my head all the way back against the dedicated headrest and fully relax after a long day, a benefit that shorter chairs lack. The head support offered by the Big Six alone is a major win for tall folks.
This Big Agnes Big Six is impressively cushy for its weight, which is slightly over 3 pounds. The chair’s backrest feels supportive without being rigid, with a slight cradle effect that reminded me of lying in a hammock. It hugs your back nicely when you’re reclining and encourages a relaxed, lounge-ready posture. Sitting fully upright, however, I occasionally noticed the crossbar beneath the seat grazing my backside—not ideal, but not a dealbreaker either. Plus, the seat itself is generously sized at 26 by 24 inches, so you can shift around a bit to find the ideal position. However, the lack of armrests—which is understandable in the service of keeping the chair’s weight down—lowers the overall user-friendliness. Most models this light are designed similarly, but more classically styled camp chairs with armrests will usually get the nod in the comfort department.
Leg support was mostly comfortable, though after about an hour, I started to feel some pressure at the edge of the seat behind my hamstrings. That could be a tall-person problem—I have long legs—but it’s something to keep in mind if you tend to notice pressure points. The chair’s fully solid seat fabric doesn’t offer much in the way of airflow, so on hot days you may start to feel the heat a bit more than with mesh-backed alternatives such as the Coleman Broadband. Compared to similarly sized, relatively lightweight chairs like the Helinox Sunset, the Big Six feels more plush thanks to its higher back and deeper seat, but it’s also heavier and less breathable. And while it’s not quite as cushy or supportive as a full-size, car-camping-style model, it strikes a nice balance for folks who want elevated comfort in a portable package.
For a relatively lightweight, packable camping chair, the Big Six feels impressively solid. Its aircraft-grade aluminum frame gives it a strong, supportive backbone without adding too much bulk, and the legs flare out in an A-frame shape that widens at the base. I sat in the Big Six on terrain ranging from loose sand to packed dirt and uneven rock slabs over the course of several months, and it never once felt tippy or unstable.
Even when shifting around or leaning to one side, the chair stayed planted—something I can’t say for many compact camping chairs, which often get squirrelly the moment you move off-center. (The Nemo Moonlite, which weighs 2 lb. 2 oz., falls into that category.) Unless you’re trying to perch it on a steep slope—where most chairs would struggle anyway—the Big Six holds firm. Its stability felt similar to the Sunset’s, though I’d give the edge to the Big Six, which is a touch more grounded, especially on softer terrain. Even if you were to hoof this chair a short distance into the backcountry (which is definitely possible given its weight), I have little doubt it would be overmatched.
This chair is built with longevity in mind, which is what I’d hope for given that it costs a double-take-worthy $200. After using it regularly for several months I’ve come away impressed with how tough and well-made the Big Agnes Big Six feels. Its frame is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, and the seat uses high-tenacity Robic nylon reinforced with a polyester ripstop weave and a waterproof coating. That coating adds a bit of water resistance while also boosting tear strength—keep in mind that it’s worth storing the chair in a cool, dry place to prevent the coating from breaking down over time.
Nothing about the Big Agnes Big Six feels flimsy or delicate. I used it for car camping, beach hangs, and even as a backyard work chair, and it’s held up so far with zero issues. Even the carry bag feels thoughtfully made and more substantial than the often perfunctory fabric sacks that I’m used to seeing. Compared to similarly styled chairs, such as the Helinox Sunset, the Big Six seems more durable overall, even though the Sunset technically has a slightly higher weight capacity (320 lb. for the former, 300 lb. for the latter, both respectable figures for chairs that light). With proper care, this is a chair that should last for years of regular use.
Praises aside, the Big Six’s $200 price tag lands firmly on the premium end of the camp chair market. For me, that’s edging into “a little too expensive” territory, even considering the quality. Still, if you’re tired of disposable chairs and want something that’ll hold up through heavy use and in varied terrain, the Big Six might be the answer.
The Big Six takes about a minute to set up, which puts it right in line with other scoop-style models. Setup involves a three-step process, and the instructions are printed on the inside of the zippered carry case for easy reference. That said, there are a few quirks worth noting. The poles need to be assembled in a specific order and inserted into the two upper corners of the seat first, since the seat pockets are extra deep to accommodate the chair’s headrest. The process is a bit awkward at first, but after a few uses, I found it to become second nature.
Where the Big Agnes Big Six starts to feel a little clunky is in how it splits the difference between compact and car-camping chairs. It’s not an instant-deploy style chair you can just flop into at the end of a long day, and while the added setup time might be acceptable for ultralight models like the Chair One or the Moonlite, it’s harder to justify on a heavier, bulkier build. Once it’s together, it’s great—but if you’re craving simplicity and speed, there are better options out there. This chair also skips over most quality of life touches, save for the headrest. Unlike the Helinox Sunset, which includes elastic side pockets and an adjustable headrest strap, the Big Six keeps things minimal, with no armrests, cupholders, or storage compartments. If you’re looking for extra storage or adjustment features, you won’t find them here.
At just over 3 pounds, the Big Agnes Big Six strikes a nice balance between comfort and portability. It’s lighter than larger car camping chairs like the Helinox Sunset (3 lb. 7 oz.), but still a good bit heavier than more stripped-down models like the Helinox Chair One or Nemo Moonlite (both 2 lb. 2 oz.). That extra weight comes with the benefit of added support and a taller, more upright design, but it does place the Big Six squarely in the “not for trips longer than a few miles” category.
Packed down, the chair measures 3.5 by 4.5 by 21 inches—slightly smaller in volume than the Sunset, though still comparable overall. The zippered storage bag makes packing and unpacking painless, and dual carry handles add a touch of convenience for short hauls from the car to the campsite. That said, I did find myself wishing there was a designated spot to stash the carry bag once the chair was in use. On one breezy afternoon, it nearly blew away—a problem the Sunset cleverly avoids by letting you tuck the bag behind its headrest flap.
You won’t be hiking this camping chair deep into the backcountry, but it’s a strong contender for scenarios where pack or car space is at a premium and comfort still matters. It’s especially well-suited for river trips, car camping with a vehicle that’s already stuffed to the gills, or for folks who think that a compact carrying size and a tall seat height are equally important.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
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Bluesign Approved
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Responsible Manufacturing
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Repair Services
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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Carbon Footprint Tracking
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Annual Impact Report
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Headrest
While it doesn’t offer any adjustability, the Big Agnes Big Six does include a dedicated headrest built into the chair’s tall back. For tall users, this is a welcome detail that makes the chair feel more supportive and nap-friendly than shorter-backed models.
Armrests, Cupholders, and Pockets
Besides the headrest the Big Six is a very minimalist model. It lacks armrests, cupholders, or stash pockets in the name of streamlining its design and conserving weight. Competitors such as the Helinox Sunset offer small extras, like elastic pockets and an adjustable headrest, without adding much bulk, and those touches can make a real difference during longer lounging sessions.
Helinox Sunset ($170): The Main Competitor
The biggest advantage the Sunset has over the Big Six, aside from its $30 in savings, is its added accoutrements. This chair comes equipped with an adjustable headrest and side pockets, while the Big Six skips these conveniences entirely. Mesh panels on the Sunset’s seat also quickly drain water and offer better breathability than the Big Six’s fully nylon construction. However, our tester felt that the Sunset was less durable overall, and its 6-inch-lower seat was harder to get in and out of. The Sunset’s frame is also smaller but weighs 4 ounces more, highlighting the Big Six’s roomy yet lightweight design. Both models feature high-backed, scoop-style silhouettes, solid stability, decent portability, and a similar setup process. If you’re dead set on this type of relatively expensive chair, it’s worth considering whether the cheaper Sunset justifies giving up the Big Six’s larger, more durable build in exchange for add-ons. To learn more, check out our Sunset review.
Nemo Stargaze ($250): A More Full-Featured Experience
Unlike the Big Six, the Stargaze has its priorities straight—this is a behemoth of a camp chair that’s indisputably comfortable. While both cradle your body like a hammock, the Stargaze’s suspended seat is closer to the real thing. Each model features an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and impressive stability on a variety of surfaces. But the Stargaze stands out with thoughtful extras like an adjustable headrest, stash pockets, and an auto-recline feature. Of course, to enjoy such comfort, you’ll have to be willing to lug around a chair that's nearly three times as heavy and takes up four times the amount of packed space as the Big Six. The Stargaze is also more complicated to assemble, requiring you to piece together four separate components. Its $250 price tag will scare the more budget-conscious away, but if you’re undeterred, it’s worth the splurge for a chair that fully embraces comfort and relaxation. For more, read our review of the Stargaze.
The Big Six is too heavy and bulky for backpacking and too pricey and complex to be a practical choice for most campers, landing it in an awkward middle ground. Still, its superb construction and comfortable seat help redeem some of its flaws.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
With the Sunset, Helinox expands on the standard camp chair design by adding comfort-focused features such as a high back. We appreciate this chair’s durable and stable build, but some campers may balk at its deep recline and potentially annoying seat seams.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
With its rugged build, rocking chair comfort, and impressive feature set, the Stargaze stands out from lesser competitors. While its storage options and portability aren’t winning traits, we still think this chair is worth its hefty price tag.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Is the Big Six for You?
The Big Agnes Big Six is a tall, packable, and comparatively light camping chair that offers solid support, a comfy headrest, and impressive stability across a wide range of terrain. Its scoop-style design and aluminum frame make it portable enough for pretty much any car camping excursion you can cook up, and yet it still feels more substantial than most compact chairs. Tall users in particular will appreciate the high back and seat height, which makes it easier to relax fully or get in and out without struggling. The Big Six lacks conveniences like pockets or cup holders, and setup takes a little effort, especially compared to true grab-and-go models. But if you’re looking for a relaxed feel in a portable design and don’t mind forgoing a few extras, the Big Agnes Big Six delivers.
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