The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair has been the default beach chair recommendation for over a decade, and the spec sheet explains why. You get five recline positions including a full lay-flat mode, a 300 lb rated aluminum frame that weighs just 7.8 lb, and genuinely useful extras: padded backpack straps that free your hands for coolers and umbrellas, an insulated zippered pouch that keeps drinks cold, a fold-down towel bar, and an adjustable pillow. The 600-denier polyester sling is tough and dries quickly. It is not perfect. The seat sits low, roughly 9 to 10 inches off the sand, which makes standing up a chore for anyone with knee trouble, and the printed fabrics fade noticeably after a couple of hard summers. The wood armrests can also loosen over time. But at its typical street price, no competitor matches the combination of lay-flat recline, 300 lb capacity, and carry comfort. If you buy one beach chair and want it to do everything well, this is still the one to get.
Five recline positions including true lay-flat 300 lb capacity from a 7.8 lb aluminum frame Padded backpack straps free both hands Insulated cooler pouch, towel bar, and pillow included Low seat height makes standing up harder Printed fabric colors fade after heavy sun exposure Wooden armrests can work loose over time