10 Best Ice Fishing Chairs To Buy In 2024
Ice fishing requires sitting for hours in the cold and as such demands good equipment, and gear that won’t let you down. To ice anglers, comfort matters a lot, and the right chair can make all the difference, letting you stay put longer on the hard water.
The best ice fishing chair will keep your hind end cozy – not numb, provide back support, and be super functional for fishing on the ice.
Although it isn’t easy to get a chair that is both comfortable and portable, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to go all-in on portability or all-in on comfort.
If you’re in the market for an ice fishing chair, keep reading below for complete reviews of the best ice fishing chairs on the market right now.
1. AmazonBasics Portable Camping Chair
For hard-water anglers who prioritize comfort, the AmazonBasics portable campaign chair is a great deal for you. This folding chair is constructed from steel and polyester fabric.
You can expect it to be tough enough to take what winter dishes out, and its comfort-forward design is great for an all-day sit on the ice.
The AmazonBasics chair comes with a padded seat and backrest as well as two armrests, an integrated drink holder, a small insulated drink pouch, and a storage pouch to one side.
Also, included in this chair is a carrying bag, allowing you to tote it over your shoulder to and from the ice, but it’ll slide into a sled just as easily. To be dressed in bibs and a coat, we recommend the XL for the extra room.
However, a swiveling or built-in cooler is not included with this chair but it is the most comfortable option on our list, and well worth what you pay for it.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 8.6 lbs.
- Maximum capacity: 225 lbs.
- Material: Nylon
- Brand: Amazon Basics
- Style: Mesh
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
Pros
- Durable and strong
- Great comfort
- Padded seat and back
- Lightweight
- Drink holder, a storage pouch, and an insulated drink pouch
- Comes with a carrying bag
Cons
- Made of plastic, the hinges can break when you sit on it
2. Coleman Camp Chair with Side Table
This flip-up design chair is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a more relaxing day of ice fishing, especially for larger tents and shanties
The lightweight, aluminum frame covered by weather-resistant material makes for easy transportation and cleaning. The stretched back support and a strong, firm seat on this chair provide little support when in an upright seated position.
Also, there’s foam cushioning in the seats, back, and on the armrests. A separate removable (velcro) armrest cover is added as well.
Included in this chair is an easy pop-up side table with a cup holder which allows you to keep your snacks and beverages at arm’s reach.
Transporting this chair to your favorite fishing spots is quite easy due to its ability to quick-fold out and back down. The technique is simple. Get this chair opened and fold down the table, then you’re ready to sit.
Specs and Features
- Weight: 7.1lbs
- Padding: No
- Storage: Yes
- Brand: Coleman
- Style: Tropical
- Frame Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Lightweight, easy to open/close
- Durable and strong
- Very functional and built well
- Comes with a locking table
- Built-in carry handles
Cons
- Pricey
3. Quick Shade MAX Shade Chair
This is a great portable shade chair solution that is easy to transport and offers reliable sun protection. The patented adjustable umbrella tech allows the sun shade to raise, lower, and tilt easily for shade when you need it without leaving the comfort of your chair.
Constructed with tough 600 x 300 denier polyester fabric that is water, moisture, mold, mildew, and stain resistant, and can easily be wiped clean. The chair back is made from breathable mesh that allows the flow of air to help keep you cool while you relax and it has a higher arch.
The included convenient mesh storage pouch on the side secures your accessories at arm’s reach and the carry bag is for convenient portability and to keep your chair protected while it’s not in use.
Stay hydrated on those hot summer days outside with the 2 mesh cup holders, and lounge around in the superior comfort of the 22.5-inch, oversized seat that supports up to 500 pounds and weighs only 9 pounds.
Specs and Features
- Brand Name: Quik Shade
- Material: 600 x 300 denier polyester
- Item Weight: 9 Pounds
- Brand: Quik Shade
- Style: Tropical
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
Pros
- Umbrella provide UV protection
- Umbrella withstands high winds
- Lightweight for travel
Cons
- Folding this chair is not easy and a bungee cord is needed to keep it secure.
4. LEADALLWAY Foldable Camping Chair with Cooler Bag
It’s not always going to be about maximum comfort but the goal here is portability and ease of use.
Made using strong and durable Oxford fabric, LEADALLWAY Foldable Camping Chair is portable, lightweight, and easy to haul around and that’s what a lot of people are looking for in the best ice fishing chair. It weighs only 2.9 pounds but the fishing chair is strong enough to hold 280LBS.
It comes with a large cooler bag that keeps your food and drinks cool for 5-6 hours and the included anti-slip feet prevent moving to ensure your sitting stability. It is widely used for camping, fishing, watching sports events, tailgating, hiking, and picnics.
The LEADALLWAY foldable camping chair with large cooler bag allows you to sit almost anywhere you want and is designed with a cross frame, to ensure the chair is stable. It can be folded totally when not in use and the attached backrest provides great support for your back.
Specs and Features
- Brand Name: LEADALLWAY
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Item Weight: 2.9 Pounds
- Brand: LEADALLWAY
- Style: Casual
Pros
- Made using strong and durable Oxford fabric
- Rated for 280lbs
- Lightweight and incredibly portable
- Built-in cooler
Cons
- Much smaller than you’d think
- Low backrest
5. Browning Camping Directors Chair
The Browning Directors Chair, among many others, is an incredibly solid option with a 325-pound weight capacity that checks enough boxes in comfort, portability, and functionality.
It is built with a durable 600D Polyester that offers a stylish fabric with the strength to hold up to 325 lbs and the material dries nice and quickly to help keep you dry and warm.
The included convenient 24-inch seat height and flip-down footrest offer comfort and functionality for any occasion.
Anglers maintain good posture during fishing and avoid aches and pains because of the included supportive back, feet, and arm.
When not in use, this easy-to-wash chair is folded down to only 6 inches for easy transportation and convenient storage. The chair’s aluminum and steel hybrid frame in a lightweight design provides the seat with extra durability and is corrosion-resistant.
Specs and Features
- Style: Director
- Weight: 10.0lbs
- Padding: No
- Side Table: Yes
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Material: Polyester
- Brand: Browning Camping
Pros
- Folds almost completely flat
- Portable for a larger chair
- Comes with a side table
- Fast drying material
Cons
- Limited grip and base on the ice
- A little bit heavy
6. Stylish Camping Director Camping Chair
The foldable stylish director camping chair is a sturdy and lightweight chair that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Made from durable 600D polyester fabric, it ensures years of use and comfort.
Perfect for camping, barbeques, picnics, or any outdoor event, it features a flat aluminum frame, which makes for a durable chair.
The attached retractable side table keeps your drinks within reach and the accessory pockets keep items organized and separated.
Simply flip the convenient side table when using it and flip it down when not in use. The frame is made from flat aluminum and it is designed to provide strength and durability of 300 lbs.
Folds into a compact size for simple storage, and is portable, and easy to set up. Its lightweight design makes for easy transportation.
Specs and Features
- Product Weight: 19 lbs
- Cup-holders: Yes (2)
- Umbrella: Yes (Patented Technology)
- Materials: 600D polyester
- Warranty: 1-Year Limited
- MAX Weight: 500 lbs. / 227 kg
Pros
- Lightweight
- comfortable, and sturdy.
- Cupholder
- Side table
Cons
- Pricey
7. Wise Outdoors Super Sport Hunting Seat
This great multifunctional chair by Wise Outdoors is built for hunting, but it’s perfectly at home in more permanent ice shanties.
Attached to a cooler underneath is a padded 500 denier Cordura nylon seat. The included folding backrest provides added comfort, especially in the seat and for all-day fishing, an inflatable donut or extra pad goes a long way.
Whether you plan on stocking the cooler full of live bait or beer, you’ll have ten gallons worth filling up with this ice fishing chair and the cooler comes with a removable tray that works perfectly well to separate your lunch or beverages from fish.
The Super Sport features a 360-degree swivel allowing you to work multiple holes, adjust a heater or flasher without getting up, and generally just makes life a bit easier on the ice.
Sturdy and durable and for easy transportation, an adjustable shoulder strap system is added to the seat. The Super Sport Hunting Seat is not the most portable chair but a good product for hard-water anglers who can leave a chair in their ice shelter or who have the space in a sled.
Specs and Features
- Style: Swivel
- Weight: 12.4lbs
- Padding: Yes
- Storage: Yes
- Maximum capacity: more than 350 lbs.
Pros
- Durable and strong
- Comes with a shoulder strap system
- Good comfort
- 360-degree swivel seat
- Built-in 10-gallon cooler with removable tray
- Padded camo seat
- 350lb weight capacity
Cons
- You need a sled to carry it over longer distances since it is not very portable
- Cooler leaves a bit to be desired
- Not completely collapsible
8. Eskimo Folding XL Ice Fishing Chair
The XL Eskimo Folding Ice Chair is one of the best ice fishing chairs ever made, especially for large and tall Ice fishers.
Made from 600 denier fabric, which is extra strong for a fold-out chair, this seat is designed to reduce discomfort and yield maximum relaxation. Fully collapsible and features a carry bag with a carry strap for easy transportation.
The included small side pocket storage pouch secures your phone and other accessories. It has an oversized design so there’s an extra storage room for your rear end and a higher back for added support.
The sturdy triangular frame is designed from thick 19mm steel tubing. The Eskimo chair is portable, quick to set up, and high off the ground, putting you in a more natural sitting position.
Specs and Features
- Materials: Mesh; Fabric
- Seat Depth: Approximately 19.3″
- Seat Height Range: 22″ to 32″
- Lumbar Support: No
Pros
- Durable
- Side pocket storage pouch
- Large chair with a high back
- Fully collapsible
- High off the ground
- Made with quality 600 denier fabric
Cons
- Minimal storage
- Probably not the best design for all-day fishing and some sitters
9. Frabill Sit-N-Fish Insulated Bait Bucket
Buckets are essential ice fishing gear, that can be used by anglers to carry flashers, bait, drinks, lunch, pop-ups, and other necessary things needed.
The Sit-N-Fish from Frabill is a budget-friendly option that offers comfort, functionality, and purpose all in the form of a bucket.
It features a convenient padded cushion lid for a comfortable seating option and removable thick styrofoam inserted to insulate the interior of the bucket which reduces its capacity to 6 quarts.
The Frabill’s Sit-N-Fish is also taller than a typical bucket, creating a seat height that’s more comfortably located for most people. However, the Sit-N-Fish isn’t the most comfortable option on our list but offers a lot of utility for the price.
Specs and Features
- Style: Bucket
- Weight: 3.5lbs
- Padding: Yes
- Storage: Yes
- Weight: 3 lbs.
- Maximum capacity: 250+ lbs.
Pros
- Durable and strong
- Removable foam insulation
- Provides comfort
- Lightweight
- Lots of utility
- Multipurpose
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not collapsible
- Not the most comfortable option
10. Nemo Equipment Stargaze Recliner
Stargaze Luxury Recliner is the first-ever swinging and reclining camp chair that takes relaxation to a new level.
Unlike rocking chairs, this chair is designed for use on any surface, including rocky, sandy, or uneven ground, and when you’re ready to recline, you can simply lean back and gaze into the sky while waiting for your tip-ups.
The chair features a huge bucket seat, a wide base, and tons of padding to ensure it’s both stable and comfortable. At 7 pounds, it is lightweight, durable, and portable but quite expensive.
Specs and Features
- Material: Aluminum
- Item Weight: 7 Pounds
- Brand: Nemo Equipment
- Frame Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Recline feature
- Maximum comfort padding and polyester fabric
- Heavy-duty aluminum frame
- Surprisingly lightweight
Cons
- Overpriced
Things To Look For In An Ice Fishing Chair Before Purchasing
Understanding the type of chair you want depends on the factors that are most important to you to help. Here are some of those essential factors to consider before opting out for an ice fishing chair.
Durability
There is a big difference between summer and winter fishing which is the more reason why the durability of the chair is an essential factor to be considered.
To avoid being disappointed in the middle of a hot streak, ensure your chair is made with durable weather-resistant fabric and that the steel frame is sturdy enough to carry you.
Comfort and Height
Comfort for anglers is of a high priority even to those who need to place greater emphasis on portability. Ice fishing sometimes can lead to a long and boring day and having a comfortable chair that is padded and allows you to sit in a natural position encourages you to fish longer.
Included built-in cushions, solid backrests, and even armrests make it a lot more comfortable while on the hard water. Another way to boost comfort is an inflatable seat cushion that can make a world of difference over a long day.
Portability
For ice fishing anglers who get to their ice holes without the benefit of a sled, portability is an important factor. Ensure to get an ice fishing chair that is foldable, easy to carry and look for a weight that you can handle with ease.
Also, a portable chair is much easier to store since it’ll fit on any shelf or in a closet but make sure to store them in a clean dry place.
Size and Weight
Getting an ice fishing chair that is both small and comfortable will always be a difficult task.
On the other hand, cheap folding chairs are going to leave you rear-end freezing, especially if you’re in a mediocre tent and if you go too heavy and large, you’ll end up struggling to get it to and from your ice hole.
Ensure you get yourself a chair that is lightweight and portable.
Storage
Storage is an additional feature that provides you with enough space for all the essentials like fishing gear, snacks, extra gloves, a wallet, a cell phone, or whatever else you want.
This all depends on how much storage you want and how you get to and from your fishing spot. While some anglers prefer a full-blown 10-gallon bucket that doubles as a seat and gear bucket others work with nothing more than a little side pouch for their phone.
However, anglers that run a snow machine with a sled in tow, can go for heavier options that include storage.
Terrain conditions
There is equally the need for you to consider the kind of chair that will work best for your ice fishing setting and desired comfort level.
Go for bucket chairs and cushions if you prefer the simple and traditional ice fishing chair options but if you prefer to create a more relaxing environment, the director’s chair will serve you the best.
Price & Warranty
This isn’t an important factor but you can find a lifetime limited warranty with most of the products. In case of any faults in materials and the original building of that product, the warranties cover you up.
Types of Ice Fishing Chairs
There are different types of ice fishing chairs in the market and knowing their differences helps you determine which type of ice fishing chair will best suit your needs. Here are the most popular ones you can choose from:
Foldable Chairs
Foldable chairs are portable and will likely be sacrificed in the area of comfort. These chairs may only weigh a few pounds and fold down to almost nothing for convenient storage and transport.
However, the downsides of these chairs are the fact that they don’t usually have a lot of surface area and that they’re usually low to the ground except for the Eskimo Folding Ice Chair.
Director Chairs
These chairs feature a fully supportive seat, high back, and padded armrests. This means that in most cases, it offers the best comfort even when you’re not actively fishing.
However, because many of them come with built-in coolers (which is nice), they’re typically larger, heavier, and don’t fold up entirely making them less portable.
Swivel Chairs
Swivel seats are great for using inside ice fishing tents and shanties. They allow you to work multiple holes and adjust a heater or flasher without getting up but if you have to get up and move around the chair, it’s not only a pain but sometimes impossible when you’re in a small shanty.
These chairs offer a range of portability and lightweight features and include comfortable cushions and back support, though they are slightly less posture-supportive than director’s chairs.
Bucket Chairs
Bucket chairs have been a go-to for ice fishing anglers for several years since it doubles as a seat and gear bucket to haul your catch, carry your bait, or transport your fishing gear.
These chairs take up very little space and weigh less than a few pounds but aren’t the most portable option because they don’t fold up.
Compared to the other options, they’re less comfortable and lack a backrest that curves with your body and supports healthy posture.
Bleacher-Style Chairs
These seats are common among ice-fishing anglers and are used at sporting events as well. They are foldable and easy to set up and transporting them to the intended spot is easy.
They provide extra comfort and additional back support and can easily fit over your five-gallon bucket. The only downside is that you will need to attach them to a stable item in your shanty.
These Chairs Are Not Good Option For Ice Fishing
Among many chairs available that are great options for the sport of ice fishing, there are some types of chairs that you should avoid when making your decision. The following is a review of the types of ice fishing chairs that may not perform as well as the others.
Cheap Camp Chairs
Cheap camp chairs are not designed for fishing. They’re often too relaxed and are designed for semi or full recline, which can lead to a drooping posture when fishing, making it more difficult to fish.
Folding/Lawn Chairs
These are safety hazards even though lawn chairs are weather-proof. They are not supportive or comfortable, and due to their bulky nature, it is difficult to transport them.
Tripod Chairs
Apart from the few among the tripod chair options, most of the tripod chair options are not durable and comfortable enough to withstand hours of ice fishing.
Ensure you go through the product review to know the one that fits your body comfortably before making a purchase.
Adirondack chairs
Adirondack chairs are not portable and because they are bulky chairs and hard to carry, there might be a need for you to go on multiple trips to carry them along with your fishing gear.
Fold-up beach chairs
The only downside of this chair is that it is not designed for winter sitting. However, they’re lightweight and easy to travel.
Top Fishing Chair Brands
Eskimo
Eskimo is one of the most well-known ice fishing gear brands that you can see in the market today. As the most trusted brands in the industry, Eskimo ice fishing chairs are sturdy and reasonably priced, even if they aren’t the fanciest models around.
There’s a warranty on their products and you can easily claim a warranty through their registered slick website.
Frabill
Frabill has been making top-notch fishing gear for several years. For everything you could need for your ice fishing trip, they got your back.
The Frabill customer service department can be reached with their phone line and you can trust them to return all calls within 24 hours.
Ameristep
More of a hunting company than a fishing one, Ameristep manufactures chairs that can comfortably hold you up for long periods. They don’t have the widest product line for ice fishers, but if you should have any questions about chairs, just like Frabill, they will help you out.
You don’t need to suffer for anything on the ice. For long-lasting and productive ice fishing, all you need is shelter and a comfortable place to sit. A good ice fishing chair lets you sit longer and as a result fish more.
Get an ice fishing chair that won’t be too big a pain in the neck to bring with you, doesn’t take up too much space, and has some storage features for smaller items. Most chairs aren’t expensive so you can easily get one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I maintain these chairs?
Ensure you get a model that cleans easily with a wet rag or soap and water. After each trip is over, ensure you clean them up and store them away in a clean and dry place.
Can the same fishing chair be used on a boat or onshore?
The answer is yes. However, some chairs are specifically designed for ice fishing and shore conditions can sometimes outdo ice fishing chairs. Fishing chairs work greatly on a boat but might not withstand sinking in muddy or sandy conditions.
What is the best fabric for an ice fishing chair?
The most ideal material for the rugged conditions of a frigid ice fishing trip is Ripstop nylon or polyester that’s been weather treated or waterproofed.
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español