Picture this: You’re cozied up next to a crackling campfire with the electric swirl of the Milky Way dancing overhead. You have your best down jacket, your toastiest thermals and your arm around your boo, but the chill of the cold, hard ground still seeps into your bones. My friends, the Kelty Low Loveseat is here to save the day.
Made of durable 600-denier poly fabric, this quilted marvel has revolutionized the way I kick back on car-camping trips and at music festivals, because of its ease of setup, perfectly sized drink holders and superior comfort. It gets rid of the traditional “one chair to rule them all” approach, in which everyone is left fending for themselves, and creates a snuggly, communal atmosphere for you, your bae, a friend or even a pup.
I’ve had the Kelty Low Loveseat for two years, and I’ve tested it in sunshine, rain and high winds. It’s come along to Lightning in a Bottle, a family reunion and numerous trips to the High Sierra. Let’s dig into what makes this product so much more than your ordinary camp chair.
With a quilted seat, perfectly sized drink holders, adjustable armrests and plenty of room for you and your bae (and maybe a well-behaved dog), Kelty’s Low Loveseat is a snuggle-worthy and wallet-friendly alternative to solo camping chairs.
What we liked about it
There’s lots to love about the Low Loveseat, and this is a piece of gear that was clearly meticulously dreamed up by hardcore campers who know when and where to splurge on must-have features. Not only do the armrests offer two adjustable, insulated beverage holders (yes, they can even fit a monster 32-ounce water bottle), they’re also adjustable to your height and comfort level.
The seat itself is mildly padded to keep your bum happy, and the included carrying case (also padded) seamlessly transitions into a ground pad for your dog to stay warm, dry and dust-free. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much when I first ordered this loveseat, assuming it was just a flash-in-the-pan novelty item that wouldn’t be worth the extra size and hassle, but it’s quickly become the first thing I set up whenever I wheel my vehicle into a new campsite.
Ease of setup
As I mentioned before, this thing is a cinch to set up. After unbuckling the carrying case that wraps around the loveseat, simply pull the ends apart, accordion-style, and sit down. Yes, it’s that easy. To pack up, squeeze the sides back together and snap the case shut.
Space to spread out
Unlike virtually every other camping chair on the market, Kelty’s Low Loveseat is specifically designed with the notion that evenings by the fire are more fun with friends, and as such, it’s large enough for two people to cozy up together and maybe even sneak a pup or a young kid on as well.
At 44 inches wide, there’s ample space to swivel your hips and get comfy, and since the seat is situated a mere 13.5 inches off the ground, there’s no need to awkwardly hunch your back to feel the warm glow of the fire (bonus: you also won’t block your neighbors too badly at outdoor concerts). The Low Loveseat’s listed weight capacity is 400 pounds, just enough for most twosomes to feel secure.
Carrying case included
This is one of those features that might seem useless or extraneous at first glance, but after adopting a dog last summer, I quickly realized just how genius and well-thought-out even the carrying case on this bad boy is.
Not only does the roll-up case provide three sturdy compression straps to cinch down the loveseat into a compact size for storage, it also provides an adjustable shoulder sling for easy transport around camp. Best of all? The entire case is padded, and, once unrolled, doubles as a doggy mat to insulate your pup’s core against the frigid ground.
What we didn’t like about it
When I say that something is my new favorite piece of gear, I don’t mess around. But, if I were to get really nitpicky, there are a couple of features that I feel Kelty could update or improve in the next version of this masterpiece.
A bit heavy
Weighing in at just over 15 pounds, Kelty’s Low Loveseat is definitely a car-camping couch. It packs down to the size of a large four- to six-person tent and, unless you’re a total masochist, it doesn’t really make sense to haul that unwieldy weight into the backcountry for an overnight. To be honest, it’s a bit heavy for hauling around a big music festival, too.
When I took this baby on a scorching three-day weekend to Lightning in a Bottle in Southern California, it stayed put under my awning for the entirety of the event. I loved eating my morning granola on its padded seat and hanging out with new friends in the shade, but there was no way I wanted to lug it around between the stages in triple-digit heat.
Could be more padded
If I’m seriously trying to fault-find with this loveseat, I have to say that the cushion on which your derrière sits is a touch on the thin side, especially once you consider the product’s 15-pound weight. Several cheaper knock-off versions don’t offer any padding in the booty department, but when you consider the overall size and weight of this portable camp sofa, Kelty could spring for a little extra fluff. Also, if you’ve got creaky knees and a “low loveseat” sounds like a recipe for awkward lounging, maybe pivot to the brand’s original Loveseat.
How it compares
The Kelty Low Loveseat is definitely the best-in-class camping sofa, and it’s become so popular in recent years that the brand has launched a longer, three-person Lowdown Couch for when you’ve got the whole fam in tow. As such, it’s priced reasonably, albeit a bit higher than other camping loveseats.
If budget is your top priority when selecting a wilderness loveseat for you and your friends, Coleman’s Quattro Lax Double Quad Chair gets great reviews, is lighter (at 11.5 pounds) and includes a carry bag. However, it’s far less durable, offers no padding and provides users with just two tiny cup holders in the armrests.
Mountain Summit sells a similar padded model, the Quilted Low Loveseat, which is $10 cheaper and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, but its cup holders are a bit small, and the carrying case is not multi-functional.
Bottom line
Kelty has truly changed the game with the introduction of its ultra-comfortable Low Loveseat. Unlike many camp chairs, which can be a headache to build and put away, this design unfolds and compresses like an accordion, ensuring quick and painless setup and breakdown at camp.
Its flexible, adjustable beverage holders are thoughtfully designed to hold two small drinks or one massive water bottle (each), and the quilted seat provides just enough padding for you and your boo to stretch out comfortably under the stars. Pair with the insulated Bestie Blanket, and it’s a match made in backcountry heaven and a must on any camping checklist.
