The Woods Mammoth Chair is my go-to camping chair for comfort and reliability. Big enough to stretch out in, yet still easy to haul around, it’s become a staple on nearly every trip I take.
Quick Summary
Large and comfortable design
Frame and cushion pad separate for easier packing
Cushion pad doubles as a ground mat or lounger
Durable and stable construction
Cons
Not suited for backpacking or long hikes
Frame can lock up with sand, making it harder to fold
Heavier than ultralight options
In the Wild Vancouver Island
On Vancouver Island, the Woods Mammoth Chair is perfect for beach days at Rathtrevor, lakeside lounging at Westwood Lake, or evenings around the fire at Pacheena Bay. The chair’s size makes it excellent for comfort, and the detachable cushion is versatile — I often throw it on the sand or grass just to lay back and relax. The only drawback comes when using it directly on sandy beaches like Long Beach in Tofino: sand can jam into the frame, making it difficult to close. My quick fix? Knock the legs on a log or piece of cement to shake it loose. Aside from that, it’s a reliable camp companion for nearly any Vancouver Island outing.
Island Adventures With This Gear
Little Beach Ucluelet: The Perfect Spot for a Sunset Campfire
Little Beach in Ucluelet is one of my favourite spots for sunset campfires. It’s a small, tucked-away beach, and the short walk from the parking
Browns Beach Ucluelet: A Hidden Coastal Nook
Browns Beach in Ucluelet is one of those quiet spots that feels tucked away from everything. It’s only a short walk down from the parking
Oar Beach Lantzville: A Peaceful Morning Walk
This morning before school, we took a short walk on Oar Beach in Lantzville. The beach sits right on the edge of Nanaimo where the
Who This Is For
Campers who prioritize comfort over weight
Families and casual car campers
People who like versatile gear that doubles in use
Who It’s Not For
Backpackers or thru-hikers
Campers who need ultralight seating
Minimalists looking for small pack size
Specs
Q: Can the cushion be used separately?
A: Yes, the detachable cushion pad works as a ground mat or lounging pad.
Q: Is it good for sand?
A: It can be used on sand, but grains may jam the folding mechanism. Knock the legs clean after use.
Q: Does it pack small?
A: It separates into two pieces for easier packing, but it’s still too large for backpacking.
FAQ
Q: Can the cushion be used separately?
A: Yes, the detachable cushion pad works as a ground mat or lounging pad.
Q: Is it good for sand?
A: It can be used on sand, but grains may jam the folding mechanism. Knock the legs clean after use.
Q: Does it pack small?
A: It separates into two pieces for easier packing, but it’s still too large for backpacking.
Alternatives
Helinox Chair One XL – lighter, more portable but pricier
Coleman Oversized Quad Chair – budget-friendly and widely available
KingCamp Heavy Duty Chair – similarly large, with extra storage features
About the Author
Stanley Alderliesten — Founder of CampWreck
Local to Vancouver Island, Stanley spends most weekends camping, hiking, and exploring the coast with his family. CampWreck focuses on practical, first‑hand trip ideas and honest gear reviews tested around the Island.