"Rio Gear Aluminum 11" Folding Backpack Camping Chair "

Before I get started on the review I just want to state I live in a beach town and am on the beach every weekend & when work permits during the week. I’ll spend 5 to 6 hour day so comfort & durability is a must & for that reason I’ve been buying RIO chairs for as long as I can remember.This is the first RIO I’ve bought from Amazon & bought it because I have always been happy with RIO products. I paid about $12 more for this chair then I have for RIO’s in the past I just assumed it because this was the RIO “DELUXE” all my other RIO chairs are a dark blue backpack style with wooden arm rest, and a foam cushion head rest which is exactly like the “deluxe” version I just figured the deluxe might be slightly better quality…..WRONG….the “deluxe” version feels cheap & flimsy. Everything from the aluminum frame to the fabric & the adjustable backpack straps do not compare the RIO’s have purchased over the years, if you looking for something to be comfortable in for more than an hour this is not the chair. The chair frame has a rod the runs vertically below the back rest that no matter how you adjust the chair hits you at the small of your back and doesn’t take long to become painful & annoying.Not at all happy with this chair! I won’t say I’m done with the RIO brand but I’ll be sure to look at them in person before I buy the next one.

I was disappointed the quality had dropped considerably since I purchased the same chairs 6 years ago. Thinner fabric, smaller buckles, missing interior pocket, lighter weight frame, sharp armrests, etc., but the main problem is the first time used, the closing flap has started coming apart from the pack. About three inches of the flap has frayed and slipped out from where it was sewn to the pack. Obviously the fabric edge was not finished, allowing it to detach from the sewn edge. I do not care for the overall lower quality, but I would like them to hold together for more than one use.We use our backpack chairs a lot, truly loved the design, utility and strength of the original, but unfortunately, like in most things, "great" has been redesigned to "mediocre" to save a few bucks in manufacturing.

I bought Rio chairs years ago and wanted 2 more. These ones came and immediately I could tell they were not like they used to be. The material was thin and cheap feeling and one chair was missing a pillow. I returned them and bought them from another website. Those feel like the original chairs with thicker material. They were also $10 cheaper.

Wanted to replace an old Rio that is starting to fall apart after years and years. This is NOT even close to that quality! Poor quality fabric which is cut "slim" so even a slim person feels like the chair is too narrow. I doubt the fabric will hold for even a light person very long and for anyone over 135lbs... not long at all! Also, the lowest position for resting makes the cross metal bar hit you in the lower back in a very uncomfortable way. If the fabric had been better, thicker and stronger, maybe, just maybe, that wouldn't have been an issue. Chair is being returned.

I found this sharp-looking chair to be very comfortable, as did my very envious friends at the beach! Yes, it's low to the ground, but certainly higher than a typical sand chair. I don't understand the complaint about the width - I thought it was perfect and I'm an XL. It's well made, stable, and not too difficult to get in and out of. The cup holder is way cool (wish there was one on both arms) and the tote/pocket is large enough to carry everything you need at the beach, including an over-sized towel, large water bottles, sunscreen, book, and much more. It's hard to appreciate the convenience of the backpack feature until you've experienced walking to the beach hands-free. I like it so much that I'm giving this one to a friend and getting the WearEver Backpack Lounger. Since I found myself wishing for a foot rest, the lounger should be the ultimate perfect beach chair! Now, if they would just make a lounger with an optional attached umbrella/canopy, that would be pure heaven.

We bought this chair last year and waited to review to see how they held up. Our beach chairs don't get constant use, but we spend at least one week and make several day trips to the beach each year.After years of trudging to the beach laden with an umbrella, beach bag, sodas and chairs, we've found this a great way to distribute the load a bit (and free up a hand). We had constant issues with folding up our former Telescope brand beach chairs, but so far have had no problems with these chairs.They are lightweight and comfortable, although they don't tilt up as far as I'd like at times. The cupholder is nice to keep your drink off the hot sand, and the neck roll gives you a little support, when desired. When folded, the construction of the chair also lends itself to easily carrying in one hand if you don't want to use the backpack option. They initially seemed a little flimsy and I was dubious as to whether they'd hold up. But after using them over two summers, I've finally thrown away the old ones I'd held on to just in case.The best way I can put it is that I place a high importance on the quality, durability and comfort of a beach chair (after all, it allows you to stay on the beach on your vacation, which is/should be pure bliss) and I'd buy these again.

When I discovered beach chairs with backpack carrying it changed everything! This is my second chair, the first one I've had about 10yrs and it's still going strong, just wanted another one. The storage pocket on the back is awesome, cup holder and pillow also great. My mom actually kept stealing my chair cause she liked it so much better than hers! Super light so carrying not a problem, just depends on what you decide to put in the pocket.

The chair is ok, the material is a bit thin but may be more breathable and dry quicker. “ But I did not receive the pillow that is supposed to come with it!” I am hoping the company will send it to me!