Head-to-head · Best Beach Chairs

GCI Outdoor Waterside SunShade Backpack Beach Chair vs Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about family day at the beach where you want a cooler, towel bar, and recline without lugging a cooler bag too — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Beach Chairs

GCI Outdoor Waterside SunShade Backpack Beach Chair

4.3

$80

The GCI Outdoor Waterside SunShade Backpack Beach Chair is the specialty hi-back lounger pick because of its built-in adjustable UPF 50+ sunshade — the only chair on this list with attached shade. The Equipment Guide scored it 76/100 and Outoria 4.7/5 for the combination of recline, shade, and ventilation. The sunshade frame is the weak point in long-term use; baby it on pack-up and it will deliver several seasons of low-cost shade-and-comfort.

Strengths

— Built-in adjustable UPF 50+ canopy is the only on-chair shade in this comparison
— Mesh seatback panel ventilates better than solid-fabric beach chairs in hot sun
— 4-position reclining backrest plus flip-back head cushion adapts to reading or napping

Watch-outs

— Sunshade struts and attachments bend easily if mishandled during pack-up
— 10 lb weight and bulky folded profile make it heavier than expected
— 11 in low seat height is hard for older users or anyone with knee issues

$80 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Beach Chairs

Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair

4.5

$90

The Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair is the iconic backpack-cooler beach chair you see on every shoreline. CNN Underscored, Water & Outdoors, and The Equipment Guide all put it on their top-pick lists for the combination of feature load, 5-position recline, and 8 lb carry weight. The low back is the recurring complaint, but for reclined sunbathing it is hard to beat at $90.

Strengths

— Five reclining positions including full lay-flat for sunbathing
— Insulated cooler pouch on the back holds drinks and snacks for a full beach day
— Built-in cup holder, phone pocket, and towel-bar support cover most beach storage needs

Watch-outs

— Low backrest leaves the headrest pillow sitting on your shoulders when upright
— Plastic strap buckles feel flimsy compared to the rest of the build
— Front seat bar can dig into the back of your thighs when legs are stretched

$90 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

GCI Outdoor Waterside SunShade Backpack Beach Chair

The only chair in this group with an integrated adjustable canopy — the Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair, Rio Beach Classic 5-Position, Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair, and ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair all leave shade to a separate umbrella. The four-position recline is one fewer than the Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair or Rio Beach Classic 5-Position but it adds the shade. Heavier than the Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair (ten pounds vs eight pounds) and matches the Rio Beach Classic 5-Position on weight.

Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair

More feature-dense than the Rio Beach Classic 5-Position (no cooler, no phone pocket) and dramatically lighter and easier to carry than the Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair or ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair. Falls between the bare-bones Rio and the canopy-equipped GCI Outdoor Waterside SunShade Backpack Beach Chair on shade and shelter.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	GCI Outdoor Waterside SunShade Backpack Beach Chair	Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair
Weight Capacity	250 lbs	300 lbs
Empty Weight	10 lbs	8 lbs
Seat Height	11 in	11 in
Open Dimensions	45 x 24 x 44 in	—
Folded Dimensions	28 x 24 x 4 in	37 x 25 x 4 in
Recline Positions	4	5 (including lay-flat)
Frame Material	Aluminum-steel hybrid	Rust-proof aluminum
Fabric	Polyester with mesh seatback	600D polyester
Carry Style	Backpack straps	Padded backpack straps
Attached Cooler	No	Yes, insulated rear pouch (4-6 cans)
Cup Holders	1	1
Sunshade	UPF 50+ adjustable canopy	—

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