Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair / Folding Chair / Lawn Chair

ALPS

The ALPS King Kong Camp Chair delivers exceptional durability with its powder-coated steel frame and rugged 600D polyester construction. Built to support up to 800 pounds, this oversized folding chair features practical storage with dual cup holders and multiple pockets. The bolted construction and repair-friendly design ensure longevity far beyond disposable alternatives, making it ideal for years of outdoor gatherings, sporting events, and camping trips.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:24"D x 38.5"W x 38"H
Lifespan:3+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:China
Manufacturing:ALPS Mountaineering chairs, including the King Kong Camp Chair, are designed in the USA but manufactured in China.

Research Summary

The ALPS King Kong Chair is a legitimate BIFL camping chair that breaks the disposable cycle with 3-10 years of reliable service when others fail annually. Its tank-like steel construction handles 800lb loads without the wobbling of cheaper alternatives. The deep-sag 'bucket seat' comfort issue frustrates some users, but most accept this tradeoff for extreme durability. Perfect for campers tired of replacing chairs yearly who prioritize longevity over perfect comfort and portability. The limited lifetime warranty adds reasonable protection, though eventual fabric deterioration is inevitable.

  • Outlasts cheap camping chairs by 5-10x with heavy-gauge steel construction and proper screws instead of failure-prone rivets
  • Designed for serviceability with replaceable fasteners, though fabric deterioration becomes inevitable after 4-5 years of heavy use
  • Limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects but not normal wear—reasonable for the category but won't protect against all eventual failures
  • Higher upfront cost justified by eliminating years of replacement purchases, though expect to add cushions to combat the deep seat sag
  • Overwhelmingly recommended by outdoor enthusiasts who accept the extra weight and 'bucket seat' design as worthwhile tradeoffs for exceptional durability

Repairability Notes

7.5

The ALPS King Kong chair is designed with serviceability in mind, featuring a bolted frame that allows for component replacement rather than using rivets like cheaper alternatives.

  • Frame repair: Users report the chair uses actual screws instead of thin rivets, making it possible to tighten or replace fasteners that come loose over time.
  • Known failure points: Long-term users note specific vulnerabilities including reinforced fabric grommets tearing from the frame and screws snapping under heavy stress - both potentially repairable issues.
  • Parts availability: While ALPS offers a lifetime warranty, they also make replacement parts available for purchase, extending the chair's lifespan beyond warranty periods.

Bottom line: A repairable outdoor chair with straightforward access to components, though fabric deterioration after 4-5 years of heavy use might eventually require more complex repairs or replacement.

Durability Notes

7.5

The King Kong delivers on its tank-like reputation, with users reporting 3-10 years of reliable service compared to yearly replacements of cheap chairs. Built with heavy-gauge steel and screws instead of flimsy rivets, this chair can handle daily abuse from folks up to 800 lbs.

  • Rock-solid construction: Users praise the heavy steel frame that doesn't flex or wobble - one user's chair is still going strong after 3 years of daily use, while another got 4 years of heavy use before major wear
  • Smart repair-friendly design: Unlike rivals that use thin rivets, ALPS uses actual screws you can replace when needed, plus the oversized carrying bag won't self-destruct like those skin-tight ones on cheaper chairs
  • Watch for wear points: After several years, some users report screws snapping, fabric grommets tearing from the frame, and stitching dry-rotting even with indoor storage - not indestructible under constant heavy strain

Bottom line: Finally, a camping chair that breaks the disposable cycle. While the deep seat sag drives some folks crazy (many add cushions), this beast earns its BIFL badge by lasting 5-10x longer than big-box junk. Just don't expect heirloom-grade immortality.

Warranty Notes

7.5

ALPS offers a limited lifetime warranty that delivers above-average protection for the King Kong Chair with some important limitations.

  • Coverage scope: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser, but excludes normal wear, accidental damage, and commercial use.
  • Customer experience: Multiple users report years of reliable performance (3-10 years), though specific failure points can emerge with heavy use.
  • Claim process: Requires proof of purchase from authorized dealers and completion of a warranty form; remedies include repair, replacement, or credit at ALPS' discretion.

Bottom line: A solid, fairly implemented warranty with generous lifetime terms, though the exclusion of normal wear means it won't cover all eventual failures. The company's track record of product durability suggests they stand behind their products.

Social Analysis

8.5

The ALPS King Kong Chair is a highly regarded favorite among BIFL enthusiasts looking for an ultra-durable camping chair. It's consistently recommended as the definitive upgrade from disposable Walmart chairs.

  • Durability: Repeatedly praised for its tank-like build quality with reports of chairs lasting 3-10 years of regular use. Users appreciate the high weight capacity (800 lbs), heavy steel frame, and screws instead of rivets.
  • Comfort issues: The most common complaint is the deep sag that creates a bucket seat effect, making it difficult to stand up. Many users add cushions to alleviate this problem.
  • Design tradeoffs: The chair's exceptional durability comes with added weight and bulk that limits portability, which most users accept as a worthwhile compromise.

Bottom line: Redditors overwhelmingly recommend the King Kong as the definitive BIFL camping chair despite comfort and weight issues, with countless testimonials about it outlasting multiple cheap chairs and surviving years of heavy use.

BIFL Total Score:
8.0Excellent
Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair / Folding Chair / Lawn Chair
Crowd Favorite
Amazon
$84.99

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
8.0
Durability Score
7.5
Repairability Score
7.5
Social Score
8.5
Warranty Score
7.5

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Lasts 3-10 years of regular use

800-pound weight capacity with sturdy frame

Uses screws instead of rivets

Oversized carrying bag prevents tearing

Areas for Improvement

Deep seat sag creates uncomfortable bucket

Heavy and bulky to transport

Fabric grommets tear after years

No sustainability or eco-friendly features

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: As Needed and SeasonallyClean the chair after use especially when exposed to dirt or rain, and perform maintenance checks seasonally or before storing long-term.

Step 1

Clean

Spot clean the chair using a mild detergent mixed with warm water and a soft sponge or cloth, avoiding harsh scrubbing to preserve fabric and coating. Rinse with clean water and allow the chair to dry completely in the sun, avoiding machine washing.

Recommended Products

  • Mild Detergent$10-15
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Inspect the powder-coated steel frame and joints for any paint wear or scratches and clean dry after use to prevent rust. Lubricate folding joints lightly if they stiffen but avoid excess oil that can attract dirt.

Recommended Products

  • Multipurpose Silicone Spray$7-12
Step 3

Protect / Store

Store the chair indoors or in a dry, shaded area when not in use to protect fabric and frame from UV damage and moisture. Avoid leaving the chair exposed to rain or sun for prolonged periods to prevent fabric fading and weakening.

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