Why Outdoor Lovers Still Swear by the Chair That Started It All
- Jack Flynn
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
In the outdoor industry, a few products become so iconic they turn into shorthand for an entire category. Tissues become Kleenex. Adhesive strips become Band-Aids. And when it comes to fold-flat ground chairs? That’s Crazy Creek.
For more than three decades, Crazy Creek has defined what it means to sit comfortably outdoors without the bulk of traditional chairs. Simple, portable, and built to last, Crazy Creek chairs have become a staple at summer camps, amphitheaters, and trailheads around the world.
The Original “Ground Chair”
Crazy Creek was founded in 1987 with a revolutionary idea: you shouldn’t have to choose between sitting on the hard ground or lugging a heavy lawn chair. Their original design—a foldable, strap-adjustable seat with just the right amount of back support—created a whole new category of outdoor gear.
Today, competitors exist. But Crazy Creek is still the original. “People don’t just ask for a ground chair,” says the team. “They ask for a Crazy Creek.”
Why People Still Choose Crazy Creek
Over 30 years later, the formula hasn’t changed much—and that’s by design. Crazy Creek chairs are:
Durable – Built from tough fabrics and frames designed to last season after season.
Packable – Fold flat or roll up for easy storage in a car, backpack, or boat.
Versatile – Equally at home in the mountains, at the beach, or in an amphitheater.
Customizable – Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and co-branded editions.
From kids at camp to festival-goers at Red Rocks, Crazy Creek’s appeal lies in its simplicity. As Alexa, a member of the PR team explained, “It’s just simple. It works. And honestly, most people already have one laying around—it’s a staple.”
Innovation That Stays True to Its Roots
While the original chair remains the flagship, Crazy Creek has expanded into new designs without losing its DNA. There are roll-up chairs perfect for backpacking, inflatable models for extra comfort, and even canoe-specific chairs tailored for paddlers.
Collaborations have also become a defining part of the brand. Crazy Creek has partnered with artists like Rachel Pohl for limited-edition floral designs, as well as outdoor heavyweights like Osprey for pack-and-chair combos. These collaborations keep the product fresh while showing how a simple chair can be reimagined for new audiences.
Where You’ll Find Them
Crazy Creek’s reach is everywhere—from specialty outdoor shops to the shelves of REI, to Amazon’s virtual storefront. Amphitheaters often co-brand the chairs for fans who can’t bring traditional seating, while summer camps have long relied on Crazy Creek for both comfort and custom branding.
The price point makes it accessible: the classic chair typically retails around $50–60, with premium inflatable models climbing to $140. For something that can last decades, it’s a small investment in lasting comfort.
Why Crazy Creek Matters Today
In a world full of over-engineered gear, Crazy Creek has stayed true to one principle: keep it simple. Their chairs aren’t cluttered with features. They don’t need to be. What makes them timeless is the way they balance durability, packability, and comfort.
Crazy Creek is more than a chair—it’s a part of outdoor culture. Whether you’re lounging at camp, staking out a spot at a concert, or paddling downriver, Crazy Creek remains the seat of choice for people who know that simplicity often outlasts trends.
After 30+ years, one thing is certain: Crazy Creek didn’t just invent the category. They’re still setting the standard.
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