Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height Review: The Elevated Beach Experience We’ve Been Waiting For?

There’s a moment on every beach trip that I used to dread. It wasn’t the sandy car ride home or the inevitable sunburn on that one spot I missed. It was the simple, awkward act of trying to stand up from a low-slung beach chair. After an hour of relaxing, a bit stiff from the sun and salt, the process of leveraging myself out of a seat mere inches from the ground felt less like leisure and more like a clumsy, sand-kicking gymnastic routine. For years, I accepted this as the price of admission for a day by the ocean. But as I’ve gotten older, and frankly, less tolerant of unnecessary discomfort, I began to wonder: why do beach chairs have to be so low? The struggle is real, not just for me, but for anyone with a bad back, knee trouble, or who is simply taller than average. The wrong chair can turn a relaxing getaway into a source of physical strain, which is why the quest for a better solution led me directly to the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height.

What to Consider Before Buying a Beach & Camping Chair

A beach or camping chair is more than just an item to keep you off the sand; it’s a key solution for comfort, convenience, and extending your enjoyment of the outdoors. The primary benefit is ergonomic support. A well-designed chair prevents the back and muscle strain that comes from sitting on uneven ground or a simple blanket. It provides a clean, elevated personal space, keeping you away from damp sand, insects, and dirt. Portability is another major factor. Modern chairs, especially backpack models, free up your hands to carry coolers, umbrellas, and towels, transforming the trek from the car to your spot from a juggling act into a simple stroll. Ultimately, a good chair is an investment in your outdoor comfort and leisure time.

The ideal customer for a product like the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height is someone who prioritizes ease of use and accessibility. This includes older adults, individuals with mobility challenges (like bad knees or hips), taller people who find standard chairs uncomfortable, or simply anyone who dislikes the feeling of being almost on the ground. It’s for the beachgoer who makes frequent trips and values a quick, comfortable setup. Conversely, this chair might not be the best fit for the ultralight backpacker or minimalist camper, for whom every ounce matters. At 9 pounds, it’s light for a beach chair, but heavy compared to specialized, bare-bones hiking chairs. Those individuals might consider ultralight compact models instead.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Seat Height & Dimensions: This is arguably the most critical factor for this specific category. A standard beach chair sits 8-12 inches off the ground. A “hi-boy” model like this one, with its 17-inch seat height, is comparable to a standard dining chair, making ingress and egress significantly easier. Consider your own height and physical needs. Also, check the folded dimensions (31.5″ x 23″ x 4.5″ for this model) to ensure it fits in your car trunk alongside your other gear.
• Weight & Portability: How will you be carrying the chair? A chair with backpack straps is a game-changer for walking any significant distance. The item’s weight (9 lbs here) is a trade-off between sturdiness and portability. For most adults, 9 pounds is a very manageable weight for a short walk to the beach, but it’s something to consider if you have a long trek planned or have lifting limitations.
• Materials & Durability: The frame and fabric determine the chair’s lifespan. A rust-proof aluminum frame is the gold standard for beach use, as it withstands the corrosive salt air. The fabric should be a durable, quick-drying material like the polyester used here, which can handle sun exposure and moisture. Pay close attention to connection points, stitching, and components like armrests and suspension cords, as these are common failure points.
• Features & Ease of Use: Beyond sitting, what do you need your chair to do? Features like multiple reclining positions, a head pillow, storage pouches, and cup holders add immense value. Look for intuitive and safe adjustment mechanisms. The SAFE-ADJUST technology in the armrests of the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height is designed to prevent pinched fingers, a thoughtful detail that enhances the user experience.

Taking these factors into account will help you move beyond just buying a chair and toward investing in a piece of gear that truly enhances your time outdoors.

While the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy

The Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height arrived fully assembled, a welcome relief from the often-frustrating world of flat-pack furniture. Our first action was simply to unfold it. The motion is smooth and intuitive, locking into place with a satisfying, sturdy feel. Right away, the “Logo Stripe” pattern is classic Tommy Bahama—vibrant and evocative of a tropical vacation. The colors are bright, and as one user noted, the iconic palm tree logo is printed on both sides, making it easy to spot your setup from down the beach.

The wooden armrests are a standout feature. They feel substantial and smooth underhand, offering a touch of classic elegance that plastic arms just can’t match. The frame is lightweight aluminum, and at 9 pounds, the chair is noticeably lighter than many older, steel-framed models. We slung it onto our backs using the padded, adjustable straps. It sits comfortably, distributing the weight evenly without digging into the shoulders. The storage features are immediately apparent and well-thought-out: a zippered pouch on the side, a dedicated cell phone pocket, and a classic cup holder. Our initial impression is of a well-designed, feature-rich chair that clearly understands the needs of a modern beachgoer. The real test, of course, is how it performs under real-world conditions and whether its construction lives up to its premium design. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its initial appeal.

Performance Under the Sun: A Deep Dive into the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy

A chair can look great out of the box, but its true value is revealed over long, sun-drenched afternoons and repeated trips from the car to the shore. We put the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height through its paces to see if its performance matches its promising design. We focused on the core elements that define a great beach chair: accessibility, portability, overall comfort, and, critically, its durability over time.

The 17-Inch Advantage: Comfort and Accessibility Redefined

Let’s be clear: the single greatest reason to consider this chair is its height. The 17-inch elevation is transformative. Sitting down isn’t a controlled collapse, and standing up isn’t a multi-stage struggle. It feels like sitting in a normal chair, and that cannot be overstated. During our testing, this feature was a unanimous favorite. We watched family members with knee issues sit down and get up without a single complaint or request for a helping hand. This was echoed repeatedly in user feedback, with one person stating, “I needed a beach chair that had just enough height to make getting up easier… This chair is a perfect 10 in my book.” Another, who also owned the lower version, confirmed the new model is “much easier to get up from.”

This height doesn’t just benefit those with mobility concerns. It provides a better vantage point, makes it easier to chat with others who are standing, and keeps you further from the blowing sand on a windy day. The chair’s overall dimensions (24.25″W x 38″H) provide a generous seating area, and the solid back offers ample support. The four reclining positions are easy to engage by gently lifting the wooden armrests. The SAFE-ADJUST mechanism works as advertised, creating a smooth, pinch-free transition between sitting upright for a snack and leaning back for a nap. This accessibility feature alone makes it a top contender in the market.

Portability & Convenience: The Backpack System and Onboard Storage

A chair is only useful if you can get it to your destination. Tommy Bahama has long been a leader in the backpack chair category, and this model continues that legacy. The padded straps are comfortable enough for the typical walk from a beach parking lot. We loaded the chair up and carried it about a quarter-mile over both pavement and soft sand. The 9-pound weight is well-balanced, and it never felt overly burdensome. As one happy user noted, they are “sturdy, lightweight, and can be carried on your back.” This hands-free system is a massive quality-of-life improvement, allowing you to manage a cooler, umbrella, or a child’s hand with ease.

The storage solutions are equally impressive and practical. The seat-side zippered pouch is large enough for sunscreen, a book, and keys. The dedicated cell phone pocket is perfectly placed on the armrest for easy access. The single cup holder is standard but functional, holding a can or standard water bottle securely. While some premium chairs offer small, insulated cooler pouches, the storage here is more than adequate for a typical day trip. Folding the chair back up is just as simple as opening it, and it collapses into a slim profile that’s easy to slide into a car trunk or store in a garage. The combination of its manageable weight, comfortable straps, and useful storage makes the entire process of using the chair, from house to beach and back again, remarkably seamless.

The Elephant in the Room: Quality Control and Durability Concerns

For all its brilliant design choices, we cannot ignore a troubling pattern that emerged both in our inspection and in a significant volume of user experiences: inconsistent quality control. While our test unit arrived in perfect condition, the sheer number of reports detailing problems is impossible to dismiss. Users have received chairs with missing screws in the armrests, making them unusable out of the box. Others have found bent frames, gaps in the arm supports, and even chairs that arrived used and damaged.

More concerning are the reports about long-term durability. A recurring complaint involves the lace-up suspension cords and fabric straps. We saw numerous accounts of the “white straps” or “ropes on the bottom” breaking or disintegrating after just a handful of uses, or rotting out within a year or two despite proper care like rinsing with freshwater. One reviewer stated, “I’d love to give this 5 stars but after using two times, the ropes on the bottom of the seat broke apart.” Another was frustrated that the “handles (straps) on both broke after 4-5 uses.” This suggests a potential issue with the materials chosen for these critical, load-bearing components. While the aluminum frame and main polyester fabric seem robust, the supporting elements appear to be a weak link. This is a significant drawback for a chair from a premium brand like Tommy Bahama, and it turns the purchase into something of a gamble. Potential buyers should be prepared to inspect the chair thoroughly upon arrival and be aware of these potential longevity issues. Despite these concerns, you can check the latest model and its warranty information online.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through feedback from other owners provides a clear, if divided, picture of the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height. The positive sentiment is overwhelmingly focused on the design and comfort. A user, age 69 with back issues, called their new high-rise chair a lifesaver, stating they “can barely get out of the lower chair” and that this one is a massive improvement. Another praised its looks, comfortable canvas, and wooden handles, summing it up as “excellent, comfy and very nice looking.” These reviews confirm that when the product arrives as intended, it delivers exactly on its promise of an accessible, comfortable, and stylish beach experience.

However, the negative feedback paints a starkly different picture centered entirely on build quality. The issues are not minor cosmetic flaws but critical failures. “Chairs seem nice but the quality control is awful,” one user wrote, including a picture of a misassembled arm support. Another was deeply disappointed after the “white straps disintegrated.” The most severe complaints involve catastrophic failures, like a bent frame that “collapsed” during use. This dichotomy is key: the chair’s concept is beloved, but its execution seems to be alarmingly inconsistent. It’s a product people want to love, but are sometimes prevented from doing so by manufacturing flaws.

How Does the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. While the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height excels in its niche, other excellent outdoor chairs cater to different needs. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.

1. Kelty Low Loveseat 2-Person Camp Chair

The Kelty Low Loveseat takes a completely different approach, prioritizing shared space over individual portability. Its primary advantage is its ability to comfortably seat two people, making it ideal for couples, families with a small child, or anyone who enjoys a bit more room to lounge. Its steel frame is robust, and the quilted polyester fabric is durable and comfortable. However, it’s a trade-off. It’s lower to the ground than the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy, presenting the very accessibility issue the Hi-Boy solves. It’s also heavier and bulkier, transported in a roll-tote carry bag rather than as a backpack. Choose the Kelty if you’re car camping and your priority is a shared, cozy seating arrangement.

2. Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Camping Chair

The Helinox Chair Zero exists at the absolute opposite end of the portability spectrum. Weighing just over a pound, it packs down to the size of a water bottle, making it the undisputed champion for backpackers, hikers, and anyone for whom weight and packed size are the most important metrics. Its advanced aluminum alloy frame and lightweight fabric can still support a surprising amount of weight. The compromise comes in comfort and features. It sits very low to the ground, has no armrests, no storage, and offers a more minimalist, sling-like seating experience. If you need to carry your chair for miles into the backcountry, the Helinox is the only logical choice. For a comfortable day at the beach, the Tommy Bahama is far superior.

3. EVER ADVANCED Heated Camping Chair 400lbs

The EVER ADVANCED chair targets a completely different environment: the cold. Its killer feature is an integrated USB-powered heating system with three levels, perfect for chilly evenings around the campfire, late-season sporting events, or ice fishing. It also boasts a very high weight capacity of 400lbs, indicating a heavy-duty build. This chair is all about warmth and robust construction. However, these features come at the cost of weight and portability; it is significantly heavier than the Tommy Bahama chair and lacks the convenient backpack straps. It’s a specialized piece of gear. If your outdoor activities often happen in the cold, the EVER ADVANCED is an excellent choice, but for warm-weather beach trips, its main feature is irrelevant.

The Final Verdict: A Brilliant Design Hampered by Inconsistency

The Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height is a product we desperately want to give a perfect score. The core concept is a home run. The elevated 17-inch seat is a true game-changer for accessibility and comfort, solving a problem that plagues countless beachgoers. When paired with the proven convenience of the backpack straps, handsome wooden armrests, and practical storage pouches, it presents itself as the ideal beach companion. For anyone who has ever struggled to get out of a low chair, this design feels like a revelation.

Unfortunately, this brilliant design is let down by alarming and frequent reports of poor quality control and component failure. While many users receive a fantastic product, a significant number experience issues ranging from missing screws to catastrophic strap breakages. Therefore, our recommendation comes with a strong caveat. We recommend the Tommy Bahama Hi-Boy Backpack Beach Chair 17″ Seat Height to those for whom the high seat is a non-negotiable, essential feature. If that accessibility is your top priority, the potential reward may be worth the risk. However, we urge you to purchase from a retailer with a reliable return policy and to inspect the chair meticulously upon arrival. Check every screw, stitch, and strap. If you get a good one, you will likely adore it for its comfort and convenience. If not, be prepared to send it back. Check the latest price and availability here and decide if its unique benefits outweigh the potential flaws for your next trip to the shore.