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I’ve tried every method there is for carrying a beach chair—hooking it around my arm, throwing it on like a backpack, heaving it over my head—and each one leaves me out of breath by the time I claim my spot in the sand. This summer, I’d like to spend less time schlepping and more time going with the flow. That’ll require an ultra-lightweight chair, and I think I found the perfect one on Amazon.
The Praia is a portable, retro-looking chair that basically feels like a tote bag. The $129 find comes with a sturdy canvas strap that makes it easy to hoist over your shoulder but most importantly the whole thing weighs five pounds (for context: other chairs marketed as “lightweight” come in anywhere between nine and 11 pounds). The Praia’s ultra-breezy ways can be credited to the white aluminum frame and low-profile seat that folds up without a fuss.
The first time I plopped down in mine, I was a little nervous the nylon straps would sag, but so far they seem really sturdy. I was also impressed with the back angle—it’s got the perfect amount of recline for someone like me who spends most of their time reading and chatting at the beach rather than tanning. While some might find it uncomfortable to crouch down, one Amazon reviewer points out that it’s the perfect size if you’re hanging out with little kids and prefer to be on their level. By the way, it’s not just for the beach, either. Other shoppers have used it on camping trips and in their very own backyards.
All in all, the Praia chair is a great fit for all my fellow minimalist beach-goers out there. What it lacks in nifty cup holders, storage pouches, and recline options it makes up for in simplicity. If you are fine sticking your drink in the sand and want to be able to quickly shift your position based on the tides, this chair will be your BFF this summer.
