The Quick Verdict
Bottom Line: If you are tired of flimsy camping chairs that bend, wobble, or break after one season, the Shermanator is the antidote.
It is essentially a heavy-duty outdoor throne with a built-in cooler, built to withstand absolute abuse.
Pros & Cons
Why Trust This Review?
When you go through as much gear as I do, you quickly figure out which retailers actually know their stuff.
I picked up the Shermanator on the recommendation of the team at Outdoor World Direct.
Because they have that massive physical showroom over in Ossett where they actually set up and test the kit, they know exactly what holds up in the real world, rather than just reading off a manufacturer’s spec sheet.
I’ve been putting this chair through its paces over the last few weeks during a car camping trip in Wales. We actually accidentally left it out in the rain so it really did get tested.
Specs at a Glance
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Weight |
7.04 kg |
|
Max Capacity |
180 kg (400 lbs) |
|
Frame Material |
Powder-coated 22mm steel tube |
|
Seat Material |
Padded 2400D polyester |
|
Key Features |
Insulated cooler bag, cup holder, padded headrest |
|
Packed Size |
103 x 23 x 20 cm |
Out on the Trail: Real-World Performance
Heavy-Duty Stability
The standout feature of the Shermanator is its sheer strength.
With a 22mm reinforced steel frame and a 180kg weight limit, there is absolutely zero sway or flex when you sit down.
It provides a brilliantly stable base, which is exactly what I need when my partner and I are relaxing at basecamp and Malc or Pete inevitably decide to launch themselves onto my lap without warning.
Comfort & Features
While it has a traditional upright camping chair silhouette, the padding makes a massive difference.
The high back provides great lumbar and neck support. The real crowd-pleaser, however, is the armrest.
One side holds your standard cup holder, while the other features a zipped, insulated cooler bag big enough to hold two cans or bottles, keeping you from having to get up and walk to the fridge box.
The Trade-off: Weight and Portability
All that reinforced steel and 2400D heavy-duty fabric comes at a cost: weight. Tipping the scales at over 7kg, this is not a chair you want to carry for miles.
The included 400D polyester carry bag is robust, but this is strictly a “car-to-pitch” piece of furniture.
Who is this for? (And who should skip it?)
Perfect for: Bigger/taller campers, or anyone who wants an indestructible chair that feels as solid as dining room furniture.
Skip it if: You have a long walk from the car park to your pitch, or you prefer a chair that reclines.
How It Compares
Zempire Shermanator vs. Zempire Moonbase
If you are deciding between Zempire’s heavyweights, it comes down to sitting style.
As I noted in my recent Zempire Moonbase review, the Moonbase is all about sinking into a massive, enveloping tub for ultimate lounging.
The Shermanator, however, gives you a much firmer, upright seating position with the added convenience of the built-in cooler.
If you have bad knees and need a solid base to push up from when standing, the Shermanator is the better choice.
Final Thoughts & Where to Buy
It is heavy, it is over-engineered, and it is absolutely brilliant. If you want a chair that you will only ever have to buy once, this is it.
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