A beach chair, ideally, isn’t something you think too much about — unless, that is, you’re hefting it half a mile across hot sand or trying to wrestle one open like an ornery accordion.At its best, it’s simple to use, easy to carry, and sturdy enough for years and years of use in somewhat harsh conditions.But not all beach chairs are built the same. Some are all of those things. Others feel like they were designed to test your patience and your lower back.Over the past few years, we’ve tested nine beach chairs in real-world conditions — from empty Hawaiian beaches to crowded Fourth of July shorelines. Of those chairs, we recommend three: an affordable classic; a taller, more upright option; and a rugged chair that’s built to last.The best chairs simply work. And when you’re lucky enough to have a few hours of sun and ocean air, that’s all you want.