There's nothing like relaxing in your yard on a warm evening at the end of a long day, but outdoor furniture isn't always especially comfy. Add an outdoor pouf into the mix and you can lounge in comfort with your feet up, whether you're reading a book, listening to podcasts, enjoying a drink, or hanging out with friends and family.

An outdoor pouf needs to be suited to its outdoor life, so it should be water-resistant (if not waterproof) and have some resistance to UV rays so it doesn't fade quickly. There are a range of features and variables to decide on when choosing a pouf, such as the size and shape, the material it’s covered with, and what it’s filled with. Our buying guide can help you learn the  different features of outdoor poufs. If you want help finding something we specifically recommend, check out our shortlist of favorites for ideas.

Outdoor poufs often have a polyester bean filling, like the filling of a beanbag. As long as your pouf is stuffed enough, polyester beans provide a decent balance of give and support, plus they don't get compacted over time. Polyester hollow fiber is another alternative, but it does lose loft with regular use, meaning your pouf can become flat. You can also find inflatable outdoor poufs. These have an inflatable cushion that fits inside a slipcover. Inflatable options are lightweight and easy to store when not in use, but there is a puncture risk.

Check the dimensions of any outdoor poufs you're considering. Look at both the height and the width (the depth is the same as the width in the majority of cases). A pouf should be the right height to rest your feet on comfortably, but the exact height required depends on the height of your outdoor seating. The width or diameter should be large enough to fit one or two pairs of feet comfortably but not so large that it takes up too much patio space.

The majority of outdoor poufs are either cubes or cylinders. However, you can find some that are almost spherical. The shape doesn't make much difference to how the pouf feels or performs, so just choose a shape that appeals to you.

Ideally, an outdoor pouf should be made from a waterproof or water-resistant material, so it won't get soaked through if it rains unexpectedly before you can move it somewhere sheltered. If you like the look and feel of a fabric pouf, opt for one made of polyester with a water-resistant coating. Some options are made from plastic or weatherproof rattan, which are entirely waterproof even in heavy rainstorms. You can also find faux leather options that withstand wet weather. Real leather doesn't take kindly to a soaking, so it's best avoided. 

You can find outdoor poufs in a wide range of solid colors, in addition to geometric patterns and more exotic prints such as leaf patterns, stripes, polka dots, and chevron patterns. Although you want your pouf to be functional, it's important that it looks good, too, so take some time to pick a color or print that you love.

Although poufs don't tend to weigh much, they are bulky, so carrying them from place to place can be tricky. You can find models with an integrated handle or two to make moving them more easily. This is a handy feature if you have more than one spot in your yard where you might like to enjoy using your pouf.

Outdoor poufs often have zippered slipcovers. This helps to protect the filling inside from the elements and makes it easier to replace the filling or add more should it gradually flatten down. What's more, removable covers are generally easier to wash.

Inexpensive: You can find basic outdoor poufs for $20 to $30. These are usually inflatable models or poufs sold without filling.

Mid-range: Mid-range options cost roughly $30 to $60, including some weatherproof textile options with beanbag style fillings.

Expensive: High-end outdoor poufs can cost from $70 to $150. You can find a wide range of options in this price range, including sturdy rattan poufs or sets containing multiple poufs.

• Consider how you intend to use your outdoor pouf. If you'd like the option to use it as a seat as well as a footstool, find out if it has a maximum weight limit, especially if you're opting for an inflatable model.
• Decide whether you want to match your pouf to your outdoor furniture. Some outdoor furniture sets may sell matching poufs; otherwise, you need to look for the closest match you can find.
• Check how easy your chosen outdoor pouf is to clean. If it has a slipcover, is the cover machine-washable? If not, can you easily wipe the pouf clean?
• Always check if your outdoor pouf has filling included. Some poufs are sold as the outer only, meaning you need to buy a large cushion to fit inside or fill it with polyester hollow fiber, polyester beans (like in a beanbag), or old soft items (clothes, towels, pillows, etc.).

If our top five outdoor poufs aren’t right for you, here are a handful of other quality models. QILLOWAY Indoor/Outdoor Inflatable Stool is a simple and practical inflatable model available in several solid colors and patterns. The handle makes it easy to move and it's strong enough to hold 300 pounds. A similar alternative is Art Leon Outdoor Inflatable Ottoman. It also comes in many colors and patterns, is made of waterproof fabric, and is lightweight.

Classic Accessories Montlake Indoor/Outdoor Beanbag Ottoman is made from water- and fade-resistant material and comes in gray or red. You can buy other matching outdoor furniture if you're looking to outfit your whole patio. The handle and the storage pocket are both nice additions.

The Great Deal Furniture Collier Outdoor Pouf looks stylish and is extremely well-made, though it is a more expensive choice. It's filled with polyester beads, making it supportive but with enough give to be comfortable. 

Q. Can I leave my pouf outdoors year-round?
A. Even though you're buying an outdoor pouf, we highly recommend against leaving it out in the elements year-round. Outdoor poufs are water-resistant, but few are completely waterproof, so it's likely that they will become waterlogged if left outside in wet weather and may begin to harbor mold or mildew. Ideally, you should store your pouf in a shed, garage, or other dry, sheltered area during the winter or any spells of extremely wet weather during warmer months. You can even bring your pouf indoors to use in your living room when the weather outside is unsuitable.
 

Q. What's the difference between a pouf and an ottoman?
A. The words pouf and ottoman are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference, if you want to get technical about it. Poufs tend to be soft and unstructured with a puffed-out shape (like a well-stuffed pillow) and without legs. Ottomans, on the other hand, may be soft on top but usually have hard frames and almost always have legs.
 

Q. What kind of outdoor pouf is best for camping trips?
A. Going camping doesn't need to mean that you give up on all your home comforts. Bring a pouf with you and you can literally put your feet up when it's time to relax. Poufs can also be used as seats, giving you a plusher alternative to a camping chair. Of course, poufs do take up a fair amount of room in the car — the best kind to take is an inflatable pouf, so you can travel with it deflated and inflate it once you arrive.