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Planning to hit the trails but don’t want to sacrifice comfort at camp? A lightweight, packable backpacking chair might be just what you’re looking for.
Written by Miya Tsudome and Mary Murphy
A solid backpacking chair is a camp comfort game changer; (photo/Miya Tsudome)
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No matter how cool or comfy a camp chair is, it’s not a backpacking chair unless you can carry it. Striking the right balance between packability and comfort is what a great backpacking chair will aspire to do. Of course, these chairs are versatile, and our testing process reflected just that.
Our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, took these models on camping trips in California, climbing trips into the High Sierra, and tested them at home at backyard grill sessions and hangouts by the local swimming hole. Trail-worn and having earned it, these chairs were the ones that not only survived her testing but thrived during it.
To choose the best backpacking chairs, we researched and ranked 13 different chairs after carefully researching dozens on the market today to handpick the best ones. We evaluated each chair based on features such as comfort, stability, size and weight, ease of setup, and build quality, to help you make the most informed purchasing decision, and find the best backpacking chair for your next outdoor adventure.
If you need help determining your unique needs, check out our comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and FAQ. Otherwise, scroll through our picks for the best backpacking chairs of 2023:
Editor’s Note: We updated our Backpacking Chairs guide on April 4, 2024, to add the Grand Trunk Compass 360° Swivel Stool, a unique take that offers up a spinning motion for those camp multi-taskers out there.
The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024
- Best Overall Backpacking Chair: REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair
- Best Budget Backpacking Chair: Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Chair
- Runner-Up Best Backpacking Chair: Helinox Ground Chair
- Most Sustainable Backpacking Chair: Big Agnes Mica Chair
- Best Chair for Ultralight Backpacking: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
- Most Versatile Backpacking Chair: NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair
Best Overall Backpacking Chair
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair
Specs
- Weight1 lb.
- Weight Limit250 lbs.
- Packed Size5 x 16”
- MaterialsRipstop nylon and aluminum
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy setup
- Affordable
Cons
- Narrow legs make it feel slightly unstable
Miya Tsudome
At only a pound, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair ($100) offers the perfect balance of comfort, stability, and price. In testing, it checked all our boxes: a very light-packed weight, easy setup, and comfort while sitting. The chair has a four-leg aluminum pole design with a ripstop nylon and mesh chair seat cover.
This chair folds down super easily and stuffs down small, fitting well into the included stuff sack. While no weight-bearing chair will necessarily “disappear in your pack,” the tiny pack size of the Flexlite Air makes this lightweight wonder about as unnoticeable as it gets while you crank out the miles.
We loved this chair for backpacking and car camping trips alike. It serves as a quick, simple option to immediately boost camp comfort.
This has a great design and isn’t too pricey. If you’re looking to invest in a chair that offers back support and doesn’t add too much weight to your pack, the Flexlite Air Chair is a great option. We think it’s the best backpacking chair available.
Best Budget Backpacking Chair
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Chair
Specs
- Weight1 lb., 5.9 oz.
- Weight Limit250 lbs.
- Packed Size4 x 33”
- Materials210-denier coated ripstop nylon, carbon fiber stays
Pros
- Lightweight
- Highly packable and easily transportable
- Easy setup
- Comfortable
Cons
- Low height — requires you to sit directly on the ground
Miya Tsudome
For those looking for an even more packable, ultralight option, you can’t beat Crazy Creek ($65). These camp seats are super versatile — think day hike picnics, soccer games in the park, and, of course, camping and backpacking.
The seat doesn’t have any legs, poles, or setup required (making it great for uneven surfaces and easier packing). Simply unfold and tighten to your desired reclining angle. The side straps adjust to provide tension and support when you lean your weight back.
The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 is also an improvement on the brand’s original chair — it has 8mm high-density EVA closed-cell foam for better insulation, reinforced connection points for the straps, and a durable outer 210-denier shell. This one’s great if packability, versatility, and price are most important.
Runner-Up Best Backpacking Chair
Helinox Ground Chair
Specs
- Weight1 lb., 4.8 oz.
- Weight Limit240 lbs.
- Packed Size12 x 4 x 4”
- MaterialsRipstop polyester, aluminum
Pros
- Square-base design increases stability
- Made of high-quality materials
Cons
- Pricey
- Low to the ground, might be uncomfortable for taller folks
Miya Tsudome
Helinox redesigned its popular ground chair, and we loved testing it. Under 1.5 pounds, the new Ground Chair ($130) is slightly lighter than the previous model.
The Ground Chair has DAC aluminum-alloy poles and a 240-pound weight capacity. And, of course, its hallmark square-base design provides a little more stability on surfaces like sand, slopes, and snow.
One note: Make sure to read the instructions before use on the quickest way to connect and fold up the legs to assemble the base.
We enjoyed using the Ground Chair while both car camping and backpacking in Colorado. It packs down to a great size, and Helinox’s durable materials should make the price point worth it. However, larger folks and those with longer legs might find this chair a bit uncomfortable.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more for a sturdier and more durable option, this is one of the best backpacking chairs you’ll find.
Most Sustainable Backpacking Chair
Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair
Specs
- Weight2 lbs., 3 oz.
- Weight Limit300 lbs.
- Packed Size3.5 x 17.5”
- MaterialsLightweight 100D Robic nylon with 300D polyester ripstop, aluminum
Pros
- Color-coded frame for easy setup
- Pre-bent poles help create stability and support the wider seat
- Made by a sustainability-conscious company
Cons
- A bit heavy for backpacking
Miya Tsudome
We scoured the internet for chairs made with recycled materials or that were USA-made, and … couldn’t find many. And the ones we did find weren’t designed for backpacking. However, one chair does fit the bill — the Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair ($150).
Big Agnes built its Mica with a hubless joint design, meaning there’s just aluminum (infinitely recyclable) and no plastic in the structure. It also uses high-tenacity yarn for increased durability while keeping weight low. And this chair doesn’t use any EVA foam, which can release harmful VOCs into the environment.
Big Agnes is also incorporating a giveback component with this chair, donating a portion of the proceeds from its new nature prints back to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition and the Yampa River Fund.
At over 2 pounds, the Mica Basin Chair is by no means ultralight. While you could use it for backpacking, it would be a little on the bulky side, but it won a spot in the review for its high sustainability score.
Its thoughtful components and contributions to stellar organizations mean you know you’re giving back when using this thing (if you purchase certain colorways). It may, however, be better suited for car camping or shorter backpacking/overnight trips where weight isn’t a huge concern.
If you’re looking for a lightweight chair with a lighter footprint, the Mica Basin Chair is the answer.
Best Chair for Ultralight Backpacking
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
Specs
- Weight2 oz.
- Weight LimitNone
- Packed Size12 x 2.5 x 2.75”
- MaterialsCross-linked polyethylene
Pros
- Ultralight and packable
- Multiple uses make it a great choice for backpacking
Cons
- Not as comfortable as a true backpacking chair (it's a slab of foam)
- No back support
Miya Tsudome
The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat ($33) doesn’t look like much. It is, after all, a single piece of molded closed-cell foam like you would find in a sleeping pad, in a foldable, 13×16-inch, 2-ounce package. But its simplicity is what makes this camping seat so great.
At a basically imperceptible 2 ounces, it’s the best seat for the ultralight backpacker who is going fast and light through the mountains and can’t afford any extra weight slowing them down. Throw this small pad down on rocky ground to make a comfy seat and provide warmth through its closed-cell insulation.
It can also be used to extend a sleeping pad, provide wind shelter for a cooking set-up, become a waterproof platform to change out of wet socks after getting caught in the rain — the list goes on. Not only is this a no-brainer option for any backpacker, but it is also one of the most versatile options in our lineup.
If you’re looking for something ultra-lightweight and versatile and don’t mind not having a backrest, this seat is a great choice.
Most Versatile Backpacking Chair
NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair
Specs
- Weight1 lb., 14 oz.
- Weight Limit300 lbs.
- Packed Size4" x 14”
- Materials100% PCR polyester, Bluesign-approved mesh, forged aluminum hubs, 7001 aluminum frame
Pros
- Adjustable straps allow you to sit up or recline
- All-mesh seat is more comfortable and breathable
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
Miya Tsudome
The NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair ($160) sports a few unique design features that make it a cut above the rest when it comes to versatility. First — and most pertinent — is the fully reclining functionality of the chair. Two-way buckle straps on either side allow you to sit straighter with more support when you’re leaning over and playing cards.
These handy straps can be slackened to allow you to recline in comfort by a campfire. Most backpacking chairs are made only for reclining, forcing users to lean forward uncomfortably when chopping vegetables or playing games. Proper back support makes a world of a difference.
The NEMO Moonlite is also made with 100% polyester Bluesign-approved mesh throughout its body, versus the typical nylon or polyester fabric of most other camp chairs. This allows the seat to breathe well and mold to your body. It can also support up to 300 pounds — impressive stats for a small camp chair.
This chair is a touch overbuilt for lightweight backpacking. Its big, beefy aluminum tubing for legs, buckles on the straps, and thick, rubber seat attachments are all a little clunky. Incredibly, it still weighs in at a mere 1 pound, 14 ounces. It isn’t the lightest model out there, but it’s not the heaviest chair in our lineup, either. While you can definitely take this chair backpacking, our testers preferred it for car camping, music festivals, working remote outside, and backyard potlucks.
Read Review:Hands-Down Comfort, Plus Elbow Room: NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair Review
Best of the Rest
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
Specs
- Weight2 lbs., 14 oz.
- Weight Limit300 lbs.
- Packed Size6 x 18”
- MaterialsRipstop polyester, aluminum
Pros
- Wide, comfortable seat
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Heavy
- Bulkier than other backpacking chairs
Miya Tsudome
A wider, taller, and heavier counterpart of our top pick, the REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair ($90) is precisely 20% larger in all dimensions. The seat is wider, with more space to settle in, and accommodates up to 300 pounds, compared to the Flexlite Air’s 250 pounds. Set up is easy, and made even quicker with updated pole pockets that utilize pull loops and have wider openings.
While this chair is more spacious and a bit more comfortable than its counterpart, it lacks the lightness and portability that make for a truly great backpacking chair. Those who don’t mind packing more weight, and prioritize comfort over all else, will love to relax in this seat by the campfire.
This chair is also made with Bluesign-approved ripstop polyester and has a nice DWR (durable water-repellent) coating to protect it from the elements.
Grand Trunk Compass 360° Swivel Stool
Specs
- Weight1 lb.
- Weight Limit330 lbs.
- Packed Size11” x 3”
- Materials450D polyester, 7000 series aluminum frame
Pros
- Ultralight
- Easy Setup
- Swivel
- High weight capacity
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No back support
Miya Tsudome
Stools may lack the kickback capabilities of chairs, but their simpler designs often offer lighter weight, higher capacity, lower costs, and simpler setups. Grand Trunk’s Compass 360 Swivel Stool ($70) takes this to an extreme, offering one of the lightest, most budget-conscious, and fidget-friendly stools on this list.
At all of a pound, it can hang with some of the lightest backpacking chairs while supporting more weight. Fidget factor aside, its swivel adds extra utility, making it easier to orient oneself during campfire conversations and to collect the odds and ends of gear that always end up scattered on the ground around where you’re sitting.
That said, we did find that when sitting cross-legged or on uneven ground, the stool naturally wants to rotate, albeit slightly. As a stool with three legs, it’s more partial to sinking into soft ground than a chair with four legs. Most importantly, for hard-hiking backpackers, it doesn’t allow you to kick back at the end of a long day.
Nevertheless, for those who like stools, the Compass 360 offers all the usual utility and more. Its quick setup and robust frame make it ideal for midday breaks. The high seat and swivel capability make it ideal for activities like angling and bushcraft. Lastly, its low price and weight make it an excellent value for anyone willing to part with reclining.
One of our testers quickly made the Compass 360 Swivel Stool a mainstay for fishing, hiking lunchbreaks, and as a featherlight camp chore station while backpacking with a hammock.
Helinox Chair One
Specs
- Weight2 lbs.
- Weight Limit320 lbs.
- Packed Size3.5 x 13.5 x 4.5”
- MaterialsNylon, mesh, aluminum
Pros
- Comfortable
- Packs small
- Sturdy weight capacity
Cons
- Heavier than other chairs
Miya Tsudome
The Helinox Chair One ($110) is wildly popular and for good reason — it’s comfortable and serves its purpose well outdoors. Made with lightweight materials, it’s less than 14 inches tall when packed.
However, the Chair One has legs and thicker fabric, putting it on the heavier side. (There’s a pretty big weight difference between this and the ground chair, but it all comes down to which shape and style you prefer.)
Consider this chair if you’re looking for a more traditional chair style (higher off the ground with a back), want a sturdier weight capacity, and don’t care too much about weight.
Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair
Specs
- Weight10 oz.
- Weight Limit300 lbs. (tested with a NeoAir sleeping pad)
- Packed Size4 x 20”
- Materials75D ripstop polyester, fiberglass stays
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to pack
- Makes a chair out of your already-packed sleeping pad
Cons
- Designed to be used with Therm-a-Rest NeoAir sleeping pads but some have been able to configure with other pads as well
Miya Tsudome
The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair ($65-70) deserves a spot on our list simply for the weight. At just 10 ounces, it’s the lightest “chair” out there. Similar to a flat-folding chair seat, the Trekker relies on your sleeping pad for comfort and structure. Its tension straps adjust to your preferred reclining angle.
It’s definitely a great option if you already have a Therm-a-Rest and don’t want to invest more than $100 in a lightweight camp chair, but it does have some limitations.
If you’re looking for a camp chair you can throw in your kit without adding much weight, the Trekker is a great option. It’s designed for use with Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir sleeping pads only, although several online reviewers have rigged it to work with other brands’ pads as well.
Helinox Chair Zero
Specs
- Weight1 lbs., 2 oz.
- Weight Limit265 lbs.
- Packed Size13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9”
- MaterialsRipstop polyester, aluminum
Pros
- Lightweight
- Packs down to the size of a 32 oz. nalgene
- Made of high-quality materials
Cons
- Low to the ground, some may desire a higher seat
Miya Tsudome
Weighing in at only 17 ounces, the Helinox Chair Zero ($150) is a whole pound lighter than the Chair One, making it a great choice for the weight-conscious backpacker.
The Chair Zero also packs down a bit smaller than the Chair One, making it an overall better chair to consider bringing on a longer backpacking trip. It is also lower to the ground than the Chair Zero by 3 inches, which might be a deciding factor for you depending on how high off the ground you may prefer to be.
But like the Chair One, the Chair Zero is undeniably comfortable, has a setup that is a breeze, and is made of high-quality, durable materials.
This is a great choice for those looking for a lighter option for longer backpacking trips, without sacrificing comfort and support. It’s one of the best backpacking chairs for a wide range of uses.
ALPS Mountaineering Dash Chair
Specs
- Weight3 lbs., 2 oz.
- Weight Limit250 lbs.
- Packed Size17.5 x 6 x 4”
- Materials420D honeycomb ripstop polyester, aluminum
Pros
- Made of durable materials
- Comfortable and tall
Cons
- Heavy and a bit bulky to take backpacking
Miya Tsudome
This lightweight camping chair from ALPS Mountaineering just made the weight cutoff. Although it’s on the heavier side, it still has a great price and construction.
The Dash Chair ($120) — the lightest chair in the brand’s camp furniture lineup — has an aluminum frame and a burly 420-denier ripstop fabric. It also comes with a carry bag.
Its seat back height is on the taller side at 27 inches. We didn’t like the joints and frame configuration as much as other chairs on this list. But once set up, it’s comfy.
The Dash Chair is a good choice if you don’t yet own any camping chairs and want a one-size-fits-all option that works in both the backcountry and front country.
Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair
Specs
- Weight1 lb., 12 oz.
- Weight Limit275 lbs.
- Packed Size3.5 x 3.5 x 17”
- MaterialsUltralight nylon ripstop, aircraft aluminum
Pros
- Prebent poles and wide base make for a large, comfortable seat
- Supportive
- Made of durable materials
Cons
- A bit bulkier than other chairs in our lineup
Miya Tsudome
Another great lightweight camp chair option is the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair ($150), a take on an ultralight camping chair that weighs in at 1 pound, 12 ounces, packs into a small carry bag, and is made with high-quality materials with a sturdy aluminum leg base.
We liked how the design of these legs made for a wider base, with the slight angle of the back legs giving a feeling of increased stability.
While other lightweight chairs can tend to feel like they’ll topple over with a slight shift in weight, this chair feels supportive despite its ultralight design. It also sits higher than other chairs in our review, with a seat height of 15 inches. This might be a pro for some and a con for others, depending on what you’re looking for.
The Skyline UL Chair is a great choice for those backpackers who are looking for a chair with a stable base that sits higher off the ground.
Backpacking Chairs Comparison Chart
| Backpacking Chair | Price | Weight | Weight Limit | Packed Size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair | $100 | 1 lb. | 250 lbs. | 5 x 16″ | Ripstop nylon and aluminum |
| Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Chair | $65 | 1 lb., 5.9 oz. | 250 lbs. | 4 x 33″ | 210-denier coated ripstop nylon, carbon fiber stays |
| Helinox Ground Chair | $130 | 1 lb., 4.8 oz. | 240 lbs. | 12 x 4 x 4″ | Ripstop polyester, aluminum |
| Big Agnes Mica Chair | $150 | 2 lbs., 3 oz. | 300 lbs. | 3.5 x 17.5” | Lightweight 100d Robic nylon with 300D polyester ripstop, aluminum |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Seat | $33 | 2 oz. | None | 12 x 2.5 x 2.75” | Cross-linked polyethylene |
| NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair | $160 | 1 lb., 14 oz. | 300 lbs. | 4 x 14” | 100% PCR polyester, bluesign-approved mesh, forged aluminum hubs, 7001 aluminum frame |
| REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair | $90 | 2 lbs., 14 oz. | 300 lbs. | 6 x 18” | Ripstop polyester, aluminum |
| Grand Trunk Compass 360° Swivel Stool | $70 | 1 lb. | 330 lbs. | 11” x 3” | 450D polyester, 7000 series aluminum frame |
| Helinox Chair One | $110 | 2 lbs. | 320 lbs. | 3.5 x 13.5 x 4.5” | Nylon, mesh, aluminum |
| Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair | $65-70 | 10 oz. | 300 lbs. | 4 x 20” | 75D ripstop polyester, fiberglass stays |
| Helinox Chair Zero | $150 | 1 lb., 2 oz. | 265 lbs. | 13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9” | Ripstop polyester, aluminum |
| ALPS Mountaineering Dash Chair | $120 | 3 lbs., 2 oz. | 250 lbs. | 17.5 x 6 x 4” | 420D honeycomb ripstop polyester, aluminum |
| Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair | $150 | 1 lb., 12 oz. | 275 lbs. | 3.5 x 3.5 x 17” | Ultralight nylon ripstop, aircraft aluminum |
How We Tested Backpacking Chairs
Our expert gear testers have been reviewing backpacking chairs for this guide since August 2020, meticulously researching dozens of the best chairs on the market to keep this review up to date several times a year.
Miya Tsudome is one of the primary gear testers for this review. Combining over a decade of backpacking experience with years of authoring gear reviews, she’s well-suited to help you make the most informed purchasing decision for your backpacking chair needs.
Living in Bishop, Calif., on the flanks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Miya spends most of her summers backpacking out to alpine climbing objectives, and knows how nice it is to have a comfortable seat to lounge in at the end of a long hiking day, but knows that finding a chair that won’t be cumbersome to pack is also crucial.
She and the other testers on this review spent several weeks in the spring, summer, and fall months with each of these chairs. Some chairs traveled all the way out to basecamp beneath the Incredible Hulk, a popular alpine climbing objective in the Sierra Nevada mountains, or to camping trips in Sequoia Kings National Park, and even came along on road trips to southeast Utah.
Our testers assessed the comfort, stability, ease of setup, packability, and more for all 14 chairs in this lineup. Making notes about these metrics on every outing allowed us to build an objective and informative review, with data collected from first-hand experiences.
We hope this information will help you wade through the plethora of chairs on the market to find the best backpacking chair for you.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Backpacking Chair
Kicking back after a long day of hiking is one of our favorite things (up there with finally hitting the sack for some shuteye), and while any old stump will suffice, a true backpacking chair adds a certain civility to relaxing at camp — and at minimal pack weight. But finding the best backpacking chair isn’t as easy as snagging one in your favorite color. There are a few factors to consider.
Below we’ve broken down the decision process, from the big deals (comfort and support) to the less-so (patterns, etc) to help you narrow in on your next camp throne.
Comfort and Back Support
Although you might want a chair that is light and small enough to pack on your backpacking trips, it’s nice to find one that doesn’t skimp on comfort or back support if you’re looking to lounge at the end of a long hiking day.
The REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair provides the perfect amount of comfort and back support along with its light weight, which is why it’s our top pick. With an 11-inch seat height, your back is well supported when you settle into the chair, allowing you to lean back without feeling unstable.
The Helinox Ground Chair, Chair One, and Chair Zero all have similar seat heights and durable, supportive fabrics in their large bucket seats — making them all comfortable models.
Although the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 chair doesn’t have the rigid legs or structure of a typical camping chair, this model is remarkably comfortable. Because you have the ability to adjust the straps, you’re able to configure the angle of the back support just how you like it, and we loved being able to lean back with the full support of the chair cradling our bodies.
Taking the concept of the Crazy Creek even further is the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair, which allows you to insert your sleeping pad into the chair design to create the plushest seat out of all the ones we reviewed. The only downside is you must have a compatible sleeping pad in addition to the chair.
A chair in our lineup that scores among the highest in comfort and back support is the NEMO Moonlite. With adjustable straps, this chair can be cinched up when you want to sit up straight, and reclined when you want to kick back and relax. Its all-mesh seat construction also conforms well to your body for ultimate comfort.
Lower on the general comfort list are the chairs without any back support at all. This includes the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat and the Grand Trunk Compass 360° Swivel Stool. These chairs are made for more practical use instead of long-term lounging, and are also lighter than traditional camp chairs as a result, which may be desirable for some folks.
Stability
Because these backpacking chairs will likely be used on varying terrain, stability is an important feature to consider when making your purchasing decision. Our runner-up chair, the Helinox Ground Chair, is a great choice in this regard, with its low-to-the-ground, square-shaped base.
This unique design feature distributes weight more evenly across the ground, making it less likely you’ll tip over on uneven terrain. It is also lower to the ground than other backpacking chairs in our lineup, making it even more stable.
Other chairs that rank high in the stability category are the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0, the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat, and the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair. Since none of these chairs have legs and all are seats that are placed directly on the ground, there’s little to no chance they will tip over, and they easily can be used in sand, on rocks, on slopes, or snow.
Size and Weight
Backpacking chairs are not really an “essential” backpacking item, but they sure can make your camping experience much more comfortable. Still, size and weight are important things to consider when choosing a chair to purchase. You want to be sure the chair won’t be too bulky to fit in your backpacking backpack and that it’s light enough to justify bringing along.
The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is without a doubt the lightest and most compact “chair” in our lineup. Weighing in at a mere 2 ounces and folding up accordion-style into a size barely wider than a Nalgene bottle, this seat can easily fit in your pack without adding bulk or weight. It’s definitely the best choice for ultralight backpackers who aren’t looking for a chair but a nice seating pad to keep your bum warm at camp.
The Grand Trunk Compass 360° Swivel Stool comes in at a close second, weighing in at 16 ounces and also folding up into a compact cylinder that can be stowed easily in one of the outside pockets of your pack.
Both of these chairs are the lightest but also lack back support. If you want a lightweight, packable chair that is actually a proper “chair,” the lightest one is our category winner, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air. Weighing in at only a pound and folding up into a small 5×16-inch package, this chair is a great choice for those who are conscious about weight but don’t want to sacrifice back support.
The Helinox Ground Chair and Chair Zero are also good bets, weighing in at 1 pound, 4.8 ounces and 1 pound, 2 ounces, respectively, and both pack up into a small size.
Lastly, the Crazy Creek is also a great compromise between being lightweight and packable (but without sacrificing back support). It comes in at a lightweight 1 pound, 5 ounces and is a more comfortable folding chair overall, making it our preferred choice of chairs in this design category.
Ease of Setup
Every backpacking chair we reviewed has relatively simple setups, allowing you to get from pounding the trail to lounging at camp as quickly and painlessly as possible. Some chairs are noticeably easier to set up than others, however, which we will discuss in this section.
Indisputably the simplest chair in the lineup is the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat. Since it’s just a small, insulated pad, it folds up accordion-style and can be dispatched as quickly as removing the attached rubber band holding it together, opening it up, and sitting down.
The second easiest to set up is the Grand Trunk Compass 360° Swivel Stool. Simply extend and twist the legs open, and the stool is ready to use.
The Crazy Creek is also a breeze to set up but takes a second to adjust. You’ll want to open up these folding seats and sit inside of them while adjusting their side straps for the most comfortable fit and to find your preferred angle.
The rest of the chairs in our review follow the standard camping chair setup: unfold the chair legs and connect them into all their joints to make the frame, then simply stretch the seat fabric and install their corners into the designated chair legs. This takes a minute or two, tops.
Backpacking Chair vs. Camping Chair
This comprehensive review specifically covers the best backpacking chairs, which might make some of you wonder what the difference is from camping chairs. This is an important distinction to make.
To qualify as a backpacking chair, these seats must be lightweight, pack down to a relatively small and portable size, and simple to set up. When going on a backpacking trip, whether it’s overnight or a multiday trek, space in your pack and weight matter. All of the chairs in our review (besides the Coleman Quad) pack down to a size that will fit into or on the outside of a backpacking pack.
If you do a lot of car camping, however, which means you’re driving up to a campsite and carrying all of your gear in your car, you might want to consider buying a camp chair instead. These types of chairs will typically be bigger and more comfortable, with taller backs for support, and sometimes accessories like cup holders or extra cushioning in the seat or backrest.
The REI Co-op Skyward Chair is a great example. It simply folds open and closed, making it a breeze to grab out of the tailgate and pop open by the fire.
Different Types of Backpacking Chairs
While they may seem like a relatively simple purchase, backpacking chairs actually come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common type is the two-piece, legs plus fabric bucket seat chair. The REI Co-op Flexlite Air, Helinox Ground, Chair One, and Chair Zero, ALPS Mountaineering Dash Chair, and Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair are all of this design, with collapsible legs and a fabric seat that can be rolled up and packed into your backpack.
Other types of chairs you can find for backpacking are stools, like the Grand Trunk Compass 360° Swivel Stool, or foldable chairs like the Crazy Creek. Stools can be great to have on a fishing or river trip, and foldable chairs are a great ultralight option for lounging at camp after a long day of hiking without carrying too much weight or bulk.
The most unique style of backpacking chair we’ve come across is the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair, which uses your sleeping pad to make a plush, comfortable camp seat. While it requires you to have a compatible sleeping pad, it utilizes something that’s already in your pack to create a chair, which we really like. Plus you can use it without the pad as a foldable seat, making it a versatile option.
Lastly is the ground pad style seat, like the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat. While it may not look like much, this insulated pad is also versatile and so light it’s hard not to pack. The difference between sitting on the cold ground and having an insulated piece of foam underneath you is night and day, and you can also use it as extra cushioning underneath your sleeping pad or to extend it if you have a three-quarter-length pad.
It’s worth taking a moment to think about how you will most likely utilize your chair before deciding which will be the best backpacking chair for your needs.
Build Quality
Backpacking chairs come in all shapes and sizes and are made with different materials that affect their overall build quality. Helinox is high on the list in terms of the quality of materials in its chairs, with its lightweight, aluminum leg poles and ripstop polyester seats. The REI Co-op Flexlite Air and Flexlite Camp Boss are made with the same materials, ensuring their light weight is met with a high-quality design.
Big Agnes is a company that doesn’t skimp on quality either and is known for top-shelf tents and sleeping bags. The company’s chair game is no different. The Mica Basin and Skyline UL are made with what Big Agnes calls “aircraft aluminum pole systems,” and the proprietary high-tenacity Robic nylon with polyester ripstop ensures durability.
While the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 may look like a simple chair, it’s made with 8mm high-density cored EVA closed-cell foam which provides insulation and has a durable outer shell made with 210D coated ripstop nylon for abrasion-resistance and weatherproofing. The carbon fiber stays within the folded seat are remarkably strong and ensure you’ll have a chair that lasts trip after trip.
FAQ
What is the best backpacking chair?
Finding the best backpacking chair has to do with your threshold of comfort and how much you’re willing to carry. If weight isn’t your primary concern and you will only be hiking for a short amount of time, hauling something like theBig Agnes Micawould be a great option, as it packs a lot of comfort into a relatively small package.
If ultralight minimalism is key, however, you may want to stick with the bare-bones, no-frillsTherm-a-Rest Z Seat, a simple square of foam that will disappear in your pack. It totally depends on personal preference.
That said, not all backpacking chairs are equal. Some are definitely higher quality than others, and it’s important to consider the durability and dependability of anything you take into the backcountry. Everything in this guide has been tested by adventurers who know what to look for in solid, reliable gear, and you can trust their honest opinion.
What is a backpacking chair?
Backpacking chairs offer the ultimate level of backcountry comfort. There’s nothing quite like sitting in an actual chair around the fire after a grueling hike instead of getting sap all over your shorts and leaning against a knobby tree. Comfort almost always comes at the cost of weight, though, which backpackers are always trying to whittle down.
A backpacking chair should strike an appropriate balance between comfort, weight, and bulk. If you don’t feel comfortable carrying it for miles on your back, it won’t be worth the reward you get at the end of the day.
Backpacking chairs should be able to pack up small enough to fit easily inside, or strap to the outside, of your pack.
What is the lightest backpacking chair?
While the lightest backpacking “chair” we have on this list is theTherm-a-Rest Z Seat, this really doesn’t offer much support and comfort. The lightest product we’d classify as more of a classic “chair” we reviewed is theREI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair, coming in at around a pound.
What is the difference between a backpacking chair and a camping chair?
Camping chairs, in general, don’t pack down as small and are quite bulky but do offer a good deal of comfort. To qualify for this list, each backpacking chair must be lightweight, pack down to a relatively small and portable size, and be simple to set up.
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Miya Tsudome
11 articles
Originally from New York, Miya graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College and quickly fled west to see what the great outdoors had to offer. What was supposed to be a summer job in Yosemite National Park turned into five years, with her ultimately becoming a rock climbing guide with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. She now works as a photographer and freelance writer and is always looking for ways to share her passion and expertise for outdoor gear through her writing.
Mary Murphy
1,425 articles
Mary Murphy is the Managing Editor of GearJunkie. She has been writing about hiking, running, climbing, camping, skiing, and more for seven years, and has been on staff at GearJunkie since 2019. Prior to that, Mary wrote for 5280 Magazine in Denver while working as an outdoor instructor teaching climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and mountain biking. Based in Denver, Colorado, Murphy is an avid hiker, runner, backpacker, skier, yogi, and pack-paddleboarder. Mary also serves as the leader of AllGear Digital’s DEI Committee.
