Seating Solutions for Wanderers: The Best Backpacking Chairs
Let’s Talk About Camp Chairs
Don’t let a sore back ruin your next backpacking trip. Our expert picks for the best backpacking chairs will keep you comfortable on even the longest treks. From lightweight and portable to collapsible and durable, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to relax in style with Life in Utopia’s top-rated backpacking chairs.
When it comes to backpacking, one of the most important pieces of gear is good camp chairs. After all, what’s the point of spending all that time hiking if you can’t sit back and relax at camp?
Unfortunately, many backpacking chairs can be bulky and heavy, making them a pain to carry on your back. But there are a few options out there that are light and compact enough for backpacking, and we’ve rounded up the five best here.
If you’re looking for a camp chair that won’t weigh you down on the trail, check out our top picks. All of these chairs weigh less than 2 pounds, and some even fold up small enough to fit in your backpack’s water bottle pocket.
And since they’re designed for backpacking, they’re also super durable and can handle being used on uneven ground. So whether you’re car camping or backpacking into the backcountry, one of these chairs will help you stay comfortable at camp.
What are the Best Camp Chairs?
- Best Overall: Helinox Chair One
- Best Ultralight: REI Flexlite Air
- Best Packable: Crazy Creek Hex 2.0
- Best Comfort: NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair
- Best largest: Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight
Helinox Chair One
The Helinox Chair One is an excellent option for backpacking. It weighs just 1.2 pounds and packs down small enough to fit in your backpack. It’s also very comfortable and can support up to 320 pounds.
The Chair One is made with an aluminum frame and 600D polyester fabric, making it both strong and lightweight. It also has a mesh back panel that provides ventilation on hot days. The Chair One is available in multiple colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.
Whether you’re looking for a chair for your next camping trip or for everyday use, the Helinox Chair One is a great option.
MSRP: $129.95
Pros:
– Seat is 8.5 in. off the ground
– Thanks to anodized DAC aluminum poles, Chair Zero is strong enough to support up to 265 lbs.
– To sit above snow, sand, or muddy ground, pair it with the small Helinox Chair Groundsheet (not included), which secures to the feet and distributes weight to a larger surface
Cons:
– Unstable
– Not designed for those taller than 5′-11″
Our Take:
We love this chair, have not had any issues, and it is not too unstable for us at 5′-5″ and 5′-8″. Pretty comfy for long sessions of sitting and reading your book. If you want dependable, then look no further.
REI Flexlite Air Chair
The REI Flexlite Chair is one of the lightest and most compact camping chairs on the market. It weighs just 1 pound and packs down small enough to fit in your backpack. Despite its small size, it’s surprisingly comfortable and can support up to 250 pounds.
The chair is made from durable yet lightweight materials and the padded seat and backrest provide ample support.
The chair also has a mesh pocket on the back that’s perfect for storing a book or phone, and the legs have rubber feet to prevent slipping on wet or uneven surfaces. Whether you’re car camping or backpacking, the REI Flexlite Chair is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable and comfortable camping chair that doesn’t weigh them down.
MSRP: $99
Pros:
– Sturdy ripstop nylon seat has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish shedding light rain and stains
– Weight = 1 pound
– 250 lb. weight capacity
Cons:
– Unstable
– No replaceable parts
Our Take:
We’ve had ours for a couple of years now and have had no problems. I will say this chair is just for lounging, no horsing around, since it can become a little unstable. It being lightweight is a huge bonus.
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0
When it comes to finding the perfect chair for your next backpacking trip or outdoor event, look no further than the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Camp Chair. This durable chair is made from polyester fabric and features a sturdy steel frame, making it ideal for any outdoor setting.
The chair also includes a built-in cup holder and a pocket for storing small items, making it even more convenient to use. Plus, the Hex 2.0 Camp Chair is available in multiple colors and can support up to 250 pounds, so you can find the perfect option to suit your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to sit around the campfire or a reliable chair for your next picnic, the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Camp Chair will meet your needs.
MSRP: $64.95
Pros:
– Rolls up compactly to a 4 in. diameter; features an attached roll-up strap and hanging loop for convenience
– Manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty on this product
– 8 mm high-density cored EVA closed-cell foam provides insulation and comfort without added bulk
Cons:
– You are sitting on the ground
Our Take:
I personally love this chair. Being able to adjust the angle of the backrest is awesome! Rolls up nicely to stuff in my pack or strap to the back. The seat cushion helps insulate you a bit from the temperature of the ground.
NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair
If you’re an avid camper or backpacker, you know how difficult it is to find a comfortable place to sit. The ground is hard and uneven, and rocks and sticks can make it even more uncomfortable. That’s why we love the Nemo Moonlite Reclining Chair.
This ultra-lightweight chair weighs only 2.2 pounds but can support up to 250 pounds, making it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort.
MSRP: $149.95
Pros:
– Multiposition reclining system allows you to lean forward or kick back and relax
– Premium forged 6061 aluminum hubs, and tubular 7001 aluminum frame are refined, lightweight, and sturdy
– Protected by the NEMO lifetime warranty
Cons:
– 1 lb. 14 oz.
– Expensive
Our Take:
The reclining feature is nice, being able to adjust the backrest makes for much better relaxation. It’s not the lightest, but the features make up for it.
Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight
Lightweight and packable, the Big Agnes Skyline UL ultralight backpacking chair is perfect for your next adventure. This comfortable chair features a durable aluminum frame and a breathable mesh seat that conforms to your body for ultimate comfort.
The integrated stuff sack makes packing up quick and easy, while the adjustable feet provide stability on uneven ground. Whether you’re car camping or backpacking, the Big Agnes Skyline UL ultralight backpacking chair is a must-have for your next outdoor excursion.
MSRP: $129.95
Pros:
– Pre-bent poles and a stronger frame allow for a deeper, wider seat than any other ultralight camping chair available
– All Big Agnes products are 100% guaranteed against manufacturing or material defect
Cons:
– 1 lb 12 oz.
– Packed size is 17″ long
Our Take:
This is a larger chair, so it is not one of our go-to chairs for backpacking. This chair is better suited for car camping or sporting events. Its weight is not bad. It is just too long when packed up. But the seat is roomy.
Conclusion
When choosing a camp chair for backpacking, there are several factors to consider. First, the weight and size of the chair are important. Backpackers need to be mindful of the overall weight of their gear, so a lighter chair is generally better.
Additionally, a smaller chair will be easier to pack into a backpack. Second, it’s important to choose a chair that is comfortable. Backpacking can be tough on the body, so a comfortable place to sit and relax is vital. Third, look for a chair that is durable and can withstand rugged use.
When camping in remote areas, it’s often necessary to set up and take down camp chairs multiple times, so choose one that won’t fall apart after just a few uses. Finally, consider the price of the chair.
High-end camp chairs can be expensive, but they are often worth the investment. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll surely find the perfect camp chair for your next backpacking trip.
Happy Backpacking!
