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Quick Picks for Best Backpacking Chair (or read ahead for more)
Last update on 2025-01-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Backpacking Chair Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best?
When you are heading out backpacking, it’s important to pack light. Everything you need for your days away from home are on your back, and packing more than necessary is a literal drag. Though some backpackers may consider a chair a luxury item, for many it is one of the few things that is worth the extra weight. After a long day of hiking, having a more comfortable seat than a log or rock can make a huge difference in comfort and mood. When you are looking for the best backpacking chair for your trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind which we detail in our buyer’s guide below.
Weight of the Chair
The most important thing to consider in a backpacking chair is the weight. Many of the ultralight backpacking chairs will only add around a pound to your pack, making them an easy choice when you want the extra comfort without too much added weight.
Other chairs run closer to 3lbs and may be a harder sell if you are already concerned about the weight of your pack. However, these slightly heavier backpacking chairs are surprisingly popular among hikers for their comfort. For a little extra weight, these chairs offer several perks, including a higher back and taller seat. If you suffer from an achy back, then this extra luxury may be worth the carry.
Chair Design
As mentioned above, backpacking chairs come in a few different designs, each with their pros and cons. One chair on our list sits directly on the ground, but is extremely light and can double as a sleeping pad. The more traditional looking camp chairs are still lightweight and also easy to assemble. Others offer higher backs and a taller seat height, but they are also heavier. If any seat will do, then it is wise to buy lighter. If you need more comfort or are heavier, then the larger chairs would make a better choice.
Dimensions of Chair and Weight Limits
If you are an average sized backpacker, then any chair on this list should be able to meet your size needs. However, for the big and tall backpacker, it is important to check the chair’s dimensions before buying. Seat width is particularly relevant if you have wider hips. For someone who is taller, you may want to look for a chair with a higher seat height or taller back.
All of these chairs also come with a maximum weight limit, anywhere from 250lbs to 320lbs. If you are on the heavier side, finding a chair with a higher weight limit will help ensure that you are comfortable and that your chair will last for more than just a couple of trips.
Durability
This chair will be roughing it along with you in the great outdoors, so it’s important that it can withstand the elements. Extra durable fabrics, like ripstop polyester, are used for most of the chairs on our list, ensuring they are weather resistant and easy to clean.
Some chairs have issues with the plastic hubs on the frames, or just with the chair legs themselves, bending or breaking. Softer ground may often be the culprit, leading to uneven weight distribution. To remedy this, a few chairs on our list have an added accessory to prevent sinking, but at an extra cost and added weight.
Our Picks for the Best Backpacking Chairs
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The Trekology YIZI GO is one of the most popular chairs available. With a recently upgraded design, it is now 1 inch higher and 15% lighter than the previous model. This is a very lightweight backpacking chair, weighing in at 2.1lbs. When packed it is about the size of a shaving kit.
The seat sits at 15.5in, higher than some chairs of a similar design. Made of 600D polyester and with double reinforced V stitch, the seat fabric is very durable, flexible, and machine washable. It also features side mesh panels for extra breathability, a definite plus on hot, humid treks. Also featuring side pockets and a deeper seat, Trekology clearly had comfort in mind when they designed this chair.
Made with a high strength, aluminum alloy frame, this chair can hold up to 300lbs. It is also incredibly easy to assemble. With the shock corded main frame, the poles pop quickly and neatly into place. No wrestling required.
There have been some reports of the plastic hubs on the frame breaking, sometimes just after a couple of uses. The optional sand cover may help with this by keeping the legs more stable on softer surfaces. Also, even though it is rated for 300lbs, it may not be wise to test it at that weight for an extended use. Even with these issues, the Trekology YIZI GO could be a great chair if you are an averaged sized hiker looking for a great choice.
Pros and Specs:
- Choice of 4 colors: red, green, blue and black
- Breathable side mesh panels on seat
- Lightweight at 2.1lbs
- Storage bag size – 11in x 4.3in x 6in
- 300lb weight limit
- Chair height – 28in, seat width – 19in, seat height – 15.5in
- Simple set up
- Sand cover for bottom of chair legs also available, but sold separately
- One year warranty
Cons:
- Reports of the plastic hub on the frame breaking, sometimes after just a couple of uses
- It may support up to 300lbs, but not for long or repeated use
Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair –
Last update on 2025-01-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our next choice is heavier than many would expect for a backpacking chair, but this is one that was worth the extra weight and we kept it on this list. The Big Agnes Big Six chair weighs 3lbs, but it is one of the comfiest camp chairs you will find. The 20in seat height is easy to get in and out of. With its 40in back height, this chair is able to support your head and neck while you take in your surroundings.
Considering what this chair offers, it is still extremely lightweight. The Big Six is a luxury chair: it is wider, higher, and more comfortable than your typical backpacking chair. Big Agnes chairs are known for their hubless frames, making this chair more durable than many others on the market. There is no plastic hub to break.
The thicker aluminum poles of the Big Six are stronger and much less likely to flex under heavier weights. The poles are also pre-bent, allowing for a wider, more stable seat. Almost everyone absolutely loves this chair, and it is the perfect choice for the big and tall hiker.
If you love the idea of the hubless frame, but just can’t justify carrying the Big Six’s weight, Big Agnes makes two other styles of chair that feature many of their best design elements: the Mica Basin chair comes in at 2lbs 3oz, and the Skyline UL chair is ultralight at 1lb 11oz.
Pros and Specs:
- Designed for all terrain stability
- Hubless frame
- Shock corded for easy set up
- Pre-bent poles for a wider, more stable seat
- Seat height – 20in, width – 24”, depth – 26”
- Trail weight of 3lb
- Packed size – 3.5in x 4.5in x 21in
- Great chair for a big and tall hiker
- 300lb weight limit
- 40in back height
- Easy to get in and out of
- 5 color options
Cons:
- Heavier than other, smaller chairs
Helinox Chair Zero –
Last update on 2025-01-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Helinox Chair Zero is one of the best ultralight backpacking chairs, and is the lightest chair on our list. Weighing only 1lb 3oz and packing up smaller than a bottle of water, this chair is definitely worth adding to your ultralight backpacking gear list. The frame is made from proprietary aluminum alloy, allowing for maximum strength at its featherlight weight. The frames’s setup is also super quick and easy with the help of an internal bungee cord. This chair’s frame pretty well assembles itself.
The seat and carry sack are both made from ripstop polyester and will resist harsh weather and UV rays, all while still being machine washable. Even at its weight, this chair can hold up to 265lbs. With a 5 year manufacturer warranty, you can feel good knowing that Helinox stands behind their products.
The biggest drawback of this chair is how low it sits to the ground. The seat height is only 7.5in off the dirt, making this chair difficult for some to get in and out of. Other backpackers, however, may find this to be the perfect height for tending to the fire or cooking. This chair also has the problem of sinking into softer ground, but, like the Trekology, has an accessory that can be purchased separately to help prevent this.
Helinox is a well trusted outdoor brand known for making practical, durable backpacking gear. If this chair is a bit small for your needs, you can also check out the Helinox Chair One or the Sunset chair (which has a higher back).
Pros and Specs:
- Weighs just 1lb 3oz
- Packed size – 4in x 4in x 13.5in
- 265lb weight limit
- Frame made of proprietary aluminum alloy
- Seat and carry sack made of ripstop polyester, durable and machine washable
- Assembled chair measurements: 20in wide, 19in deep, 25in tall, with seat height at 7.5in
- 5 year manufacturer warranty
- Super easy setup
Cons:
- Sits low to the ground
- Will sink into softer grounds, but can purchase an extra accessory to help with this
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Chair –
Last update on 2025-01-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crazy Creek is a longtime favorite of backpackers. The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original chair is ultralight at just under 1lb 6oz. It also rolls up easily, unlike the other chairs on our list. When rolled up it is only 4in in diameter, small enough to clip onto the outside of your pack or slide into your pack’s mesh water bottle pocket.
The Hex 2.0 is made with 8mm high density EVA foam which provides both insulation and comfort. The outer shell is made of tough ripstop nylon. This chair sits directly on the ground, but is very durable against sand or dirt. It is also highly water resistant, making it well protected against the wet ground it’s sitting on.
This mat can also pull double duty as a sleeping pad, though at only 33” long it is a little short for that purpose. If you would like a longer mat, there is the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Power Lounger. This chair/sleeping pad combo is only 2lbs, but 53.5in long.
Backpackers love this chair for its light weight and ease. The adjustable straps accommodate various sitting positions… you can comfortably rock back in it to relax. In addition to hiking, camping, and the great outdoors it is also an excellent choice for sporting events or concerts, providing you with back support and a comfy seat where a chair would normally not be allowed.
Pros and Specs:
- Extremely lightweight at only 21.9oz
- Rolls up to just 4” in diameter
- Made with 8mm high density EVA foam with outer shell of durable ripstop nylon
- Water resistant
- Holds up to 250lbs
- 33” long when opened flat
- Chair height of 16.5in
Cons:
- Sits directly on ground, making it difficult to get in and out of
- Not great for larger people
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If you love the idea of a high back chair, but can’t justify getting the Big Agnes or Helinox versions, then Nice C has you covered. This chair is a great value option when you want the extra comfort.
The Nice C has a weight of 2.8lbs, or 3.1lbs with the carrying bag. With a seat height of about 19in and a width of 23in, this camp chair is about the size of a standard office chair, while staying portable and packable. It even includes a detachable and adjustable pillow for extra head and neck support that fits in the carrying bag.
The seat is made with breathable polyester mesh for durability. The aluminum frame is quick and easy to set up like other chairs of this style. However, with only a max weight of 250lbs, this chair is not the best high back option for larger backpackers.
Pros and Specs:
- Packed weight of 2.8lbs, 3.15lbs with carry bag
- Breathable mesh net seat, machine washable
- Comes with detachable pillow that fits in the pack
- Industrial grade Oxford 1000D polyester mesh seat
- Aluminum frame
- Quick and easy set up
- Max weight of 250lbs
- Seat height of 19”, total height 38.5”, seat width of 23”
- 2 color options: black or green
Cons:
- Not the best choice for big and tall hikers
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The Sunyear Backpacking chair is our pick for the best value option. Very similar to the Helinox Chair One in design this is a great chair for your next trip. It is a very lightweight backpacking chair at only 2.1lbs, while still only packing up to the size of a toiletry kit.
The Sunyear chair has an aluminum alloy frame that is shock corded for easy setup. The chair fabric is a durable ripstop nylon that is also waterproof while remaining comfortable and breathable. This chair also boasts a deeper seat than competitors which may be a better choice for some backpackers.
One of the biggest benefits of this chair over others like it is its new larger feet. These newly redesigned feet provide better stability, even on softer ground or sand. This is a common complaint with this style of chair, and Sunyear has addressed it without the customer needing to buy any additional products or accessories. This is a great little chair for your next backpacking adventure.
Pros and Specs:
- Lightweight at 2.1lbs
- Seat height of 11.8in, seat width of 20.5in
- Pack size of 13.8in x 5.1in x 4.3in
- 250lbs maximum weight
- Ripstop nylon seat fabric
- Larger feet for better stability
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Quick and easy setup
- 1 year warranty
- Great price
Cons:
- Sits low to the ground
Conclusion
There are a variety of chairs to choose from for your next journey. If you need extra support, but don’t wish to sacrifice too much of your pack’s space or weight, these chairs will be your new favorite equipment. Enjoy the end of your long day of hiking in more comfort with these lightweight backpacking chairs.
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