The days are getting longer, and the weather is getting warmer. Soon it will be summer, and you know what that means—camping season. Soon you will be getting your tent from the basement along with your backpack, and other supplies.
Maybe you are starting to reminisce about all your great hiking adventures and sitting by a campfire at night. You remember how all your friends had a backpacking chair, and you promised yourself that you would get one. You no longer want to sit on wet logs or the ground.
But you aren’t sure where to start. You want to buy the best backpacking chair, but you have no idea what brand to get. Let me put your fears at ease with a review of some of the best hiking chairs for your money.
Best Backpacking Chair Comparison Chart
Product |
Weight (LDS) |
Product Dimensions |
The Material of The Fabric |
Weight Capacity (lbs.) |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sunyear Lightweight Compact |
1.8lbs. |
13.78×4.33×4.72 |
Nylon Fabric |
250lbs. |
|
|
Helinox Chair ONE |
2.1lbs. |
4×4.5×14 |
UV-resistant ripstop polyester |
320lbs. |
|
|
TrekologyYIZI |
2.4lbs. |
11×4.3×6 |
Nylon |
300lbs. |
|
|
Helinox Chair Zero |
1.1lbs. |
4x4x14 |
UV-resistant ripstop polyester |
260lbs. |
|
|
Terralite |
3.35lbs. |
6x16x6 |
Nylon |
350lbs. |
|
|
Crazy Creek HEX 2.0 |
2.1lbs. |
Rolls to 4 inches in diameter |
EVA foam and coated ripstop nylon |
250lbs. |
|
|
Monarch Chair |
1.3lbs. |
12×4.5×4.5 |
Ripstop nylon fabric |
250lbs. |
|
|
Crazy Creek The Chair |
1.15lbs. |
Unpacked |
Ripstop polyester shell and foam padding |
250lbs. |
Best Backpacking Chair Reviews Of 2024
1. Sunyear Lightweight Compact Folding Camping Backpack Chairs
Are you looking for a few chairs for the family, but don’t want to go over your budget? The Sunyear Compact Chair is your solution.
Do you think this lightweight backpacking chair is low quality?
Let’s look at some marvelous features. The total weight is only 1.8 pounds and quickly collapses into a small bag.
The frame is durable with aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum constructions, meaning no shortcuts in quality.
There’s a unique deep design seat that is larger compared to similar products of the same weight; furthermore, the item has outdoor quality ripstop nylon.
Many reviewers raved about the ultralight backpacking chair. One commented on how the product was comfortable and easy to assemble. Another pointed out the breathability with the vent hole, allowing good airflow. Still, another mentioned the chair was lightweight yet sturdy.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you running out of room in your daypack and need something that is both compact and light? The Helinox Chair ONE is an ultralight camp chair that is both durable and packed small. Specifically, the dimensions for packing are 4 inches X 4.5 inches X 14 inches.
Still not impressed? Well, how about the weight of only 2.1 pounds or how this lightweight backpacking chair is made from aluminum alloy, allowing it to support 320 lbs.
Did I forget to mention the material? This bad boy has a removable chair seat made from UV-resistant, 600-weave, rip-stop polyester, enabling the product to hold up exceptionally well under intense sunlight.
What are others saying about one of the best backpacking camp chairs? One loved how easy the chair was to set up and felt it was wider compared to other similar products. Another liked the compact size.
Pros.
Cons.
Do you want one of the best lightweight backpacking chairs with adjustable height? Perhaps more than one person wants to use the product. The Trekology chair is the missing piece to your backpacking needs.
Why should you invest in this amazing chair? For starters, the product is easy to set-up. The height is adjustable to 13, 14, or 15 inches, or 34, 36, and 38centimeters. The weight is 2.4 pounds and can easily fit in your backpack with a 14-inch storage bag.
Are you concerned about sinking in the sand at your favorite overlook? The product comes with an anti-sinking mat. Do you want a product that will last a long time? The hiking chair uses the same high- strength aluminum alloy used by aircraft manufacturers.
What are others saying about this packable camp chair? A 6’6” 360-pound power-lifter felt very comfortable. He went on to say it only took him eight seconds to assemble. Another liked how it was easy to get up from the chair compared to similar products where you are just an inch off the ground.
Pros.
Cons.
Do you want an award-winning hiking chair? Your eyes have landed on the right spot.
The Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair is the winner of the Backpacker Gear of the Year in 2017.
What makes this folding backpacking chair unique? For starters, it only weighs 1.1 pounds and packs smaller than a typical water bottle, making this ultralight camp chair easily transportable.
The frame is constructed out of aluminum for optimal strength to weight ratio, meaning it can hold up to 260 pounds. The product is also durable with UV-resistant ripstop polyester that holds up under intense sunlight.
What are others saying about one of the best backpacking chairs on Amazon? One mentioned that he is 6’4” and can sit very comfortably for long periods. He also liked how it sits low to the ground, making the chair perfect for cooking. He went on to say that the product is easy to assemble.
A 67-year-old man commented on how the chair provides him with much needed back support when relaxing after a great day of hiking.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you seeking a perfect lightweight backpacking chair to meet all your camping, beach, and outdoor festival needs? Consider purchasing the Terralite Portable Camp Chair.
This fantastic compact backpacking chair sets up in seconds. There’s also a large, breathable mesh bucket-style seat for your sitting pleasure.
The item is also made from high-grade aluminum and is rated to hold up 350 lbs.
Do you plan on hiking in a wide variety of terrain and concerned about stability? These bad boys have something called Terragrip feet, coveringfour times the surface area of a similar portable backpacking chair, meaning you won’t sink in sand, mud, or wet surfaces.
What are others saying about this backpacking chair? One commented on how the product is stable in the mud. Another raved about how comfortable the chair was to set up, holds a lot of weight, and is very comfortable.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you looking for a legless camping chair? The Crazy Creek Products HEX 2.0 Chair is what you need as you explore the wilderness.
Some may pass over this section and get something with legs, but before you move on, consider some of the features of the HEX 2.0 chair.
Take for instance how the chair can also become a short sleeping pad for those who want a 2-in-1 product.
There’s the 8-mm high-density cored EVA foam, providing exceptional comfort and insulation. There’s the inner surface of water-resistant nylon, allowing you to stay dry on even the wettest of surfaces. There’re even adjustable side straps, giving you various sitting positions.
The lightweight camp chair also has incredible durability with carbon fiber construction, allowing the product to hold up 250 lbs.
What are others saying about this fantastic backpacking seat? One reviewer praised how the small mat was easy to pack and lightweight. Others raved about the great back support. Still, another simply enjoyed the color.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you looking for one of the best lightweight camp chairs? Does the idea of rocking comfortably on some dusty terrain give you goosebumps? The Monarch camping chair is what you need to complete your backpacking needs.
The Monarch Chair balances on two legs, allowing for sitting on uneven terrains and hillsides. No longer do you have to get your pants or shorts dirty, and no more unnecessary bug bites from red ants. You can enjoy your favorite scenery in comfort.
Do you dread placing another item in your bulging daypack? The Monarch weighs about one pound and easily collapses to a super burrito.
What are others saying about the fun and easy to use ultralight backpacking chair? One reviewer raved about his chair for backpacking, saying it was light, durable, and relatively easy to assemble. He boasted how he fixed his dinner from the chair and later took a nap.
Another reviewer liked how he could recline and still maintain his balance.
Pros.
Cons.
Are you looking for a superb chair to stow away in the car in case you make a last-minute run to the beach? The Crazy Creek company has the chair for you. They are so confident in their product that they didn’t come up with some fancy name. Instead, they call it “The Chair.”
Let’s take a look at some of the features in one of the smallest camp chairs you can find. Take for instance foam padding that insulates you from cold, wet, and hard surfaces. Then there are webbing straps with quick release buckles to give a wide range of back angles.
The backpacking camp chair is only 1.15 pounds and is easy to transport with convenient carrying handles and straps, allowing you to take the seat anywhere conveniently.
But don’t only take the word of the company—what do others say? One reviewer loved how the seat provides excellent back support. Another pointed out how the product was lighter and more portable compared to collapsible metal frame chairs.
Still another reviewer pointed out how the product is versatile in a variety of venues such as school, park, church, and even in the living room.
Pros.
Cons.
Guide to Find Out The Perfect Backpacking Chair
Do you feel like you are ready to buy the best backpacking chair to fit your needs? The backpacking chair reviews mentioned above are a great help to find one of the best backpacking chairs for 2024, but is this the end? No–wait–this just in—we have something else to make your decision easier.
By now you are thinking that all the chairs have great reviews and you are wondering which one to buy. There are certain features to consider when getting one of the best backpacking chairs. Take for instance the all-important element of comfort.
Comfort
Each brand has some element of comfort. Two brands mentioned in the above article lay on the ground,and so you need to ask yourself if you want to get up from such a low position. But on the flip side, “The Chair” brand gives excellent back support, along with the Helinox Chair Zero.
The Trekology YIZI has adjustable legs and gives you more options to find the ideal height you need when cooking or sitting by the campfire with a cold beverage.
Size
There’s also the size to consider. The only products that are substantially wider are the two chairs from Crazy Creek at around 33 inches, while the other chairs had a width of about 23 inches, but the Sunyear chair was a little bit wider at approximately 25.6 inches.
The other topic is packing size. All the products with legs could be stored in a small bag. I remember reading how one person mentioned she could place her packed chair in an oversized purse. The Monarch and the Trekology YIZI were able to get packed the smallest.
Weight
There’s also weight to consider. As you can tell by the chart, many of the chairs were around two pounds. The two exceptions were the Terralite chair at 3.35 pounds and the Trekology YIZI at 2.4 pounds.
If you want to get the lightest, then consider getting the Helinox Chair Zero at 1.1 pounds. The Crazy Creek The Chair and the Monarch products were also very light and are something to think about if you plan on doing some serious hiking this summer.
Stability
Some reviewers felt very comfortable in their chairs to the point of taking a nap. I didn’t read any negative comments about the frames. Many of the chairs have high-quality aluminum, so you should have some peace of mind that you won’t tip over.
Two brands that stand out in the realm of stability are the Terralite brand with wider feet, resulting in an exceptional balance in mud and sand. Then on the flip side, there’s the Sunyear brand, where one reviewer pointed out how his chair got stuck in the mud.
Material
When it comes to material for the frame, the two most popular elements were either UV-resistant ripstop polyester or nylon fabric. It should go without saying about the advantage of the UV-resistant material in holding up under intense sunlight.
Does UV-resistant material matter? I know for myself I tend to hike in shady areas, so nylon material is fine with me. But I realize others will walk in desert areas like Arizona. When you have intense sunlight, UV-resistant material over nylon is more vital.
Benefits of Using a Backpack Chair
If you have read this far into this review, I imagine you know the value of having a backpack chair. But if you still have some doubts, here are a few points to consider. Take for instance how a backpack chair supports your back and helps to alleviate muscle fatigue by promoting good posture.
There’s also the convenience of having a quality backpacking chair.
Picture yourself on some scenic overlook, but the only place to rest is some sharp wet stones. You don’t know where to sit, but with a chair, you have the option to sit high and dry as you take in some great sights and sounds.
There’s also the practical side to consider.
Perhaps in the past, you used to cook over a fire by squatting and typically would get sore after a few minutes, but with a backpacking chair, you don’t have to think about sore muscles. Instead, you can focus on the love you have for being near a fire and making a meal.
How to Set up Your Backpack Chair
It should go without saying that different chairs will have different ways of assembly. I didn’t read any negative reviews about how it was difficult to set up a chair.
Usually, the best place to look is YouTube or follow the detailed installation instructions that come with your fantastic backpack chair.
The typical method is first to set up the frame. Some frames look like tent poles, where there’s only one way the parts fit together.
After the frame is assembled, the fabric is stretched and attached to the poles. Some have guides on where the material is to go.
The best way of illustrating the ease of assembling is to think of hanging a shirt in your closet. You slide your garment in a hanger. The concept of hanging clothes in a closet is the way to think of the ease of quickly getting your chair together after a long day of hiking.
Conclusion
So, are you still waiting? You have all the information you need to purchase one of the smallest camp chairs either in a store or online. The only thing left is for you to get off your favorite swivel chair and get back in the game of camping.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or took a short hiatus due to other commitments, now is the time to get a backpacking chair and enjoy nature on either an overnight trip or on a day trip with friends or family.
Make a promise to yourself to get outside and breathe in the fresh country air. Feel the sun on your face before old man winter comes back. Make some memories before old age confines you to a rocking chair. Now, get going before the roof leaks or the creek in the back rises.
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