The Best Backpacking Chair In The Market

Are you tired of sitting on the hard ground during your backpacking trips? Just because you have to pack lightweight does not mean you have to be uncomfortable after a hard day on the trail. Below I have listed the best backpacking chair in the market! I have been backpacking for years, and I almost always take a portable camping chair to help me relax. It is something that helps me enjoy the trek even more. So check out my favorite backpacking chairs below.

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My Pick For Best Backpacking Chair

The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair is comfortable, comes at a great price, lightweight, compact, and the color is amazing. This is why it is my top pick for the best backpacking chair. >>>Check It Out Here

Best Backpacking Chair

Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad

This chair is probably the best lightweight hiking chair. The Therm-a-rest Z seat pad is a smaller version of the famous Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad. The main difference is the size and the R-value, which is higher on the seat pad. This seat pad is great to use for backpacking trips, hiking trips, and thru-hiking trips. The weight is incredibly low at only 2 ounces. It packs relatively small, and the seat pad can be used in different functions. For example, it can help block the wind when starting a fire, and you can provide more air to the fire, you can also use it underneath your sleeping pad for more support in certain areas.

Overall this seat pad is pretty inexpensive and lightweight. If you are ok that it doesn’t have back support, then definitely get this seat pad.

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REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair

I have had the REI Flexlite Air Chair for a few months now, and I love how lightweight and compact this chair is. I have brought it with me on hikes and camping trips. I love how you can throw it into any backpack and not have to worry about the weight.

I will say that my husband has tried out this chair and prefers to use other chairs. Stability and comfort can be an issue for larger people. Since I am on the smaller size, I feel like the chair is fine.

Overall I like that the Flexlite Air Chair is super lightweight and can be taken on any trip. It is definitely better to sit on here instead of the ground.

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Helinox Chair Zero

This chair is probably the best ultralight backpacking chair. The Helinox Chair Zero is an extremely lightweight, compact, and comfortable chair. It is known to be one of the best backpacking chairs out there. When it comes to comfort the Chair Zero wins over its rival the Flexlite Air Chair. But I will say that Helinox is more expensive. The price tag of this lightweight and comfortable chair might throw some folks off.

It still isn’t the most comfortable chair on this list, but for its weight, it’s pretty comfortable. If you are not concerned about weight, I would probably look into other chairs like the Big Agnes Skyline UL. But if weight is a considerable concern, and you want back support, then this chair is probably the best backpacking chair for you.

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Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair

One of the most comfortable backpacking chairs on this list is the Big Agnes Skyline. This chair is perfect for someone looking for comfort and lightweight. The Skyline’s height is taller than the other lightweight models, which adds to its comfort level. It is also compact and very stable. It is an all-around amazing chair.

The only negatives are that it is a little hard to set up than other models, which I feel isn’t a big deal. And the weight is more than the other lightweight chairs. So if you are counting ounces, this chair might not be for you. But if you are looking for great comfort at a reasonable price, this chair is perfect!

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Helinox Swivel Chair

The Helinox Swivel chair is a pretty neat chair for camping. It is sturdy, comfortable, and has a tall back. The swivel function is something that might interest some people. But I will say that the price of this chair seems extreme. It is pretty heavy (over two lbs), and it isn’t as comfortable as some of the other chairs on this list. For a lot less money, you can get the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair. The Skyline is more comfortable and lightweight. Still, if you are digging the swivel, then this chair might be for you. Just note that it might be a little too heavy for backpacking.

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REI Co-op Trail Stool

The REI Trail Stool is excellent for people that want to buy an inexpensive off the ground chair. This is amazing for people that love to fish or for day hikers that don’t want to eat lunch on the ground. I don’t like that it has no back support and weighs more than some of the other backpacking chairs. But since it is so inexpensive, I can see the back support not being a big deal.

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REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair

The REI Flexlite Chair is like a heavier cheaper version of the Flexlite Air Chair I talk about above. I have had this chair for years, and I have taken it on many backpacking trips. It is light enough to take on short backpacking trips, but I wouldn’t take it on the PCT trail. It is a little too heavy. I also get annoyed with setting up the chair, and I have to ask my husband to help. Other than that, this chair is a pretty solid chair for camping or short backpacking trips. This is an excellent buy for you if you are looking for a cheaper version of the Flexlite Air Chair.

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Sunyear Compact Chair

If you are looking for a good buy, look no further. The Sunyear chair is inexpensive and a high-quality chair. It is compact, durable, has a wide seat, a pocket, back support, and mesh fabric. It has so many great features for being so inexpensive. The main negative is that it is not lightweight. It might be a little too heavy for a backpacking trip. But if you don’t mind the extra weight and if your backpacking trip isn’t too long it might be worth it. I mean, look at the price.

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REI Co-op Trail Chair

I love how versatile, durable, inexpensive, comfy, and supportive the trail chair is. You can use it for camping, hiking, and concerts. The main thing that I don’t like about this chair is that it is bulky. It can be hard to pack in your backpack. You might have to clip it to the outside. But if you are using it for camping, it is very packable.

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Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair

The Big Six camping chair is an incredible buy for someone that is looking for the ultimate comfort. It is tall, comfy, compact, spacious, and the back is pretty high. It truly is the comfiest chair on this list. But it is pretty expensive, heavy, and hard to set up. This is probably not the best backpacking chair since it is so heavy (the heaviest on this list). But I still want to add it to this list because it is just so compact. It might be perfect for vanlifers, or people looking for a more compact camping chair.

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More Information On Lightweight Backpacking Chair

Backpacking VS Camping

One of the great things about backpacking chairs is how versatile they are. Since they are so compact and light, I can use them on backpacking trips and camping trips. But backpacking chairs are not known for their comfort. They are mainly known for their lightweight features and packability. If you use backpacking chairs for camping chairs, just remember they might not be the comfiest chairs out there.

Types Of Backpack Camping Chair

Foldable

Foldable Chairs are probably the most comfortable backpacking chair on this list. The foldable chairs usually use aluminum poles and fabric to help you feel comfortable. They also have back support and sits above the ground. This is my favorite type of backpacking chair because, but please note that they are usually heav

Stools

Stools are similar to foldable backpacking chairs, except they give no back support. This is an excellent option if you want to be above ground but not spend the money of a foldable chair. The problem with these is that you can’t lounge on them for hours. They aren’t the most comfortable option.

Ground Chair

A ground chair can be placed directly on the ground, and they have back support. Some people might even use it for sleeping to add more comfort to their sleeping pad arrangement. You can also use these for concerts or football games.

Seat Pad

Seat pads are usually the most lightweight option. This is great for people that are hiking the PCT or AT trail. They are usually foam or inflatable and you just place them on the ground and sit on it. People also use this on hiking trails.

Weight

When it comes to backpacking, weight is significant. Having a chair while backpacking can be a luxury. That is why I use chairs that are under 2 lbs on challenging trails. Any more than that, I regret it.

I know I listed some chairs that are over 2 lbs but for some backpacking trips, it might be worth the extra pounds. I have done a couple of beach backpacking trips where the trail was only a mile long with almost no elevation gain. Carrying a chair larger then 2 lbs is doable in those situations.

Packability

When it comes to backpacking, being able to pack a chair in your backpack is extremely important. That is why when it comes to packed size, compact is key. Almost all chairs I listed are compact except the REI Co-op Trail Chair. Since that chair is the foldable type, it might be challenging to pack it inside your bag. But you can always clip it to the outside of your backpack.

Set Up

Some chairs take a while to set up. It is usually the foldable chairs that can be more complicated. The seat pad and ground chair are usually the easiest to set up. So if you are thinking about stopping to rest a lot, the foldable chair might not be your best choice.

Comfort

To me, comfort is essential for a backpacking chair, but only to a certain point. For example, the most comfortable chair in this review is the Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair, but this chair is well over three lbs, so I would not take this on a difficult backpacking trip. The discomfort it would provide me while I was backpacking, is not worth the comfort I would feel sitting in it afterward.

Frame

The frames should be made with a rust free metal material. Almost all frames on this list are made from aluminum construction, which is durable and sturdy.

Fabric

Most fabrics on this list are made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather. Some chairs even use mesh material for a more breathable option. This is great when you are using the chair during the summer months.

Final Thoughts On The Best Backpacking Camp Chair

Thanks for reading all about the best lightweight camp chairs. Make to check out some of my other buying guides of the outdoors:

• 10 Best Backpacking Stoves
• Best Down Jackets For Women
• 10 Best Camping Pillows

Pin For Later: Lightweight Camp Chairs