There is nothing as uncool as setting up a temporary home under the stars after a long backpacking journey than sitting down on rocks or the ground. Nothing defines backcountry luxury better than a backpacking chair. If comfort comes first for you in the wilderness, then a handy backpacking chair should be a perfect addition to your gear. The best backpacking chair will elevate your next backpacking trip by making your chilling time and break time in camp super comfortable.
With the numerous backpacking chair options in the market, finding what suits your preferences and budget can be a tad tricky. We took it upon ourselves and rounded up the best chair options on the market to help you make the right decision easily. We settled on Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair as our best overall pick. Is ultra-lightweight setup, durable construction, superior comfort, and excellent value for money went unmatched. The other chairs also offer superior functionality and convenience.
Other features: proprietary aluminum alloy frame, machine washable, 5-year warranty
This chair has got one hell of a reputation with its Ultralight build that is fully capable of offering you maximum comfort in the wild outdoors. It is the ultimate premium choice with solid durability and top-notch functionality.
The chair has a low-profile design with a super-tough body that can withstand the harsh outdoor environment. It is fairly narrow and quite low to the ground that you would have to sit with your legs stretched out to be comfortable. Its back goes up to about 20 inches providing you with great support for your back when you lean backward.
The chair owes its remarkable 1.2 pounds lightweight body to the high-quality aluminum used in its construction. It has collapsible DAC aluminum poles that will fall into place easily when given a shake and a durable ripstop polyester seat material. It comes off easily and is super-easy to clean.
Surprisingly, the chair can support up to 265 pounds without faltering despite its very petite build. It owes its weight capacity to its careful and solid construction. Its corners are reinforced, giving it extra strength and stability. However, you have to be careful on how far you lean as it can tip.
Many backpackers highly prefer the chair because it packs down tiny therefore easy to transport.
With a 5-year warranty, this is one the best lightweight backpacking chairs you can get for ultimate comfort in your outdoor adventures.
Other features: water-resistant shell, extra width and back height, lifetime warranty
If you are the kind of person that loves to commune with nature and doesn’t care to have a real chair experience in the outdoors, this should be your prime pick. It is durably built and packs a punch when it comes to comfort and convenience.
This chair is basically a sit pad that has 2 sections of EVA closed-cell foam that is covered with fabric and is connected by a cinch-able webbing. It supports your butt and back, but you cannot bend your legs.
The sit pad’s seat is covered with high-quality ripstop nylon fabric for enhanced protection and long-term performance. It is also water-resistant, thus an ideal choice for using on the beach or around water bodies.
If you are concerned about weight capacity, then this should be your go-to backpacking chair. As much as it claims to support only 250 pounds, it wouldn’t necessarily crush when you are seated on it on the ground.
It has a high back that will offer your ultimate back comfort, and it doubles as a sleeping pad as well. Though it might be a bit short for some people when used as a sleeping pad.
Several outdoorsy people highly prefer the sit pad because of its high portability. It easily rolls into a very compact size that you can strap on your backpack like a typical sleeping roll.
With a lifetime warranty, this is one of the best easy-to-carry backpacking chairs you can own. It is worth every penny you will spend on it.
Other features: powder-coated steel frame, available in multiple colors
If you’re are looking to get the best penny-worth, this should be your ultimate choice. It has been built to offer superb durability and premium comfort in the outdoors.
It is a perfect on-the-go seat with its super lightweight and ultra-durable construction. It is not the best lightweight backpacking chair on the market, but it makes up for it in other superior features.
The chair has a wide base and is pretty high, which is a nice change as many travel chairs are extremely low. This makes it a perfect choice for seniors or anyone with physical challenges as it allows easy getting in and out. Its feet are also conveniently set wide apart to prevent tipping.
The seat material is made with thick canvas, which is tough but cozy. It offers enough support and long-lasting durability. With the mesh panels integrated on the chair, it is a fairly breathable option, ideal for use in the hot and humid weather.
It can support up to 272 pounds, and it folds easily into a tiny convenient size that can fit neatly into a backpack. What’s more, its holsters are made with plastic-like super-thick material that adds more strength to its weak points.
In conclusion, this is a fantastic choice for anyone who minds their coins but would still love to experience the ultimate outdoor comfort on a backpacking chair.
Other features: double reinforced V stitch, machine washable, durable 600D storage bag
This chair tops the list for all the right reasons. Just as its name suggests, it is easier to tote around to just about any outdoor trip you plan to go on. It offers superior durability, great versatility, and exceptional performance without sacrificing comfort. Also, it won’t hurt your wallet to get one.
The chair boasts of a super durable build that can hold up well to the riff raffs of the outdoor life. It has a deep-sea design that offers unparalleled comfort for the lower back, thus a perfect choice for anyone with a bad back.
It is incredibly compact and super lightweight, weighing in at just 2.6 pounds. Setting it up is such a breeze; all you have to do is pop it open by placing its legs into their own slots then attaching its fabric onto its connected poles.
The chair’s seat material is made with the tough yet comfortable 600D polyester material. Cleaning it is a breeze, and the double reinforced V-stitch on it guarantees you a long-term performance.
Thanks to its tough build, the chair can hold up to 300 pounds of weight, making it an ideal choice for nearly everyone. With a sand mat that attaches to its feet, you are guaranteed of a steady sitting on the beach without sinking in the sand.
Furthermore, the chair is ideal for hot and humid areas as it has a highly breathable mesh on its panel, which allows a maximum flow of air to keep you cool.
You can bring the chair to various outdoor activities, including tailgating, picnics, camping, and sporting events. Its sturdy storage bag makes it much easier to transport. In case you need to have your small essentials within reach, you can keep them in the storage pocket attached on the seat for added convenience.
In a nutshell, this is the chair you must add to your camping or backpacking must-haves before you hit the road if you prioritize comfort in the outdoors. It offers excellent value for its price.
Other features: ABS base, converts into a side table
Here is an outlandish twist on the traditional folding chairs. This chair blows its competition away with its unique collapsible design that you can easily convert into a small camping side table. Therefore, it is one of the most versatile backpacking chairs on the market.
The chair boasts of the sturdily built body that is remarkably lightweight. It weighs a mere 2 pounds and 3 ounces on account of its aluminum build. It is a bare-bones chair with poles made of the durable 6000 series aluminum. Also featured, it a strong circular base that provides the chair with stable support.
Despite its lightweight build, the chair can hold up to 250 pounds steadily. However, it is only perfect for low-to-the-ground lounging as it is only 8 inches high from the ground. Seniors and people with physical challenges might want to look elsewhere as it might not offer them the optimum comfort, especially when it’s time to rise from it.
On the bright side, the chair packs up pretty small as its sling and legs fold down inside its circular base. Its seat is made with high-quality 300D ripstop polyester material that is tough enough to withstand the outdoor roughness and cleans easily.
The chair comes in a myriad of color options so you can choose what suits your tastes. Its ability to convert into a perfectly capable side table is its main selling point. You can achieve this by keeping the sling packed away and using its legs to steady it on the ground.
In conclusion, this is one of the best backpacking camping chairs out there with a hybrid construction that makes it highly versatile. It is worth investing in.
Other features: heavy-duty aluminum frame, tent-pole design, non-slip leg grips
Are you on the market for a heavy-duty backpacking chair? This Sportneer model is a sure bet as it perfectly balances convenience and top-notch functionality.
The chair comes in a foldable design with an incredibly durable and lightweight body. It weighs only 2 pounds, thus easy to transport from one place to another. It is bound to serve you in the long-term owing to its sturdy aluminum shock-cord pole structure that also enhances its stability.
In addition, the shock-cord pole structure makes for an easy and intuitive setup. Once you set it up, its height measures 13.8 inches and its back height 26 inches, offering you superior comfort.
Surprisingly, the chair can support up to 350 pounds without faltering. It is one of the best heavy-duty backpacking chairs that are Ultralight.
Furthermore, the chair folds down into a small convenient size for maximum portability. Plus, it comes with a durable carry bag, which makes transportation much easier.
With the non-slip leg grips, you are guaranteed a steady sitting on whichever outdoors terrain you choose to go on an adventure.
Overall, this is the kind of backpacking chair you want to get if you have a family. You can sit on it with one of your kids on your laps because of its heavy-duty capacity, and it is built to last you a good one.
There’s a lot to consider before buying the best backpacking chair. This section contains all the ideal information you need to know for you to make the best buy. You will get to learn about the kind of chair that is best for backpacking and the features to consider when choosing it.
The best backpacking chairs are designed to offer premium comfort in the outdoors wherever the trail might take you. A backpacking chair should be ultra-lightweight and compact for maximum portability. All backpackers have an unwritten rule, ‘If it is not worth carrying, then we are not carrying it.’ It should also be sturdily built to be able to withstand the harsh outdoors environment as well as serve you in the long-term. A solid construction also determines its weight capacity and steadiness.
Here are some of the features that you have to be keen on when picking a backpacking chair for a comfortable outdoor experience.
For a backpacker, this tops the list as the most crucial aspect to consider. You want to go for a chair with an ultra-lightweight build for easy transportation. A chair should not be a burden in your already heavy backpack luggage. It should also be able to fold or pack into a tiny convenient size to save on space or be able to fit perfectly in your backpack.
The Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair reviewed above is a perfect lightweight and compact chair.
This is a matter of personal preference. Backpacking chairs come in various designs, and you should choose what suits your taste. There are folding backpacking chairs, sit pads, and collapsible chairs like the Therm-a-Rest Uno Chair reviewed above.
These play a big part in the chair’s comfort. Most chairs with a low height can be a bit uncomfortable, especially to seniors and people who have physical problems. A chair with a wide width also offers maximum comfort compared to a narrow one.
You wouldn’t want to buy a chair that will need replacement in the near future. Go for a chair that offers solid durability with its sturdy construction. You can check for durability by considering the materials used to make the chair. Aluminum and steel are the best durable materials for backpacking chairs’ poles. The fabric should also be tough but smooth to the touch.
You don’t want to be that guy that keeps fixing his chair at the campsite or beach. Stability is key when choosing a backpacking chair.
Go for a chair that has features that increase its stability like non-slip leg grips, sand mats, and reinforcements that strengthen its weak points. For instance, the TravelChair Slacker Chair reviewed above has holsters made with plastic-like material that strengthens its weak points.
The seat material should be strong but cozy for durability and maximum comfort. The most commonly used materials are polyester and nylon. It is smart to go with a breathable material so you can use the chair in hot and humid conditions. It should also be easy to clean.
Comfort is the reason why you are bringing a chair to your outdoor adventure. So, you either go big or go home when it comes to comfort. Go for a chair that prioritizes comfort in its construction and suits your body size and weight. It should also suit your preferences.
If you are too heavy for a chair, you will break it down or wear it out in a very short span. If you are heavily built, be sure to go for heavy-duty models like the Sportneer Portable Ultralight Folding Camp Chair reviewed above in detail.
Some chairs are easy to set up while others take a while and so much effort. You don’t want to be wrestling with your chair to get it ready at the end of a long hike. Therefore, it is important that you consider ease of setup when choosing a backpacking chair.
Be sure to check the warranty carefully to see what the manufacturer covers and what it doesn’t. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty while others offer a short term warranty that only covers defective workmanship during manufacturing. Warranty is crucial as you can always reach out for help when you encounter trouble with your chair.
Finding the best backpacking chair to bring along to your next outdoor escapades should be a breeze after referring to the points above. Going with any of the chairs we have reviewed in detail above is not an entirely bad idea. They are among the best top rated backpacking chairs in the market designed to offer premium comfort and convenience.
Of all the chairs reviewed The Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair stood out as the best all-around choice. It is made of superior materials that enhance its strength and durability. It is one of the best backpacking chairs that prioritizes comfort in its construction.
Crazy Creek HEX 2.0 PowerLounger and TravelChair Slacker Chair were next in the rankings. They both offer premium comfort and superior quality. Crazy Creek chair is the best chair you can get yourself for sitting on the ground. TravelChair Slacker chair offers great value for your money.
