10 Best Backpacking Chairs In 2021

The Helinox Zero combines high-quality materials with a smart design to bring you the lightest backpacking chair you can currently buy. At only 1 pound, even the most weight-conscious backpackers can enjoy it. It’s also very stable and comfortable, which makes it the best backpacking chair for any trip.

Made from DAC aluminum, the frame of the Helinox Chair Zero provides impressive strength and supports up to 265 pounds. In addition, the poles are shock-corded which allows you to set the chair up in seconds. On the other hand, these top rated chairs for backpacking are incredibly compact when packed and even come with a stuff sack for convenient carrying.

Breathable, comfortable, and lightweight, the Moon Lence backpacking chair is the perfect option for your summer backpacking adventures. It’s made from a strong 600D Oxford cloth and features mesh panels on the back and sides that allow good air circulation. Furthermore, the ergonomic seat shape guarantees exceptional sitting comfort.

The frame of the Moon Lence chair is made from aluminum alloy and holds 242 pounds which means that almost any adult backpacker can safely use it. When packed, it weighs just 2 pounds and measures 14.2 x 4.7 inches so you won’t have any problems taking it with you.

The unique tripod design of the TravelChair Slacker backpacking chair makes it one of the most convenient options when it comes to saving space. However, once opened, the chair is very comfy and stable. An additional benefit to getting this lightweight backpack chair is its affordable price, which makes it the top choice if you want the best value for your money.

The seat on the Slacker chair is made from 600D ripstop polyester and features double-stitched seams. This, in combination with the steel frame, results in a 275-pound capacity which is quite impressive considering that it's the smallest folding chair. Last but not least, the Slacker features TPR rubber on all three legs and won’t slip or damage the surface you’re using it on.

In addition to impressive construction quality, the REI Flexlite Air backpacking chair has a very functional frame design. It’s also incredibly lightweight, and weighs only 1 pound. The aluminum poles feature a tent-like telescoping design that makes the Flexlite Air the best ultralight backpacking chairs if you want a quick and easy setup. 

As for the seat, it’s made from high-quality ripstop nylon that can withstand any type of outdoor conditions. We should also point out that all the materials used meet the Bluesign criteria, which means they are completely eco-friendly. Finally, the REI Flexlite chair looks awesome and you can get it in three stylish color options.

If you’re backpacking with a friend or family member, the Spotneer Portable is the best backpacker chair 2-pack that you can get. The bundle is very affordable, and the backpacking folding chairs offer excellent stability and durability. In fact, the Sportneer hikers chair features the highest weight capacity of any model we’ve featured – an impressive 350 pound.

The frame of this backpacking folding chair is made from aluminum which provides excellent strength but doesn’t add too much weight to your pack. The seat, on the other hand, is a mix of nylon fabric and mesh which makes the chair both comfortable and incredibly breathable (a big plus in hot weather).

A detail that we really like about the Trekology YIZI Go folding backpacking chair is that it comes with neat little pockets on the sides for keeping small items within hand’s reach. The chair itself is really well-made – it features a strong aircraft aluminum frame and a strong 600D polyester seat.

For improved ventilation, the seat features dual mesh panels on the back. The pieces are sewn using reinforced V stitching which prevents any tears or rips. All things considered, it might be the best chair for backpacking in terms of strength-to-weight ratio.

The Sunyear lightweight backpacking chair balances perfectly between functionality and affordable price. Some of its interesting features include a deep seat design that improves comfort, as well as rubber covers on the feet to prevent slipping. The seat height is almost 14 inches which makes it perfect for average-sized backpackers.

The frame of the Sunyear chair is made from strong 7075 aluminum alloy that holds up to 250 pounds without a problem. As for the seat cover, it’s made from machine-washable 500D nylon with mesh vents. This type of simple design is a very big plus and makes it perhaps the best backpack chair in terms of easy maintenance.

Thanks to its rocker legs, the Helinox Two Rocker backpacking chair offers something truly unique in our gear reviews. The rocking legs are very strong and stable, so you can use the chair on any flat surface outdoors. Of course, you can also remove the legs and use it as a standard chair if that suits you better.

One of the most impressive features of this model is its DAC aluminum frame that supports users that weigh up to 320 pounds. Furthermore, it also features a deep seat and increased back height which greatly improves the back support. All things considered, it’s probably the best chair for backpacking if you want to try something a bit different.

For those of you who want a more luxurious backpacking chair with an improved comfort level, the Helinox Sunset chair is a fantastic choice. It’s roomy, breathable, and has a higher seat back with an added pillow to give you proper neck and back support. On top of this, these backpack folding chairs are available in seven great-looking colors so you can match them with the other gear.

When talking about the construction, it’s worth noting that the frame is made from high-quality DAC aluminum that is very hard to damage. Much like the previous model, the seat is made from nylon and features mesh panels for ventilation. While the additional comfort adds to the weight, the Helinox Sunset is still a fairly lightweight folding chair.

The ALPS Mountaineering Roamer is a low-profile backpack folding chair that works great in every situation. In addition to backpacking, you can also use it for camping, tailgating, and beach picnics. While the seat is a bit lower compared to the other models, it’s both wider and deeper which makes it feel incredibly comfortable.

For improved durability, the frame of this backpacking beach chair is made from powder-coated steel instead of aluminum. Unfortunately, this increases the weight (6lbs 13oz) so you should be careful if your gear is already very heavy. On the other hand, the trekker chair comes in a carry bag that features a shoulder strap to make carrying easier.