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Even if you’re a backpacker who wants to keep the gear as light as possible, some non-essential items can significantly improve the overall experience. One of these items is a backpacking chair – nobody enjoys sitting on the ground, and a good chair can be a real game-changer.
Unlike camping chairs, the best backpacking chairs are designed for portability – they are lightweight, compact, and incredibly convenient to bring on longer trips. At the same time, most of these are very sturdy and provide a high comfort level.Â
If you can’t decide which one you should get, our backpacking chair reviews will present the lightest and most comfortable models on the market right now. Additionally, the buying guide will discuss all the important things to consider so you can easily choose a perfect model for your backpacking adventure.
OUR TOP PICK
Helinox Zero Backpacking Chair
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- One of the lightest backpacking chairs on the market (1 pound)
- Shock-corded structure makes setup and takedown easy
- DAC aluminum frame provides an impressive weight capacity
- Compatible with Helinox Groundsheet for using on soft ground
Best For: Lightweight Backpacking
Open Dimensions: 20.5 x 18.9 x 25.2 inches
Folded Dimensions: 13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches
Seat Height: 11.5 inches
Capacity: 265 pounds
Seat Material: Ripstop Polyester
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 1 pound
EDITORS CHOICE
Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Backpacking Chair
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Strong 600D Oxford fabric guarantees durability
- Breathable mesh design prevents sweating
- Ergonomic seat shape provides a high comfort level
- Carry sack included for easier packing and transportation
Best For: Sitting Comfort
Open Dimensions: 23.6 x 23.6 x 25.6 inches
Folded Dimensions: 14.2 x 4.7 inches
Seat Height: 13.4 inches
Capacity: 242 pounds
Seat Material: 600D Oxford Fabric
Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
Weight: 2 pounds
BEST VALUE
TravelChair Slacker Chair, Tripod Stool, Black
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Unique tripod construction saves space when packing
- Double-stitched seams increase the chair material durability
- Powder-coated steel frame safely supports 275 pounds
- TPR rubber feet prevent the chair from slipping
Best For: Convenient Carrying
Open Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 18 inches
Folded Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 24 inches
Seat Height: 11 inches
Capacity: 275 pounds
Seat Material: 600D Ripstop Polyester
Frame Material: Steel
Weight: 1.9 pounds
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Ripstop nylon seat cover with additional DWR coating
- Lightweight aluminum frame makes carrying easier
- Wide four-legged frame provides excellent stability
- All the materials used meet the Bluesign criteria
Best For: Quick and Easy Setup
Open Dimensions: 19 x 22 x 22 inches
Folded Dimensions: 5 x 16 inches
Seat Height: 11 inches
Capacity: 250 pounds
Seat Material: Ripstop Nylon
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 1 pound
Sportneer Portable Lightweight Backpacking Chair
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Heavy-duty nylon seat for better support
- Mesh panels greatly improve breathability
- Shock-corded aluminum poles for quick setup
- Impressive weight capacity (350 pounds)
Best For: Large Backpackers
Open Dimensions: 22 x 21 x 26.5 inches
Folded Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.3 x 14 inches
Seat Height: 14.2 inches
Capacity: 350 pounds
Seat Material: Nylon, Mesh
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: Two pounds
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Equipped with side pockets for stashing small items
- Aircraft-grade aluminum frame withstands outdoor use
- 600D polyester seat cover is safe for machine washing
- Daisy chain handles for easily moving the chair
Best For: Strength and Durability
Open Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 28 inches
Folded Dimensions: 11 x 4.3 x 6 inches
Seat Height: 15.4 inches
Capacity: 300 pounds
Seat Material: 600D Polyester
Frame Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Sunyear Lightweight Compact Backpacking Chair
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Mesh side panels allow breathability and air circulation
- Deep seat design significantly improves sitting comfort
- Rugged 7075 aluminum alloy frame with non-slip feet
- Shock-corded frame design makes assembly easy
Best For: Easy Maintenance
Open Dimensions: 20.5 x 20.9 x 26 inches
Folded Dimensions: 13.8 x 5.1 x 4.3 inches
Seat Height: 13.8 inches
Capacity: 250 pounds
Seat Material: 500D Nylon
Frame Material: 7075 Aluminum Alloy
Weight: 2.29 pounds
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Rocking legs make it a real outdoor rocking chair
- Easily converts to a standard chair with rocking legs off
- DAC aluminum frame with a 320-pound weight capacity
- Incredibly compact when packed (storage sack included)
Open Dimensions: 33.1 x 25.6 x 21.7 inches
Folded Dimensions: 23.6 x 7.1 x 5.1 inches
Seat Height: 13.4 inches
Weight Limit: 320 pounds
Seat Material: Polyester
Frame Material: DAC Aluminum
Weight: 3.2 pounds
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Luxurious construction provides top-level comfort
- Stuff sack works as a pillow when sitting in the chair
- Strong nylon seat with mesh panels for ventilation
- Very high chair seat (17.5 inches off the ground)
Best For: Luxurious Backpacking
Open Dimensions: 23 x 28.5 x 38.5 inches
Folded Dimensions: 18.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches
Seat Height: 17.5 inches
Weight Limit: 320 pounds
Seat Material: Nylon, Mesh
Frame Material: DAC Aluminum
Weight: 3 pounds 4 ounces
- What Makes This Backpacking Camp Chair Stand Out
- Low-profile design makes it convenient for packing
- Carry bag with a shoulder strap for easier carrying
- Mesh back panel improves the air circulation
- Top pick for any type of outdoor activity
Best For: Casual Backpacking
Folded Dimensions: 28 x 7 x 7 inches
Weight Limit: 250 pounds
Seat Material: 600D Polyester
Frame Material: Powder-Coated Steel
Weight: 6 pounds 13 ounces
How To Choose a Backpacking Chair – Buying Guide
Folded Size and Portability
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying this type of chair is its size when packed. Truth be told, these dimensions can vary quite a lot between different products so we advise that you check for each individual model. That being said, it’s a big plus if a chair comes with a storage bag for easier carrying.
Open Dimensions
While the packed size is important for portability, the open size is important for comfort. Even though some ultralight chairs have a very small seat and sit very low to the ground, most of the models we’ve featured have slightly bigger dimensions so even a larger backpacker can use them.
Weight
In addition to packed size, the weight is the most important thing to think about as you don’t want to haul a heavy chair with you all day. As you can see, this varies quite a lot – from only 1 pound for ultralight models to over 3 pounds for more luxurious ones. Be very careful when choosing the chair weight, especially if you’ll carry it over long distances.
Frame Material
The frame of backpacking chairs plays a crucial role – it needs to provide strength and stability without adding too much weight. For this reason, aluminum is the most popular choice. Steel is also an option, but the added weight it gives is a big downside for many backpackers.
Seat Material
Much like the frame, the seat also needs to be both durable and lightweight. Polyester and nylon are the most common choices as they provide the best protection. It’s a big plus to get a seat with a higher denier rating because this usually means that it will last longer.
Comfort
The comfort is closely related to the seat material we’ve just discussed, as well as several other factors. If you want a boost in comfort, look for a chair that comes with increased back height and offers proper upper body support. In addition, a deep seat design and greater seat width can completely change the feeling that a chair gives you.
Weight Capacity
Despite being lightweight, most of these chairs have an excellent weight capacity so you shouldn’t worry about this too much. An average chair supports 250 pounds so the majority of adults can use them. Furthermore, some models like the Sportneer chair have over 300 pounds of capacity which is great for large users.
Stability
Closely related to weight capacity, the stability of the chair is one of the most important factors for safe use. Generally speaking, a chair should have four legs and a wide base so it can’t tip to the side. In addition, rubber covers on the feet can also make the chair more stable by preventing slipping.
Ease Of Setup
While these chairs might seem complicated to set up at first glance, this is usually not the case. With some practice, you’ll be able to put the chair up in less than a minute. The best chairs for backpacking come with a foldable frame design and shock-corded poles so you won’t lose any time figuring out which piece goes where.
FAQs
Q:Â What Is A Backpacking Seat And How Different It is From A Camping Chair?
The two main differences between backpacking and camp chairs are packed size and weight. Backpacking chairs are a lot more compact and lighter, which makes them a lot more portable. However, they can be a bit less comfortable because of this.
Related Review: Camping Chair
Q:Â Why Carry A Folding Hiking Chair?
You should fold it because it significantly raises the comfort level while taking a break. Even though it might seem silly to bring a chair when going on a backpacking trip, the best backpacking chairs are so lightweight that you won’t even notice you have them with you.
Related Review: Folding Chairs
Q:Â What Is The Difference Between A Backpacking Chair And Chair Kit?
A chair kit is a chair that needs inflation – it either inflates automatically when unfolded or requires you to blow it up. On the other hand, a backpacking chair is a traditional framed seat that is designed to be lightweight and fold down to a compact size.
Globo Surf Overview
While it does add a bit of weight to your gear, you’ll discover the value of a backpacking chair the first time you take a break on your trip. Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information that you need to choose the best backpacking chair that will provide the comfort you need wherever your road takes you.