Best Lightweight Camping Backpacking Chairs Rated By Customers
Best lightweight camping backpacking chairs rated by customers. When there are so many businesses making such a wide variety of goods, each with its own attributes and types of items, how can you choose the Best Lightweight Camping Backpacking Chairs Rated By Customers that is best for you?
A camp chair is not a backpacking chair unless it can be carried on your back, no matter how cool or comfortable it is. For this evaluation, we sought out lightweight folding chairs that nevertheless provide sufficient support and are easy to transport without taking up too much space.
We looked into and ranked more than 5 chairs from 8 different manufacturers to find the best backpacking seats. We ranked chairs according to their pricing, number of rave reviews, how well they performed in our tests, and other criteria.
Check out our comparison table, buyer’s guide, and frequently asked questions if you’re having trouble zeroing in on your specific requirements. If not, have a look at our recommended camping chairs:
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: MOON LENCE Camping Chairs
- Runner-up: Helinox Chair
- Top Choice: Coleman Portable Camping Chair
- Best Quality: Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight
- Top Rated: Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair
5 Best Lightweight Camping Backpacking Chairs
1. MOON LENCE Camping Chairs
The MOON LENCE Backpacking Chair delivers exceptional comfort and durability in a lightweight frame, perfect for outdoor adventurers. Its heavy-duty 7075 aluminum alloy frame supports up to 400 lbs, while the breathable Oxford mesh ensures comfort during long sits. The chair’s compact foldable design makes it easy to pack into your backpack, and side pockets keep essentials handy. Whether you’re camping, fishing, or hiking, this chair combines portability and strength for reliable outdoor relaxation.
Specifications:
- Weight: ~2 lb (various sources list ~2.0–2.2 lb)
- Packed size: ~14.25 × 5.25 × 4.25 in (folded)
- Material/frame: 900D Oxford fabric, aluminum alloy frame
- Load/weight capacity: marketed up to ~330–400 lb (claims vary)
- Extras: two side pockets, breathable mesh sections
Pros:
- Very affordable compared to high-end ultralight chairs
- Decent comfort with a bucket-style seat that many find pleasant to lounge in
- Useful side pockets (rare in this class) for small items
- Reasonable durability for the price; includes carrying case
Cons:
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Heavier than many true backpacking chairs; borderline for ultralight use
2. Helinox Chair
Weighing only 1.2 pounds, the Helinox Chair Zero stands out as one of the lightest camping chairs on the market. Despite its featherweight build, it supports up to 265 lbs thanks to its high-strength aluminum alloy frame. The chair assembles in seconds and packs down to the size of a water bottle, making it perfect for ultralight backpackers. Its ergonomic design provides surprising comfort for its size, ensuring a relaxing rest after a long trek.
Specifications:
- Weight: ~1 lb 2 oz (some sources quote “~1 lb” on home scale)
- Packed size: ~13.5 × 3.5 × 3.5 in
- Material/frame: Ripstop polyester fabric with shock-corded aluminum poles
- Load/weight capacity: around 265–320 lb (depending on version)
- Extras: minimal extras; emphasis on ultralight and compactness
Pros:
- Extremely light; among the lightest full chairs available
- Very compact packed size, easy to stow on backpack exterior or in side pockets
- Good comfort relative to weight: generous fabric area and a decent scoop seat
- Stable design for its class; many users feel confident using it on camp terrain
Cons:
-
Price is high relative to budget models
3. Coleman Portable Camping Chair
The Coleman Portable Camping Chair offers all-around convenience for campers and tailgaters alike. Its built-in 4-can cooler keeps drinks within reach, while the cushioned seat and back deliver all-day comfort. The steel frame provides reliable support, and the armrest cup holder and side pocket add functional storage for personal items. With its easy fold-and-carry bag, this chair brings classic Coleman durability and comfort to any outdoor event.
Specifications:
- Weight: heavier, typically in the 6–8 lb range (not ultralight) (exact model: quad with cooler)
- Material / frame: Steel frame, padded / durable fabric
- Load / weight capacity: supports up to 325 lb
- Extras: built-in 4-can cooler in armrest, cup holder, magazine pocket, carry bag
Pros:
- Very comfortable and roomy — good for lounging, social camp settings
- Useful features (cooler, cup holder, side pocket) make it versatile for car camping, tailgates, etc.
- Strong load capacity and solid build
- Easy to set up and stable (on flat ground)
Cons:
-
Too heavy and bulky for true backpacking
4. Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight Backpacking Furniture
Though discontinued in 2024, the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair remains a favorite among backpackers who value minimal weight and superior comfort. Designed with a shock-corded aluminum frame, it sets up quickly and packs down small. The ergonomic seat angle supports proper posture for extended relaxation, while its durable nylon ripstop fabric withstands outdoor wear. It’s a sought-after model for lightweight adventurers who prioritize packability and reliability.
Specifications:
- Weight: ~1 lb 11 oz (≈ 1.69 lb)
- Packed size: ~3.5 × 17 in (or similar compact form)
- Material/frame: Shock-corded aluminum frame, Robic nylon fabric, pre-bent poles for extra width
- Load/weight capacity: ~275 lb
- Extras: color-coded poles, good stability for its class
Pros:
- Excellent balance of lightness and usability — one of the best all-around picks
- Very stable for its weight class thanks to pre-bent pole geometry
- Comfortable for multiple hours’ use, not just rest breaks
- Strong reputation and reviewer praise as “best blend” model
Cons:
-
A bit heavier than the ultra-lightest, like the Helinox Zero (trade-off)
5. Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair
The Big Agnes Big Six Chair provides the perfect blend of comfort and stability for campers seeking a full-sized seat in a portable design. With a tall backrest and deep seat, it’s ideal for lounging around the campfire or relaxing at the beach. The robust aluminum frame and high-quality fabric ensure long-lasting performance. Despite its generous size, it packs down easily for travel. A go-to choice for those who won’t compromise on comfort outdoors.
Specifications:
- Weight: heavier “camp-style” model (exact, not ultralight) — advertised for comfort rather than minimal weight
- Height off ground: ~20 in (making it easy to sit/stand)
- Material/frame: Shock-corded aluminum poles, Robic / polyester fabrics, reinforced stitching
- Load/weight capacity: supports ~300 lb
- Extras: armrests, drink holders, wide seat, tall back
Pros:
- Very comfortable, “chair-like” feel — great for long lounging or car camping
- High seat height makes it easier on the knees and back compared to ultra-low models
- Strong build, decent load capacity
- Good for people who prefer a high seat, not too low to the ground
Cons:
-
Too heavy and bulky for serious backpacking
FAQs:
Q. What does “backpacking chair” mean?
When it comes to comfort, nothing beats a backpacking chair. After a long day of hiking, there’s nothing better than relaxing in front of a fire without worrying about getting sap on your shorts or resting against a prickly tree. However, comfort typically comes at the expense of weight, and hikers are always looking for methods to lighten their loads.
A hiking chair needs to find a happy medium between convenience, portability, and weight. The end-of-day payoff isn’t going to be worth the discomfort of lugging it about on your back for hours.
A good camping chair for backpacking is lightweight and compact enough to stow inside your bag or be attached to the outside with a strap.
Q. Where Do Camping Chairs and Backpacking Chairs Differ?
Chairs designed for camping typically aren’t as lightweight or compact, but they do provide a lot of support and comfort. Each camping chair on this list met the criteria of being easy to put up, lightweight, and compact when packed.
Q. How much should a good lightweight camping chair weigh?
Weight. Although we tested the 3.6-pound Helinox Chair One XL, which may be a good alternative for heavier hikers, we advise sticking to chairs that weigh less than two pounds. Over that weight, the disadvantages start to exceed the advantages.
Q. How old is the typical backpacker?
In 2002 and 2007, over two-thirds of all backpackers were between the ages of 20 and 25, but by 2017, that share had dropped to slightly under 60%. From less than 5% in 2002 to around 10% in 2017, the percentage of backpackers over the age of 30 has increased.
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