Surviving Guide

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 for 2023:

Out 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 Backpacking Furniture
• Top Rated: Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair

1. MOON LENCE Camping Chairs

The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair is a smart buy since it provides more value than it costs. The bucket seat is well defined, making it comfortable for lounging without being so deep that getting up is a chore. The side pockets are great for storing our phones and sunglasses, and the square base keeps everything from falling over. It’s a good value considering how effectively it performs in real-world scenarios.

However, we are concerned about its durability. There are a number of pressure areas because the fabric is so rigid. The fabric covering the seat must be carefully attached to the aluminum frame. This chair is also extremely skinny. The legs, with their many short tube parts, are extremely awkward to fold up and store. Despite some minor issues, this chair is a good option for less serious travel on a budget.

Feature

• Product Dimensions ‎19.7″D x 14.2″W x 23.6″H
• Material ‎Nylon, Aluminum
• Weight of Item: 2 Pounds
• ASIN B0871Y8K6L

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Convenient compartments
• Ample seat depth

Cons

• Complicated to prepare
• Rigid fabric

View on Amazon

2. Helinox Chair 

The Helinox Chair Zero ($150) is a terrific option for the weight-conscious traveller because it weighs only 17 ounces, or one whole pound, less than the Chair One.

The Chair Zero is superior to the Chair One since it can be packed down to a smaller size, making it ideal for long-distance camping trips. It’s 3 inches lower to the floor than the Chair Zero, which could be a dealbreaker depending on how high you like to sit.

However, the Chair Zero shares the same indisputable comfort, simple assembly, and top-notch construction as the Chair One.

If you’re planning on going on a lengthy backpacking trip but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or support, this is the way to go. When it comes to versatility, it’s hard to beat this trekking chair.

Feature

• The dimensions of the product are 14 by 20.5 by 25 inches.
• Weight of Item: 1.12 pounds
• Material ‎Aluminum
• ASIN B01M07GTOE

Pros

• Lightweight
• Compacts to the dimensions of a 32-ounce nalgene bottle
• Made from superior materials

Cons

• Low to the ground, some might prefer a seat higher up

View on Amazon

3. Coleman Portable Camping Chair

For for $34, you get a cooler that’s already assembled? In other words, this is a shopper’s paradise. In addition, the level of comfort was above and beyond our expectations.

Seat width is 24 inches, making it more comfortable than the narrower hiking options we’ve looked at. It also features a higher back and seat for added comfort.

If you value stability and don’t mind carrying a bit more weight, this is a fantastic choice. The only drawback? The steel framework is too cumbersome to be kept outside in bad weather.

Feature

• The dimensions of the product are 30″D x 8″W x 6″H.
• Material ‎Steel,Polyester
• Weight of Item: 8.2 Pounds
• ASIN B00339910A

Pros

• Spacious, padded 24″ seat
• Includes an integrated 4-can refrigerator pouch
• Simple to deploy and fold up

Cons

• Heavy and hefty
• This is not a camping chair
• The steel frame cannot be exposed to inclement weather.

View on Amazon

4. Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight Backpacking Furniture

Because of its compact size and high level of comfort and stability, the Big Agnes Skyline UL is our go-to hiking chair. Since the seat has a deep pocket, you can sit with your legs in any position and not worry about your posterior sliding forward. It helps you maintain a less rounded and more upright spine than you would with other versions. The bent legs of this chair widen the base and the seat while compacting the overall shape. Along with the pricing, these features make it one of the most complete products we examined.

Even at only 29 ounces, this chair is noticeably heavier than the category’s featherweight option, thus it may not be suitable for those who are weight-conscious to the extreme. Although the hubless pole design saves space, we noticed that it took about 10 seconds longer to construct than the hubbed pole variants. After a long day, this is the chair we’d most like to sink into.

Feature

• Dimensions of the product are 14.96″D x 14.17″W x 20.87″H
• Material Nylon, Aluminum
• Item Weight 771.8 Grams
• ASIN B07M9WM2DP

Pros

• Comfortable
• Very little weight
• Stable

Cons

• A little bit more time-intensive to set up

View on Amazon

5. Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair

The Big Six Camp Chair is your jam if you’re in the market for a lightweight, super-sturdy chair to take your camping comfort to the next level. The Big Six was made with high-end lounging in mind, thus it features a tall back, a wide seat, and a low 20″ height off the floor. A shock-cord pole set can be assembled in minutes and packed away in a car, a backpack, or a trunk until it’s needed.

Feature

• Dimensions of the product are 40.16″D x 27.95″W x 25.2″H
• Material ‎Alumnium
• Weight of Item: 1362 Grams
• ASIN B07MH3BV47

Pros

• Seat with a deep, comfortable cushion
• Tall
• Headrest
• Spacious

Cons

• Pricey
• Heavy and robust

Q. What is “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 up 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 a good lightweight camping chair should 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.