Overall, the CleverHiker team has hiked over 1,000 days with sit pads and ultralight backpacking chairs stuffed in our backpacks. For this gear guide, we researched more than 30 backpacking chairs and tested the top 10 side by side, including best sellers from Helinox, REI, NEMO, and more.
How We Test
We subjected these backpacking chairs to months of field-based testing. Our gear analyst weighed every chair and carried them into the New Mexico wilderness, testing them at campsites in the Gila Wilderness, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Sandia Mountains, Bandelier National Monument, and Santa Fe National Forest. We also played “musical chairs” to test their comfort side by side, conducted stability tests on sand and uneven campsites, carried them inside and outside of our packs to gauge packed size, and timed how long it took to assemble and pack up each chair.
We defined backpacking chairs as portable chairs weighing less than 2 pounds. If you’re hunting for a heavy and cozy chair for the campground, please skip these lightweights and browse our guide to the best camping chairs.
And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:
#1. Best Backpacking Chair Overall
The Helinox Chair Zero LT was a standout in our recent testing, combining a feathery build with impressive all-around performance. It’s stable for the weight, offers solid support, and is easy to use, dethroning Helinox’s original Chair Zero as our top pick this year.
Quick Picks for Backpacking Chairs
Sit tight and skim through this quick list of the best backpacking chairs, or sink into our thorough reviews below.
1. Best Backpacking Chair Overall: Helinox Chair Zero LT ($160)
2. Best Backpacking Chair Overall Runner-Up: Helinox Chair Zero ($140)
3. Best Value Backpacking Chair: REI Flexlite Air ($100)
4. Best Backpacking Ground Chair: Helinox Ground Chair ($140)
5. Best Stability & Back Support: Big Agnes Skyline UL ($170)
6. Best Reclining Backpacking Chair: NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair ($190)
7. Best Budget Backpacking Chair: Trekology Yizi-Lite Chair ($48)
8. Best Sit Pad for Ultralighters: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat ($35)
9. Best Backpacking Stool: REI Flexlite Air Stool ($70)
10. Cheap & Comfy Camp Chair: Moon Lence Portable Chair ($35)
Helinox Chair Zero LT
Best Backpacking Chair Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $160
Weight: 1 lb. 3.2 oz.
Weight Limit: 265 lb.
Seat Height: 7 in.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Stable for the weight
- Includes a stabilizer strap for sand
- Ripstop fabric adds durability
- Durable DAC aluminum poles
- Quick to set up and tear down
Cons
- Expensive
- Comfort isn’t exceptional
With its next-generation ripstop seat and included stability strap, the new Helinox Chair Zero LT inched past its sibling, the original Chair Zero below, to earn our “best overall” designation this year. You have to squint to tell the Chair Zero and Chair Zero LT apart, but our gear analyst gave the LT the nod after backpacking with both of them in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness.
Weighing a smidge over a pound, the Helinox Chair Zero LT is one of the lightest aluminum backpacking chairs we tested and reviewed. For the weight, it’s plenty supportive and more stable than our budget picks. Thanks to the new stability strap, the Helinox Chair Zero LT sat comfortably without sinking at our sandbar campsite alongside the Gila River.
The Chair Zero LT isn’t the most expensive backpacking chair we tested, but it still costs a pretty penny. Still, we’re happy to pay a premium for an ultralight backpacking chair that’s supportive, stable, and easy to use. It ticked all our boxes – and raised no red flags – after two months of testing.
The Helinox Chair Zero LT is a low-risk, high-reward pick for backpackers who want an ultralight chair that clearly upgrades comfort in the backcountry.
Helinox Chair Zero
Best Backpacking Chair Overall Runner-Up
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $140
Weight: 1 lb. 1.6 oz.
Weight Limit: 265 lb.
Seat Height: 8.5 in.
Pros
- Comfortable back support
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Durable construction
- Comfortable height off the ground
- Intuitive to set up
Cons
- Pricey
- Not the fastest to set up and pack away
The Helinox Chair Zero has been at or near the top of our list for years because it’s an ultralight chair that’s relatively comfortable, supportive, and stable for its weight.
For us, the Chair Zero strikes a near-perfect balance among weight, packability, support, and stability. It’s one of the lightest aluminum-frame chairs on our list, weighing a smidge over a pound. But it also provides plenty of back support, comfort, and stability for such a lightweight chair. The deep, scoop-style seat is supportive and comfortable, and setup is a breeze because the fabric attaches easily at the corners.
The biggest downside with this chair is price. With Helinox, you have to pay a premium for premium performance. For us, it’s worth it. You’ll be investing in an exceptional backpacking chair that’s light, comfortable, supportive, and stable – plenty of payoff for just a pound and change of pack weight.
This is one of our all-time favorite backpacking chairs. It also comes in other versions – including the new Chair Zero LT, which is this year’s top pick. For us, the Helinox Chair Zero is an easy pick for any serious hiker seeking one of the best backpacking chairs available.
REI Flexlite Air
Best Value Backpacking Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $100
Weight: 1 lb.
Weight Limit: 250 lb.
Seat Height: 11 in.
Pros
- Great value
- Comfortable
- Excellent back support
- Lightweight
- Small packed size
- High off the ground
- Durable construction
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited stability
- Feet dig into soft ground
The REI Flexlite Air is a great buy thanks to its relatively affordable price, ultralight weight, and solid comfort and support.
The Flexlite Air is our go-to choice for backpacking trips because it weighs only 1 pound – the lightest classic chair on our list. Despite its low weight, the Flexlite Air doesn’t skimp on comfort or back support. Its scoop seat has kept us happy for a decade. It’s not the coziest chair we’ve tested, but it’s quite comfortable and supportive, especially considering its low weight and price.
The main drawback of this REI chair is its lack of stability. If any chair in the club’s gettin’ tipsy, it’s this one. But that hasn’t bothered Jory, who’s been backpacking with it since 2014. If you pick a level campsite and don’t do anything too crazy – especially on sand or soft ground – the Flexlite Air shouldn’t let you down.
If you’re looking for a high-value backpacking chair that’s both lightweight and supportive, it’s hard to beat this REI chair.
Helinox Ground Chair
Best Backpacking Ground Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $140
Weight: 1 lb. 7.1 oz.
Weight Limit: 265 lb.
Seat Height: 4.5 in.
Pros
- Solid comfort and back support
- Good for extending your feet in front of you
- Square base is stable on sand and soft ground
- Premium materials
Cons
- Low seating position isn’t for everyone
- Average weight and packability
- Premium price
The Helinox Ground Chair ranks high on our list thanks to its comfort and stability. Our lead tester had never used a ground chair, but this chair may have converted him after lounging in it on several backpacking trips in the Southwest.
As its name implies, the Ground Chair sits low to the ground. With a seat height of only 4.5 inches, this low rider lets backpackers lean back and stretch out their legs in front of them. We’ve found this position to be super comfortable, especially after torching our legs on 20-mile days. However, getting in and out of a ground chair isn’t the easiest when we’re stiff and sore.
In a world of compact backpacking chairs, the Helinox Ground Chair stands apart for its deep scoop seat with plenty of back support, which we found downright lavish at camp. Stability is another hallmark of the design. During our stability tests on sand and uneven ground, its unique square base and four wide leg pads kept the chair planted solidly beneath us. Where other chairs tend to sink into sand, mud, thawed ground, and beds of pine-needle litter, the Ground Chair remains fairly level and stable.
The Ground Chair falls well below our 2-pound cutoff for a backpacking chair, but it’s a quarter-pound heavier than our top picks. Its stuff sack is also stouter than most, which made it tougher to stuff this chair in our backpack’s expandable bottle pockets.
This model isn’t cheap. But you get exactly what you pay for: one of the most durable, stable, and well-built backpacking chairs out there. If you’re down for a low rider, we recommend the Helinox Ground Chair for anyone who loves to lean back and spread out after a taxing day on the trail.
Big Agnes Skyline UL
Best Stability & Back Support
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $170
Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz.
Weight Limit: 275 lb.
Seat Height: 15 in.
Pros
- Supportive
- Tall seat height makes it easier to get out of than other chairs
- Small packed size
- Stable
- Durable
- Wider than some
- High weight limit
- Easy setup with color coding
Cons
- A bit heavy for backpacking
- Expensive
- Setup / tear-down is a bit slow
The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair is a favorite for its tall seat height and stellar back support.
If you want the easiest chair to sit in and get out of, this is our top recommendation. At a whopping 15 inches, the Skyline boasts the second-tallest seat height on this list (behind the 17.5-inch REI Flexlite Air Stool below). Since most backpacking chairs are lower to the ground, we found those extra inches can make a meaningful difference in comfort and accessibility.
The Skyline is very similar in design to the REI Flexlite Air and Helinox Chair Zero above, but it’s much more supportive, a bit wider, and has a higher weight capacity. A slight curve in the rear legs adds a bit of stability, and we like that the scoop-style seat positions you upright without rounding your back or your butt – a rarity for most camping chairs. The result is a chair that feels stable yet cushy.
But at 1 pound 12 ounces, the Skyline is one of the heavier chairs on this list and sits at the upper end of our maximum weight for a backpacking chair. It’s also one of the more expensive options we tested. However, it’s very compact and a real luxury for shorter overnight trips – and worth every penny for a taller chair that’s built to last.
This Big Agnes model is one of the few chairs we don’t mind lounging in for a couple of hours because it’s just that comfortable. It’s a durable, well-built choice for backpacking, but we also recommend the Skyline for hanging at the park or sitting around a frontcountry campfire ring.
NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair
Best Reclining Backpacking Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $190
Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz.
Weight Limit: 250 lb.
Seat Height: 10 in.
Pros
- Reclining suspension
- Ultralight
- All-aluminum frame (no plastic)
- Carrying case doubles as a groundsheet
- Good stability
Cons
- Smaller seat and backrest
- Comfort concerns for bigger backpackers
- Expensive
As its name suggests, the NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair has a reclining suspension to boost its comfort for weary backpackers. It’s also significantly lighter than the regular Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair.
This reclining suspension allows you to adjust the seat angle by a few inches – but not as much as we had hoped. In fact, the Moonlite’s reclined position isn’t noticeably lower than other non-reclining chairs. It’s comfortable but nothing special.
The smaller scoop seat is not one-size-fits-all. Our lightweight gear analyst found it highly comfortable, while our burlier tester felt the chair’s corners digging into his shoulder muscles and hiker’s thighs.
That said, we were all impressed with the Moonlite’s stability and overall build quality. NEMO opted for an all-aluminum frame and unique ball-and-socket attachment points to snap the seat fabric to the aluminum frame. That prevents some teetering and tottering.
Additionally, the chair features a wide base, low center of gravity, and groundsheet to prevent its legs from digging into sand, mud, and thawed ground. The latter is a nice bonus feature – the groundsheet for the Helinox Chair Zero is sold separately and costs extra. It’s remarkable, really, how stable this chair is given its low weight.
We like the NEMO Moonlite, but it’s one of the most expensive models we tested. The reclining suspension didn’t stand out as much as we expected, but its stability did. Out of the ultralight backpacking chairs we tested, this one is by far the most stable. We especially like the Moonlite Elite for backpackers who mostly camp on sand or soft riverbanks. The combination of the all-aluminum frame and groundsheet adds up to a solid base on soft ground, where several chairs on this list fall short.
Trekology Yizi-Lite
Best Budget Backpacking Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.3/5.0
Price: $48
Weight: 1 lb. 10.4 oz.
Weight Limit: 220 lb.
Seat Height: 9.8 in.
Pros
- Roomy seating area
- Good back support
- Ventilated seat fabric
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy for a backpacking chair
- Lower weight capacity
- Low height isn’t for everyone
Relatively new to our list, the Trekology Yizi-Lite is a great budget buy because it performed well in our metrics and is priced well below the competition.
The Yizi-Lite sits lower to the ground than most of the backpacking chairs we tested. This is a good thing if you like to extend your legs as you kick back at camp. But that also means it’s harder to get in and out of the chair, especially after a long day of backpacking. We found its stability to be average on uneven ground. During our stability testing, we teetered and tottered more than expected, especially considering this chair’s low center of gravity.
The Trekology chair didn’t wow us in any metric, but we see it as a viable budget option for backpackers. The chair’s weight and packed size are slightly below average, but we found its comfort above average. The generous seat size provides plenty of back support while hanging around the campfire and sipping your morning coffee. For us, the comfort payoff is worth the trade-off in weight.
Generally speaking, we worry about the durability of lower-priced gear. However, our testing only revealed a few red flags, such as an end cap popping off to expose the shock cord. In our eyes, the cheaper materials affect the Yizi-Lite’s weight and bulk more than its durability. It felt sturdy in the field. Just keep in mind its weight limit is lower than most backpacking chairs at 220 pounds.
If you want premium performance, you’ll need to pay two to three times as much. But the Trekology Yizi-Lite is pretty impressive for its price point.
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
Best Sit Pad for Ultralighters
CleverHiker Rating: 4.1/5.0
Price: $35
Weight: 2 oz.
Weight Limit: N/A
Seat Height: 0.75 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ultralight
- Compact
- Convenient
- Versatile
- Simple
- Durable
Cons
- No back support
- Fairly thin
- Less comfortable than classic chairs
Though it’s super basic, the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is an all-time favorite among ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, and day hikers. When you need a soft place to plop down, the Z Seat deploys quickly, weighs almost nothing, and offers a bit of extra comfort and protection from the ground whenever you need it.
CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, has used this seat for thousands of miles of hiking over the last decade. It’s been his go-to for backpacking trips everywhere from the Sawtooths, Yosemite, and Banff to the Uintas, Wind River Range, and Mount Saint Helens – plus hundreds of day hikes.
The Z Seat is extremely lightweight and super convenient to store, set up, and pack away for quick trail breaks, which makes it ideal for use throughout the day. At only 2 ounces, it’s the lightest “chair” on our list. Plus, it can literally save your rear since you’ll vastly improve the appearance of (and extend the life of) your pants or shorts by using a pad instead of the ground.
The obvious downside is this pad doesn’t provide any back support. But it does add a layer of softness and a bit of insulation between you and the ground, which is really important on rough trails and cold, wet days. Also, you’ll still be sitting on the ground, a rock, or a stump with the Z seat on top, so the level of comfort is relative – but we’d still prefer the cushioning and protection it offers over a wet bum.
For how versatile and affordable it is, we view the Z Seat as a must-have for day hiking, backpacking, and more. Anytime you’re outside and want a bit of protection from that sandy beach, forested trail, or rocky summit, this little pad is a small investment with a big payoff.
REI Flexlite Air Stool
Best Backpacking Stool
CleverHiker Rating: 4.0/5.0
Price: $70
Weight: 11.5 oz.
Weight Limit: 250 lb.
Seat Height: 17.5 in.
Pros
- Tall seat height
- Good packability
- Quick setup time
Cons
- Below-average comfort
- No back support
- Limited stability
The REI Flexlite Air Stool is a lightweight but useful alternative to a full-fledged backpacking chair. The Flexlite Air replaced the original (but since-discontinued) Flexlite Stool on our list because REI’s “Air” version is significantly lighter, more packable, and holds more weight than the OG.
The Flexlite Air Stool stands out as the tallest seat we tested and reviewed. It’s easier to sit down and stand up than with a sit pad or backpacking chair that is close to the ground. We don’t recommend this stool for extended sitting sessions due to its small seat, limited stability, and lack of backrest. But this stool is super handy for trailside rest stops and campsite chores since it sits up tall, sets up quickly, and packs down effortlessly.
The biggest reasons to choose the REI Flexlite Air Stool are weight, packability, and ease of use. This stool is lightweight and packable, weighing 4.5 ounces less than its chair cousin. It also packs down into a skinnier stuff sack that fits in the side pockets of most backpacks. Plus, it takes less than 30 seconds to whip out this stool, set it up, and dig into your trailside lunch, filter water next to a stream, or work your camp-stove magic.
If you’d like something more substantial than a sit pad – and you’re not hung up on the lack of stability and back support – the REI Flexlite Air Stool may be the ticket to quicker rest stops, lunches, and campsite chores.
Moon Lence Portable Chair
Cheap & Comfortable Camp Chair
CleverHiker Rating: 4.0/5.0
Price: $35
Weight: 2 lb. 11.2 oz.
Weight Limit: 330 lb.
Seat Height: 12 in.
Pros
- Affordable
- Supportive
- Stash pockets on both sides
- Comfortable back support
- High off the ground
- Breathable and quick-drying
Cons
- Too heavy for most backpackers
- Durability issues
- Setup / tear-down is a bit slow
The Moon Lence Portable Chair is an entry-level camp chair – one that may be too heavy for most backpackers. But its price will save you some coin compared to most chairs on our list.
The best part about this chair is how comfy it is. With a deep seat and plenty of back support, this chair offers a relaxing break after miles of hiking in the hot sun. The seat height is higher than most, making it easy to sit down and stand up when your joints are stiff and muscles are weary after a long day on the trail.
The downside to all that comfort is weight. At a listed 2 pounds 11.2 ounces (it weighed 2 pounds 2 ounces on our scale), the Moon Lence Portable is heavier than what we recommend for backpackers. Weight-wise, it’s more of a camping chair than a backpacking chair. Its packed size is appropriate for backpacking but not as compact as several chairs we recommend.
On the plus side, that added weight allows this chair to claim a high weight capacity of 330 pounds. On one hand, this makes the Moon Lence an inclusive choice for folks of all shapes and sizes. On the other, our 200-pound tester bent two chair legs after only a minute of stability testing. Plus, our previous tester noted the stitching and hinge pins showed significant wear and tear after one season of use. Our experiences raise concerns about this chair’s actual weight capacity – and its long-term durability.
But for a fraction of the price of comparable models, we don’t expect this chair to last forever. The Moon Lence is a budget-friendly option for campers or backpackers who prioritize comfort over pack weight.
Product Comparison Table
| oSort | Product | Price | Weight | Weight Limit | Seat Height | Comfort | Ease of Use | Weight & Packability | Stability | 0 |
Helinox Chair Zero LT View at REI View at Amazon 
|
$160 | 1 lb. 3.2 oz. | 265 lb. | 7 in. | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 1 |
Helinox Chair Zero View at Amazon View at Backcountry |
$140 | 1 lb. 1.6 oz. | 265 lb. | 8.5 in. | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 2 |
REI Flexlite Air View at REI 
|
$100 | 1 lb. | 250 lb. | 11 in. | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.0 | 3 |
Helinox Ground Chair View at Amazon View at Helinox
|
$140 | 1 lb. 7.1 oz. | 265 lb. | 4.5 in. | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4 |
Big Agnes Skyline UL View at Amazon View at Backcountry |
$170 | 1 lb. 12 oz. | 275 lb. | 15 in. | 4.9 | 4.2 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5 |
NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair View at REI View at Amazon |
$190 | 1 lb. 7 oz. | 250 lb. | 10 in. | 4.2 | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 6 |
Trekology Yizi-Lite View at Amazon View at Trekology
|
$48 | 1 lb. 10.4 oz. | 220 lb. | 9.8 in. | 4.6 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 7 |
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat View at REI View at Amazon |
$35 | 2 oz. | N/A | 0.75 in. | 3.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 3.0 | 8 |
REI Flexlite Air Stool View at REI |
$70 | 11.5 oz. | 250 lb. | 17.5 in. | 3.5 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 3.5 | 9 |
Moon Lence Portable Chair View at Amazon View at Moon Lence |
$35 | 2 lb. 11.2 oz. | 330 lb. | 12 in. | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 3.9 |
|---|
Analysis & Results
Dig into the results with us to find out which backpacking chairs are at the front of the pack when it comes to value, comfort, weight, packability, stability, and ease of use.
Which backpacking chair is the best value?
When sizing up the value of a backpacking chair, we weigh performance against price. We’re looking for products that perform well for their price, whether they’re affordable or not.
For us, the REI Flexlite Air Chair is an impressive value. This 1-pound backpacking chair earned our third-highest score overall, costing substantially less than its closest competitors.
If you’d prefer to spend half as much, we like the Trekology Yizi-Lite as an entry-level backpacking chair. For the price of many campground chairs, you get a comfortable backpacking chair that weighs less than 2 pounds. That’s a solid value.
The Helinox Chair Zero LT edged out the original Chair Zero in performance, but the Chair Zero is the better value. It’s $20 less than the LT with almost identical performance. Both are good buys, though, compared to the NEMO Moonlite Elite and Big Agnes Skyline UL – both which cost considerably more while ranking slightly lower.
Sit pads let minimalists get by spending even less. The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is a small investment that kept our bums drier, warmer, and slightly cushioned when we sat on snow, rocks, logs, and the ground. If you care more about weight than comfort and back support, these ultralight additions to your pack don’t cost much at all.
Which backpacking chair is the most comfortable?
As a rule of thumb, the most comfortable outdoor gear often weighs a bit more. That holds true with the backpacking chairs we tested.
The heaviest chair in this guide, the Moon Lence Portable, was arguably the most comfortable. Weight-wise, it’s more of a campground chair than a backpacking chair, but we sure enjoyed sinking into its deep, scooped seat at the end of the day.
The Big Agnes Skyline UL was close behind in terms of comfort and support, but its weight and packed size are more palatable for backpackers.
Some backpackers may prefer ground chairs for comfort, even though it’s tougher getting in and out of them. Sitting low to the ground, the Trekology Yizi-Lite and Helinox Ground Chair are comfortable seats that made it easy for our gear analysts to stretch their legs after long days on the trail.
Which backpacking chair is the easiest to use?
Overall, we found most of the backpacking chairs we tested easy to use. It took less than a minute to assemble nine of the chairs we tested, and most of them packed up quickly, too.
The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad is as easy as it gets. You simply unfold it to reveal an instant dry seat on a rock, against a tree, or directly on the ground/snow.
We also love the REI Flexlite Air Stool for its simplicity. Unfold the stool, place it somewhere flat for stability, and it’s ready for immediate use with no assembly required. Even though it doesn’t have a backrest, this is a great option for a fast, convenient seat whenever you need a break.
Which Backpacking Chair is the lightest & most Portable?
You won’t find a lighter or more portable seat than the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad, which weighs only 2 ounces.
The REI Flexlite Air (1 pound), Helinox Chair Zero (1 pound 2 ounces), and Helinox Chair Zero LT (1 pound 3.2 ounces ) stood out among traditional, aluminum-frame backpacking chairs. They’re not only impressively lightweight and packable but also provide plenty of comfort and back support for backcountry camping. That’s why they rank at the top among the 10 backpacking chairs we tested and reviewed.
The NEMO Moonlite Elite was a mixed bag: competitively light (1 pound 7 ounces) but a little cumbersome to pack in its groundsheet.
Which backpacking chair is the most stable?
If you’re looking to crash in a stable backpacking chair that lets you relax, the Big Agnes Skyline UL is the standout in this guide. It’s almost indestructible with a wide, sturdy base made of aircraft-grade aluminum, no plastic parts, and a weight capacity of 275 pounds. We tried to abuse this thing in our field tests, and it didn’t budge.
We also found the NEMO Moonlite Elite surprisingly stable for its lightweight build. Like the Skyline UL, it has a wide base and high-grade aluminum poles and hubs that limit wobbling. The extended back legs also helped us maintain our balance when we leaned back to recline – a feature not found in other models we tested.
Sitting low to the ground, the Helinox Ground Chair was another standout in terms of stability. The sturdy square base, made with DAC aluminum alloy, not only resisted rocking but also resisted sinking into soft surfaces like sand, mud, and a bed of pine needles. The Helinox Chair Zero LT also scored points for its included stability strap. This tiny addition prevents the legs from sinking into soft ground, which can lead to tipping over.
How to Choose a Backpacking Chair
For us, the key to buying a backpacking chair is balancing weight and packability with the benefits of added comfort, stability, and back support. We don’t want to carry a heavy chair into the backcountry, no matter how comfortable it may be. At the same time, an ultralight backpacking chair needs to provide a noticeable boost in campsite comfort and support – or it’s not worth carrying, either.
How Much Should a Backpacking Chair Weigh?
Based on our extensive backpacking experience, we prefer backpacking chairs that weigh close to 1 pound. Two pounds is our upper limit for a backpacking chair – anything heavier than that is better for car camping than for backcountry camping. The closer a backpacking chair is to 1 pound, the more likely it’s going to be worth the added pack weight.
How Comfortable and Supportive are Backpacking Chairs?
Backpacking chairs make backcountry campsites much more comfortable by providing hikers a seat with a backrest. This is especially true for hikers with back problems – like our lead tester. Each backpacking chair, pad, and stool on our list is much more comfortable than sitting on a rock or log at camp.
At the same time, backpacking chairs generally are not as comfortable or supportive as heavier camping chairs. That’s a trade-off to choosing a lightweight chair for backpacking. Cutting weight usually means less back support, a smaller seat, and a flimsier base, which make backpacking chairs more “tippy” than camp chairs.
Should I Choose a Scoop-style Backpacking Chair or Ground Chair?
Our list of the top 10 backpacking chairs includes both upright chairs and ground chairs that sit low to the ground. The best height for you depends on your individual comfort preferences and mobility needs. Consider the following:
- A higher seat makes it easier to sit down and stand up, but it’s harder to extend your legs and maximize circulation in your lower body from its upright position.
- Ground chairs may be harder to get into and out of, but they make it easier to stretch out your legs to get your blood moving after a long day on your feet.
Higher seat backs offer more back support and are suitable for people who are taller, deal with chronic pain, or prefer to lounge. A simple sit pad might do the trick for minimalists – even though you’re on the ground without back support.
What are the Weight Limits for the Best Backpacking Chairs?
Most of the backpacking chairs we recommend support people who weigh 250 pounds or less. However, budget backpacking chairs may have lower weight limits or not live up to their stated weight limits. If you weigh between 250 and 275 pounds, be sure to double check the weight limits of the backpacking chairs you’re considering, as not all of them will work for you.
Keep in mind that most camping chairs can carry more weight than backpacking chairs since they’re heavier and less portable.
How Do I Choose a Durable Backpacking Chair?
At 2 pounds or less, backpacking chairs aren’t as durable as heavy-duty camping chairs. That’s why we recommend chairs constructed from high-quality aluminum alloys and ripstop fabrics. We don’t trust plastic hubs and connectors as much as metal ones.
We recommend looking for chairs with burly stitching and reinforced seams, particularly in high-stress areas such as pole pockets and the seat of the chair. Budget-oriented backpacking chairs typically fall short in these areas compared to premium backpacking chairs.
Preventative measures can extend the life of your chair, especially if it’s an ultralight design. Try to avoid using the chair at or near its maximum weight limit, and never flop into your chair with your full weight to avoid damage. Set up on solid and even ground to prevent too much pressure on one support pole. With a bit of TLC, you’ll get years of backcountry use.
Why Trust CleverHiker
Braving everything from blistering heat to bone-chilling cold, our CleverHiker team has hiked over 1,000 days with sit pads and ultralight chairs in our backpacks. Gear Analyst Jory Brass has some serious gear chops. He’s been a Gearhead Expert and copywriter at Backcountry, runs his own hiking footwear website, and has more than 17,000 hiking miles under his belt. Thanks to his bad back, he’s also been using backpacking chairs for 12 years, so he knew what to look for as he tested our top 10 chairs at several campsites in New Mexico’s high-desert mountains.
Testing Methodology
For the past 16 months, our gear analyst tested backpacking chairs on several of New Mexico’s best wilderness trails. Here’s how we evaluated each one for comfort, weight, packability, stability, and ease of use.
How do we assess comfort?
For our comfort scores, we took a load off in each chair after some long days of backpacking and hiking. We took notes on how our backs and bums felt after more than an hour of seat time.
Our analysis also measured each chair’s dimensions, noting where backrests hit us and documenting any discomfort caused by the seat materials, chair dimensions, or poorly placed corners and edges. In the case of sit pads, we compared cushion thickness and noted how well each pad protected against roots, rocks, and uneven ground cover.
We also spent multiple days playing musical chairs, moving from chair to chair every few minutes to compare their comfort side by side. This helped us discern subtle differences in their shape, weight distribution, height, back support, and seating angles. After cycling through all chairs several times, we lined them up from most comfortable to least.
What do we Evaluate ease of use?
Chairs that are fast and mindless to set up in the backcountry rise to the top when it comes to ease of use. We timed how long it initially took us to assemble each chair without instructions and how long it took to break it down and pack it back up in its stuff sack.
Our testing notes included helpful features, such as instructions printed on the stuff sack or chair and features that tripped us up or slowed us down, including bulky hubs and extra stability features. We also noted problems we experienced at our rest stops and campsites, such as a sit pad blowing away or chairs requiring level campsite locations (more on this in the stability section below).
How do we measure weight & packability?
To test the weight and packability of the chairs in our guide, we carried every seat into the backcountry on long day trips, weekend adventures, and longer overnight treks. Our tester weighed each chair on a kitchen scale to double-check the vendors’ claimed weights.
We compared the chairs’ packed size by lining them up side by side and then evaluated how well each one fit (1) inside our packs, (2) stuffed in our side (water bottle) pockets, and (3) strapped outside our packs. In the field, we tested how easily the chair could be stowed and retrieved from a backpack as well as how well it packed alongside our other gear and clothing.
How do we Test stability?
We evaluated each seat in our lineup by setting it up on level ground, soft ground, uneven terrain, and rough rocks to compare the chairs’ resistance to rocking, tipping, and wobbling. Our 200-pound gear analyst leaned forward and backward and shook his money maker while seated to put extra stress on the frames and test their limits.
We also compared each chair’s design features, materials specs, weight limits, and frame construction to evaluate its pros and cons for stability. Our stability tests considered each chair’s center of gravity and evaluated how much the chair’s feet sank into soft ground, which can compromise an otherwise firm foundation to send campers sprawling when they lean the wrong way.
Conclusion
Ultralighters may balk at carrying a 1- to 2-pound chair into the backcountry, but the best backpacking chairs may be worth the weight. These chairs – from simple sit pads to scoop-style backpacking chairs – made the cut after months of testing. For many backpackers, their added benefits outweigh the extra pack weight.
