REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Reasonably priced
Easy setup
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor stability
Small base
Less comfortable
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Review
This chair's lightweight design and reasonable price make it a good choice for ounce-counting adventurers
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ September 28, 2026
Contributions From: Elizabeth Paashaus
RELATED: The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026
Our Verdict
Long story short, the REI Flexlite Air is super lightweight (just over one pound) and reasonably priced, but it sits lower to the ground and isn't super comfy or stable. However, if we just consider its weight and cost, we think it's a great deal on a legit backpacking chair. The seat is small, the back is low, and the pocket for your bum is shallow, making the Flexlite Air best suited for average-sized folks or kids. It still works okay for our larger testers, and in the end, it's certainly more comfortable than plopping down on a rock.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
REI Co-op Flexlite Air | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Reclining Seat for Ground Dwellers |  Best Choice for Minimalists |  Best Bang for the Buck | ||
| Price | $100 List Check REI (on sale!) | $70 List Check Price at REI | $35 List Check Price at REI | $25 List Check Price at REI | $40 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This chair's lightweight design and reasonable price make it a good choice for ounce-counting adventurers | A true lounger that lets you lean back and chill for as long as you want | A featherweight, versatile, and durable foam seat even ultralighters won't leave at home | This ultralight twist on a classic egg crate sit pad is made from recycled bits of other camping products | A bargain basement backpacking chair with a wide seat and comfortable recline angle |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Flexlite Air | Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 | Therm-a-Rest Z Seat | NEMO Chipper | Moon Lence |
| Comfort (40%) | |||||
| Size and Weight (30%) | |||||
| Stability (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | REI Co-op Flexlite Air | Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 | Therm-a-Rest Z Seat | NEMO Chipper | Moon Lence |
| Measured Weight | 16.9 oz | 19.3 oz | 1.8 oz | 3.3 oz | 38.6 oz |
| Measured Packed Size | 14.3"L x 4.5"W x 4.5"H | 16" L.x 3"W x 4"H | 13.0"L x 2.5"W x 2.5"H | 12.5"L x 4.0"W x 2.5"H | 13.0"L x 4.5"W x 5.5"H |
| Listed Maximum Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 250 lbs | N/A | N/A | 400 lbs |
| Main Material | Ripstop nylon with aluminum frame | 210-denier ripstop nylon with PFAS-free DWR | Cross-linked polyethylene | Reclaimed, remolded polyethylene foam | 900D Oxford ballistic nylon |
| Measured Seat Height (Ground to Butt) | 7.5 in | 0 in | 0.5 in | 0 in | 8 in |
| Legs | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Measured Seat Width (At Edge) | 19.5 in | 16.0 in | 16.0 in | 17.0 in | 21.0 in |
| Measured Base Size (Width x Depth) | 9.0"W x 11.0"D | 16" W x 14" D | 16.0"W x 12.5"D | 12.8"W x 16.5"D | 15.0"W x 15.0"D |
| Features | Hubbed pole design, stuff sack | Attached roll-up strap, hanging loop | Clip loop | 100% reclaimed foam remnants, ultralight, egg carton mould, removable loop for lashing | Two storage pockets, carry bag |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Snarfing down dinner after a long day of backpacking. We enjoyed being off the ground and having a little support for our tired back. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Likes
The lighter, the better. We loved this chair's weight. Our scales measured the REI Co-op Flexlite Air at 16.9 ounces, making it one of the lighter models in our lineup.
And, despite its thinner design, the manufacturer says it can hold up to 250 pounds — pretty impressive. The Flexlite Air also packs up small, so it can catch a ride inside of your pack instead of being strapped to the exterior. Keeping your gear bundled on the interior gives your payload a much better center of gravity and makes it easier to carry.
Flexlite Air's packed size compared to a standard Jetboil stove. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Flexlite Air offers a pretty basic seat and a simple aluminum frame. We loved its lightweight design, but didn't like the narrow positioning of its four legs. Credit: Jason Wanlass
A side view that shows the structural system. The frame is very basic and it attaches into the four corners of the fabric seat. Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus
We liked how easy the Flexlite Air pops into place. On their first attempts, each member of our testing crew easily assembled it (without looking at instructions) in under one minute. Every part of the setup is intuitive and simple, so there's practically no way to get it wrong.
One of our favorite things was the Flexlite Air's stuff sack. We loved that it was a little oversized, because there's nothing worse than trying to squeeze a backpacking chair into a sack the size of a sandwich bag.
Taking a look at our Flexlite Air after assembling it for the first time. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Dislikes
This chair's legs are a bit too stubby and they aren't very well-spaced. The result is a very narrow base that isn't very stable, especially on uneven ground. Likewise, the Flextlite Air has a lot of wobble and sway — a trade off for being thinner and lightweight.
Our average-sized testers and some of the younger people who used this chair didn't have much of a problem, but if you land in the big or tall category, you'll immediately notice this chair's instability. Lastly, the seat of this chair put our rear end about 7 inches off the ground, which placed more stress on our lower backs and legs.
Should You Buy REI Co-op Flexlite Air?
Weight and cost are this chair's two biggest flexes. The Flexlite Air is a perfect purchase if you simply want something that's lean on ounces and good enough to keep you off the ground. Average-sized backpackers, who weigh under 200 pounds, will enjoy this chair more than taller or heavier trail lovers.
But overall, it will still get the job done for most adventurers. It's super light, easy to set up, and reasonably comfortable, although it's thinner and less robust. We advise treating it with care if you want it to last.
Despite its lower seat and lesser stability, we still think the Flexlite is a great lightweight option that will at least keep you off the ground -- especially in areas that could prove less-friendly to your rear end. Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus
What Other Backpacking Chairs Should You Consider?
The Helinox Chair Zero LT is more expensive, and it weighs a few ounces more, but it offers more comfort, stability, and strength. The Big Agnes Skyline UL is very comfortable and stout, but the trade-off is a heavier base weight. We also loved the price tag of the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0. This ground chair is also super stable, fairly comfy, and built to last for many backcountry adventures.
—Jason Wanlass and Elizabeth Paashaus
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