REASONS TO BUY
Ultralight
Packable
User-friendly design
Openings in set for increased breathability
Durable ripstop nylon
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Lacks stability
Limited durability
Lacks comfort for larger people
REI Co-op Flexlite Review
An ultralight camping chair design that sacrifices some comfort, stability, and features in exchange for better portability
Credit: Trish Matheny
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 12, 2026
RELATED: The Best Camping Chairs of 2026
Our Verdict
The REI Co-op Flexlite is a worthy consideration perfect choice for anyone prioritizing an ultralight and packable design that's willing to sacrifice some comfort and features. Weighing only 1.7 pounds, it is the lightest chair in our review, and packs up easily into its ultra thin carry bag without requiring a ton of space inside your backpack. The design is intuitive and user-friendly thanks to larger pockets where the fabric attaches to the aluminum poles, eliminating the need to wrestle them into position, making setup and breakdown a breeze. The ripstop polyester is thin and breathable, featuring two slits in the seat for increased airflow. Those with shorter legs and smaller bodies found the chair the most stable and comfortable, while those closer to the 250 pound weight capacity found the chair more wobbly within the frame. While we love the packable design, we wish it featured a more lasting and durable construction that better aligned with the higher price tag.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
The most appealing detail of the Flexlite design is the ultralight and packable construction. Weighing it at a modest 1.7 pounds, it's the lightest design in our entire lineup, making it perfect for those seeking a versatile and colorful design that's great for the campsite, ball game, or even short overnights in the mountains.
The Flexlite also features a user-friendly construction that's easy to setup and breakdown. Rather than a tight-fitting seat that you have to wrestle into position over the frame, the Flexlite features large openings in each pole pocket so it's easy to slide each side of the seat onto the aluminum frame.
This is the lightest and most packable design in the review.
Dislikes
While we didn't experience any major issues during our testing period, the ultralight aluminum frame didn't inspire a ton of confidence in its overall longevity. The frame is quite unstable and wobbly when you shift side to side. A detail that is more noticeable for our testers that were closer to the 250 pound weight limit. This is among the lower weight capacities for all the designs that we tested and overall we think there are better options for the price.
The Flexlite's focus on portability also limits the comfort of the design, option for a less leg room and a shorter backrest, without arms or features to hold a beverage. What we gathered after testing the design with several different body shapes and sizes, is that the larger or taller you are, the less comfortable you'll find this chair. That said, if you're looking for something lightweight and portable to keep you off the ground, it's not a bad consideration.
Smaller testers found the chair more comfortable. Credit: Trish Matheny
Larger testers found the chair less comfortable and wobbly. Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the REI Co-op Flexlite?
The Flexlite is one of the most packable and ultralight designs that we tested. It's perfect for those after a space-saving and versatile design that's perfect for front and backcountry use. While it isn't the most expensive packable design, it's value doesn't align with its higher price tag. Therefore we feel more comfortable recommending other packable options that boast better quality and durability in exchange for your investment.
If you're after an ultralight camping chair, the Flexlite is the perfect contender. Credit: Trish Matheny
What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?
The REI Co-op Flexlite is the perfect choice for those seeking an ultralight and packable design that are willing to sacrifice a little durability and comfort, especially for larger humans. For a similar design that's way more durable and affordable, we recommend the Onetigris Tigerblade. The design features a wider, more comfortable seat, along with a construction that inspires for confidence in longevity. If you're after a similar design that includes more breathability for warm weather use, check out the Helinox Chair One. And if you're after packability with a higher backrest to recline, the REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer is worthy of your consideration.
Although we don't recommend piling into this unstable design, it held the weight of 3 adults without failure. Credit: Trish Matheny
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Flexlite versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $90 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | An ultralight camping chair design that sacrifices some comfort, stability, and features in exchange for better portability |
| Pros | Ultralight, packable, user-friendly design, openings in set for increased breathability, durable ripstop nylon |
| Cons | Expensive, lacks stability, limited durability, lacks comfort for larger people |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Flexlite |
| Comfort (40%) | |
| Portability (25%) | |
| Quality (20%) | |
| Ease of Use (15%) | |
| Specifications | REI Co-op Flexlite |
| Measured Weight | 1.7 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs |
| Measured Folded Dimensions | 15"L x 4.5"W x 4.5"H |
| Measured Unfolded Dimensions | 20"D x 20"W x 25"H |
| Measured Seat Height (middle) | 11" |
| Features | Aluminum frame to minimize weight, 4-leg setup for stability, abrasion-resistant ripstop polyester with DWR treatment |
—Trish Matheny
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