REI Co-op Flexlite Review

Name: REI Co-op Flexlite
Brand: REI

An ultralight camping chair design that sacrifices some comfort, stability, and features in exchange for better portability

Credit: Trish Matheny

Price: $90 List

Manufacturer: REI

By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 12, 2026

OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#16 of 22

Comfort - 40% 5.0
Portability - 25% 9.5
Quality - 20% 4.0
Ease of Use - 15% 6.0

List Price: $90

Check REI price (members get est. 10% back!)

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.

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

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)

	This Product REI Co-op Flexlite	ALPS Mountaineering King Kong	Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile	Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair	Onetigris Tigerblade
Awards		Best Overall Camping Chair	Best Bang for the Buck	Best Seat Support for an Affordable Price	Our Favorite Affordable & Collapsible Design
Price	$90 List Check Price at REI	$90 List Check Amazon (on sale!)	$55 List Check Price at Amazon	$55 List Check Price at Amazon	$40 List Check Price at Amazon
Overall Score	61	80	71	68	67
Star Rating	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
Bottom Line	An ultralight camping chair design that sacrifices some comfort, stability, and features in exchange for better portability	Our favorite among all contenders, this robust chair makes camp lounging a simple and comfortable affair	This affordable chair features a unique low-rider design that is perfect for sitting close to the fire or reclining with your legs in a river on a hot day	Taking the slouch out of camping chairs, this highly supportive model is easy to get in and out of	This relatively lightweight and portable design offers more quality and stability than other collapsible chairs, making it perfect for around the campsite or your next picnic
Rating Categories	REI Co-op Flexlite	ALPS Mountaineering...	Cascade Mountain Tec...	Kijaro Dual Lock Fol...	Onetigris Tigerblade
Comfort (40%)	5.0	9.0	7.5	7.0	6.5
Portability (25%)	9.5	5.0	7.5	7.0	8.5
Quality (20%)	4.0	9.0	5.0	6.0	6.0
Ease of Use (15%)	6.0	9.0	8.0	7.0	5.0
Specifications	REI Co-op Flexlite	ALPS Mountaineering...	Cascade Mountain Tec...	Kijaro Dual Lock Fol...	Onetigris Tigerblade
Measured Weight	1.7 lbs	14.1 lbs	7 lbs	9.8 lbs	2.9 lbs
Weight Capacity	250 lbs	800 lbs	250 lbs	300 lbs	330 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions	15"L x 4.5"W x 4.5"H	39.0"L x 8.0"W x 8.0"H	26"L x8"W x2"H	45.0"L x 7.0"W x 7.0"H	14"L x 5"W x 6"H
Measured Unfolded Dimensions	20"D x 20"W x 25"H	24.0"D x 37.0"W x 38.0"H	21.5" D x 21" W x 22.5" H	25.0"D x 35.0"W x 37.0"H	20"D x 21"W x 26"H
Measured Seat Height (middle)	11"	15.0"	5"	15.0"	13"
Features	Aluminum frame to minimize weight, 4-leg setup for stability, abrasion-resistant ripstop polyester with DWR treatment	2 cup holders, 2 side pockets, storage pocket behind headrest, adjustable armrests	Cushioned armrest, storage. bag with shoulder strap	2 cup holders, side pocket, carrying strap	Stable 7075 aluminum alloy frame and triangle structure, 600D polyester fabric

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.

the flexlite is small, compact, and highly packable.

there is a loop of webbing for your finger to hold the bag.

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.

rei co-op flexlite - if you're after an ultralight camping chair, the flexlite is the... — 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

—Trish Matheny