REASONS TO BUY
Durable and sturdy design
Amazing comfort
Quality fabric and materials
REASONS TO AVOID
Very expensive
Heavy
Yeti Trailhead Review
A favorite amongst our group of testers for its superior comfort, sturdy cross-over design, and lasting durability
Superior comfort and a quality design make this camp chair worth every penny.
Credit: Trish Matheny
RELATED: Best Camping Chairs of 2024
Our Verdict
The Yeti Trailhead is our top choice if you're looking for a luxury chair that will last for years. The Trailhead features UV-resistant fabric, a sturdy cross-over design, and a durable storage bag in the style of a backpack which allows you to spread the 13.3 pounds between both shoulders for a more ergonomic fit. You might even be able to share this chair with your sweetheart as the sturdy frame can support up to 500 pounds. The super-comfortable FlexGrid fabric conforms to your shape, while the armrests offer ample support. This chair is more expensive than other chairs that we tested, but we believe it is worth every penny if you can afford it. To compare it to the competition, check out our article on the best camping chairs.
Editor's Note: On November 3, 2022, we added a bit more details about other chairs that we would recommend if this one is outside of your price range.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Yeti Trailhead | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Most Luxurious |  Best Overall Camping Chair | Best Two-Person Seating | Best Pack and Carry |  Best on a Tight Budget |
| Price | $300.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $80 List $79.99 at Amazon | $97.39 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $76.97 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $35.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Not recommended for those on a tight budget, but the comfortable fabric and sturdy design make this chair worth the investment | Although heavy, this robust model will provide years of high-comfort seating for campgrounds, soccer fields, and more | Though oversized and heavy, this chair is sure to be a favorite at your next outing | While this ultralight camping chair design doesn't provide all the bells and whistles of a full-sized chair, however, it does supply a comfortable backpacking design that's easy to use | Easy to set up and comfortable for taller and larger folks, while helping you save money |
| Rating Categories | Yeti Trailhead | ALPS Mountaineering... | Kelty Low Loveseat | Helinox Chair One | GCI Outdoor Comfort... |
| Comfort (40%) | |||||
| Portability (25%) | |||||
| Quality (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Yeti Trailhead | ALPS Mountaineering... | Kelty Low Loveseat | Helinox Chair One | GCI Outdoor Comfort... |
| Weight | 13.3 lbs | 14.1 lbs | 15.5 lbs | 2 lbs | 8.3 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 500 lbs | 800 lbs | 500 lbs | 320 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Folded Dimensions (length x width x height) | 43.0" x 9.0" x 12.0" | 39.0" x 8.0" x 8.0" | 34.0" x 12.0" x 7.0" | 14.0" x 5.0" x 4.5" | 45.0" x 7.0" x 5.0" |
| Unfolded Dimensions (depth x width x height) | 30.0" x 25.0" x 36.0" | 24.0" x 37.0" x 38.0" | 24.0" x 44.0" x 32.0" | 20.0" x 20.0" x 26.0" | 25.0" x 35.0" x 37.0" |
| Seat Height (middle) | 16.75" | 15.0" | 7.0" | 14.0" | 15.0" |
| Features | Adjustable cup holder, carry bag | 2 cup holders, 2 side pockets, storage pocket behind headrest, adjustable armrests | Seats 2 people, 2 insulated adjustable drink holders, adjustable armrests | Breathable (perforated) polyester seat material | Beverage holder, small sleeve pocket |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Yeti Trailhead is among the best camp chairs we've tested. This chair is the epitome of luxury, featuring amazing comfort fabricated from quality materials, an intuitive setup that makes it easy for anyone to assemble, and finally, a sturdy, durable frame that supports up to 500 pounds.
Performance Comparison
Rest days just got better with the Yeti Trailhead, our favorite luxury camp chair.
Credit: Lindsey Fell
Comfort
The Trailhead boasts all-day comfort and excellent back support. We tested this chair in the Eastern Sierra as well as the sandstone desert outside of Zion National Park. After long days of multi-pitch rock climbing, this chair gave us the support and reprieve we sought while relaxing from the day's activities.
Our testers especially loved the breathable support of the Trailhead material, known as FlexGrid, which provides maximum comfort and is also designed to release moisture if the chair is left outside in the rain. This fabric conforms to the shape of your body and removes pressure points, allowing for more personal support and comfort. The armrests are ergonomic but, unfortunately, are not adjustable; however, several testers said this chair was more comfortable than their ultra-padded office chair! Unlike the typical camp chair, the backrest supports an upright spine rather than forcing a curvature that can promote poor posture and increase back pain. Ultimately, we found the Yeti Trailhead to really shine in this metric, providing ultimate comfort and support superior to most other camp chairs that we've tested.
The Trailhead's FlexGrid material conforms to your body and alleviates pressure points.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Portability
Unfortunately, one of the caveats to the top-notch comfort of the Trailhead is that it weighs a whopping 13.3 pounds. This is amongst the heaviest camp chairs that we tested. However, the crossover style frame and lightweight geometry allow for easy transport, even without the convenient carry bag. If you're going farther than around basecamp, we recommend using the streamlined carry bag, which definitely allows for better portability. Two adjustable straps are included in the carry bag, making it more of an ergonomic backpack-style carry rather than shouldering all 13+ pounds on one side of your body. This chair also easily fits into the bag, so no need to force or waste time trying to make it fit.
In our opinion, the amazing comfort and sturdy design of the Trailhead is worth hauling from your truck to your favorite spot in camp. However, while Yeti advertises taking this chair from the beach to the trail, we suggest you consider the distance and your motivation before carrying this chair too far away from your rig. There are more packable options in in our review. It is worth mentioning, though, that the crossover style design and lightweight geometry of the frame do enhance portability.
Quality
Everything about this chair suggests luxury and durability, from the rugged material and heavy-duty zipper of the backpack-style carry bag to the FlexGrid fabric to the bottom of the legs which have GroundGrip traction for keeping the chair in place. The same FlexGrid fabric that conforms specifically to the contours of your body is also UV-rated to resist fading after being exposed to the sun. We also noticed that Yeti didn't even skimp on the fabric of the cupholder, which is made out of the same durable fabric and reinforced stitching they used to create the durable carry bag.
After sustained 50-mile-per-hour winds during the spring, aka summer fighting with winter, outside of Springdale, Utah, our testers no longer had any doubts about the sturdiness of the design and overall durability of the Trailhead. When gusts would rip through the camp, blowing coolers and water jugs into the distance, the Trailhead stayed upright and showed no signs of rips, tears, or punctures once the dust settled. The legs are powder-coated steel, so there is no need to anticipate cosmetic defects such as chipped paint. Once unpacked and snapped into place, the distance between the four legs allows for the stability and sturdiness you'd expect from this heavy-duty luxury.
The Yeti Trailhead features a sturdy design and durable plastic traction on the bottom of the feet which help to keep the chair in place.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Ease of Use
The easy-to-follow instructions make the setup and breakdown of the Trailhead a no-brainer. Somewhat obnoxiously lining the entire armrest on both sides of the chair are instructions labeled on giant stickers — you may want to remove these once you get the hang of the rather intuitive setup. They release easily and leave behind no sticky residue.
To assemble, remove the Trailhead from its carry bag, simultaneously push down each arm to snap the frame in place, then push down on the color-coded handle located on the back of the chair to kick back and bask in the luxury experience. The Trailhead also features a single cup holder with enough room for your koozie and spacious armrests that offer comfort and support while you enjoy your latest read. When it's time to break down camp and load up, simply reverse the setup by engaging the color-coded tensions below the snaps on each armrest before pulling up on the color-coded tensioner on the back of the chair and finally pull the opposing corners towards each other before sliding into the carry bag.
Should You Buy the Yeti Trailhead?
The Trailhead is the standard of luxury, more so than any other camp chair that we've tested. While quite an investment when compared to other affordable options in our lineup, our testers are confident that the sturdy design, durable fabric and frame, easy setup and breakdown, and amazing comfort won't disappoint. The FlexGrip fabric conforms to your body and alleviates any pressure points — an upgrade we think will be worth your hard-earned dollars. With a price tag that includes a five-year manufacturer warranty, you will reap the luxurious benefits of this investment for many years to come.
What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?
While the Yeti Trailhead stands in a league of its own, there are a couple options to consider if you are not concerned about overall weight and bulk. Check out the REI Co-op Outward Low Padded chair which received high marks at a much more affordable price. The GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro is even more affordable and provides a uniquely sturdy and high seat. The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong is another excellent option if you are focused on an investment that will last for years to come.
—
Trish Matheny
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