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The 6 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024

We tested backpacking chairs from Helinox, Big Agnes, Crazy Creek, Nemo, and others to find the lightest weight and most comfy options for your backcountry travels
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Best Backpacking Chair Review (The line-up of tent style chairs is an impressive array of expertly balanced forces that allow you to put your body...)
The line-up of tent style chairs is an impressive array of expertly balanced forces that allow you to put your body weight onto narrow aluminum poles with lightweight fabrics stretched over.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

The Best Backpacking Chairs for 2024


Are you on the hunt for the best backpacking chair? We've tested more than 40 different models over the past 10 years. In this review, we compare 19 of the best backpacking chairs available today. We evaluate each seat on its comfort, identifying crucial elements of each product's performance. We look at the stability of each chair on a variety of surfaces, and we set up and packed away each one over and over to assess ease of use. Whether you're heading deep into the backcountry or around the block to the park, we've got the perfect chair for you, so take a seat and read on.

Backpacking chairs are great for keeping the weight low, but we've also tested comfy camping chairs if you're not straying far from the car. Whatever you need for your camping or backpacking excursions, from a lightweight top-ranked backpacking tent to a great pair of hiking boots, our reviews can help you get ready for the upcoming adventure.

Editor's Note: We updated our backpacking chair review on November 9, 2024, after adding two new models to our lineup and retesting all of our award winners.

Top 19 Backpacking Chairs

Displaying 1 - 19 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Backpacking Chair
Top Pick Award
Best When Weight Doesn't Matter
 Top Pick Award
Best Choice for Minimalists
Top Pick Award
Best for Ultralight Comfort
   Top Pick Award
Best Backpacking Stool
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
         
Price $149.45 at Amazon
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$146.77 at Amazon
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$159.95 at REI$32.95 at Amazon
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$149.95 at REI
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$169.26 at Amazon$19.95 at REI$65 List
$61.70 at Amazon
$67.96 at Amazon
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$33 List
$31.99 at Amazon
$130 List
$129.95 at Amazon
$65 List
$64.95 at REI
$99.48 at Amazon
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$25 List
$24.95 at REI
$40 List
$34.99 at Amazon
$100 List
$99.95 at REI
$59.95 at Amazon
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$94.95 at Dick's Sporting Goods
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$42.99 at Amazon
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Deep comfortable seat, lightweight, surprisingly stable, unique interlocking frameComfortable, spacious, tall back, accessible heightConforming mesh, adjustable recline, quick setupVery durable, weighs less than toothpaste, easy setup, versatile, insulated, inexpensiveBreathable design, lightweight, fairly comfortable, strongWell-engineered, reclines, good on unstable or soft ground, ball-socket attachment, forged aluminum hubs, great style, fairly lightweightInexpensive, recycled material, lightweight, each one uniqueGood back support, adjustable, lightweightStable even without a backrest, high seat height, comfortable, lightweight, compact packed sizeInexpensive, comfortable, two side pockets, integrated breathable mesh, nice carrying case, fairly easy setupLightweight, comfortable, durableNo setup, durable, adjustable tensionComfortable, spacious feel, stable on soft groundInexpensive, lightweight, easy setupSits high above the ground, great price, locking frame, breathable material, stable, wide, impressive max weight, sturdy, built-in pocket, lots of available colorsExtremely lightweight, reasonable priceSupportive for a ground seat, easy to set up and pack awayVersatile, comfortable, lightweightDurable, fairly comfortable, easy to use
Cons Complicated setup, a little heavyExpensive, heavy, bulky, takes more time to set upPricey, heavyNo backrest, requires sitting on the ground, smallSomewhat pricey, slightly smaller, tends to sway, somewhat confusing setupExpensive, feels a little compact, longer learning curve to set upDifficult to sit/get up from ground, blows away in wind if not sitting on itCould puncture your sleeping pad, takes longer to set up, requires owning an inflatable padNo backrest for recliningWobbly, heavy, longer breakdown time, questionable durability over timeTakes force to stretch seat over poles, expensive, gangly to pack upWobbly when leaning back, not well-paddedHeavy, non-intuitive set-upUncomfortable, narrow baseToo heavy, large packed size, longer setup, seat is s little shallowPoor stability, less comfortableBulky, heavy, off-balanceThin cushioningBulky
Bottom Line An excellent combination of comfort, weight, and stability for your next backcountry excursionPart backpacking chair, part car camping chair, this seat is tall, wide, and comfyThis backpacking chair has different reclining angles and breathable mesh for relaxing in comfortA featherweight, versatile, and durable foam seat even ultralighters won't leave at homeThis chair offers the highest comfort of any super light model we testedThis super-engineered chair is both strong and comfortable, and it can reclineThis ultralight twist on a classic egg crate sit pad is made from recycled bits of other camping productsA unique backpacking chair kit that converts an inflatable sleeping pad into a plush seat for high comfort in the backcountryReshaping attitudes about stools on backpacking trips, the exceptional comfort, light weight, and packability of this seat make it an unexpected winnerA bargain basement backpacking chair with a wide seat and comfortable recline angleA low-hanging backpacking chair with solid comfort and breathable mesh sidesA classic camping chair for sitting on the ground or using as a backrest at a sports eventThis is an excellent camp chair that provides a comfortable and sturdy seatThis super simple chair is an inexpensive option when all you need is to keep yourself off of the groundNowhere near our first choice for backpacking, but it's a great low-cost, sturdy option for the beach, camping, or hanging by the lakeThis is a super light chair that offers more comfort than the ground for a decent priceToo heavy for backpacking but if you want a compact chair for outdoor concerts, this model is easy to set up, pack away, and sling over your shoulderThis taco-style chair is versatile, more comfortable than most foam chairs, and is light enough for the backcountryThis is a time-tested favorite that we think is a solid choice but that also has room to improve
Rating Categories Big Agnes Skyline UL Big Agnes Big Six NEMO Moonlite Recli... Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Helinox Chair Zero NEMO Moonlite Elite... NEMO Chipper Therm-a-Rest Trekke... Big Agnes Skyline U... Moon Lence Backpack... Helinox Ground Chair Crazy Creek Hex Ori... TravelChair Joey REI Co-op Trail Stool Marchway Lightweigh... REI Co-op Flexlite Air Helinox Incline Fes... Crazy Creek Hex 2.0... Crazy Creek Origina...
Comfort (35%)
9.0
10.0
8.0
2.0
6.5
6.0
2.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
4.0
6.5
4.0
7.0
4.0
3.0
Size and Weight (30%)
6.0
3.0
5.0
10.0
8.0
7.0
10.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
8.0
2.0
8.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
Stability (20%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
10.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
5.0
9.0
3.0
9.0
2.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Ease of Use (15%)
7.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
5.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
9.0
4.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
5.0
8.0
9.0
Specs Big Agnes Skyline UL Big Agnes Big Six NEMO Moonlite Recli... Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Helinox Chair Zero NEMO Moonlite Elite... NEMO Chipper Therm-a-Rest Trekke... Big Agnes Skyline U... Moon Lence Backpack... Helinox Ground Chair Crazy Creek Hex Ori... TravelChair Joey REI Co-op Trail Stool Marchway Lightweigh... REI Co-op Flexlite Air Helinox Incline Fes... Crazy Creek Hex 2.0... Crazy Creek Origina...
Measured Weight 29.0 oz 51.0 oz 34.0 oz 1.8 oz 18.2 oz 21.6 oz 3.3 oz 10.8 oz 20.0 oz 38.6 oz 23.7 oz 19.7 oz 37.0 oz 17.0 oz 43.6 oz 16.9 oz 46.0 oz 29.0 oz 24.0 oz
Measured Packed Size 17"L x 4.0"W x 3.5"H 21.5"L x 5.5"W x 5.5"H 14.0"L x 4.0"W x 4.0"H 13.0"L x 2.5"W x 2.5"H 14.0"L x 4.5"W x 4.0"H 13.0"L x 4.0"W x 4.0"H 12.5"L x 4.0"W x 2.5"H 20"L x 4.0"W 12.0"L x 3.3"W x 3.3"H 13.0"L x 4.5"W x 5.5"H 11.8"L x 4.3"W x 4.3"H 16.5"L x 4.0"W 14.5"L x 4.0"W x 5.0"H 22"L x 4.0"W x 4.0"H 14.8"L x 4.0"W x 5.5"H 14.3"L x 4.5"W x 4.5"H 19.0"L x 6.5"W x 5.5"H 20.5"L x 6.0"W x 6.0"H 16.0"L x 16.5"W x 1.5"H
Listed Maximum Weight Capacity 275 lbs 300 lbs 300 lbs N/A 265 lbs 250 lbs N/A 300 lbs 250 lbs 400 lbs 265 lbs 250 lbs 300 lbs 200 lbs 330 lbs 250 lbs 320 lbs 250 lbs 250 lbs
Main Material High-tenacity Robic nylon with polyester ripstop and waterproof UTS coating, aluminum frame High-tenacity Robic nylon with polyester ripstop and waterproof UTS coating, aluminum frame Polyester Cross-linked polyethylene 100D aramid polyester ripstop with DAC aluminun alloy Seat: Recycle polyester mesh TPU, bluesign®-certified, suspension: HTP and Dyneema cords Reclaimed, remolded polyethylene foam 75D ripstop polyester High-tenacity Robic nylon with polyester ripstop and waterproof UTS coating with aluminum frame 900D Oxford ballistic nylon Recycled 300D polyester and 50D polyester monofilament mesh, DAC aluminum alloy frame, bluesign®-certified 210-denier coated ripstop nylon Ripstop polyester fabric with mesh, 7000-series aluminum frame 200-denier ripstop polyester with polyurethane coating High-density ripstop polyester Ripstop nylon with aluminum frame 600-denier woven polyester 210D ripstop nylon and foam 420D ripstop nylon and foam
Legs Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Measured Seat Height (Ground to Butt) 10 in 12 in 10.5 in 0.5 in 10 in 11 in 0 in 4 in 9.5 in 8 in 4 in 0 in 10.5 in 15 in 10.8 in 7.5 in 1 in 0 in 0 in
Measured Seat Width (At Edge) 19 in 21 in 20 in 16.0 in 20.0 in 16.0 in 17.0 in 20.0 in 19.0 in 21.0 in 20.0 in 16.5 in 19.0 in 12.0 in 21.0 in 19.5 in 19.0 in 18.0 in 16.0 in
Measured Base Size (Width x Depth) 15.5 x 13.5 in 18.0"W x 16.0"D 19.0"W x 12.5"D 16.0"W x 12.5"D 14.0"W x 11.0"D 16.0"W x 9.5"D 12.8"W x 16.5"D 16.0"W x 19.0"D 14.5"W x 12.0"D 15.0"W x 15.0"D 20.0"W x 17.3"D 14.8"W x 16.5"D 14.0"W x 15.0"D 12.0"W x 12.0"D 18.0"W x 15.0"D 9.0"W x 11.0"D 18.5"W x 6-13.0"D 18.0"W x 17.0"D 16.0"W x 16.5"D
Features Hub-less pole design Color-coded frame, hub-less pole design, head rest Seamless seat design, reclines zippered compact carrying case Clip loop Slits for breathability, small hubbed pole design Reclines, seamless seat design, attachable base, roll up 100% reclaimed foam remnants, ultralight, egg carton mould, removable loop for lashing Elastic sleeve edges stretch to fit NeoAir and self-inflating pads 4 legged stool, color-coded frame, hub-less pole design Two storage pockets, carry bag Carry bag Attached roll-up strap, hanging loop Mesh, ski pole snow basket style feet, hubbed pole design Carrying strap Sturdy carrying case, locking frame, side pocket Hubbed pole design, stuff sack Adjustable lean, roll top case Rolls up, doubles as sleeping pad Folds flat, carrying handles


Best Overall Backpacking Chair


Big Agnes Skyline UL


76
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 9.0
  • Size and Weight 6.0
  • Stability 8.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
Weight: 29 ounces | Seat Height: 10 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Hubless frame
Stable
REASONS TO AVOID
A bit more time-consuming to set up
A tad heavy

The Big Agnes Skyline UL is our favorite backpacking chair thanks to its comfort and stability in a small package. The deep-pocket seat means that it's comfortable to sit with your legs in a variety of positions, and your backside won't slide forward. It also facilitates better posture and keeps the back in a straighter, less curled position than most models. This chair has a unique bent leg design that creates a wider base and seat while keeping the packed profile slim. Along with its reasonable price, these attributes make it one of the most well-rounded products we tested.

Compared to the lightest model, this chair is still a decent amount heavier. So those who are ultra-conscious about going ultralight may find the 29 ounces too heavy. We also found that the space-saving hubless pole design takes slightly more time to assemble than the hubbed pole models. All in all, this is the seat we'd most like to end up in at the end of a long day. If you want to stay with the same basic design as the Skyline UL], but you're looking to shave off some weight, try the REI Co-op Flexlite Air or Helinox Chair Zero, both are smaller and lighter.

Read more: Big Agnes Skyline UL review

This chair is comfortable, so you can still sit for hours and enjoy the scenery when the fish aren't biting.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Best Bang for the Buck


Moon Lence Backpacking Chair


63
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 7.0
  • Size and Weight 5.0
  • Stability 7.0
  • Ease of Use 6.0
Weight: 38.6 ounces | Seat Height: 8 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Convenient pockets
Good seat depth
REASONS TO AVOID
Challenging to pack up
Stiff fabric

The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair is a value pick that outperforms its price point. It has a well-defined bucket seat that makes it lounge-worthy but not so deep that it's hard to get out of it. The square base is also stable enough that we weren't fearful of tipping over, and we appreciate the side pockets for phone and sunglasses storage. In terms of out-of-case performance, it stacks up well for its price point.

Unfortunately, we have some questions about the longevity of this chair. The seat fabric is stiff, resulting in several pressure points over time. Attaching the seat fabric to the aluminum frame also requires some finesse. Moreover, this chair is really gangly. It features a lot of short tube segments, and the legs are particularly difficult to fold up and pack away. Despite these complaints, this chair is a solid pick for more casual adventures for folks shopping on a budget. Those who prefer no setup at all should check out the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0, which costs more but folds right open and includes a backrest. You may also want to take the time to compare the Moon Lence to the Marchway Lightweight Portable.

Read more: Moon Lence Backpacking Chair review

Pockets and ventilation: cool and cooling features that earned the Moon Lence some extra props from our team.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Best When Weight Doesn't Matter


Big Agnes Big Six


71
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 10.0
  • Size and Weight 3.0
  • Stability 9.0
  • Ease of Use 6.0
Weight: 51 ounces | Seat Height: 12 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Deep comfortable seat
Tall
Headrest
Spacious
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Heavy and bulky

Backpackers willing to put in extra work for extra comfort will rejoice when discovering the Big Agnes Big Six chair. The spacious seat is wide and tall and offers a high enough back for a headrest, a feature not found on any other chair this compact and lightweight. Its size is enormous for the small 5.5" x 5.5" x 21.5" bundle it makes when packed up, and the comfort it offers may even encourage you to take a catnap.

The Big Agnes Big Six hubless pole design is great for increasing stability and reducing bulk, but it means setup calls for a little more focus than poles that spring into place mostly on their own. There's also no getting around the fact that this chair is substantially heavier than the superlight models on the market. Still, we all know that person who is willing to haul an extra pound or two to improve their camp amenities. If you don't mind a little bit of extra weight, the Big Agnes Big Six offers unmatched comfort wrapped up in a reasonably small travel size. But if you want a lighter option without going the foam pad route, the 18-ounce Helinox Chair Zero can lighten your pack without completely sacrificing comfort.

Read more: Big Agnes Big Six review

backpacking chair - this chair is more dense and heavier than most but well worth the...
This chair is more dense and heavier than most but well worth the extra work for comfort if you can deal with the weight.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Best Choice for Minimalists


Therm-a-Rest Z Seat


69
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Size and Weight 10.0
  • Stability 10.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
Weight: 1.8 ounces | Seat Height: 0.5 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Highly durable
Ultralight
Insulated
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
No backrest
Requires sitting on the ground

Though 2 ounces could be a dealbreaker to some hikers, the vast majority of even the most ultralight backpackers are willing to add the minuscule weight of the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat to their kits. It's hard to pass up this kind of versatility — this foam pad can act as your seat, sleeping pad extension, pack cushion, and more. Add in the facts that there is zero setup involved and that these seats are known to last for decades, and you've got a winner.

We should point out that this isn't really a chair, per se — you are still basically sitting on the ground. If you find getting up off the ground difficult and uncomfortable, this seat is probably not the best fit for your needs. But if you want a dry, warm spot to park your rear without adding more than a couple of ounces to your packs, this may be your best bet. But at the end of a long day, some backpackers covet a comfortable place to put their bum. Other minimalist options include the NEMO Chipper and the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit. The REI Co-op Flexlite Air is the lightest of our traditional backpacking chairs, but we also found it to be less stable.

Read more: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat review

Don't blink or you may miss how quickly the Z Seat is to set up and tear down.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Best for Ultralight Comfort


Helinox Chair Zero


69
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 6.5
  • Size and Weight 8.0
  • Stability 6.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
Weight: 18.2 ounces | Seat Height: 10 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly lightweight
Comfortable for its weight and size
Stable
Great ventilation
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Bum slides forward when reclining

The Helinox Chair Zero is our favorite chair for ultralight luxury. It barely misses being the lightest chair of its kind, yet it's significantly more comfortable and stable than its lightweight counterparts. When sitting down in the Zero, we immediately noticed the back support provided by its shape and the stability of the legs, which kept its wobble to a minimum for such a light chair.

The seat pocket isn't as deep as some, which left our legs feeling less supported and our bums sliding forward. You'll find yourself sitting rather low to the ground, so this might not be the chair for folks who have trouble getting up from a low crouch. That said, for those of you wondering who the heck would bring a chair backpacking in the first place, we think this is the product that might change your mind. For a higher seat option, we like the wide Big Agnes Skyline UL Stool. We also really liked the NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining.

Read more: Helinox Chair Zero review

It's super lightweight, but there's a slight learning curve to getting the setup right. It's easy to attach the seat fabric in the wrong configuration.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Best Backpacking Stool


Big Agnes Skyline UL Stool


65
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Size and Weight 7.0
  • Stability 7.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
Weight: 20 ounces | Seat Height: 9.5 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Stable even without a backrest
High seat height
Comfortable
Light and compact
REASONS TO AVOID
No backrest for reclining

The Big Agnes Skyline UL Stool incorporates a modern backpacking chair design into stool form. The wide, scooped seat offers plenty of support and space for your rear, unlike some of the small tripod stools that have the unfortunate appearance of being swallowed up. The wide, 4-legged design with hubless poles enables this seat to be comfortable, stable, compact, and one of the lightest we tested.

Due to the nature of the stool design, there is no backrest, so reclining is not an option. Still, our testers were surprised by how comfortable this model was to sit on. For an elevated sitting spot from which you can cook dinner, share a snack, or take in the sunset, we are stunned by how much we enjoy the Skyline UL Stool. That said, if a lack of back support is a dealbreaker for you, consider the Big Agnes Skyline UL, which is the chair version of this stool.

Read more: Big Agnes Skyline UL Stool review

backpacking chair - our testers love the comfort and stability offered by this...
Our testers love the comfort and stability offered by this super-light stool for lunch breaks, reading by the river, and cooking meals at camp.
Credit: Adam and Elizabeth Paashaus

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
76
Big Agnes Skyline UL
Best Overall Backpacking Chair
$150
Editors' Choice Award
71
Big Agnes Big Six
Best When Weight Doesn't Matter
$200
Top Pick Award
70
NEMO Moonlite Reclining
$160
69
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
Best Choice for Minimalists
$33
Top Pick Award
69
Helinox Chair Zero
Best for Ultralight Comfort
$150
Top Pick Award
68
NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining
$180
67
NEMO Chipper
$20
66
Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit
$65
65
Big Agnes Skyline UL Stool
Best Backpacking Stool
$100
Top Pick Award
63
Moon Lence Backpacking Chair
Best Bang for the Buck
$33
Best Buy Award
63
Helinox Ground Chair
$130
62
Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0
$65
61
TravelChair Joey
$120
56
REI Co-op Trail Stool
$25
56
Marchway Lightweight Portable
$40
53
REI Co-op Flexlite Air
$100
52
Helinox Incline Festival Chair
$100
49
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 PowerLounger
$95
44
Crazy Creek Original Chair
$60

backpacking chair - when seen side by side, you can get a pretty clear picture of the...
When seen side by side, you can get a pretty clear picture of the differences in size and body positioning of each chair.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

How We Test Backpacking Chairs


We start each of our reviews with market research, which yielded an initial selection of several dozen contenders for our backpacking chairs. From there, we purchased the most promising models and tested them for several weeks, updating the review frequently to reflect new products. Over the years, we have tested more than 40 chairs and used them on everything from rocky cliff bases to desert sand to city parks. We assess each model's comfort during an extended sit, the effort required for setup and breakdown, their sizes and weights, and how stable they feel on different surfaces. You'll find this review helpful in narrowing down your options in a market full of excellent chairs.

Scores for each backpacking chair are weighted across four rating metrics:
  • Comfort (35% of overall score weighting)
  • Size and Weight (30% weighting)
  • Stability (20% weighting)
  • Ease of Use (15% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab


Backpacking enthusiast Elizabeth Paashaus has spent hundreds of mornings, evenings, and lunch breaks seated on the ground, which is enough to appreciate the comfort afforded by a lightweight camp chair. She has backpacked thousands of miles through the Appalachian mountains, the deserts of Southern Utah, and the high Sierra, both alone and with her husband and two girls. Elizabeth and her family can be found traveling the country, living in their converted school bus, seeking adventure through climbing and hiking, and enjoying our public lands as their outdoor living room.

Ben Applebaum-Bauch is also an avid backpacker. He has spent hundreds of evenings in backcountry and front country campsites, parking himself on all sorts of seating. After 7,000 miles on some of America's most iconic long trails, he knows what to look for when it comes to ideal seat selection.

Jason Wanlass has spent the last 20 years of his life exploring the outdoors. He's an avid hiker and backpacker who has completed routes in Iceland, Nepal, Tibet, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, and the Patagonia Region of Argentina and Chile. Closer to home, he hikes weekly in the foothills above his home in Utah and has backpacked trails in nearly every Western state. Jason knows a thing or two about gear and the value that a camp chair can add to any backcountry adventure.

From tiny and innovative to larger and cushier, we've tested it all.
From tiny and innovative to larger and cushier, we've tested it all.
We look relaxed, but do we look fully relaxed?
We look relaxed, but do we look fully relaxed?
Off we go for a weekend of scenic views and immersive chair testing.
Off we go for a weekend of scenic views and immersive chair testing.
We tested all of the gear in our review — and we had fun doing it. Then, we compare each model side by side to see which is best.

How to Pick the Best Backpacking Chair


An ever-saturated gear market makes it an increasingly daunting task to both find and purchase even simple items. From manufacturer website claims to online customer reviews, we live in a world of star ratings, comments, and specs. So, in an effort to give you a little bit of direction, we want to throw our hat in the ring and offer our advice on what you should consider when purchasing a backpacking chair. Why does our opinion matter? Because we're everyday people like you who have a passion for the outdoors. And most importantly, we actually use the products we write about. To make it easy, we've boiled it down to three questions you should ask yourself.

Checking out the stability of this model. We use every model we test -- we backpacked 5 miles to 11,000 feet (and braved thousands of mosquitoes) to try this chair on for size.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Do I Need a Backpacking Chair?


Mother Nature's living room is filled to the brim with furniture. From boulders to tree stumps and even the forest floor, there are plenty of places to plop your butt after lugging your backpack into camp. So before shelling out $150 or more on a hunk of aluminum and fabric, you really should ask yourself if having a chair is really a necessity. On the negative side, they take up pack space, they're somewhat fragile, and they weigh a lot (at least that's what most avid backpackers would say). As for positives, they are a luxury that really can make a difference. They allow you to truly rest your back and legs after a long day of trudging uphill. They also make eating much more relaxing and enjoyable. Lastly, most backpackers will circle together at camp as they recover from the rigors of the day, and having a chair will allow you to be more easily connected to the group.

A chair makes camp life -- especially meal time -- more relaxing and fun.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

How Much am I Willing to Add to My Pack?


There's an old backpacker's saying: Ounces in the morning feel like pounds in the evening. Even the best backpackers fight the urge to overpack. Those who give into their desire for extra food, clothing, and gadgets generally learn to regret their decision very early into any multi-day backpacking trip. Most die-hard backcountry wanderers have a firm idea of how much they want their pack to weigh, and many believe sparing an extra 20 ounces (the average weight) or more for a luxury seat isn't worth it. The backpacking chairs in our lineup vary in weight from just 1.8 ounces to upwards of 50 ounces (3.1 pounds). In addition to added weight, chairs generally take up a lot of space. So, it's important to study the specs related to each chair in order to select one that will complement your packing system.

backpacking chair - a typical backpack that is stuffed to the gills with gear and...
A typical backpack that is stuffed to the gills with gear and gadgets. Strapping a camp chair to the bottom adds more weight. It's best to take inventory of your pack before you leave, and pair it down in order to offset the added weight of a luxury item, like a chair.
Credit: Jason Wanlass


How Much Comfort and Support Do I Want?


Backpacking chairs vary in size, shape, and features. Generally, the greater the comfort, the greater the weight. This type of chair will never match the comfort that Larger car camping chairs will offer. In the backpacking world, the largest, most spacious chairs are usually too heavy to lug around for 5 days on the trail. So, it's important to be realistic about your definition of comfort. Generally, pack chairs are thin, compact, and somewhat shallow (they do not support the entire upper legs, so it's important to really consider which chair will work for you. In fact, we recommend testing your new chair in your home long before you ever hit the trail. Additionally, there are many different styles of backpacking chairs. Some sit directly on the ground, while others are lifted. Some have more extensive back support, but most are more on the minimal side. However, they all have one thing in common: they have limited features and are small and compact.

A basic closed-cell foam pad. It's super light, inexpensive, but it...
A basic closed-cell foam pad. It's super light, inexpensive, but it offers little support.
The quintessential, high-end, lightweight backpacking chair. It's...
The quintessential, high-end, lightweight backpacking chair. It's generally comfortable and offers a decent amount of back support, but it comes with a higher price tag.
A unique, ground-sitting rocker that uses a sleeping pad for support...
A unique, ground-sitting rocker that uses a sleeping pad for support and cushion. It's quite comfortable, but you're closer to dirt and bugs -- and you could pop your pad.
Several versions of backpacking chairs, each with their own style and comfort levels.


How Much Am I Willing to Spend?


In the backpacking world, smaller and lighter usually means more expensive. Tough, lightweight fabrics, aircraft-grade aluminum, and premium engineering make for a lighter, stronger chair, but it also drives up the price. So, if having one of these luxury items to lounge in at camp is a solid expectation, prepare to pay well over $100. Yes, there are cheaper models, but they are much heavier and have packed sizes that rival a roll of paper towels. If you tend to do a short backpacking trip (2-3 days) once a year, you could certainly get by with one of these heavier models. However, if backpacking is your jam, we highly suggest spending the extra moula to go as lightweight as possible.

A classic, grade-A aluminum model like this one is reasonably lightweight, comfortable, and strong, but it will set you back upwards of $180.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Analysis and Test Results


With so many backpacking chairs on the market, how do you pick the right one? In this article, we've identified the four most important qualities to look for in a chair. We rate each seat on its comfort throughout 30 minutes of lounging, its size and how much it weighs, its overall stability when getting in and out, and its ease of use. We weight metrics accordingly based on our experience of what is most important in a backpacking chair, with comfort being at the top of that list, followed by size and weight, stability, and, finally, ease of use.


What's the Best Value?


Our team defines “value” as the meeting point between performance and price. Some products have superior comfort or versatility, but do their costs justify their performance? Others may be very affordable, but does their performance lag?

This review has a wide range of prices. Of the products that offer the best value, the Moon Lence Backpacking Chair stands out. This lesser-known brand still performs above average in most areas while keeping the price astonishingly low. Our favorite chair, the Skyline UL is on the pricey end but offers an exceptionally well-rounded performance with high marks in comfort, size, weight, stability, and ease of use.

Sometimes, the simplest answer is the best. This rings true with the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat, which is a basic piece of egg-carton style foam. Despite its simplicity, it offers exceptional value for its low price, extreme durability, minuscule weight, and versatility. The same goes for the Nemo Chipper, which is even cheaper and made from reclaimed materials. For the most significant cost savings, look to the foam chairs, which are almost always less expensive than tent-style models but can still offer you a padded seat to comfort your derrière.

backpacking chair - if we had to sum up the z seat in just a few words: sit anywhere for...
If we had to sum up the Z Seat in just a few words: Sit anywhere for 2 ounces
Credit: Adam and Elizabeth Paashaus

Comfort


Most of the products we test are performance-driven. They're lightweight, sleek, and designed to help you in your most adventurous pursuits. But this review is different. Chairs are for luxury, and they'd serve no purpose without comfort. To justify lugging a purely luxurious item around with you, it must improve your outdoor experience. For this metric, we evaluated the myriad ways chairs can be more or less comfortable and used these characteristics to rate each product against each other. Our testers took a few measurements for this category, too. We measured how far each seat elevated us off the ground. In general, the higher the chair is, the easier it is to get in and out, and the gentler it is on the knees and hips. We also compared how far back the seat reclined (or didn't) and the seat's width. Because comfort is a significant part of this review, we allocated 35% of each chair's overall score to this metric.


We found four distinct sub-categories within our review: the “tent-style” chairs with legs that sit up off the ground, sit pads (totally unfancy foam rectangles), taco-style models that fold open like a taco, and the twist style, which has legs that pivot around a central axis (e.g., stools). The comfort between these categories is notably different.

Both the Nemo Moonlite Reclining and the NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining (seen here) have a simple but effective reclining feature that we really liked.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Taco chairs like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 and Crazy Creek Original are harder to get in and out of since they sit on the ground and offer less support. Sit pads like the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat and Nemo Chipper are truly just a piece of foam that offers just a hint of padding and primarily keeps your butt from getting wet and dirty if you're sitting on the ground.

backpacking chair - the crazy creek hex 2.0 powerlounger is a quick and easy chair to...
The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 PowerLounger is a quick and easy chair to set up for a mid-day break and is far more comfortable than sitting on these rocks.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Twisting chairs are also less comfortable, primarily because they tend to have a smaller sitting surface and no backrest, as is true of the REI Co-op Trail Stool. Tent-style chairs like the Big Agnes Skyline UL, Big Agnes Big Six, REI Co-op Flexlite Air, and Nemo Moonlite excel in the comfort metric since their raised seats are easier to get in and out of. Because they keep their form, it is much easier to plop down and feel supported. The Helinox Ground Chair is a unique tent chair that sits even lower to the ground than its closest competitors, making it more of a recliner meant to extend legs forward. We are also intrigued by the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit. It's not a chair but a conversion kit that turns an inflatable sleeping pad into a backpacking chair. The sitting experience is super comfortable, but it's harder to get into and out of for fear of puncturing the sleeping pad.

backpacking chair - the helinox ground chair is a tent-style chair that sits super low...
The Helinox Ground Chair is a tent-style chair that sits super low to the ground making it great for leaning back and extending your legs forward.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

When judging comfort, we also inspected the materials. How does the fabric feel on the skin? Is it breathable and ventilated? None of the taco-style chairs in our review have any breathability, and all use similar materials. Two tent-style chairs stand out for excellent ventilation: the NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining, Moon Lence Backpacking Chair, and the TravelChair Joey with their large mesh panels.

backpacking chair - taking a load off in the big six in between rock climbs at joshua...
Taking a load off in the Big Six in between rock climbs at Joshua Tree. We love the headrest on this chair.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

We also considered what body position the chairs put us in. When spending just a few minutes in a chair, most are comfortable enough. But, some chairs stood out for supporting the back for longer sessions. We compared the depth of each tent-style chair, as some tipped us forward more than others. We prefer a deeper seat that lets us recline and relax, like the one found on our favorite model, the Big Agnes Skyline UL, and the luxurious Big Agnes Big Six. Comfort is decidedly lower in foam chairs — we noted that the PowerLounger curled our shoulders in and dug into our underarms the least. We also enjoyed the reclining comforts of the NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining. It's a true backpacking chair, and despite its compact size, it still manages to be comfortable, especially in recline mode.

Chillin' like a villain in our NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining chair. After a long day on the trail, there's nothing like locking this perch into full-recline mode and giving our tire back a deserved rest.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Size and Weight


Unlike our camping chair review, this review is designed specifically for portable chairs that can be carried into the backcountry or during hikes. We analyzed packability and weight for this metric, knowing that a chair would have to be pretty compact to make it into an already heavy pack on your next trip into the backcountry. We considered both the relative weight of each chair compared to models of the same design (foam or tent style), as well as how it stacked up against every product we tested.


We put each chair on a scale, brought out the measuring tape, and recorded what we found. Then, we assessed if the bulk and weight were worth it for the comfort of each model offered. The lightest 'chairs' in the category are the ground pads: the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is a feather-weight 2 ounces, and the Nemo Chipper is a mere 3.3 ounces. Both are easily packable on a long-distance backpacking trip and fit neatly into a water bottle side pocket.

backpacking chair - the nemo chipper and other sit pads easily tuck away on the outside...
The Nemo Chipper and other sit pads easily tuck away on the outside of most hiking backpacks.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Assuming that you are already carrying an inflatable sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit is a scant 10.8 ounces. It is tall and skinny and also fits easily into the exterior side pocket of a backpack. The REI Co-op Trail Stool is a lightweight in-between option at 17 ounces — it doesn't have a backrest, but it does have legs that keep you off of the ground.

backpacking chair - the rei trail stool isn't our favorite, but it does offer a perch...
The REI Trail Stool isn't our favorite, but it does offer a perch from a compact and lightweight package.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

A few of the tent-style chairs come in next in the weight category: the REI Flexlite Air at 16 ounces, followed closely by the 18.2-ounce Chair Zero. These tent-style chairs are lighter than any taco-style competitor we tested despite having legs. For those looking to keep your bums out of the dirt while shaving ounces, we recommend trying out these two chairs and seeing which fits you best.

backpacking chair - measurements are helpful but seeing each chair in its stuff sack...
Measurements are helpful but seeing each chair in its stuff sack side by side puts the differences in measurement in perspective.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Despite being light, we generally find the taco-style chairs like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 and Crazy Creek Original harder to pack than the tent-style chairs because they are so stiff. These two are 19.7 ounces and 24 ounces, respectively. Despite its heavy weight, the Crazy Creek PowerLounger does have a compression strap just for this purpose and is very convenient to roll up. It can be stowed beneath the lid or on the side of many backpacking packs.

backpacking chair - the hubless poles on the big agnes skyline ul are noticeably more...
The hubless poles on the Big Agnes Skyline UL are noticeably more compact than models with plastic hubs.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Stability


We got a lot of feedback on the chairs in this review, and one thing quickly became clear: if a chair is stable, our testers didn't even think about it. If, on the other hand, a chair is unstable, it's the first complaint you'll hear. The sign of a great product is one you can use easily and effortlessly, and chairs are no different.


Looking first at tent-style chairs, some really stand out. The huge base and larger diameter poles of the Big Agnes Big Six, while heavy, significantly increase its stability. The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair, Big Agnes Skyline Stool, and the Marchway Lightweight Portable are excellent; they all have a broad base that creates a secure sitting experience.

Sometimes, cutting down the weight can decrease durability, but it can also decrease stability. We noted that most testers, upon sitting in the Flexlite Air, quickly threw their arms out to maintain their balance in this model with its uber-light fabric and flexible poles.

backpacking chair - the curve in the legs of the big agnes skyline ul add to the...
The curve in the legs of the Big Agnes Skyline UL add to the stability while keeping the packed size small.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Foam chairs are a bit trickier to differentiate in this category. Because you sit directly on the ground, models like the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat and Nemo Chipper generally offer consistent stability or are as stable as the ground beneath them. Hopefully, that's solid. Our only comment about sit pads like these is that because they are so light if you get up to grab something on a windy day, they'll blow off of whatever surface you had them on.

backpacking chair - taco-style chairs like the crazy creek hex original 2.0 use the...
Taco-style chairs like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 use the tension from leaning back in them to provide support. However, it is possible to lean back too far.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

The taco-style chairs, like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 and Crazy Creek Original require body weight and tension to remain stable. We found these models are stable from side to side, but if you put your weight too far back, you're liable to take a tumble. The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit is similar in that it relies on tension from leaning back in it, but it also has a much broader base than Crazy Creeks.

backpacking chair - just like every foam chair, the back flops down so you have to hold...
Just like every foam chair, the back flops down so you have to hold it up and insert yourself... it's not a graceful move, at least not when we do it. Pictured here is the Crazy Creek PowerLounger.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Ease of Use


As a group of people who have wrestled with our share of outdoor equipment, we feel that the product you are willing to take with you will be one that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out. Sometimes, we may be willing to learn how to operate a more complicated piece of gear when the benefits balance out the struggle, but often, we want to be able to pick it up and have it work. Setting up these backpacking chairs is by no means difficult, but some models have the setup dialed in.


To put the chairs to the test, we first set them up without reading or looking at any instructions, and we attempted to pack them back into their bags. We were surprised that every model we tested had no issue fitting back into its stuff sack. Some fit tighter than others, but nothing compared to the notoriously difficult task of putting a tent back into its bag!

The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit is unique in that it provides infrastructure for an inflatable sleeping pad to be used as a seat. Counting inflation, it definitely takes longer to setup than most chairs in the category.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Foam seat pads require almost no setup. The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat and Nemo Chipper only need a quick unfurl from their accordioned positions, and they are ready in an instant.

The Nemo Chipper is as straightforward as it gets -- just unfold and sit. It does a great job at keeping your butt dry on damp surfaces.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

As for taco-style chairs like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 and Crazy Creek Original, all you need to do is fasten the side clips together and park your booty. The angle of repose is adjustable with a sliding buckle, and we found the models that allow you to cinch by pulling down rather than up to be the easiest to use.

The NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining chair uses a ball-and-socket system for attaching its frame to the seat fabric. It's carrying case also doubles as stabilizer.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The chairs we tested from Big Agnes have color-coded poles and pole pockets for a quick visual cue during assembly. We love that some of the Helinox models include picture directions printed on the chairs, making your first setup as easy as your fifteenth. The REI Trail Stool can barely be more effortless. It just requires a quick twist and your body weight on the chair to set it up.

backpacking chair - the perfect backpacking chair is going to depend on your priorities...
The perfect backpacking chair is going to depend on your priorities, but for us, it's one that is comfortable and compact enough to strap on the side of a pack.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus

Conclusion


Though we like to get out and get after it, we also consider ourselves experts at sitting back and taking in the view. We have spent weeks on end with all these chairs, taking them everywhere we went, from Southern Utah's canyons to backpacking in the High Sierra to the lush Appalachians. We jammed out at outdoor concerts and soaked up the sun in the desert. We got to know each product in this review, from small details to more extensive impressions. We compared them all side-by-side, taking detailed notes as we went along. By evaluating comfort, size, weight, stability, and ease of use, we feel confident that you now have the information you need to select the best chair for you. Whether you're looking for the lightest option on the market or the most comfortable spot to park your booty tent side, we've got you covered.

Ben Applebaum-Bauch, Elizabeth Paashaus, and Jason Wanlass