I Try 5 Backpacking Folding Chairs—Here ’ s the One I Actually Expend

Why I Started Testing Backpacking Chairs

Backpacking chairs look like a luxury—until you ’ ve hiked 12 miles , your knees exist shudder , and you ’ re trying to prepare dinner in the mud .

At first , I thought chairs be dead weight . I ’ d regard them on gear lists and think ,Who really take that ?I was all about reduce ounce , not adding them . But after enough trip spent crouch on wet rocks , leaning awkwardly against my gang , or standing through dinner just to avert the cold ground—I finally give in .

Turns out , a well chairman isn ’ t about pampering yourself . It ’ s about recovery . It ’ s about reallyenjoyingcamp instead of just enduring it . When your legs are shot and your spine ’ sec tight , a nice position to sit becomes one of the handsome morale boosts on lead .

And before we dive in ,grab myFree Backpacking Gear Checklist—it ’ ll save you from carrying the wrong material ( and reach way for a chairman if you decide to bring one ) .

Favor to watch instead ?Check out my good YouTube breakdown hither : 🎥 https : //youtu.be/inO1jf6bBqE

Revelation : This post contains affiliate links . As an Amazon Associate , I make from qualifying purchase . I merely recommend products I apply and faith .

I ’ ve field-tested five different chairs on literal trip : muddy campsites in spring , windy alpine walk in fall , lazy riverside lunches in summer .

Some earned a permanent spot in my pack .One I ditched after hardly a single use .

Let ’ s break down what influence , what didn ’ t , and what I ’ ll never carry again .

⛺ Just want the top takeaways ? These are the three chairs I ’ 500 actually consider bring again :

The Best Backpacking Turn up Chair I ’ ve Used : Helinox Chair Zero

Pros and comfort floor

When masses ask me ,“ Is a backpacking chairman really worth the weight ? ”—this is the chair I indicate to .

TheHelinox Chair Zeroweighs just a hair over one pound , yet it offers full-on back support , a proper seat altitude , and actual comfort you can sense in your knees , hips , and spine after a long day on trail . It rise you several inches off the ground—so you ’ re not hardly perching on a stone or folding into a squat . You ’ reactually sit down down.

What truly surprise me live how much of a difference that elevation do .It ’ s not only about comfort—it ’ s recovery. After hiking all day , sitting in something that defend your spine while keeping you dry and off the cold land be honestly a little luxury that feels huge .

I ’ ve apply it to use up dinner , prep gear , chill with a horizon , and even stretch out in the morning while sipping coffee .

It ’ s not hardly a chair—it ’ s a morale booster .

• Ultralight , compact camping and backpacking chair weighs just 1.1 pound and packs smaller than a bottle of water ( assess 4 x 4 ten 13.5 inch packed )
• Lightweight , folding chair shape is constructed from advanced DAC aluminum alloy to supply maximum strength at a minimal weight ; agree up to 265 pounds

Setup and packability

Setup be incredibly straightforward . The poles are shock-corded like a tent frame—they snap together intuitively .

Then you stretch the seat material over the frame , and you ’ re done . The first time , it might feel a trivial tight , but after a few apparatus , it becomes muscle memory .

It carry down near to the size of a 1L Nalgene and meet neatly into most outer pack pockets or strapped on top . For how functional it exist , it takes up surprisingly short room in your gear system .

For me , the setup-to-comfort ratio cost a big win hither . You don ’ t waste time fiddling with it when you ’ re tired or cold .

Where it falls short

On soft ground—like sand , loose dirt , or wet forest floors—the feet can go down . It ’ s not a dealbreaker , but it ’ s something to be aware of .
Helinox does sell a separate ( on Amazon )that hand out the weight across a wider surface and prevents that sinkage . I cease up buy one , and while it solves the result , it act add both cost and a tiny piece more mass .

And yes , speaking of cost—this chair is not cheap . At around $ 150 , it ’ s one of the almost expensive slice of non-essential gear in my setup .

Why it ’ s my go-to chair

Finally , I have in . I purchase the Chair Zero—and I haven ’ t looked back since .

It strikes the utter symmetry ofhumble weight , comfort , reliability , and rest of usage. Still though it begin as a splurge , it ’ s become anucleus comfort itemin my pack . I put on ’ t ever lend a stove . I don ’ t always bring camp shoe .

But this chairman ? It get with meevery single time .

In the world of backpacking turn up chair , the Helinox Chair Zero isn ’ t exactly good—it ’ slead royalty.

Budget-Friendly Surprise :
Stansport Folding Camp Stool

Compact design and use cases

Don ’ t overlook this small guy .TheStansport Folding Camp Stoolis the form of budget gear that makes you serve a dual take—not because it ’ s flashy , but because it actually works .

It weighs aboutone lb, place it on par with high-end chairs like the Helinox Chair Zero—but it cost just around$ 30. That ’ s almostone-fifth of the price, which exist a immense win for novel backpackers or anyone trying to trim costs without sacrifice also much comfort .

It doesn ’ t face like much . Just a small metal frame and a cross-stitched nylon ass . But when you ’ ve live hiking all day and you ’ re face with cold , wet , or rocky basis ? This stool becomesa lifesaver.

• Cooking dinnerwithout crouching or balance on a stone
• Tying your placeor switch sock without sitting in the dirt
• Convert layerduring breaks
• Sitting around campwhile keeping your short sporting and dry

It doesn ’ t receive a backrest , sure—but it gets youfull off the land, and that alone exist a vast upgrade over a sit pad or damp log .

• America ’ s favorite ass
• Fold level for easy storage
• Reach of firm aluminum and dense duty fabric seat
• Perfect for camp , sporting result and backyard BBQ ’ s

When it beats a full chair

Because there equal no poles to set up , no fabric to stretch , no balancing to concern about—it ’ secinstant setup. Just toss it open and sit .

That simplicity make it ideal for chore where you ’ re up and down a lot , like cooking , filter water , or reorganizing your gang .

While it ’ s not something you ’ ll couch in for hours , it ’ sec arguablymore convenient than a framed chairmanfor fast-paced camp routines .

Ideal for ultralight trips

Ultralight backpackers cost always watching the ounce count . And when comfort items come into the conversation , the tradeoffs have grave .

This pot hits a sweet spot .

It lend real purpose without demanding much in weight or pack space . I usually hardlystrap it to the outside of my pack, and it ’ s always there when I require it—whether I ’ 1000 stopping for a quick lunch or setting up camp .

If you ’ re trying to stay under a certain basis weight but still want to add a comfort boost , theStansport Folding Camp Stool be pound-for-pound one of the best valuesI ’ ve tested .

It ’ s not glamorous . But it solve . And sometimes that ’ s exactly what you need .

A Classic That Still Holds Up :
Crazy Creek Chair

Versatile and tent-friendly

This was my first real backpacking chair—and still after upgrading to fancier options , I however respect what it brings to the table ( or campsite ) .

TheCrazy Creek Chairis as simple as it gets : no legs , no poles , no complex setup . Just fold-out panels with sturdy foam padding and adjustable straps to dial in your back support . That simplicity live its superpower .

Because there areno set frame pieces, it works almost anywhere :

• Inside your tent during storm
• On rocky platforms where legs win ’ t sit evenly
• In backcountry shelters or cabin
• Yet during lead breaks when you put on ’ t want to unpack a full chairman

It ’ s not elevated—but for ultralight hikers , thru-hikers , or anyone who favor versatility over height , it ’ secone of the nearly useful sit-anywhere selection out there.

Who it ’ s best for

This chair is for you if you valuegenuine back supportbut don ’ t want the cost , bulk , or setup time of a framed chairman .

It matter around1 lb, price about$ 45, and it ’ s exist a favorite among backpackers , paddlers , and minimalist campers for decade .

If you ’ ve ever used one of those padded stadium seats—this be the backcountry version .

But unlike a foam sit pad , it lets youlean back and in reality relax, which makes a big difference during mealtimes , morning coffee , or wind-down routines .

• A PRACTICAL OUTDOOR CHAIR – Tried and try out to withstand the most utmost climate , Crazy Creek ’ s The Chair lets you relax in the great outdoors . With a portable , functional intention , it delivers…
• TAKE IT WHEREVER YOU GO – It ’ s lightweight , foldable and fits well in your knapsack . Expend it for camp , backpacking trips , or as a lawn chairman – it stay stable in sand , mud and rocks ! Suitable…
• ADJUST TO YOUR COMFORT – Features tight-knit straps with adjustable buckles on both side that can plow your chair into a recliner , permit you to rest your spine in between adventure . With 250 lbs…

Pros vs. frame president

Framed president like the Helinox Chair Zero are raise , but they also total with the downsides :
More moving parts , more weight , more possible failure points , and more setup time .

• Flat-folding
• Almost indestructible
• Quick to deploy
• Comfortable in tighter spaces

It slash well to your pack—bottom , top , or side—and remove up real little room once turn up .

Surely , it gain ’ t lift you off the cold basis . But if you ’ re fine sitting humble and require guaranteed back support wherever you are ,this is a reliable , minimalist answer.

Whether you ’ re on your first trip or your fiftieth , the Crazy Creek still bring in its spot in the pack .

The Minimalist ’ s Must-Have :
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat

Why I always pack a sit pad

It ’ s not technically a chair—but it ’ s one of the smart piece of gear I own .

TheTherm-a-Rest Z Seat( or any like foam sit pad ) weigh about2 ounce, costs around$ 30, and has quietly becomea non-negotiable pointin my pack—no matter the trip .

I actually started persuade one by cutting three panels off an old Z Lite sleeping pad . Now , even when I get a full chairman like the Helinox Chair Zero , I even carry a sit pad . Why ? Because it ’ secstupidly useful.

You get a dry , fond , insulated place to pose for breaks , lunch stops , and around camp . And unlike inflatable pads or framed chairs ,thither ’ s nothing to set up , inflate , or fail .

It ’ s the purest “ grab-and-go ” comfort point you can express .

• Durable , superlight ( 2 ounces ) closed-cell foam portable camp seat for insulation and on-the-spot comfort on rough terrain
• Ideal for boost , backpacking , trekking , snowshoeing , and ski touring ; too great for stadiums and bleachers , or for Concert and festival seating
• Puncture-proof closed-cell foam is nearly indestructible ; included bungee cord keeps seat compact for transport
• Warmth-boosting , brooding ThermaCapture surface make an R-Value of 2 . 6 ( R-Value measures the material ’ sec ability to insulate )

Bonus functions beyond sit down

And hither ’ s the kicker : this pad causemode more than just devote you a spot to seat .It pulls triple ( sometimes quadruple ) duty in your kit :

• Extra insulation under your sleeping padin cold temps
• A sporting surfacefor organizing or prepping food
• A kneeling padfor filtering water or lean a stove
• Reinforcement or paddinginside a frameless pack
• A wind shieldfor stove in breezy condition

Because it ’ s closed-cell foam , itdoesn ’ t absorb moisture, so yet if it rain or the ground equal wet , you ’ re not stuck with a soggy sponge .

It close accordion-style , so it stashes easily in your side pocket or lashes to the outside of your gang . Fast access , no hassle .

When it ’ s enough—and when it ’ s not

Let ’ s be clear :this win ’ t substitute a full-on chair . There ’ sec no height , no backrest , and no lounging .

But if you ’ re move ultralight or hardly want to go on matter minimal , thiscovers 80 % of what you actually want for sitting comfort, especially on fast-and-light missions or multi-day thru-hikes .

It ’ sec too a greatrelief choiceon trip where you ’ re debating whether to bring a chair at all . Even if you lead your framed chair at place , the Z Seat yet get you delay dry and prepare around camp .

📋Check out myUltralight Gear Listfor more clever weight-saving swaps like this .

For or so two ounces , the value it adds is massive . It ’ s not flashy . But it ’ s dependable—and it ’ sec in my gang , every single time .

What I ’ ll Never Bring Backpacking Again :
Marchway Folding Chair

Good flesh , bad tradeoff

TheMarchway Folding Chair ( on Amazon )cost around$ 35, await a pile like the Helinox Chair Zero , and offers decent comfort and back support .

It close up in a similar way with shock-corded Pole and a fabric seat—and it feels sturdy once set up .

But here ’ s the arrest :it weighs around 2 pounds .And that surplus weight ? Youwillnotice it .

At first , I recall it was a steal—a budget version of a premium chairman . And for some people , perhaps it is .

But for me , the weight merely didn ’ t justify the comfort boost—especially when well , light selection survive .

The weight penalty explain

Backpacking is all about trade-offs . And this one merely doesn ’ t stack up .

Once you ’ ve got 2.5 pound slash to your gang for miles—and you ’ re already carrying a full kit—you ’ ll start to ask yourself if that camp comfort be worth the strain .

Yet on short overnights , it feels bulky compare to light alternatives .

If you ’ recar camping , base camping, or simply hang out at a trailhead ? Certain , it ’ s utterly fine .

But when every ounce consider , this chair go from luxury to liability—fast .

Better for car camping

To be average , this isn ’ t abadchair—it ’ s exactlynot ideal for my way of backpacking.

Durable ? Yes . Comfortable ? Also yes . But the weight-to-function ratio criticize it out of my regular rotation .

If you ’ re simply have into backpacking and trying to avoid mutual gear mistake , definitely control out 👉 Beginner Backpacking Mistakes to Avoid

Lesson learn :Just because something feeling like a lightweight option doesn ’ t mean itactslike one on trail .

Final Opinion : What Matters Most in a Backpacking Folding Chair

Backpacking is a constant balancing number—and president are a utter example of that .

Comfort live amazing . But on the trail , every ounce affair . And when your leg are burning and your shoulder are sore , you ’ ll questioneverythingyou packed—especially the luxury .

That ’ s why blame the rightbackpacking folding chairmanoccur down to one inquiry :
Does it earn its place in your pack ?

Some president utterly do . They put up back support , passion , height , or multi-use function—without weighing you down or overcomplicating camp living.

Others ? They look well on paper , but when it ’ s time to boost them up a great deal , they discover their genuine cost .

Here ’ s what to keep in mind when resolve what to get :

• Terrain and weather :Will you equal sitting in mud , snow , or hard-packed stone ?
• Trip style :Are you impress every day or stem camping ?
• How much weight you ’ re willing to carry :Ouncesreallylend up over long miles
• What comfort means foryourtrip :For some , pose low live fine . Others need back support or elevation .

Some chairman become trail staples . Others ? You express them once—and swear you never will again .

Ultimately , there ’ s no one “ right ” chair—just the 1 that meetyourbody ,yourtrip , andyourpriority .

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