The Top Backpacking Chairs, Evaluated and Rated

Most Cozy

The NEMO Moonlite is a compact and lightweight sleeping pad designed for backpackers seeking comfort and convenience. Its innovative construction ensures optimal insulation and support, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The pad’s streamlined design allows for easy packing, while its durable materials guarantee long-lasting performance in various conditions. Whether you’re camping under the stars or trekking through rugged terrain, the NEMO Moonlite provides reliable rest without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear.

Best for Larger Individuals

Helinox Chair One XL

Top Quality at the Best Price

The Klymit Ridgeline Short offers a streamlined design for enhanced mobility and comfort. Its compact build ensures ease of movement while maintaining the durability and performance expected from Klymit. Ideal for active use, it combines practicality with the brand’s signature quality.

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Few pieces of gear embody the idea of a “luxury item” as clearly as the backpacking chair. Bringing one along suggests you’ve also packed a flask of whiskey and intend to celebrate your journey with a drink against the backdrop of a stunning view or a crackling campfire—or perhaps both. To assist you in selecting the finest backpacking chair for ultimate relaxation, I tested several top-rated models side by side in real-world conditions.

• Most Comfortable:  
• Best for Larger Individuals:
• Top Pick for Value:
• Top Performance in Stability:
• Top Pick for Lightweight:
• Best Affordable Option:

Evaluating the Top Backpacking Chairs for Performance

The backpacking chairs in this assessment were tested on firm terrain, sandy shores, and wet grassy areas. I examined their comfort, how simple they were to assemble and pack, and their steadiness across all conditions.

Several chairs were also tested during a winter group backpacking excursion to evaluate their performance in real-world conditions. To determine the most suitable options for bigger users, I examined each chair’s weight capacity and functional width, then had a 6-foot-3 tester repeatedly sit and rise from the top contenders to gather their impressions.

Top Backpacking Chairs: Expert Reviews and Picks

Most Comfortable:

Most Cozy

NEMO Moonlite

Pros

• Open-sided designs offer greater hip freedom compared to conventional backpacking chair styles.
• Customizable back support
• Exceptionally high weight capacity relative to its compact dimensions

Cons

• The Tips model moves forward with greater ease compared to others in my testing.
• Expensive

Distinctive Attributes

• 
  Weight:
  1 pound, 14 ounces
• Maximum Weight Allowed:
  300 lbs
• Seat Height:
  10.5 inches
• 
  Materials:
  Aluminum, polyester

The NEMO Moonlite is the backpacking chair I’m most inclined to take on trips, as it strikes the ideal balance between comfort and weight compared to other models I’ve tried. Unlike many of the top backpacking chairs, which feature fully fabric seats, the NEMO Moonlite has open sides. This design reduces pressure on the hips for a more comfortable experience.

The contrast became particularly striking after spending an entire day hiking. I was testing a new backpack, and as often occurs, my hip bones were slightly sore. Unlike other backpacking chairs that quickly grew constricting around my hips and became unpleasant within minutes, I comfortably relaxed in the NEMO Moonlite for more than an hour. The side straps, which could be adjusted, were another plus—they let me shift the chair into a more upright posture while cooking with the best camping cookware, then switch back to a reclined position when it was time to unwind. Additionally, this was the sole chair under 2 pounds in my evaluation that supported up to 300 pounds.

The main drawback of this chair is its reduced stability compared to other models I tried; specifically, it has a tendency to tilt forward. The back feet feature a flat angle that can be modified based on the ground surface, while the front feet are rounded, and the legs are slightly shorter. Though this wasn’t overly apparent while seated, I had to be somewhat careful when getting up.

Best for Larger Individuals:

Best for Larger Individuals

The Helinox Chair One XL offers a lightweight, portable seating solution designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Its durable construction and compact design make it ideal for camping, hiking, and other adventures. The chair features a sturdy frame and breathable fabric, ensuring comfort and stability on various terrains. Easy to assemble and pack, the Helinox Chair One XL is a reliable choice for those seeking convenience and performance in outdoor gear.

Pros

• Exceptionally steady
• Spacious seat designed for minimal restriction
• Maximum weight capacity of the backpacking chairs evaluated in my assessment

Cons

• Heavy

Distinctive Attributes

• 
  Weight:
  3 pounds and 6 ounces
• Maximum Weight Allowed:
  320 lbs
• Seat Height:
  18.5 inches
• 
  Materials:
  Aluminum and polyester

If you’re taller than average, most of the top backpacking chairs seem laughably small. Even for someone like me, standing at just 5 feet 5 inches, many feel cramped. The Helinox Chair One XL, however, is a game-changer. When I asked my 6-foot-3 husband to test both this and the Big Agnes Mica Basin XL, he immediately declared the Helinox the clear winner for comfort, whether getting in and out or sitting for extended stretches. In fact, the Helinox Chair One XL is so spacious and cozy that I’d gladly use it as my go-to car camping chair.

Beyond its elevated seat height and the highest weight capacity in my evaluation, the Helinox Chair One XL stood out as one of the sturdiest chairs I tested, performing exceptionally well across various surfaces like sand, mud, and solid ground. It also tipped forward the least compared to other models, reducing the effort required from your core muscles when standing up.

The clear drawback of this backpacking chair is its weight, which exceeds three times that of the top lightweight option. However, larger individuals understand that sacrificing a bit of portability for gear that truly supports their size is a worthwhile compromise.

Top Choice for Value:

Top Quality at the Lowest Cost

The Klymit Ridgeline Short offers a streamlined design for enhanced mobility and comfort during outdoor activities. Its compact build ensures ease of movement while maintaining the durability and functionality expected from Klymit products. Ideal for hiking and other adventures, it provides a practical solution for those seeking performance without unnecessary bulk.

Pros

• Among the most affordable backpacking chairs in my evaluation
• Remarkably steady
• Features a convenient right-hand pocket designed to hold your phone securely.

Cons

• A bit challenging to put together
• Unsteady legs

Distinctive Attributes

• 
  Weight:
  30 oz
• Maximum Weight Allowed:
  265 lbs
• Seat Elevation:
  13.5 inches
• 
  Materials:
  Aluminum and polyester

If you’re interested in a lightweight backpacking chair but hesitant about the cost, the Klymit Ridgeline Short is an excellent choice. During evaluations, testers praised its comfort on the group excursion, and in stability tests, it performed flawlessly on mud, sand, and solid terrain, matching the performance of chairs priced much higher.

The Klymit Ridgeline Short has one major drawback: it was the toughest to set up initially. We needed several people to pull the fabric body over the aluminum frame, and at one stage, we worried the frame might snap from the effort. Luckily, it held up, and putting the chair together afterward became much simpler. However, the fabric on the Klymit Ridgeline Short is noticeably more elastic compared to other models tested, which could pose a problem for users nearing the chair’s 265-pound weight capacity.

During the stability assessment, I observed that the chair’s lower legs had a slight wobble. Although this isn’t apparent when seated, as body weight stabilizes the legs, it could indicate potential durability concerns over time.

Top Performance in Stability:

Optimal Stability

Big Agnes Skyline UL

Pros

• Exceptionally steady given its dimensions
• Relatively light in weight

Cons

• Expensive

Distinctive Attributes

• 
  Weight:
  1 pound and 12 ounces
• Maximum Weight Allowed:
  275 lbs
• Seat Height:
  15 in
• 
  Materials:
  Aluminum and nylon

The Big Agnes Skyline UL stood out as the favorite backpacking chair among my young tester, primarily because of one standout trait: its exceptional resistance to tipping. Unlike other models that often leaned too far forward or backward when shifting positions, the Skyline UL remained impressively steady. In tests, its stability rivaled that of chairs weighing twice as much. Examining its design reveals the reasons behind this. For starters, the legs span a wider square footprint compared to similar-sized chairs. Additionally, the back legs curve slightly inward, virtually eliminating any chance of tipping backward.

The Big Agnes Skyline UL offers good stability, but its seat is more narrow compared to similar-sized models, which could be less comfortable for backpackers who have broader hips, even though it supports up to 275 pounds.

Best Lightweight:

Best Lightweight

REI Flexlite Air Chair

Pros

• Extremely light in weight
• Affordable
• Simple to put together

Cons

• The least stable chair I examined
• Restrictive seating

Distinctive Attributes

• 
  Weight:
  1 lb
• Maximum Weight Allowed:
  250 lbs
• Seat Height:
  11 inches in length
• 
  Materials:
  Aluminum and nylon

I understand your concern: “But what’s the real point here?” You might be wondering about the actual significance behind this.lightest“Backpacking chair?” Let me convince you otherwise. The reality is that the lightest backpacking chair is the one you don’t bring at all. It’s the fallen log near your campsite, the soft bed of pine needles, or that surprisingly level stone. If the impact on your base weight concerns you, simply leave it behind.

Exceeding the weight limit compromises a backpacking chair’s performance. The REI Flexlite Air illustrates this drawback effectively. Weighing just 16 ounces, it’s the lightest backpacking chair on the market—lighter than even the well-known . However, it proved to be the least stable chair in my tests, often tipping over sideways even on solid ground. Unlike most backpacking chairs, which feature a support bar across the width, the REI Flexlite Air’s runs from front to back. This design, along with its shorter-than-average legs, makes it prone to tipping sideways with minimal force.

Upon closer comparison, I noticed the REI Flexlite Air’s seat was notably tighter than other backpacking chairs, pressing against my hips in a way that became uncomfortable following a full day of hiking. The fabric’s loose tension, resembling a pouch rather than a traditional seat, also made getting up more challenging.

The REI Flexlite Air excels in durability, with no compromises in this aspect. After more than four years of use, my chair still performs just as reliably as it did on the day I bought it.

Best Affordable Option:

Affordable Choice

Crazy Creek Hex 2.0

Pros

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Simple to operate

Cons

• Not exactly a chair in the traditional sense
• Increased dimensions when packed

Distinctive Attributes

• 
  Weight:
  1 pound, 4.8 ounces
• Maximum Weight Allowed:
  250 lbs
• Seat Height:
  0 in
• 
  Materials:
  Nylon, foam, carbon fiber

If the reviews above have convinced you that a backpacking chair isn’t worth the hassle, the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 could be the ideal alternative. Slightly heavier than the REI Flexlite Air, this rollable seat offers far greater comfort and stability. It achieves this by eliminating legs altogether, resting directly on the ground. Adjustable nylon straps along the sides let you set the seat’s angle, whether you prefer an upright position for meals or a reclined posture for relaxation.

Naturally, the drawback of such a seat is that it places you nearly at ground level, meaning any dirt or moisture will likely end up on the seat (and potentially your legs). Additionally, entering and exiting requires more effort (though rocking forward and backward can generate enough momentum to help you stand up).

Selecting the Ideal Backpacking Chair for Your Needs

Weight

A backpacking chair is often seen as a luxury, making it an item to skip for those focused on minimizing pack weight. However, if your daily mileage stays under 10 miles, bringing one can greatly enhance your comfort at camp. Although many lightweight and ultralight backpacking chairs are available, they typically don’t match the comfort of models weighing closer to two pounds. Weigh your priorities—whether you favor weight savings or comfort—before deciding.

Design

Most backpacking chairs share a common structural approach. The primary frame operates much like a tent pole, featuring metal bars linked by an elastic bungee cord that clicks into place. Typically, these chairs include a central stability pole where eight additional poles intersect in a crosshatch arrangement: four for ground support and four to hold the fabric seat. The chair’s fabric is then secured over the upper four poles. While the designs are alike, testing revealed that minor adjustments—such as the angle of the main pole or a subtle curve in the rear legs—significantly impacted each chair’s steadiness.

Price

Backpacking chairs can vary significantly in cost, with prices spanning from $60 to $200.

Comfort

The testing phase revealed that bigger chairs generally offered greater comfort compared to smaller ones, though significant variations existed across different models. Also, take into account additional design elements, such as seat contours, openings, and customizable straps.

FAQs

Backpackers regularly hiking more than 20 miles daily are unlikely to justify carrying a backpacking chair due to its added weight. The slight comfort it offers at day’s end won’t compensate for the extra one to three pounds in their pack. On the other hand, backpackers or bikepackers who spend a significant portion of their time at camp, or stationed at a basecamp for multiple days, will likely appreciate the convenience of a backpacking chair. Similar to the best backpacking pillows, the value of a backpacking chair hinges on individual priorities and trip requirements.

The primary distinction between a backpacking chair and a camping chair lies in their weight and dimensions. Although both are foldable, backpacking chairs usually occupy the space of a 1.5-liter Nalgene bottle when packed, whereas camping chairs may be two to three times larger. Backpacking chairs are also significantly lighter. During use, camping chairs offer greater stability and a broader seating area compared to most backpacking chairs.

Backpacking chairs that weigh around a pound are the lightest available, though most typically weigh closer to two pounds. The lightest options often sacrifice comfort and stability compared to heavier models.

Seat pads are constructed using closed-cell foam, identical to the material used in top-tier backpacking sleeping pads. They offer a degree of insulation and cushioning against the ground, though they lack back support.

Weighing just one pound, the REI Flexlite Air is the lightest backpacking chair available, edging out the Helinox Chair Zero by a slim two-ounce margin.

Closing Reflections

The finest backpacking chairs are designed to be light, cozy, and simple to set up. Our leading choices were evaluated through hands-on testing, with direct comparisons conducted in the environments most frequented by backpackers.

• Most Comfortable:  
• Best for Larger Individuals:
• Top Choice for Value:
• Most Reliable Performance:
• Top Pick for Lightweight Performance:
• Best Affordable Option:

Laura Lancaster

Lancaster serves as Outdoor Life’s gear staff writer, specializing in thorough evaluations of backpacking and camping equipment, with a strong emphasis on lightweight and ultralight options. She resides in the Pacific Northwest alongside her husband and daughter.

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