Top Backpacking Chairs for 2025
A backpacking chair is a premium addition that can significantly improve comfort and relaxation during the camping segment of a backpacking adventure. For those who enjoy gathering around a campfire in the evening or reading outside while seated upright, packing a trail chair can greatly elevate the experience. Weighing just 1 to 2 pounds on the trail, the extra load of a backpacking chair is hardly burdensome, particularly when balanced with the use of other lightweight backpacking equipment.
These are the top lightweight backpacking and camping chairs we suggest.
1. Helinox Chair Zero
2. REI Flexlite Air Chair
3. NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair
4. Helinox Ground Chair
The Helinox Ground Chair features a square-shaped base that distributes weight more uniformly compared to traditional feet, reducing the risk of sinking into soft surfaces. Assembly is quick and hassle-free thanks to its shock-corded poles and user-friendly seat connections. Designed for comfort, the sturdy 500-denier polyester seat includes ventilated monofilament mesh side panels, ideal for staying cool in warm conditions. An ottoman for resting your feet would be the sole addition needed.
5. Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair
6. Grand Trunk Monarch Chair
7. Trekkology Yizi Lite Chair
8. Crazy Creek Hex 2.0
9. REI Flexlite Air Stool
10. Hillsound BTR Stool
Selecting the Perfect Backpacking Trail Chair
Modern trail chairs come in various designs, including sling-style options with foldable, shock-corded aluminum legs, compact stools, chair kits that integrate a sleeping pad, sit pads made from closed-cell foam, and cushioned inflatable seats.
Price
The price of a backpacking chair can differ significantly based on the style you select. Upright models with backs and shock-corded poles tend to be the priciest, whereas costs decrease for lower-profile options like sit pads or sleeping pad chair kits. Beyond pricing, it’s worth evaluating warranties and return policies. For instance, Helinox provides a 5-year warranty on all its chairs, such as the Helinox Chair Zero and Helinox Ground Chair, reflecting the durability of their designs. REI products or purchases made via REI come with a 1-year satisfaction guarantee, offering peace of mind if your chosen chair doesn’t meet expectations.
Weight of the Chair
When considering chair weight, it’s essential to weigh it against the chair’s weight capacity to guarantee it supports your body weight, seat height, and packability. For instance, the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair stands out as the top choice for larger or taller backpackers, though it is notably heavier than options like the Helinox Chair Zero or the REI Flexlite Air Chair.
Maximum Load Limit
When selecting a trail chair, ensure it can handle your body weight or the weight of those who will sit in it. Avoid the risk of the chair breaking or collapsing, which could lead to injury. The NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair stands out as the most robust upright option featured here, thanks to its reinforced frame, with the Big Agnes Skyline UL coming in next. Both models are ideal for taller or larger backpackers.
Seat Elevation
Trail chairs positioned close to the ground, such as the , can make standing up quite challenging. Ideally, we recommend chairs with a seat height of around 10″. Anything significantly lower might require incorporating deep squats into your regular exercise routine to build the strength needed to rise from the chair. However, this depends on personal preference. If you’re comfortable with sitting closer to the ground or using a sit pad, a low chair could still be a practical choice for you.
Seat Breadth
Seat width is a key comfort factor to keep in mind, as you’ll want a chair spacious enough to accommodate your seat comfortably. For those who prefer avoiding side pressure on their backside, options such as the REI Trail Stool work well, as do sit pads like the NEMO Chipper or the REI Sit Pad.
Spinal Support
If back support is important to you, consider the NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair with its customizable back angle or the more upright Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair compared to other options.
Chair Leg Supports
Many trail chairs tend to sink into soil, sand, or soft ground, creating frustration when trying to stand up or exit the chair. To avoid this issue, prioritize models with broad feet or specialized attachments designed to minimize sinking. While these features may increase the chair’s price and weight, they enhance stability in outdoor conditions. For instance, the Helinox Chair Zero includes an optional groundsheet to keep it from sinking in loose terrain, though this adds to both cost and weight. The NEMO Moonlite and REI Trail Stool feature wider feet than most chairs but may still sink under certain conditions. One standout solution is Chair Buddies (see our review), a UK-made accessory that attaches to chair legs to prevent sinking. However, it only works with the Helinox Chair Zero and REI Flexlite Chair.
Packability
When selecting a backpacking chair, think carefully about how to pack it and the additional space it will occupy. Will you need the chair readily available during the day without unpacking your bag, or only at the campsite? If stored inside your backpack, how much extra room will it take up? These factors are important to keep in mind when deciding on a backpacking chair.
