If youre looking for a lightweight chair with a lighter footprint, the Mica Basin Chair is the answer. Some are definitely higher quality than others, and its important to consider the durability and dependability of anything you take into the backcountry. 10 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023 - SectionHiker.com However, when using this type of chair, you must ensure that it is placed on a flat surface, or you might risk losing your balance and falling over. 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. KingCamp Mini Folding Camping Stool If you have any problems, please firstly let us know, we will try our best to help you! The fabric body of the chair is then stretched onto the four top poles. Its claim to fame is its compactness (12.6" x 5.9" ) making it very easy to pack and carry in a backpack. 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. Similar to a flat-folding chair seat, the Trekker relies on your sleeping pad for comfort and structure. But this review is different. While the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 may look like a simple chair, its made with 8mm high-density cored EVA closed-cell foam which provides insulation and has a durable outer shell made with 210D coated ripstop nylon for abrasion-resistance and weatherproofing. The 8 Best Backpacking Chairs 2023 | Backpackers.com Helinox and Big Agnes make some of the most popular ones. The taco-style chairs, like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 and Crazy Creek Original require body weight and tension to remain stable. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Support us! When seen side by side, you can get a pretty clear picture of the differences in size and body positioning of each chair. Are Backpacking Chairs Worth It? And Ultralight Backpacking If youre using a seat pad, it will provide the least level of comfort compared with the other options since theyre just a layer of padding between you and the ground without any other features. Its definitely the best choice for the ultralight backpackers who arent looking for a chair per se but a nice seating pad for keeping your bum warm at camp. But with a chair, you can benefit from sitting up, relaxing, and recuperating energy for only a few more pounds. If, on the other hand, a chair is unstable, it's the first complaint you'll hear. While the back feet of the chair have a flat angle to themwhich can be adjusted depending on the terrainthe front feet are rounded, and the legs are a bit shorter. 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. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. We compared the depth of each tent-style chair, as some tipped us forward more than others. A Complete Guide What Is A Backpacking Chair? Helinox Chair One Review | Tested by GearLab Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. Pick this chair up if simplicity is the goal. Two tent-style chairs stand out for excellent ventilation: the Moon Lence Backpacking Chair and the TravelChair Joey with their large mesh panels. nalgene, Low to the ground, some may desire a higher seat, 420D honeycomb ripstop polyester, aluminum, Heavy and a bit bulky to take backpacking, Ultralight nylon ripstop, aircraft aluminum, Prebent poles and wide base make for a large, comfortable seat, A bit bulkier than other chairs in our lineup, Steel frame cant be left outdoors during inclement weather. In addition to its seat height and the highest weight limit in my test, the Helinox Chair One XL was also one of the most stable chairs I tested, excelling on a number of different terrains, including sand, mud, and firm ground. Because the legs are telescopic, you can adjust the seat height of the chair by pulling out and locking them in place. The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair and Big Agnes Skyline Stool are excellent; they both have a broad base that creates a secure sitting experience. While the other backpacking chairs felt tight around my hips and uncomfortable after only a few minutes, I happily sat in the NEMO Moonlite for over an hour. I was trying out a new pack, which meant (as sometimes happens) my pelvic bones were a bit bruised. Mary also serves as the leader of AllGear Digitals DEI Committee. As the name suggests, this kind of chair has only 2 legs. 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. It is known to be one of the best backpacking chairs out there. We scoured the internet for chairs made with recycled materials or that were USA-made, and couldnt find many. We've tested close to 40 different models over the past 10 years. Packed Dimensions: 16 x 5. For many people that means sitting on the bare ground without any support or cushion, but a lightweight backpacking chair or even just an inflatable pad can improve your experience greatly. On the other hand, inflatable pads score lower on the durability scale, but they are lighter and more compact. Larger, more sturdy camping chairs are going to be the most stable to use on the beach. Assuming that you are already carrying an inflatable sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit is a scant 10.8 ounces. 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. What was supposed to be a summer job in Yosemite National Park turned into five years, with her ultimately becoming a rock climbing guide with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. With an 11-inch seat height, your back is well supported when you settle into the chair, allowing you to lean back without feeling unstable. For some people, this is a must-have when on the trail, and for others, it is, to put it bluntly, is a massive waste of space and money. A backpacking chair can be used either for backpacking or car camping. Sometimes the simplest answer is the best. Support reviewer Ben Applebaum-Bauch is also an avid backpacker. Simply extend and twist the legs open, and the stool is ready to use. It's not a chair but a conversion kit that turns an inflatable sleeping pad into a backpacking chair. Its definitely a great option if you already have a Therm-a-Rest and dont want to invest more than $100 in a lightweight camp chair, but it does have some limitations. If you are a car camper, I think buying a camping chair would be worth it since, as I mentioned, you will be spending much more time in camp and it would be worth it to buy something that can provide more comfort. And if you want to relieve your back from all the strain of carrying the backpack across terrains, a lightweight compact chair is the way to go. GCI Roadtrip Rocker Chair. Price: $265 CAD/$200 USD. We also considered what body position the chairs put us in. At just 10 ounces, its the lightest chair out there. Under 1.5 pounds, the new Ground Chair ($130) is slightly lighter than the previous model. Looking first at tent-style chairs, some really stand out. While it is my opinion that purchasing one is unnecessary when going on a backpacking trip, if you enjoy extra comfort and are willing to sacrifice some space and a lighter pack, go for it. It also sits higher than other chairs in our review, with a seat height of 15 inches. However, unlike a regular two-legged chair, these chairs are difficult to get in and out of, and they are also difficult to use for cooking or leaning forward. The Ground Chair has DAC aluminum-alloy poles and a 240-pound weight capacity. Backpacking chairs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of different settings. Best value backpacking chairs: REI Flexlite & Therm-a-Rest Trekker. I looked at comfort, ease of set up and packing, and stability in each environment. In terms of comfort, a4-legged chairis considered the best. Tested for: Four months. In fact, this chair is so big and so comfortable that I would happily use the Helinox Chair One XL as my regular car camping chair. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. If you want to see more of our backpacking gear recommendations, check out our backpacking gear blog! For those looking for an even more packable, ultralight option, you cant beat Crazy Creek ($65). In terms of out-of-case performance, it stacks up well for its price point. The REI Trail Stool can barely be more effortless. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. You may save a couple of pounds, but if you are getting tired after a long hike and dont get a chance to rest, then this will ultimately be worse. The Trekology Yizi Lite is a compact and lightweight camping chair that weighs 26.5 oz with a chair height of 9.8 inches and a max recommended load of 220 lbs. Our runner-up chair, the Helinox Ground Chair, is a great choice in this regard, with its low-to-the-ground, square-shaped base. When he is not out exploring new adventures, he is a camping nerd who can be found in front of his laptop researching various tricks and tips as well as keeping up with the latest trends. Both of these chairs are the lightest but also lack back support. However, 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. You'll find this review helpful in narrowing down your options in a market full of excellent chairs. Because comfort is a significant part of this review, we allocated 35% of each chair's overall score to this metric. The Helinox Chair Zero is an ultralight foldable backpacking chair that will keep you a solid 11 inches off the ground. Among them is a chair, or more specifically a backpacking chair. You don't really NEED a chair though unless you've got some joint or mobility issues or you really value comfort. If you are an ultralight hiker, the price may seem reasonable; however, if you are a car camper who makes sporadic short backpacking trips, the price may not seem justified to you. Tent-style chairs like the Big Agnes Skyline UL, Big Agnes Big Six, and Nemo Moonlite excel in the comfort metric since their raised seats are easier to get in and out of. Mark Kenyon on Instagram: "Camped for the first time with this Just $1 per month , Kick back after a long day of hiking with one of these top collapsible seats, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. The comfort between these categories is notably different. However, the Chair One has legs and thicker fabric, putting it on the heavier side. The only downside is you must have a compatible sleeping pad in addition to the chair. DURABLE and LIGHTWEIGHT--Only weight 1.4 lbs, packed size 14.9 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches, small package, space savingHEIGH WEIGHT CAPACITY--Supports up to 330 lbsSTURDY and DURABLE--Rugged steel frame, quality 1200D Oxford frabic; EASY to USE--Open and fold in seconds; No . They are lightweight and easily transported, making them a great choice for anyone who likes to spend time outdoors. These chairs are made for more practical use instead of long-term lounging, and are also lighter than traditional camp chairs as a result, which may be desirable for some folks. Backpacking chair suggestions? : r/backpacking - Reddit Lower on the general comfort list are the chairs without any back support at all. Just $34 and it comes with a built-in cooler? While they are great for cooking or spending time at the campsite, they lack the necessary back support to be used for back relief. He has spent hundreds of evenings in backcountry and front country campsites, parking himself on all sorts of seating. Originally from New York, Miya graduated with a Bachelors degree in English from Skidmore College and quickly fled west to see what the great outdoors had to offer. One area where the REI Flexlite Air doesnt cut corners is in durability. If youre looking for something ultra-lightweight and versatile and dont mind not having a backrest, this seat is a great choice. The seat pocket isn't as deep as some, so we did find our legs feeling less supported and our bums sliding forward. 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. Sure, you could sit on the ground, or you could even use a trunk as a stool, but I assure you, they wont help you destress or lessen the strain on your back from carrying the pack as a chair would. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Whether you're spending a day at the beach, an afternoon at the park, or even a night out camping, these lightweight chairs provide you with the support you need to stay . Our experts test thousands of products each year. First, the legs cover a larger square area than others at this size and weight. To make a chair light enough for backpacking isn't cheap. Lets dig a little deeper and see if its worth the additional weight. You may be wondering how are you supposed to sit there or more importantly how to keep balance? Backpacking chairs are a unique type of chair specifically designed for hikers, campers, and other outdoor adventurers. 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. The 7 Best Camping Chairs of 2023 | Tested by GearLab And if youre still wondering whether the extra weight is worth it, keep in mind that the whole point of packing less is to be able to hike further and more comfortably. It also comes with a carry bag. This is a great way to keep your hands free, and it also allows you to have easy access to items that are needed at any moment. ), Helinox Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair (click here to check prices on amazon), Clic Camping Chair (click here to check prices on amazon). It is also lower to the ground than other backpacking chairs in our lineup, making it even more stable. 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. 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. If you don't mind a bit of extra weight, this model offers unmatched comfort wrapped up in a reasonably small travel size. Backpacking enthusiast and lead reviewer, 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. Are you on the hunt for the best backpacking chair? However, not all backpacking chairs provide the same level of comfort, and this can largely depend on their weight and design. This is a great choice for those looking for a lighter option for longer backpacking trips, without sacrificing comfort and support. We loved this chair for backpacking and car camping trips alike. You'll find yourself sitting pretty low to the ground, so this may not be the chair for folks who have trouble getting up from a low crouch. This might be a pro for some and a con for others, depending on what youre looking for. While it is my opinion that purchasing one is unnecessary when going on a backpacking trip, if you enjoy extra comfort and are willing to sacrifice some space and a lighter pack, go for it. All sturdy/reliable lightweight backpacking chairs are expensive. These chairs are usually made of lighter materials and can pack down to significantly more than a standard camping chair. The Helinox Chair One ($110) is wildly popular and for good reason its comfortable and serves its purpose well outdoors. Though they add some extra weight to your pack, the level of comfort they provide makes up for it. All of these pieces of equipment should already be part of your backpacking gear, so why spend more money on something when you already have gear that can perform the same function. But, some chairs stood out for supporting the back for longer sessions. Its the log you find at the edge of your campsite, a patch of pine needles, or an unusually flat rock. 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. Let's get down to business! Is it breathable and ventilated? While it isnt a traditional chair (no back support) it is lightweight, super packable, and a great budget-friendly option. The deep bucket seat allows you to recline in comfort and the side pockets are great for small items. From there, we purchased the most promising models and tested them for several weeks, updating the review frequently to reflect new products. Some chairs are noticeably easier to set up than others, however, which we will discuss in this section. Due to the fact that these chairs have four legs, they are very stable on the ground and greatly reduce your chances of falling over. That being said, its clear that the fabric of Klymit Ridgeline Short is stretchier than others in my test, which may be an issue if you are at the upper end of the 265-pound weight limit of the chair. It took multiple people to stretch the fabric body over the aluminum frame. 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. These chairs can vary greatly in weight and are typically made with an aluminum frame. We found the hubless pole design on the Big Agnes Big Six to be great for reducing bulk and increasing stability, but it does mean the setup requires a bit more focus than poles that spring into place mostly on their own. When I had my husband6-foot-3sit in both this and the Big Agnes Mica Basin XL, he was unequivocal that this was the most comfortable chair, both to get in and out of and to actually sit in for long periods of time.