Backpacking & Camping

Best Backpacking Chair: 8 Best Camping/Hiking/Trekking Chairs

Best Backpacking Chair

In today’s lightweight world, backpacking has been made easy. There are so many things that you can pack for your outdoor adventures. The best backpacking chair is one of the most resourceful items that you have to bring along.

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The combination of a pad and a portable chair is about a few pounds heavier than a full-length pad. However, the benefit of having chairs along while backpacking is worth the added weight.

You simply have to strap your chair to the outside of your pack and make use of it every time you take a break while camping, trekking, or hiking. The list of product reviews provides you with useful and reliable buying information.

Most Important Features

Fabric Material

You must make sure the fabric is made of high-quality material. The material you choose should have the following features: waterproof, fade-proof, flame retardant, anti-UV, anti-static, cold resistant, washable, anti-oil/dust, light fastness, shrink-resistant, tear resistant, and highly durable.

Backpacking Chair material

Some of the most recommended fabrics are 600D polyester fabric, 450D ripstop polyester, and 210D ripstop nylon fabrics.

Frame Material & Design

The second most important feature to consider is the frame material and design. There are various frame materials in the market, such as anodized aluminum, and 7000 series aluminum.

Normally, most backpacking chairs are made of aluminum frames. Frames made of aluminum do not rust, they’re relatively lightweight, durable, and require minimal maintenance. They have color stability to UV rays, and they do not peel or chip easily.

Lightweight, Compact, & Stability

It is a backpacking chair; therefore, it has to be lightweight. The lightweight and compact nature of a portable seat determines how easy it will be for you to carry it around when trekking or hiking. You need a stable chair that is easy to balance.

Lightweight chair

You must ensure the model you are settling for suits your needs as far as steadiness is concerned. Stability is also very important when you are planning to use your chair on a rocky terrain or on a beach. Moreover, choose a model with the desired weight capacity.

Easy Setup

You should not overlook this feature. Some seats are unbelievably easy to set up, while others will consume a few minutes.

Go for a model that is easy to assemble and disassemble. The frame and the pad designs determine how easy or hard assembling and collapsing a portable chair can be.

8 Best Camping/Hiking/Trekking Chairs Reviews

Grand Trunk Micro Collapsible Camp Stool

Grand Trunk Micro Collapsible Camp Stool

Weight: 10.5 ounces

Product Dimensions: 8 by 10 by 10 inches

Design Features: Nylon fabric; 250 lbs. weight capacity; 2-inch high; 7.7-inch wide; stash shelf under the seat; collapsible legs; aluminum frame; mini stool; ultra-lightweight and compact design; and ideal for traveling.

Best Use: Backpacking, Camping

Description: Grand Trunk Micro has a compact and lightweight design for easy carry. It measures 8 by 10 by 10 inches and weighs 10.5 ounces. The chair is made of high-quality 1680D Oxford nylon materials, which is extremely strong and it does not get fuzzy or wear out easily.

As far as the chair is concerned, this is a desirable fabric that adds character to the seat. The nylon is highly durable and very strong. It is fitted with aluminum frame for sturdiness and stability.

The aluminum frame offers a number of benefits, including: it does not rust (you can use it in high humidity); durable and long-lasting (can last a number of years); and it is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry.

It has collapsible legs which fold easily for superior portability. There is a stash shelf situated under the seat, which you can use to place items when you do not have a table nearby.

The whole package also comes with a mini-camp stool. Grand Trunk Micro offers you a seating capacity of 8x10x10 inches that can support up to 250 lbs.

Kelty Linger Low-back Chair

Kelty Linger Low-back Chair

Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz.

Product Dimensions: 20 by 18.5 by 26 inches

Design Features: Black color; 600D polyester fabric; anodized aluminum frame; collapsible legs; 14-inch height; lightweight & compact design; one size; 300 lbs. weight capacity; and a portable carry bag.

Best Use: Backpacking, Camping, & Hiking

Description: Kelty Linger is a 14-inch high-low back chair that offers comfort during camping and hiking. It weighs 2 pounds and 7 ounces, making it lightweight and compact for easy packing and carry.

It measures 20 by 18.5 by 26 inches when fully assembled, providing you with ample sitting area that can support up to 300 lbs. When completely collapsed and packed, it measures 18 by 5.5 by 4 inches, which is exceptionally compact for backpacking and easy carry when in the wild. The frame is engineered from anodizing aluminum.

This material offers the following performance benefits: durability (it is incorporated with the fundamental aluminum for unmatched adhesion and complete bonding, providing high durability); color stability (the outer anodic cover does not peel or chip and it offers excellent stability to UV rays); and ease of maintenance (you can easily restore the shining surface by rinsing with soap and water). The fabric is made of 600D polyester.

The fabric presents you with the following features: waterproof, fade-proof, flame-retardant, anti-UV, anti-static, anti-oil/dust, shrink-resistant, cold resistant, easily washable and high durability. The collapsible legs fold easily crumpling the chair into a small sized pack. In addition, the seat comes with a carry bag that you can use to store some items.

Travel chair Slacker Camp Chair

Travel chair Slacker Camp Chair

Weight: 1.9 lbs.

Product Dimensions: 26 by 3 by 3 inches

Design Features: 450D ripstop polyester seat material; integrated Velcro strap closure; collapsible legs; 275 lbs. weight capacity; lightweight & compact design; extra-heavy tubing frame; rust- resistant coating powder; high-quality nylon connectors & rivets; and oversized nylon feet.

Best Use: Backpacking, Camping, Hunting, Outdoor Concert

Description: TravelChair Slacker is a lightweight backpacking and outdoor chair for the money. As far as portable seats are concerned, this particle model collapses easily into a small newspaper-sized pack that is not only lightweight but also convenient to carry.

The fabric is made of 450D ripstop polyester material. The fabric is waterproof, strong, durable, abrasion/tear/stretch resistant, and easily washable.  The textile distributes your weight uniformly, providing a relaxing and comfortable sitting experience.

Regardless of the fact that the seat only weighs 1.9 pounds, it has a weight capacity of 275 pounds.

The frame is engineered from heavy-duty tubing, which offers minimal flexing. Also, the exterior of the frame is coated with a rust resistant powder that ensures the surface is protected against wear and corrosion.

The stability of the chair is maintained by the high-quality rivets and connectors that fit impeccably, ensuring there is no movement. You can conveniently position the seat on sand because it comes with oversized feet that do not sink into sand or any soft surface.

Unlike most manufacturers, TravelChair Slacker’s makers do lab tests to guarantee its durability and strength. The manufacturer presents you with a number of colors, providing you with options.

Alite Designs Mantis Camp Chair

Alite Designs Mantis Camp Chair

Weight: 1.6 lbs.

Product Dimensions: 29 by 21 by 22 inches

Design Features: Black; strong & comfortable design; durable, breathable fabric; fast, color-coded assembly; 210D ripstop nylon fabric; 7000 series aluminum; four collapsible legs; patent pending inventive design; and stuff sack.

Best Use: Backpacking, Camping, Hiking

Description: Alite Designs Mantis is a contemporary camping chair designed to provide you with unlimited comfort while enjoying the view from a relaxing position. As far Alite Designs are concerned, the Mantis is considered the largest with the ability to lounge smoothly for hours.

The 7000 series aluminum frame is compact, durable, and lightweight. The seat fabric is made of 210D ripstop nylon along with breathable mesh panels. Apart from being strong and durable, the fabric is water resistant, tear resistant, and easily washable.

It is perfectly lightweight and portable at just 1.6 pounds, making it the best camping/hiking chair for serious campers and hikers.

The comfortable textile offers you hours of comfort while the higher & extended back section ensures your back is at healthy stance whenever you are seated. When completely assembled, the chair measures 29 by 21 by 22 inches and measures 11 by 5 by 5 inches when completely collapsed.

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Weighing 1.6 pounds, this is one of the most portable seats that you can easily carry around when compared to other models in the market. The strong aluminum frame and the heavy duty nylon fabric provide you with a strong and durable seat that can support up to 250 pounds.

The four legs and the uniquely designed sling offer maximum stability and relaxation. As far as setup is concerned, the Mantis is easy to assemble and disassemble, meaning that you do not need special know-how to set it up.

Therm-A-Rest Trekker Lounge Chair

Therm-A-Rest Trekker Lounge Chair

Weight: 1.2 lbs.

Product Dimensions: 19.7 by 7.9 by 15.8 inches

Design Features: Adjustable side straps; easy to use; versatile and resourceful; built-in fleece stuff; pillow sleeve; setup is quick and convenient.

Best Use: Backpacking, Trekking, Camping

Description: Therm-a-Rest is the right chair to buy if you are in need of a traveling, portable seat that you can easily pack away in any backpack. To begin, it is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to assemble. It is without a doubt versatile and resourceful because you can use it as a chair or a lounge.

The Therm-A-Rest will transform your sleeping pad into a relaxing seat. The design incorporates a hard-wearing nylon oxford bottom and a soft nylon Taslan upper, which completely cover the mattress. There is absolutely no need for you to take off the mattress for packing or sleeping, because of the removable back support.

It has a sizeable sleeve that accommodates full-length 25-inch or 20-inch mattresses. Basically, the sleeve extends along the entire pad and you do not have to remove it at any given time.

You will certainly admire the lounge since it offers the desired support and comfort when in the upright position and effortlessly transforms into a sleeping pad. You have a small section in which you can stash your cushion so as to keep it clean.

You should not be worried about cold ground; the lounge will conveniently insulate you from the cold. The seat/lounge is also incorporated with adjustable side straps.

Helinox Ground Chair

Helinox Ground Chair

Weight: 1lb. 6.6 oz.

Product Dimensions: 20.5 by 19.7 by 17.3 inches

Design Features: 600D polyester fabric; 265 lbs. weight capacity; breathable mesh on sides & back; storage sack w/ daisy chain; single shock-corded pole structure; easy set up; lightweight and compact design.

Best Use: Backpacking, Camping, Hiking

Description: Helinox Ground is state-of-the-art ground chair designed for backpacking and outdoor activities. Regardless of the fact that the chair is costly, it has an exceptionally lightweight, packable, and comfortable structure that does effortlessly fit in different day packs, such as large lumbar packs.

When compared to other models, this one is lower and has a taller back that allows you to conveniently lean backward to assume a much wider and relaxing sitting position. The frame is made of aluminum material, making it strong, lightweight and comfy.

Set up is easy, all you have to do is unpack and the rest is simple. The breathable mesh situated on the sides and back of the chair provides added comfort. It is the best for backpacking because it collapses into a small sized pack that measures 11.8 by 4.3 by 4.3 inches.

When compared to Helinox chair one, both seats are tremendously compact when folded and very comfy when fully assembled. Helinox ground is more of a recliner, while chair one sits higher. The seat offers a wider seating area that can accommodate up to 265 pounds.

Big Agnes Big Easy Chair Kit

Big Agnes Big Easy Chair Kit

Weight: 14 oz. (20-inch model); 1 lb. 3.5 oz. (25-inch model)

Product Dimensions: 25”/20” by 18 by 18

Design Features: Available in two sizes (20-inch & 25-inch); big easy converts; both support big Agnes pads; pad sizes are 78-inch, 72-inch, 66-inch, & 60-inch; made of heavy-duty 150 denier polyester w/ fiberglass stays; and stuff sack included.

Best Use: Backpacking, hiking, Trekking, Camping

Description: Big Agnes Big Easy is a new addition to backpacking accessories. The very first observation you will make as far as this model is concerned is the lightweight nature. It is extremely portable, making it convenient for camping, trekking, and hiking.

You are provided with two different sizes, including 25-inch and 20-inch. The 25-inch wide design is blue in color and it fits any 25-inch wide Big Agnes pad; while the 20-inch wide design is red in color and fits any 20-inch wide Big Agnes pad.

Both sizes are well-matched with rectangular and mummy pads. The fabric is made of heavy-duty polyester with fiberglass stays. This material is durable and easy to maintain. Both designs have buckled straps on both sides that hold the upper and lower sections in position when the chair is fully assembled.

The buckled straps allow you to easily collapse the seat by releasing the buckles. However, the pads are sold separately. Basically, the seat transforms your sleeping cushion into a camp chair.

Rei Flex Lite Chair

Rei Flex Lite Chair

Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz.

Product Dimensions:26 by 20 by 20 inches

Design Features: Aluminum frame construction; ripstop nylon seat material; 250 lbs. weight capacity; 11-inch seat height; 4-leg design; and breathable.

Best Use: Backpacking; Hiking; Trekking

Description: REI Flex Lite is one of the best outdoor portable chairs. This is a lightweight backpacking, hiking, trekking, and camping seat. It is designed to provide you with stability and comfort while you observe what nature has to offer.

The only challenging part as far as this chair is concerned is the assembling process. The process starts by removing the frame along with the cover from the bag. Position the frame and then tuck in the poles in the strengthened pouches of the cover.

The poles are made of aluminum, making them lightweight and durable. The feel of this seat is sturdy, nothing like most outdoor chairs you find in the market. The 4-legged frame supports up to 250 pounds and it sits you near the ground.

In Conclusion

The best camping/hiking/trekking chair is one that offers you comfort while relaxing.

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The seat should not be too reclined because it will cause discomfort when leaning forward. The frame has to be fairly large to increase stability. Portability is a virtue as far as a backpacking chair is concerned. You can also check out our article on the best camping gear essentials to bring.

Bring your Backpacking Chair

Go for a model that has an aluminum frame, which is lightweight, strong and durable. Avoid chairs which are too complicated to assemble. You need something that is easy to set up after a long day of trekking or hiking. Do you think we have missed any great seats? If so, please let us know in comments.

Before leaving for you trip, see our review of the best camping chairs to give you more information.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If the information in this post has been helpful, please consider purchasing through one of the links in this article. Thank you.

About the author

Ellie Thomas

Survival-Mastery reflects my love of the outdoors and having the skills to take care of myself in the wilderness and in worst-case scenarios. I grew up in the southeast backpacking, camping, and fishing, and I have hiked and backpacked over 15,000 miles in the US. My background and career for the past 30 years has been in operations and construction and I enjoy learning and DIY projects.

6 Comments

  • I purchased the Alite Mantis chair around a year ago and it has since proven itself to be an essential part of my backpacking kit. It is incredibly light weight coming in at a little over 1.5 lbs and packs up nicely into a compact size which is very easy to carry.

    As you’d expect from a compact/space conscious camp chair it sits quite close to the ground, however, it does come up high on your back and unlike many other camp chairs, it doesn’t pinch at your sides or poke under the shoulders, so a comfortable place to rest after a long day of hiking. Highly recommended.

  • In my solo-backpacking and hiking days, I would have considered a camping chair to be an unjustifiable luxury, however, as I get older and find myself camping more and more with my wife and children, I need somewhere comfortable to rest at the end of a long day.

    Though they’re a little expensive, I would personally recommend the Helinox ground chair to anyone looking for a comfortable, lightweight, and packable camp chair.

    Originally, I had considered the Helinox Chair One, which appears to be the most popular of the Helinox range, however, after testing them both in REI, I settled on the ground chair as it is lower but with a taller back which allows for a wider range of comfortable sitting positions.

    They are incredibly well-built and capable of supporting up to 265 lbs, I personally am 5’9″ and around 220 lbs and was able to sit comfortably without so much as creak or sign of struggle. Fantastic chairs and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to fellow campers.

  • Yah! The ground chair is without a doubt a premium grade quality, which is quick and easy to set up. Great choice, Glen!

  • Trekkers, hikers, and campers need to carry along backpacking chairs during their journeys. This is paramount and should be considered in order to enhance their comfort and make the expedition enjoyable. Before purchasing, you need to check some facts about any backpacking chair to determine the quality of fabric material, frame material and design, easy set up, compact, lightweight, and stability. Some of the best chairs to consider for your hiking exercises are thermarest trekker lounge chair, helinox ground chair, big agnes big chair, and more. However, as a hiker or camper, which of these chairs is the best?

  • Apart from providing you with the so much needed comfort, backpacking chairs are portable, durable, affordable, easy to use, and versatile.

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