Are you a backpacking enthusiast who loves spending time in the great outdoors? If so, you know how important it is to have the right gear, especially when it comes to something as essential as a backpacking chair. After all, there's nothing like having a comfortable seat to relax in after a long day of hiking and exploring.
At [Company Name], we understand the importance of finding the perfect backpacking chair that balances comfort, portability, and durability. That's why we have thoroughly researched and tested numerous chairs on the market to handpick the best ones for your outdoor adventures. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day trek or simply spending a night under the stars, our selection of backpacking chairs will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024
When it comes to backpacking chairs, there are several key factors to consider, including comfort, stability, size and weight, ease of setup, and build quality. After careful evaluation, we have identified the top backpacking chairs for 2024:
- Best Overall Backpacking Chair: REI Flexlite Air Chair
- Best Budget Backpacking Chair: Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Chair
- Runner-Up Best Backpacking Chair: Helinox Ground Chair
- Most Sustainable Backpacking Chair: Big Agnes Mica Chair
- Best Chair for Ultralight Backpacking: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
- Most Versatile Backpacking Chair: NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair
A solid backpacking chair can immediately boost camping comfort; (photo/Miya Tsudome)
How We Tested Backpacking Chairs
To ensure that our recommendations are reliable and based on real-world experiences, we enlisted the help of our expert gear testers. Led by Miya Tsudome, a seasoned backpacker with over a decade of experience, our testers put these chairs through rigorous testing in various outdoor settings.
Miya and her team took these chairs on camping trips, climbing expeditions, and even road trips to ensure that they perform well in different environments. They evaluated the comfort, stability, ease of setup, packability, and more for each chair, providing us with valuable insights and data to help you choose the best backpacking chair for your needs.
Make sure you are familiar and comfortable with how your backpacking chair is put together before taking it into the backcountry; (photo/Miya Tsudome)
Choosing the Right Backpacking Chair
Selecting the right backpacking chair can make a world of difference in your outdoor experience. Here are some important factors to consider:
Comfort/Back Support
While it's crucial to have a lightweight and compact chair for backpacking, comfort and back support should not be compromised. Our top pick, the REI Flexlite Air Chair, strikes the perfect balance between comfort and weight. Its 11-inch seat height provides excellent back support, allowing you to lean back without feeling unstable.
Other models, such as the Helinox Ground Chair, Chair One, and Chair Zero, offer similar seat heights and durable, supportive fabrics, making them all comfortable choices.
The Big Agnes Mica Chair boasts solid, comfortable back support; (photo/Miya Tsudome)
Stability
Considering that backpacking chairs are often used on uneven terrain, stability is a vital feature to consider. The Helinox Ground Chair, with its low-to-the-ground, square-shaped base, provides excellent stability. Its unique design distributes weight evenly, making it less likely to tip over.
Other chairs that rank high in stability are the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0, Therm-a-Rest Z Seat, and Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair. These chairs, without legs, can be used on sand, rocks, slopes, or even snow without the risk of tipping over.
Size and Weight
Size and weight play a crucial role in choosing a backpacking chair. You want a chair that fits easily into your backpack and adds minimal weight. The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is the lightest and most compact chair in our lineup, weighing a mere 2 ounces and folding up accordion-style to a size barely wider than a Nalgene bottle.
For those who prioritize lightweight chairs with proper back support, the REI Flexlite Air is an excellent option. Weighing only a pound and folding up into a small 5x16-inch package, it strikes the perfect balance between weight and comfort.
Ease of Setup
Every backpacking chair we reviewed features relatively simple setups, allowing you to quickly transition from trail to camp. The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat stands out as the simplest chair to set up. Folding up accordion-style, it can be deployed by simply removing the attached rubber band, opening it up, and sitting down.
The Hillsound Equipment BTR Stool is also easy to set up—simply extend and twist the legs open, and it's ready to use. The Crazy Creek requires a bit of adjustment, but once set up, it provides excellent comfort.
Backpacking Chair vs. Camping Chair
It's essential to understand the distinction between backpacking chairs and camping chairs. Backpacking chairs are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to pack. They are ideal for backpacking trips, where space and weight in your pack are limited.
On the other hand, if you do a lot of car camping, where you can drive up to your campsite with all your gear, a camping chair might be a better choice. Camping chairs are typically more comfortable, with taller backs and additional features such as cup holders or extra cushioning.
Backpacking chairs may not be as comfy as camp chairs, but they sure make life on a backpacking trip easier; (photo/Miya Tsudome)
Different Types of Backpacking Chairs
Backpacking chairs come in various shapes and sizes to suit different needs. The most common type is the two-piece chair with collapsible legs and a fabric bucket seat. Chairs like the REI Flexlite Air, Helinox Ground, and Chair One fall into this category, offering a combination of portability and comfort.
Stools, such as the Hillsound Equipment BTR, are great for fishing or river trips, while foldable chairs like the Crazy Creek strike a good balance between lightweight and comfort.
One unique style is the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair, which utilizes your sleeping pad to create a plush and comfortable seat. It's a versatile option that allows you to make the most of your existing gear.
Build Quality and Durability
High-quality materials are crucial for backpacking chairs, as they need to withstand the rigors of the backcountry. Brands like Helinox, REI, and Big Agnes prioritize durability in their chair designs. The use of lightweight aluminum leg poles, ripstop polyester, and high-tenacity nylon ensures that these chairs can withstand the demands of your outdoor adventures.
Investing in a well-built chair is worth it for the long-lasting comfort and convenience it provides during your backpacking trips.
Conclusion
When it comes to backpacking chairs, comfort and convenience are paramount. Our curated selection of the best backpacking chairs of 2024 offers a range of options to suit different preferences. Whether you prioritize lightweight design, back support, or ease of setup, you'll find the perfect chair for your upcoming adventures.
At [Company Name], we understand the importance of reliable gear for a successful outdoor experience. That's why we have taken the time to research, test, and recommend the best backpacking chairs on the market. With our expertise and insights, you can make an informed decision and invest in a chair that will enhance your backpacking trips for years to come.
Disclaimer: This article was originally published on [Date]. We have refreshed the information and ensured that each recommended chair is in stock and up-to-date.
