There are plenty of different backpacking chairs on the market today, each offering its own range of benefits. Choosing one that suits you and your lifestyle best may require a little research, but it will make sure you make a decision that you will be happy with later.
By purchasing a lightweight camp chair, you will no longer have to make do with sitting on the dirty ground. These folding chairs are so small, thin and lightweight that you will barely notice them among your packing supplies.
There are many camp chairs on the market that claim to be light – but there’s light and then there’s ultralight. If you have lots of things to carry, then you are going to appreciate anything that makes your burden easier – like these ultralight camp chairs.
What makes the perfect backpacking chair can and will be different to each individual person. By discovering what it means to you, you can help narrow down the choices to find the best solution that will last.
There are so many different styles and colors available now that backpacking chairs no longer fit under the “one size fits all” category.
There are so many different styles and colors available now that backpacking chairs no longer fit under the “one size fits all” category. Finding one that matches the rest of your backpacking equipment shouldn’t be too difficult now, nor should picking one that suits your own physical needs well.
Finding the right lightweight camp chair can really help make your next trip to the woods or the beach a lot more fun. It is a good idea to find the chair that best fits your needs and matches your sense of style.
These folding chairs are available in so many different styles, colors, patterns and sizes. You can also choose from a variety of special features that make each Coleman folding chair a unique proposition.
If you like to travel light you are going to love this selection of ultralight camp chairs. Now there is absolutely no reason why you should compromise on comfort just because you are camping or sat outdoors anywhere.
You will find that these chairs don’t have some of the accessories of other camp chairs, such as arm rests, cup holders and storage pouches but the weight has to be trimmed from somewhere – and what they lose in ‘extras’ they certainly make up for in comfort.
Best Backpacking Chair
Helinox Chair One Camp Chair
A stylish looking design, this ultralight backpacking chair by Helinox weighs just 2lbs in total. Able to be disassembled to fit in the provided carry bag for transport, this product can be made to be just 14″ x 4″ x 5″ – small enough to fit into most backpacks.
Once constructed, this backpacking chair stands at 26″ high, with a width of 21″ and a depth of 20″. Sitting at 13.5″ from the ground, this camping seat is different from the majority in that it is not so low it is deemed uncomfortable.
Featuring the same aluminum pole technology as their tent poles and trekking poles, this backpacking chair is strong as well as comfortable.
Featuring the same aluminum pole technology that Helinox use in their tent poles and trekking poles, this backpacking chair is strong as well as comfortable. The seat’s mesh is completely breathable, allowing it to dry quickly after bad weather, or keep you cool in good.
Suitable for any person up to 320lbs to sit in, the Helinox Chair One does not feature arm rests, which is part of the reason this seat is so light and can become so compact. However, this may be a problem for some, as other camping chairs can be bought that do have this element.
With its simple, no frills design, the Chair One from Helinox is a great choice for a camping chair that is both lightweight and durable. If you take care of this chair in the right way, it will last you for many years without any issues.
It is available in twelve different color and designs, such as yellow, black, green, red, blue and grey. The chair only weighs two pounds and two ounces, while it is very easy to fold up and put in a small carrying bag that you can store in your cupboard, drawer or car when it is not being used.
The chair feels exceptionally cool in the back area, even if you are sitting outside on a warm summer’s evening.
The chair’s fabric is an extremely durable polyester, and it is designed in a way to give you maximum comfort and coolness when you are sitting down.
The chair feels exceptionally cool in the back area, even if you are sitting outside on a warm summer’s evening. This is the chair you would buy if you wanted something simple and effective for your camping trip.
This Helinox Chair ultralight camp chair weighs in at just 2lbs and has a maximum weight capacity of 320lbs so it might be a lightweight but it isn’t short on strength where it counts. Available in seven colors: black, apple green, blue tiger camo, green, red, camo and coyote tan, this chair looks the part.
The seat on this ultralight camp chair sits 13.5 inches from the ground, and the depth of the seat is also 13.5 inches. This height makes it easy for the majority of people to get in and out of without any struggle.
This ultralight camp chair has a robust construction and is easy to put together and to take apart.
This ultralight camp chair has a robust construction and is easy to put together and to take apart. It comes complete with its own handy carry case, which makes portability and storage convenient.
Once this Helinox Chair ultralight camp chair has been taken apart and put into the carry bag, its measurements are just 14 inches x 4 inches x 5 inches, which makes it perfect for stowing in the trunk of your car ready for some amazing days out.
Alps Mountaineering Rendezvous Chair
Able to withstand up to 300lbs, this backpacking chair is just as attractive and stylish as it is practical; made using sturdy steel frames that are powder coated for resilience, the Rendezvous chair is a comfortable place to relax when spending time outdoors.
Weighing 6lbs and 13oz, this chair is heavier than the Helinox and TravelChair models, but is still light enough to carry around. Featuring both a back rest and arm rests, this Alps product comes with a 28″ x 8″ carry bag for convenience.
A great solution for strict music festivals, this is a low chair that will keep you just 4″ from the ground.
A great solution for strict music festivals, this is a low chair that will keep you just 4″ from the ground, standing at an overall height of 24″. Made using 600D polyester fabric, the Rendezvous is available in 2 different colors: Khaki and Rust.
This product comes with a lifetime guarantee from the company, which they have honoured for previous customers. The chair does not feature a cup holder but, compared to the others in its category, this shouldn’t really be considered a deal breaker.
TravelChair Tripod Slacker Chair
Available in either red, black, blue or green, this ultralight backpacking chair can support anyone up to 275lbs – an impressive result considering that the product itself weighs just less than 2lbs and can be folded to the size of a newspaper, rolled.
Made using 450D polyester that features ripstop technology, this product is robust enough to last for many camping and fishing trips to come. Looking more like a stool than a chair, the Tripod Slacker has a shoulder trap for easy transportation.
Made using 450D polyester that features ripstop technology, this product is robust enough to last for many camping and fishing trips to come.
A comfortable solution, this invention by TravelChair keeps its users 14.5″ from the floor – a better solution than lower chairs for anyone who struggles to get up or down. Perfect for storing in the trunk of a car for occasional use, this seat offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Unfortunately, because of its shape and design, this product does not feature a back rest or arm rests. Great for offering some light relief from travelling, or providing a place to perch, this Slacker Chair isn’t ideal if you’re looking for somewhere to relax.
The Slacker Chair from TravelChair is a folding tripod camp stool that may not provide all the comfort and enjoyment of a camping chair, but is still a good option if you want something tiny where you can sit down while performing tasks or taking a break.
Despite its tiny size, the slacker has no trouble supporting a weight of up to 275 pounds. When the slacker folds up completely, it is no bigger than a piece of crumpled up newspaper. This makes it perfect for carrying in your backpack when you are going on a trip.
Despite its tiny size, the slacker has no trouble supporting a weight of up to 275 pounds.
The material used to construct this chair is 450D ripstop polyester, which is designed in a way that makes it resistant to water and the sun, while it will not rip when put into different positions.
Sometimes you want to take an item with you for sitting purposes, but you may not have the space to take a full-sized camping chair. This is where the slacker camp stool becomes the perfect alternative.
Sawyer Products PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System
When you purchase the PointOne Squeeze Water Filter System, you will be able to choose either a Personal System, with one, two, or three water pouches, or the All-In-One System tor use with faucet adapters and a field-maintainable bucket (sold separately).
The first option has a built in push/pull cap (that you can remove should you need to) so that you can spray water directly from the pouch into a bottle or your mouth, whereas the second choice will provide you with up to 540 gallons of clean water each day for a whole house water filtration system.
The 0.1 inline absolute micron hollow fiber membrane removes the majority of water-borne protozoa and bacteria.
The 0.1 inline absolute micron hollow fiber membrane removes the majority of water-borne protozoa and bacteria so no matter where you travel, as long as you have access to a freshwater supply, you can make it safe.
This backpack water purifier is able to filter around five gallons of water in an hour, which gives it an advantage over water filters that have not been designed to cope with any great volume, and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
G4Free Portable Ultralight Folding Sports Ground Chair
From G4Free, the Portable Ultralight Folding Sports Ground Chair is a fantastic option for buying a lightweight chair that you can flip open whenever you need a place to sit on your camping trip.
Made with a special 600D Oxford cloth, the chair feels both comfortable and flexible when you are sitting down. The frame and legs are made of a special metal, which means you do not have to worry about the chair developing rust or any other issues.
When you fold up the chair and put it in the carrying bag, it is almost as small as an iPad!
One of the biggest advantages associated with this chair is the portability. When you fold up the chair and put it in the carrying bag, it is almost as small as an iPad!
The chair was specially constructed in a way that ensures the metal is extremely durable, even if it is flexed and moved into different positions. If the chair feels exceptionally bendy while you are setting it up, you should not worry, because it was built that way.
This ultralight camp chair from G4Free weighs just 2lbs and yet is strong enough to carry a 200lb load. It is available in four distinctive colors – red, orange, blue and dark blue, and any one of those will provide you with a comfortable seat.
Setting up this ultralight camping chair couldn’t be easier – shock-cord runs through everything so it just isn’t possible to get it wrong. And that also means that when you put it away, you are not going to lose any of the parts, either.
Constructed from an aluminum frame, 600 denier Oxford cloth and mesh, this ultralight camp chair offers durability as standard.
Constructed from an aluminum frame, 600 denier Oxford cloth and mesh, this ultralight camp chair offers durability as standard. The frame won’t flex (although it will twist to absorb any flexing) and the pole pockets are thick and sturdy.
This camp chair will dry quickly if it gets caught in the rain, and the back of the chair has been designed to keep the sitter’s back cool. Once this ultralight camp chair has been packed away, it can be stored in the included bag that features carry handles for convenience.
Alite Designs Mantis Chair
The Mantis ultralight camp chair is the lightest of all the camp chairs that we have been looking at here. At just 1.8lbs, this chair is completely portable but refuses to compromise on stylish good looks or comfort that will be perfect wherever you take it.
The strong and durable body of this ultralight camp chair will cradle your body so you will want to stay there for hours – particularly as the back of the chair has been designed to be higher for additional comfort. Many users have reported that they now prefer sitting in the yard rather than their living rooms!
Even though this body-hugging, sling type camp chair is such a lightweight, it has a maximum weight load of 250lbs.
Even though this body-hugging, sling type camp chair is such a lightweight, it has a maximum weight load of 250lbs, and it comes with an included carry pouch for convenience.
The unfolded measurements of this ultralight camp chair are 29 inches x 21.5 inches x 22 inches, and when it is folded it measures 13 inches x 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches.
Alite Designs Mayfly Chair
If you thought comfort and lightweight were impossible to put together in a camping chair, then you haven’t had a look at the Alite Designs Mayfly Chair. This low-profile chair is the perfect companion if you carry all your camping gear on your back.
Not only does it weigh a mere 1.4lbs, but sitting so close to the ground means that you will be able to tend to your camping stove or fire from the comfort of your chair – remember, serious camping means no table so this is perfect.
The shape of this camping chair means that it you will feel cradled and enjoy the comfort that is usually so hard to find after a day’s climbing or hiking. The durable construction is amazingly strong and will hold up to 250lbs.
The Mayfly Chair has an optional front leg that allows you to savor the added comfort of rocking, should you wish. The chair comes with a stuff sack for transportation, and the comprehensive instructions for an easy assembly and disassembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backpacking chairs difficult to construct and dissemble?
Backpacking chairs are not difficult to assemble and dissemble at all, with the majority having a pop-up and collapsible design to really make things easier.
Backpacking chairs are not difficult to assemble and dissemble at all, with the majority having a pop-up and collapsible design to really make things easier. Some do, however, need to be constructed, but in most cases this only takes a matter of minutes when the included instructions are followed.
If taking time to build a backpacking chair is something that you wish to avoid, you should take this factor into consideration when choosing which is the right backpacking chair for you. Bear in mind, though, that assembly required backpack chairs tend to be the design where arm rests are included.
How are backpacking chairs different from regular camping chairs?
Regular camping chairs are also light and compact, but not to the same level that backpacking chairs are.
A backpacking chair is a convenient way of making sure that you have somewhere to sit, wherever you may be. Small enough to transport in the trunk of a stuffed car, and light enough to be carried by hand or in your rucksack, this style of seat is ideal for people who like to travel a lot.
Regular camping chairs are also light and compact, but not to the same level that backpacking chairs are. They tend to be taller, allowing the user to sit further away from the ground for a more comfortable experience, and always feature a backrest and arm rests.
Are backpacking chairs sturdy enough to least?
Backpacking chairs are a long lasting seating solution, with many on the market able to withstand up to 320lbs or more.
As with any product, it depends on the quality of the materials that have been used, and how well it has been made generally, as to whether it is sturdy enough to last; cheaper designs tend to be composed of cheaper materials and so, true to fashion, you are likely to get what you pay for in terms of longevity.
Generally speaking, though, backpacking chairs are a long lasting seating solution, with many on the market able to withstand up to 320lbs or more. Some manufacturers offer guarantees to peace of mind, which can range anywhere from 12 months to a whole lifetime.
What matters more, comfort or weight?
Individuals who weigh less or are younger may not mind using the lighter chairs.
You may have to make a choice between going for extreme comfort or a very lightweight design with the outdoor folding chairs you see for sale. These camping folding chairs often come with added features, such as padded seating, back support and cup holders, but these items can also increase the chair’s weight.
In contrast, the very lightweight models may not have all the bells and whistles of the other models, but they are so easy to close up and put next to your other camping or beach supplies. Individuals who weigh less or are younger may not mind using the lighter chairs that do not have the extra features.
What materials are used to make it so lightweight?
The fabric of these lawn chairs on sale is made of 100 percent polyester in a number of cases.
When it comes to the frame of the lightweight camp chair, it is typically made with steel. There are also some parts of the chairs that are made with wood, but that is usually limited to the arm rest. If the chair does not have a wooden arm rest, it will typically feature some type of padding so that the arm areas do not get too warm.
The fabric of these lawn chairs on sale is made of 100 percent polyester in a number of cases, while some models may also use a combination of polyester and plastic. It is better to go with the 100 percent polyester models, because they will probably provide you with more comfort while sitting.
What are some special features?
Many of the lightweight chairs come with added features, such as arm pivots, cushioned seats and back rests, lumbar pillows, cup holders, wine glass holders, bottle openers, side pockets and seatback pockets.
Many of the lightweight chairs come with added features, such as arm pivots, cushioned seats and back rests, lumbar pillows, cup holders, wine glass holders, bottle openers, side pockets and seatback pockets. Not every model will have all of these features, so it is important to find the lightweight camp chair that meets all of your preferences.
Depending on the type of chair you purchase, you may be looking at a 250 pound or 300 pound weight limit with these folding lawn chairs. The chairs will either come with a carry bag, which makes it easy to close them up and store them, or they will fold into a backpack that you can sling on your shoulders.
Is there any way of stopping an ultralight camp chair from sinking in sand?
Ultralight camp chairs are the perfect addition to any trip to the beach but their little pointy feet does make them susceptible to sinking in sand or any other soft ground.
Ultralight camp chairs are the perfect addition to any trip to the beach but their little pointy feet does make them susceptible to sinking in sand or any other soft ground. Rather than giving up your ultralight camp chair on these expeditions, there is a solution.
In order to prevent the feet on these camp chairs from sinking, simply make a hole in four tennis balls to slip over the feet. This will give them a larger surface area that will keep them in place. If you don’t have any tennis balls, the same principle will work if you slip some card under the feet.
What is the purpose of the shock-cords or bungees that are in these chairs?
To make these ultralight camp chairs as portable as possible, the manufacturers need to make them as compact as well.
To make these ultralight camp chairs as portable as possible, the manufacturers need to make them as compact as well. This means that the frame of the camp chair is composed of a number of metal poles, which could be a nightmare to put together with the shock-cords.
Having the shock-cords running through the poles means that you will always know which pole attaches to which. This makes putting your ultralight camp chair together something that will take just a couple of minutes. They simply pull and snap into place and then you slip the fabric seat onto them.
I need a camp chair that will fit in my motorcycle panniers – will these fit?
In fact, they are so small and light when they have been folded and put away that even a small child would be able to carry one.
Yes they will, and if you have a pillion passenger, then you will also be able to fit in an ultralight camp chair for them, too. The whole idea behind ultralight camp chairs is that they are totally portable no matter what your mode of transport is, so they are designed to be compact as well as lightweight.
In fact, they are so small and light when they have been folded and put away that even a small child would be able to carry one – which is great news when you need a hand toting everything, but not so great when the child reckons because he carried it, he gets to use it! Oh well, time to buy another.
In Summary
Finding the right ultralight backpacking chair for you is a necessity if you like to spend a lot of time outdoors. There are lots of different styles and shapes to choose from, so be sure to consider your needs before making a purchase.
For those who are more concerned about having a lightweight camp chair that does not take up too much space, there are plenty of great options on the market. These chairs may not have all the bells and whistles, but they are extremely tiny, will fit into small spaces and still provide you with exceptional durability.
If you are unhappy about sitting on the ground but don’t want the inconvenience of lugging a heavy chair around, then an ultralight camp chair comes recommended. Easy to put together, the bottom line in comfort and lightweight and compact – what else do you need?
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