Best Backpacking Chairs
 

Author: Casey Handley | Editor: Dave Collins 
Last Updated: March 3, 2023

Tired of sitting in the dirt? Elevate your next backpacking trip with a minimalist seat that makes break time and chilling in camp more comfortable. We rounded up the best sit-pad and chair options on the market and tested them thoroughly (by kicking back in beautiful places) to make it easy for you to choose an option that’s right for you. 

As usual with backpacking, it’s critical to keep weight and bulk to a minimum so we only considered chairs that weigh 2 lbs. or less for this list. We hope this guide helps make your next adventure more relaxing and enjoyable than ever before.

A backpacker using the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad as a seat while cooking in camp

We often use an ultralight seat like the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad & a backpack to lean against on our trips

Quick Recommendations

Check out this quick list of our favorite backpacking chairs, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Chair is durable & offers comfy back support

PRICE - You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great backpacking chair - some of our favorite options are simple and affordable sit pads. That said, we’ve found that it’s often worth it to spend a bit more for a high-quality chair if you're looking for the best balance of comfort and portability.

The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair turns your inflatable sleeping pad into a comfy camp chair.

The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair turns your inflatable sleeping pad into a comfy camp chair

WEIGHT/PACKED SIZE - Keeping the weight and size of your chair to a minimum is important for backpacking since you’ll be carrying it on your back. We generally opt for ultralight sit pads on longer trips when we’re covering a lot of miles. For shorter, more leisurely trips, a slightly heavier/bulkier chair can be worth carrying for maximum comfort.

A backpacker relaxing in the shallow water on a lakeshore in the Helinox Chair Zero

The Helinox Chair Zero weighs a pound, but it can be well worth carrying on trips that include time for lounging

COMFORT/BACK SUPPORT -  Sit pads insulate you from the cold/wet ground and provide some padding, but they don’t offer back support. Chairs that raise you up off the ground are easier to get in and out of (especially for those with bad knees) and are usually more comfortable for extended use.

The Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad can turn anything into a comfy spot for your tushie!

The Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat is super lightweight & very quick to deploy, but it doesn’t offer any back support

EASE OF USE - It’s tough to beat the convenience of a sit pad for trail breaks since they’re so quick to deploy and pack up, but they don’t offer quite as much comfort as a chair. Portable chairs with folding frames get you off the ground and are more comfortable, but they take a minute or two to set up and pack away.

Relaxing in camp with the Helinox Chair Zero (left) and REI Flexlite (right).

the Helinox Chair Zero (left) & REI Flexlite (right) are light enough for backpacking but feel more like sitting in a full camp chair

Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023

BEST BACKPACKING SIT PAD

MSRP: $33

WEIGHT: 2 oz.

PROS: Affordable, ultralight, compact, convenient, versatile

CONS: No back support

BOTTOM LINE: Though it’s super basic, the Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad is an all-time favorite seat among ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers. It doesn’t provide any back support, but it does add a layer of softness and insulation between you and the ground, which is really important on cold and wet days. You’ll also vastly improve the appearance of and extend the life of your pants or shorts by sitting on a pad instead of the ground. The Z-Seat is extremely lightweight and super convenient to deploy and pack away for quick trail breaks, which makes it ideal for use throughout the day. Whether you’re backpacking or day-hiking, the Z-Seat is a must-have in our opinion.

BEST ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING CHAIR

MSRP: $150

WEIGHT: 1 lb.

PROS: Comfortable (back support), lightweight, compact, durable, off the ground

CONS: Expensive, a bit heavy/bulky, takes a minute or two to set up/pack away

BOTTOM LINE: Prefer a “real” chair that gets you up off the ground? The Helinox Chair Zero is one of the best luxury chair options on the market for backpacking. The Chair Zero sits 11 inches off the ground on its strong, but lightweight aluminum frame. A deep, nylon scoop-seat attaches at the corners to suspend your body and support your back in a comfortable, slightly reclining position. If you plan to spend a significant amount of time resting, relaxing, and taking in the sights and sounds in camp, a full chair, like the Chair Zero, may be well-worth the extra weight for the comfort it provides. It’s also excellently portable for concerts, festivals, the beach, and other day trips.

ULTRALIGHT, AFFORDABLE & VERSATILE FOAM PAD

MSRP: $32

WEIGHT: 2.7 oz.

PROS: Affordable, ultralight, compact, convenient, versatile

CONS: No back support

BOTTOM LINE: The Gossamer Gear Thinlight is a great chair solution for hikers who want to keep weight to an absolute minimum without foregoing comfort. It not only makes a great sit pad when you fold it up, but you can also use it as insulation with your sleep system, or stretch out on it like a yoga mat. Having a full-size mat to use while taking breaks keeps you out of the dirt so you stay cleaner and more comfortable on multi-day trips. The great thing about the Thinlight Pad is that you can use it for a multitude of things, and you can cut it to any size you need. The Thinlight Pad is one of the lightest, and most versatile options on the market, and one of the most affordable too.

BEST VALUE BACKPACKING CHAIRS

MSRP: $100 / $70

WEIGHT: 1 lb. / 1 lb. 11 oz.

PROS: Great value, comfortable, back support, lightweight, compact, off the ground

CONS: Flexlite Air is a bit spendy, a bit bulky, Flexlite Camp Chair is a bit heavy, takes a minute or two to set up/pack away

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Flexlite Air Chair is very similar to Helinox’s Chair Zero, but it costs considerably less. While we prefer the Chair Zero for its slight increase in durability/toughness, comfort, and more secure pole structure, the Flexlite Air is just as comfortable and easy to set up. If you don’t mind a little extra weight (11 more ounces to be exact) the popular Flexlite Camp Chair is even more affordable. The Flexlite is a great option for those who prioritize price a bit more than weight savings. It’s comfortable, and still highly portable for day trips, camping, and short backpacking trips on easy terrain.

SUPPORTIVE CHAIR WITH AN EXCEPTIONALLY STABLE BUILD

MSRP: $150

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 12 oz.

PROS: Supportive, easier to get out of than other chairs, packable, stable

CONS: A little heavy for backpacking, expensive, takes a minute or two to set up/pack away

BOTTOM LINE: Big Agnes is known as "the mother of comfort" and the Skyline UL Chair certainly lives up to that reputation. This chair is very similar in design to the REI Flexlite and Helinox Chair Zero, but it's much more supportive and sits at a more comfortable height. At nearly two pounds, the Skyline is a little heavy for backpacking, but it's very compact and is a nice luxury to carry on shorter trips.

USES AN INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD FOR CUSHION & BACK SUPPORT

MSRP (20 in.): $65

WEIGHT (20 in.): 10 oz.

PROS: Affordable, lightweight, compact, comfortable (back support)

CONS: Slightly cumbersome to set up, requires inflatable sleeping pad

BOTTOM LINE: The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair is comfortable and provides good back support while being lightweight and compact. To use the Trekker Chair, you’ll need a NeoAir or comparable sleeping pad, which is sold separately. It takes a few minutes to inflate the sleeping pad and slip it into the elastic sleeves, so it’s probably not something you’d be able to quickly whip out for short trail breaks. But it makes a luxurious resting place in camp when you need it most. We recommend using a small ground cloth underneath the Trekker Chair to ensure its safety when outside the tent since your sleeping pad is really important and inflatables run the risk of being punctured.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY BACKPACKING CHAIR FOR SHORT TRIPS

MSRP: $33

WEIGHT: 2 lb.

PROS: Affordable, comfortable (back support), off the ground

CONS: Heavy/bulky, takes a minute or two to set up/pack away

BOTTOM LINE: The Moon Lence Portable Folding Chair is an affordable crossover chair with a design similar to other luxury chairs on this list. It’s well-made, comfortable, and off the ground, but at 2 lbs. it weighs the maximum amount we’d consider reasonable for backpacking. That said, the Moon Lence is still a good option for short trips and front-country activities due to its budget-friendly price tag.

DURABLE & CONVENIENT BACKPACKING CHAIR WITH BACK SUPPORT

MSRP: $65

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 4.8 oz.

PROS:  Convenient, durable, back support

CONS: Heavy/bulky, a bit expensive

BOTTOM LINE: The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 provides a clean dry surface to sit on and offers back support, unlike a basic sit pad. It isn't the lightest or most compact option available, but it’s great for those who prioritize durability and convenience. The Hex 2.0 is pretty versatile in the frontcountry as well - we’ve used ours to make bench seating at events more comfortable, and we’ve even taken it out on our paddleboard to recline. Before buying, you may also want to consider the LongBack, which is taller and wider or the Power Lounger, which has more coverage under the legs.

COMPACT FOLDING STOOL THAT SITS HIGHER

MSRP: $25

WEIGHT: 1 lb. 2 oz.

PROS: Affordable, convenient, off the ground

CONS: A bit heavy/bulky, no back support

BOTTOM LINE: The REI Trail Stool is a very affordable option for those who simply want to get off the ground for short hikes and day trips. The Trail Stool is quick and easy to get out/put away on the trail, and certainly beats sitting on the ground for activities like cooking or fishing. Unfortunately the Trail Stool doesn’t provide any back support, which limits its comfort for relaxing around camp. If you have bad knees and simply need a place to perch on trail breaks and in camp, the Trail Stool may be well-worth considering.

Backpacking chairs are worth the extra weight for the comfort they provide around camp.

Backpacking chairs are worth the extra weight for the comfort they provide around camp

CROSSOVER CHAIRS - If you’ll likely be carrying your chair on lots of day trips, it’s wise to keep size and weight to a minimum for maximum portability. Many chairs on the market fold down small enough to be stashed in a day pack. If you hope to use your chair for both backpacking and front-country camping, look for a “crossover” chair with a good balance or weight and comfort. The Helinox Chair Zero, REI Flexlite / Flexlite Air, and Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight chairs are all excellent examples of crossovers that are luxurious for backpacking, but minimal for front-country camping and day trips.

Backpacking chairs with a one liter water bottle for size comparison.

Backpacking chairs with a one liter water bottle for size comparison

need more Gear advice?

If you liked this list, you’ll love the CleverHiker Gear Guide where we test and recommend tons of outdoor adventure gear from a variety of categories. here are some links to popular articles:

The Gossamer Gear Thinlight & Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat leaning against a log on a backpacking trip

The Gossamer Gear Thinlight & Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat are the types of backpacking chairs we’re most likely to carry

Why Trust Us?

We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us:

  • Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience.

  • We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living.

  • We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.

  • We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations.

  • We constantly update our guides when new products launch.

  • We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends.

  • We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. If you think we’ve missed a product or got something wrong, we’d love to hear your feedback.

The Helinox Chair Zero is light enough for backpacking and supportive enough for front country camping or beach chillin’.

The Helinox Chair Zero is light enough for backpacking & supportive enough for front country camping or beach chillin’

MORE INFORMATION

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gear for your needs. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest posts then visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join the community conversation.

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Thanks for reading and happy trails!

Foam sleeping pads like the Gossamer Gear Thinlight or NEMO Switchback are convenient and lightweight trail chairs.

Foam sleeping pads like the Gossamer Gear Thinlight or NEMO Switchback are convenient & lightweight trail chairs

 
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About the Author
About the Author

Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker and camping aficionado. She cut her teeth on winter camping and rock climbing trips as a youngster then went on to thru-hike over 6,000 miles of America’s longest trails. She now lives on a farm in Oregon where she works as a full-time gear tester, writer, and photographer.

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