Best Ultralight Backpacking Chairs [2024]

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This is a gear review about the best ultralight backpacking chairs for hiking and backpacking in 2024.

These ultralight camping chairs are designed to be taken on hiking trips and set up for use at camp. While they are not a good idea for thru-hiking they are awesome for shorter backpacking trips where you will be spending a lot of time in camp, or setting up a basecamp to explore the surrounding area.

The latest models of hiking chairs are lighter, fold down smaller, and offer more support than ever. And if that still seems too much, the humble sit pad is here to at least ensure you never sit directly on the muddy ground again.

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How We Tested

All the Backpacking Chairs in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the Chairs were purchased by the author for this review. They have been rigorously tested by the author on backpacking and bike touring trips. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best ultralight backpacking chairs for 2024. Read the Review Policy for further details.

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Best Backpacking Chair 2024

The Best Backpacking Chair for 2024:

The Helinox chair zero weighs in at just 17.2oz / 490g and packs down to the size of a water bottle, the Helinox is one of the most portable backpacking chairs around. The aluminum frame is incredibly lightweight but still feels stable as you sit, with a minimum wobble.

One of the real selling points of the Helinox Chair Zero is the scoop back which gives good back support. This provides extra support to the spine, for comfortable sitting. The only drawback of the shape is that you can slide forward, and those with longer legs may not feel as well-supported.

Overall, the Helinox Chair Zero is the best ultralight backpacking chair for 2024.

Even backpackers who like to pack as light as possible will be tempted by the Therm-a-rest Z-seat. Not technically a seat but a sit pad, this durable cushion is soft, comfortable, and long-lasting. All that, and it weighs only 2 ounces.

The Therm-a-Rest Z-seat doesn’t just provide something to sit on, it can also work as a cushion, and be used for additional length if your sleeping pad is too short. Made of puncture-proof closed-cell foam, the Z-seat has strength built into the fabric. Use it on any terrain, and give yourself a comfortable seating solution.

This has long been a favorite of ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers and can be seen on almost all the long-distance hiking trails in the world.

Overall, the Therm-a-Rest Z-seat is one of the best sit pads for backpacking.

This design was the one that started the lightweight camp chair market and I first used these for my old Therm-a-rest Prolight Mattress well over 20 years ago. Things have changed since then and have improved significantly. You can use this to turn a sleeping pad into a chair.

The Therm-a-rest Trekker Chair is designed for backpackers and campers who like to keep equipment to a minimum. The innovative design works with most Trekker mattresses to transform your sleeping pad into a comfortable chair. And it does a very good job.

Carrying chairs and mattresses can take the joy out of backpacking. With the Trekker Chair, you no longer need separate items. The simple kit can easily turn your lightweight mattress into a seat that provides back support. Perfect if a night on the ground has left you a little tender.

These are a perfect solution for lightweight bikepackers and bicycle tourers as well as hikers and backpackers. If you are already carrying an inflatable sleeping pad then this is the best and lightest option for a camp chair.

Overall, this is one of the best camping chairs for backpacking and bicycle touring. This is the perfect ultralight backpacking chair to spend a rainy day in the tent reading.

REI Co-Op works with experts to craft camping and backpacking gear that really fills a need. The REI Co-Op Flexlite air chair is designed for the ounce counters, the backpackers who ensure there’s nothing in their pack that doesn’t need to be there.

Weighing just 1 pound, the REI Co-Op Flexlite air chair is light enough that even serious space-savers might make an exception. It is even lighter than the Helinox Chair Zero and cheaper.

Constructed with an aluminum frame and ripstop nylon, the REI Flexlite air chair is designed to be easily constructed and packed away. The 4-legs provide some needed stability, while the scoop seat design is most comfortable for smaller folk. This is a chair for people who aren’t convinced they need a chair.

Overall, the REI Flexlite Air Chair is one of the best ultralight backpacking chairs for backpackers on a budget and want to carry an ultralight folding camp chair.

The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair is one of the best backpacking chairs for comfort with the best back support. The patented frame is incredibly sturdy, and the ergonomic design is comfortable and supportive.

A frame made of aircraft-grade aluminum holds a wide and deep seat that can keep the spine and legs supported. Unlike other backpacking chairs, which often feel like just a way to stay off the ground, the Big Agnes Skyline UL is a chair you look forward to using.

Unfortunately, the strong frame has its downside. Weighing just under 2 lbs, the Big Agnes Skyline UL is bulky compared to other ultralight chairs. Still, for many, the sacrifice will feel more than worth it.

Overall, the Big Agnes Skyline UL chair is a very strong camping chair for backpacking.

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 is one of the most popular backcountry chairs. They are quite comfortable and one of the easiest to use. Just open it up and sit down.

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 is simple to use and allows you to recline a little when sitting. This is something the Therm-a-Rest Trekker can do and is much lighter. But unlike them, you will not puncture your sleeping pad if sitting on sharp objects. This uses carbon fiber poles.

The biggest benefit of this ultralight backpacking chair is the lack of legs which makes it a great option for setting up inside your tent. If you like reading in your tent or fancy having a place to relax on a rainy morning then this is for you.

Overall, the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 is the perfect day hiking chair for those wanting comfort and simplicity.

For many backpackers, even the smallest chair feels unnecessary. Something extra to carry, when the whole purpose of the day is to keep moving. It doesn’t help that even reasonably priced backpacking chairs might set you back $100 or more.

Moon Lence is a budget option, with a bargain price tag and a decent level of comfort. It’s a good chair to sit on, even if it might take you some time to set up. In terms of comfort, you really won’t get anything better for the price.

Overall, this is one of the best budget camping chair for backpacking.

The Thinlight sleep pad from Gossamer Gear is a seat pad or sleeping mat that many use. Long enough to slip under a sleeping bag, anchor a mattress, or act as a mattress itself, it also works as a versatile backpacking seat. Fold it up and the Gossamer Gear Thinlight becomes thick, or leave it loose and enjoy the chance to stretch out.

Weighing under 3 ounces, the Gossamer Gear pad is hardly noticeable in a backpack. The thin material (just ⅛”) can be easily rolled and folded, to fit into the smallest spaces.

If you’re an ultralight thru-hiker who likes to spend the night in the wild and rise with the sun, the thinlight is a great choice.

Overall, this is a very thin sit pad that doubles as an ultralight mat for yoga or sleeping. Best suited to ultralight thru-hikers who want to carry the lightest possible weight on their back.

Even though they are both part of the Trekology Yizi range, there’s a world of difference between the GO and the LITE. While the GO prioritizes convenience, the LITE is all about dropping as much weight as possible.

Weighing just 1.65 lbs, you can definitely feel the difference on your back. Unfortunately, you can feel it on your bum as well. The LITE lacks the stability of the GO.

That said, the LITE does have some fantastic features. The aero-grade aluminum frame is strong and supportive, mesh fabric adds breathability, and the side pockets and loop set-up of the GO are still there.

Overall, this is a good budget hiking chair.

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More Lightweight Backpacking Chairs

Here are some more of the best backpacking chairs to consider:

• REI Trail Stool: The REI Trail Stool is a good lightweight backpacking stool for those who want something compact. Just be aware it is not as comfortable.
• Sea to Summit Air Chair: The Sea to Summit Air chair is a good alternative to the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair. It will fit most sleep pads and is light and offers good support.
• Nemo Moonlite: The Nemo Moonlite is a good option but a bit heavy.

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Ultralight Camp Chair Comparison Table

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Types of Backpacking Chairs

The are a couple of different types of backpacking chairs

Foldable Backpacking Chair

The foldable backpacking chair is arguably the most comfortable. They use lightweight fabric and poles that the usually made from aluminum. The foldable poles reduce the bulk. These types of chairs raise you from the ground to a more normal sitting position.

Backpacking Stool

The backpacking stool is compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly but not the most comfortable.

Sit Pads

Sit Pads are usually made from foam and are the simplest of all the seats in this review. Simply lay out the mat on the ground and you are set up. they lack the comfort of the rest of the styles in this review but are well priced and do a good enough job of keeping you off the ground.

Sleeping Pad Mats

I started using a sleeping pad mat over 20 years ago when Therm-a-Rest brought their version to the market. I have loved them ever since. They are light, compact, and work with almost any type of inflatable sleeping pad that you are probably already carrying with you. Use these to turn your sleeping pad into a camp chair.

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Weight

Carrying a lightweight chair around when you’re backpacking isn’t comfortable, so they need to be lightweight. The heaviest chair on our list is 2.1 lbs, and you really shouldn’t go too much higher than that, in fact, lighter than 1lb is best. There’s a surprising difference between 1 and 2 pounds, and it’s something you’ll really feel on your back.

That said, the lightest chair isn’t always the best. Ultralight chairs tend to sacrifice stability and can feel shaky.

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Comfort

If you’re looking for a backpacking chair, it’s because you want something more comfortable than sitting on the ground. Don’t ignore comfort to focus on ounces, or you’ll never use the chair at all. 

Breathable fabrics are always useful for a backpacking chair because they stop the back from getting too sweaty. Look at the shape of the chair as well. A good option will support the spine and legs.

Back support is important for camp chairs. Most of the chairs provide good back support which is one of the most important things that contribute to comfort. Ground pads may lack back support, but the cushioned comfort is generally better than that of a backpacking chair.

The weight capacity of the hiking chairs on the list is quite similar and enough for the average backpacker. With a weight capacity of between 250 lb and 300 lb being normal. The foam sit pads will have an unlimited weight capacity and but the inflatable ones will usually be around the same as the seats.

I did not mention the trail stool or backpacking stool in this review as they are generally not very comfortable.

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Ease of use

No one wants to be fighting with their chair after a long hike. These chairs are meant to be comfortable, and that comfort should extend all the way to the set-up. Because the chairs fold down so small, unfolding and refolding can be difficult. Either choose a design that goes up easily or practice before you head out.

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Packed size

The weight is important for portability, but the packed size plays its part as well. This refers to how small the chair can fold down when you pack it away. The chair should be able to either fit in your backpack or strap to the outside. Inflatable pads have the best packed size.

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Height and ground elevation

Wanting to avoid that struggle up from the floor is the reason many of us consider a backpacking chair. The elevation is how high off the ground the chair seat is. A higher elevation is better on wet ground, supports the legs, and is easier to get in and out of. However, the higher chairs tend to be heavier.

For use inside a tent, the sit pads are good but the Therm-a-rest Trekker Chair and the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 are far and away the best ultralight for this purpose.

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Stability

Stability in a backpacking chair tends to be a mixture of design and materials. Aluminum is the most common material for the frame, as it’s strong but lightweight. 

Chairs with four legs, spread wide across the base, offer a stable design.

Stability is, unfortunately, closely linked to weight. The chairs with the best stability are often the heaviest because they use more durable materials for the frame.

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Price

The best backpacking chair is likely to cost between $50 and $200, although there are cheaper options available (and more expensive). Pricier options tend to have a better build, without adding too much weight. Some of the budget backpacking chairs can be light but lack stability.

Consider how often you intend to use the chair when deciding on a budget, and what features you value most.

Seat pads and cushions tend to be a good budget backpacking chair option, as well as being the lightest.

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Conclusion

Here are the Best Hiking Chairs for 2024:

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Frequently Asked Questions

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