After a long day on the trail, few things are as rewarding as taking a comfortable seat at camp. The right backpacking chair can transform your outdoor experience, offering a dedicated spot to relax, cook, or simply enjoy the view without sacrificing precious pack space or weight. This roundup features nine top-tier chairs designed for hikers, from ultra-minimalist stools to surprisingly luxurious full-backed seats.
Choosing the perfect chair involves balancing comfort, durability, weight, and packed size. Whether you prioritize a featherlight option for thru-hiking or a sturdy chair with extra storage for car camping adventures, there’s a perfect match for your needs. We’ve compiled a diverse selection to help you find the ideal portable throne for your next outdoor excursion.
Our Top Picks for Backpacking Chairs
- MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair
- Travel Chair Slacker Tripod Chair (Green)
- FBSPORT 2 Pack Portable Camping Chairs
- Travel Chair Slacker Tripod Chair (Black)
- Helinox Chair One Mini Ultra-Light Camping Chair
- MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair
- Big Agnes Skyline Ultralight Backpacking Chair
- Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit
- ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair
This third-generation chair from MOON LENCE is engineered for superior comfort and organization. It features an expanded 19.7-inch wide seat with ventilated side panels that distribute weight evenly and support natural hip contours, making it ideal for longer periods of relaxation at camp. The upgraded design focuses on a better fit and enhanced long-term sitting comfort.
Beyond comfort, it boasts a practical all-in-one storage system with a durable mesh pocket and tactical webbing to secure essentials and gear. Constructed from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum alloy with a quad-leg base and triple-lock joints, it provides exceptional 360-degree stability on uneven ground. The robust 900D Oxford fabric supports up to 330 lbs, making it a reliable and feature-rich choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
Travel Chair Slacker Tripod Chair for Camping (Green)
The Travel Chair Slacker is a minimalist solution for hikers who want a quick rest stop without the bulk. This simple tripod stool is perfect for taking a break during hiking, fishing, or hunting, allowing you to enjoy the scenery off your feet. Its design prioritizes practicality and durability without sacrificing a comfortable place to sit.
Weighing only 1.9 lbs, it is remarkably lightweight and packs down to a compact 2.75” x 2.75” x 24” size. The included adjustable carry strap and hook-and-loop closure make transportation effortless, allowing you to attach it to your backpack with ease. The oversized duck feet provide improved stability on various surfaces, making this a go-to option for fast and light adventures.
FBSPORT 2 Pack Portable Camping Chairs
This two-pack from FBSPORT offers excellent value for pairs or families heading into the outdoors. Each chair combines a high-strength aluminum alloy frame with durable 1000D Oxford cloth, resulting in a sturdy seat that supports up to 242 pounds while weighing only about 2 pounds itself. The ergonomic design provides a stable and relaxing seat experience.
The chairs feature a breathable mesh back that enhances comfort during warmer weather. Setup is straightforward thanks to the shock-corded pole structure, allowing for quick assembly at the campsite. Coming with its own carry bag, this set is a practical and economical choice for beach trips, picnics, and casual backpacking outings where you want to share the comfort.
Travel Chair Slacker Tripod Chair for Camping (Black)
This is the classic black version of the popular Travel Chair Slacker tripod stool. It serves the same essential purpose: providing a lightweight, portable seat for moments when you need a rest during outdoor activities. Its simple, robust construction is built to handle the rigors of the trail.
With its Ripstop polyester fabric and nailhead trim, this stool is both comfortable and tough. The ultra-compact packed size and minimal weight make it one of the most packable options available. Whether you’re waiting for a fish to bite or taking a break on a long hike, this chair offers a convenient and reliable spot to sit down.
Helinox Chair One Mini Ultra-Light Camping Chair
The Helinox Chair One Mini is a premium, featherweight option perfect for smaller campers or adults seeking a minimalist seat. Weighing just one pound, it represents the pinnacle of lightweight chair design without compromising on build quality. Its compact size makes it ideal for those who count every ounce in their pack.
Despite its small stature, it doesn’t skimp on strength. The frame is made from an advanced proprietary aluminum alloy that can hold up to 200 pounds. The removable seat is crafted from durable, UV-resistant rip-stop polyester and is even machine washable. For those seeking a trusted brand name and top-tier engineering in a tiny package, this chair is a leading contender.
MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair
The MARCHWAY chair uses a smart triangular frame base, which is mechanically one of the most stable shapes. This design provides steady support from all directions, preventing wobbling on uneven terrain. With solid construction and thickened leg poles, it confidently supports up to 330 pounds.
Weighing 2.7 pounds, it strikes a great balance between robustness and portability. The chair packs down small enough to attach to a backpack and includes its own carry bag for convenience. Setup is intuitive with shock-corded poles, and the fabric seat simply slips over the frame, making it a user-friendly and reliable choice for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Big Agnes Skyline Ultralight Backpacking Chair
The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair is a game-changer in ultralight seating, weighing just over one pound and packing remarkably small. It uses a patented hub-less frame constructed entirely from heavy-duty aircraft aluminum, eliminating the weak plastic hubs found in many competitors. This results in a sturdier seat with an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.
This chair offers a revolution in comfort for its weight class. Pre-bent poles and a stronger frame allow for a deeper, wider seat than typical ultralight options. The fully shock-corded, color-coded architecture makes setup quick and tool-free. For backpackers who refuse to compromise between minimal pack weight and camp comfort, this chair is a top-tier selection.
Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit
The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit is a clever and versatile system that converts your sleeping pad into a comfortable chair. This approach saves weight and space, as you’re utilizing gear you’re already carrying. It provides an excellent combination of lightweight durability and comfort for the weight-conscious hiker.
Its versatile design features two width options and elastic sleeves that fit most NeoAir and self-inflating sleeping pads. Setup is quick and intuitive, and the kit itself packs down very small when not in use. This is the ideal solution for minimalist adventurers who want a comfortable backrest without adding a full chair to their pack list.
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair
For those whose adventures lean more toward car camping or base camps where pack size is less critical than maximum comfort, the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Chair is a formidable option. This chair is built for durability and extended lounging, featuring a sturdy steel frame and robust fabric designed to withstand frequent use.
It often includes amenities like extra-wide seating, armrests, cup holders, and side pockets, providing a high level of convenience and comfort. While not designed for long-distance backpacking, it is a perfect “best in class” choice for drive-in campsites, tailgating, or outdoor concerts where you can enjoy substantial support and features without worrying about weight.
How to Choose a Backpacking Chair
Let’s be honest, after a long day on the trail, the ground gets old. A good backpacking chair is a luxury that feels like a necessity. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one for your adventures? I’ve learned it’s all about balancing comfort, weight, and packability. Here’s what I look for when I’m trying to find the best backpacking chairs for hikers.
First, consider weight and packed size. This is the big one. Every ounce counts when you’re carrying it for miles. Most dedicated backpacking chairs weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. Ask yourself what you’re willing to carry. A chair that’s 1.5 pounds might be worth it for a weekend trip, but for a multi-day trek, you might eye the sub-one-pound options. Packed size matters just as much. Does it strap neatly to the outside of your pack, or does it need to fit inside? A chair that packs down to the size of a water bottle is a huge win.
Next, think about comfort and design. Height and seat style are personal. Some chairs sit low to the ground, which is great for stability and feels natural by a fire. Others have taller legs that make getting in and out easier. Look at the seat material: is it a simple sling or does it have more structured padding? Back support is key; a chair with a slight recline and headrest can be a game-changer for evening relaxation. Also, check the weight capacity to make sure it supports you comfortably.
Durability and setup are the final pieces. The chair’s frame is usually aluminum for a good strength-to-weight ratio. Check how the fabric attaches; robust, reinforced stitching at stress points is a sign of quality. Practice setting it up at home. Is it intuitive, or is it a frustrating puzzle with cold fingers? A simple, quick setup is a major plus when you’re tired. Finally, consider extra features like cup holders, side pockets, or attachment points—but remember, each one adds a tiny bit of weight.
By weighing these factors—weight, packed size, comfort, and ease of use—you can find a chair that turns any campsite into a much more pleasant place to be. The right chair isn’t just a seat; it’s your reward at the end of the hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backpacking chairs really worth the weight?
This is the most common question I get. For me, the answer is a resounding yes, but it depends on your style. If your main goal is covering maximum distance with a minimalist kit, you might skip it. But if you enjoy longer campsite evenings, cooking meals, or just having a comfortable spot to rest your legs, a 1 to 2-pound chair is a fantastic luxury. It significantly improves camp morale and comfort. Think of it as carrying a little piece of home.
How do I keep my chair from sinking into soft ground?
This is a real issue with some lighter models. Many of the best backpacking chairs for hikers now come with larger, wider feet to distribute weight. If yours doesn’t, or if you know you’ll be on sand or soft dirt, you can get aftermarket “chair glides” or simply use small, flat items from your pack. I’ve used my pot lid, a section of a closed-cell foam sit pad, or even a couple of flat stones placed under the feet to prevent it from disappearing into the ground.
Can I use a backpacking chair in winter or cold weather?
You can, but with a few considerations. The metal frame will get cold, so wearing gloves while handling it is a good idea. The main issue is that sitting in a sling chair allows cold air to circulate underneath you. I always pair my chair with an insulated sit pad placed on the seat. This adds a layer of warmth from the cold fabric and frame and is a simple trick to extend your chair’s usability into cooler seasons.
What’s the main difference between a camping chair and a backpacking chair?
The difference boils down to weight and packability. A typical camping chair is designed for car camping: it’s heavier (often 5-10 pounds), bulkier, and focuses on maximum comfort with features like armrests and coolers. A backpacking chair is an exercise in engineering minimalism. It uses lightweight materials like aluminum and thin, strong fabrics to achieve a seat that sacrifices some features for a weight and packed size that won’t ruin your hike.
How do I clean and maintain my backpacking chair?
Maintenance is pretty simple. For the fabric, I usually just shake it out and spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed. Let it air dry completely before packing it away to prevent mildew. For the frame, check for any dirt or sand in the joints, especially after beach trips, and wipe it down. Occasionally, a very small drop of lubricant on the moving parts can keep the action smooth. The main thing is to never store it wet or dirty.