What’s The Best Backpacking Chair I Can Take Hiking Anywhere?
Ever been backpacking, day hiking, or taken a long walk to the beach and been frustrated by the lack of good, comfortable seating?
Traditional camping chairs are considered portable but they are still large, heavy, and take up a lot of space.
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That’s where collapsible, ultra-portable, compact, lightweight camping/backpacking chairs come into play.
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Because this is an article about the best backpacking and hiking chairs I’m also going to include a few kinds of seat pads.
Summary
- Best hiking chair overall: Helinox Chair Zero
- Best lightweight inflatable seat: Klymit V Camp Seat
Best Overall
Lightest & Smallest
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A Closer Look At Each Chair
1. Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair
Helinox is one of the first companies that came up with the concept for ultra-portable lightweight backpacking camp chairs that could be collapsed and placed in a very small bag.
It was originally designed for hikers and backpackers but quickly became very popular for beach chairs, picnics, RVs, tent campers, van dwellers, fishing, and much more.
Having comfortable seating with a high weight capacity that can be taken anywhere is a must for a lot of outdoor lovers and Helinox has delivered with their innovative lightweight camping chairs.
Their lightest and most popular camp chair for hiking and backpacking is only 1.2 lbs, that’s the lightest chair with a frame in this review and on the market today.
It packs down to a very portable and small size and fits in a small back with a drawstring on one end to close.
It’s only 13.5 inches long and 4 inches wide when packed away. That’s almost the size of the average water bottle.
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When fully assembled the chair is still an impressive size at 19 inches deep, 20 inches wide, and 25 inches tall.
It can comfortably fit the average adult and even taller people who are over 6 feet. The weight capacity is very high at 265 lbs.
The frame is made with a high-grade aluminum alloy which combines strength and lightweight materials.
The seat and storage bag are both made with ripstop polyester which is UV and weather resistant as well as machine washable.
It’s also very breathable and cool to sit in with two slits in the back to allow airflow to keep you cool even when sitting in the hot sun.
Because it collapses down to such a small size there is a bit of setup required for all of these ultra-portable chairs.
Helinox makes assembly easy by using one long bungee cord that self assembles the aluminum poles, much like a high-end backpacking tent.
The Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair is the ultimate backpacking and hiking chair.
It’s the lightest on the market today and the most compact.
The cool thing about Helinox as a company is they are expanding their line of amazing camping chairs every day.
If you want a very portable, lightweight chair that is more comfortable to sit in all day in regular camp or festival settings they have you covered.
The Helinox Savanna High-Back Camp Chair is still amazingly lightweight at only 4 lbs 3 oz.
It packs down into a small storage bag that is only 21 inches long and 6 inches wide.
When assembled the backrest is very tall for maximum comfort and the entire chair is 44.5 inches tall, 31 inches deep, and 26.5 inches wide.
The weight capacity is 320 lbs.
The Helinox Savanna is more of an everyday use chair that is perfect for van dwellers, car campers, and RVers.
It has an optional integrated headrest as well as a cup holder.
Combined with the comfortable style the Savanna is the ultimate festival and campground chair.
PROS
- Ultra-Lightweight & Portable
- Collapses To A Very Small Size
- Tall Backrest Option
- Made Of High-Quality Materials
- UV & Weather Resistant Fabric
- Comfortable Back Rest
CONS
- Requires Set Up
- Best For Level Surfaces
- Narrow Feet
2. Moon Lence Portable Ultralight Backpacking Chair
The Moon Lence portable ultralight chair for backpacking, hiking, van life, and RVers weighs 2 lbs.
It has a zippered carry case that is 13.4 inches long and 4.7 inches wide when the chair is folded up inside.
When assembled using the aluminum base with bungee-cord self assemble the it’s 26.4 inches tall, 17 inches deep, and 19.7 inches wide.
The weight capacity is advertised to be 400 lbs which is the highest weight capacity in this review.
The seat fabric is made with durable 600D Oxford cloth with mesh vents on the sides.
It’s also machine washable and easy to set up and pack up.
There’s a small fabric pocket on the left side that could fit a phone or a water bottle.
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The Moon Lence is very simple with no extra frills.
It’s larger than the ultra-lightweight backpacking Helinox chair but still light enough to be taken on a backpacking trip or a hike.
It has a slightly higher backrest than some of the other chairs as well which makes it a better option for those with sensitive backs.
Note: if you have serious back issues or problems getting out of low chairs none of these portable moon camping chairs are going to be a good option.
Consider getting a seat cushion that can be set on a rock or tree stump instead.
PROS
- Portable
- Zippered Storage Bag
- Collapses To A Small Size
- Comfortable Back Rest
- Side Pocket
CONS
- Weighs Over 2 lbs
- Requires Set Up
- Best For Level Surfaces
- Narrow Feet
3. iClimb Ultralight Chair
The iClimb portable backpacking chair is the only option in this review that includes large plastic feet that can be used to make the chair more stable.
The feet are option and can be left behind to save on weight. With the feet the iClimb weighs 2.5 lbs. Without them it weighs only 2.2 lbs.
When folded into the included zippered storage bag the portable camping chair measures 5.5 inches wide and 13.8 inches long.
The bag also has loops on each side so you can hang it from the chair’s frame so you don’t misplace it.
When assembled the chair is 26.4 inches tall, 17.3 inches deep, and 20.9 inches wide.
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The frame is made with a high-strength aluminum alloy with a self-assemble bungee cord connecting all the parts.
The chair has a weight capacity of 275 lbs.
The seat is made with high-quality, durable, rip and weather resistant 900D ripstop Oxford cloth.
There are two mesh vents on each side and a large vent in the back for extra breathability.
Hanging on the left hand side is a mesh cup holder.
The iClimb Ultralight Chair is very well made and has some great extra features.
It’s made with high-quality fabric, and the extra mesh vents are invaluable when you are sweaty but still need to sit down.
There are multiple color options as well.
All-in-all this is an excellent chair for backpacking, hiking, fishing, camping, festivals, picnics… pretty much any outdoor activity.
PROS
- Portable
- Zippered Storage Bag
- Collapses To A Small Size
- Mesh Cup Holder
- Comfortable Mesh Back Rest
- Large Optional Feet Included
CONS
- Weighs Over 2 lbs
- Requires Set Up
- Short Backrest
4. Teton Sports Inflatable Sit Pad
Now for the smaller, ultralightweight, minimalist backpacking chair options.
Seat pads are a great way to get a little more comfort when sitting out in the wilderness without taking up a lot of space or weighing very much.
They are versatile for everyday use because they can be used as an extra cushion for chairs and stadium seats.
The Teton Sports seat pad is a self inflating pad with an open cell foam filling that can compress to a small size but can fluff up when released.
It helps the backpacking seat pad inflate easily. You will still need to add a few puffs of air but the foam does most of the inflation work.
When inflated this hiking seat pad is 17 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and around 1.5 inches tall.
When packed away in the included carry case it’s only 7 inches tall and 3 inches wide.
It’s a super lightweight seat pad weighing only 6 oz, that’s less than 1/2 a pound.
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There technically isn’t a weight limit on inflated seat pads like these but Teton Sports suggests it’s around 325 lbs.
The material is super durable and can withstand things that might puncture it like sticks and rocks and it’s waterproof.
The bottom has a non-slip coating on it for slick surfaces and the top is soft and durable microfiber.
The Teton Sports Inflatable Sit Pad is a fantastic choice for backpacking and hiking not only because of the small size and lightweight but also because it’s easy to clean, and very durable.
The foam adds an extra layer of cushion you won’t get from seat pads that are only filled with air.
PROS
- UltraLightweight
- Packs Down To A Small Size
- No Difficult Assembly Required
- Easy To Clean
- Self Inflating
- Foam Filling
CONS
- Zero Back Support
- Best If Logs Or Rocks Are Available To Sit On
5. Klymit V Inflatable Camp Seat
The Klymit V Inflatable Camp Seat is the lightest and smallest backpacking seat in this review.
It’s for adding a bit of comfort to your adventures while taking up hardly any space.
It weighs almost nothing at only 2.6 oz.
When deflated and rolled up it can be as small as only 3.5 inches tall, and 1.5 inches wide.
You can even fit this backpacking seat cushion in your pocket.
For a seat pad of this size and weight, you do give up a bit of comfort and overall size when inflated.
It’s pretty small measuring only 14 inches wide and long and 1 inch thick.
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To help make it more durable and supportive Klymit uses V air chambers that help distribute the air to give you more cushion without adding size.
It isn’t self inflating but it only takes a few puffs of air to fully inflate since it’s so small.
The material used is 75D polyester that’s tough, resistant to punctures, and easy to clean by just wiping it off.
For what it is, the Klymit V Inflatable Camp Seat is really an amazing minimalist backpacking seat pad.
It’s so incredibly small and lightweight, and it will add a little bit more comfort to whatever rock or log you are sitting on.
PROS
- UltraLightweight
- Packs Down To A Super Small Size
- No Difficult Assembly Required
- Easy To Clean
- Fits In Pocket When Folded Up
CONS
- Zero Back Support
- Only 1 Inch Of Inflation
- Small Even When Inflated
- Best If Logs Or Rocks Are Available To Sit On
6. Crazy Creek Products Hex 2.0 Lightweight Camp Chair
Last but not least is the stadium seat style backpacking chair that can actually be rolled up to a smaller size than your average seat of this style.
I say this because most stadium style camping chairs can only be folded once and are too stiff to roll up.
What makes the Hex 2.0 by Crazy Creek Products different than a folding stadium seat cushion is that it’s made with flexible material you can roll up, and it’s more durable than your average seat.
The inside is stuffed with high density closed cell foam that gives as much cushion and support as possible without adding too much size and weight.
The outer material is 210D coated ripstop nylon that is waterproof and super resistant to rips and tears.
The inner material is a softer more breathable 70D nylon ripstop fabric that will feel more comfortable on your skin while still being resistant to water and dirt.
The side straps are adjustable for different sitting positions and they have clips on them making it so you can quickly release the straps to turn the camp chair into a seat pad for two.
They are attached to reinforced wings that extend off of the carbon fiber support posts that run up and down the entire length and each side of the lightweight minimalist backpacking chair.
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The carbon fiber stays are what give the back support so you can lean back on it like a regular chair with a frame.
When rolled up the Crazy Creek Products backpacking chair is 4 inches wide and 16.5 inches long.
When in the seat position the hiking chair is 16.5 inches deep and tall and 15.5 inches wide. The weight limit is 250 lbs.
It’s very lightweight weighing only 21.9 oz (1.4 lbs).
The thing about minimalist backpacking chairs like the Crazy Creek Products Hex 2.0 Lightweight Camp Chair is that they aren’t going to be exactly like sitting in a backpacking moon chair like the first three in this review.
It’s basically a seat pad that offers some back support for added comfort.
This style of camp chair is great for those who want a lightweight durable seat pad with back support.
It has zero set up which makes it easy to pull out for a quick break on a hike or it can be folded out and turned into a sit pad for two.
The company Crazy Creek Products is from Montana where all its products are designed and produced.
Their products are of high quality and made to last. Which is something you want when it comes to backpacking and hiking gear you are going to be using a lot.
PROS
- Can Be Rolled Up
- No Difficult Assembly Required
- Easy To Clean
- Has Back Support
- Can Become An Extra Large Sit Pad For Two
- Made In Montana
CONS
- Best If Logs Or Rocks Are Available To Sit On
- Thin Cushion
- Narrow
What To Look For In A Hiking & Backpacking Chair
Weight
When it comes to backpacking and hiking weight almost matters more than size.
The weight used up by a chair is going to take away from the amount of other important camping stuff you can bring.
Even if you are just going on a day hike extra weight increases the difficulty of each step.
You need to decide if having a full chair with a frame is going to be worth the extra weight or if a minimalist seat pad is going to be enough for you to enjoy breaks or the campsite.
Set Up
Another thing to think about when looking for the perfect style of hiking and backpacking chair is set up.
While they are fairly easy to put together the collapsible hiking chairs do take some time to set up or pack up.
It’s not going to be easy to use it when stopping for a quick break on a hike like a seat pad will be.
What the collapsible lightweight backpacking chairs are fantastic for is chilling around the campsite.
They offer actual back support and get you up off the ground away from bugs and dirt.
They could be a better choice in the long run for backpacking while seat pads are more useful for day hikes.
Chair Size
Lightweight backpacking camp chairs are small. That’s how they keep the weight down.
Many of these chairs have high weight limits but are still very narrow compared to regular folding camping chairs.
If you have a big frame or wide hips you are going to want to get a wide backpacking chair or a seat pad.
The widest backpacking chair on this list is the iClimb Ultralight Chair measuring almost 21 inches wide.
If that doesn’t sound like a comfortable measurement for your body type you may want to go with a seat pad instead.
Tall people can also find issues with backpacking chairs.
They sit fairly low to the ground and aren’t as deep as other chairs which can make them uncomfortable for sitting for extended amounts of time.
Some people don’t mind it since it’s just a part of lightweight backpacking gear but it’s something to consider when looking for the best backpacking chair for you.
Seat Height
I hate to say it but collapsible backpacking moon chairs just aren’t easy to get out of, especially for hikers who are a little older or have any kind of knee problems.
This kind sits very low to the ground and is angled back in a slight lounge position.
If you have trouble getting out of a regular chair these are not going to be the best choice.
Getting a seat pad you can place on a tall log or rock might be a better option for those of you who have these kinds of issues with low chairs.
Conclusion & Recommendations For The Best Backpacking Chair
There are lots of things to consider when looking for the perfect lightweight chair.
The collapsible moon chairs are fantastic for use around the campsite and are by far the most comfortable option but the seat pads are the lightest and the easiest to set up.
It is possible to use both since the inflatable seat pads are so lightweight but if you are short on space and have a strict weight limit you may only be able to choose one kind of chair.
Here are my recommendations based on specific needs and features.
Lightest & Smallest Option – Klymit V Inflatable Camp Seat
While the Klymit V inflatable camp seat is the most basic and minimal backpacking chair it is the smallest and lightest option out there.
It can become surprisingly small folding down to only 3.5 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide and it weighs hardly anything.
If space and weight are going to be a factor because you are going on an extra long hike or multi day backpacking trip it’s going to be a way to make sitting around the campfire more comfortable without sacrificing bringing along the essentials.
Best Backpacking Chair Overall – Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair
I have to hand it to Helinox, they are still number one when it comes to ultra-portable lightweight compact backpacking chairs.
Their lightest camp chair is almost half the weight of the other chairs in this review and it still somehow has the same size of seat, frame, and high weight capacity.
Helinox builds its backpacking/hiking chairs to last and you aren’t buying a camping chair for just one summer, but one that will last a lifetime.
They may not have a ton of color options like the others but their chairs are stylish and look awesome sitting outside of any tent or RV.
In the end, the choice really comes down to weight, and what kind of quality you are looking for in an ultra-light and portable collapsible camp/backpacking chair.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Backpacking Chairs
Should I get a small backpacking collapsible moon chair if I have back problems?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
If you have any kind of back problems or trouble getting out of low chairs these are not for you.
People with bad backs need straight back support and moon chairs like these put you in either a lounge or a slouched over position depending on what you’re doing.
If you have a bad back a regular camping chair will be a better option.
You can check out my article about the best, high quality camping chairs here.
Are collapsible camp/backpacking chairs hard to put together?
While they do require some assembly most collapsible camping chairs are not hard to assemble.
High-quality collapsible chairs like the ones in this review will have a single bungee cord that runs through all of the aluminum tubes.
The cord helps you put the pieces together and makes it so you always connect the right tubes and joints.
Once the frame is put together all you have to do is stretch the seat fabric over the 4 connection points.
This may take a little bit of pulling when the chairs are brand new but it will get easier with time.
That being said the quicker option for seating when hiking or camping is going to be a seat pad.
Can collapsible backpacking and camping chairs be used indoors?
If you are in need of extra seating collapsible camping chairs like these are handy to have around.
You can quickly set them up to use as extra seating on game or movie night and they are always a big hit with kids and teenagers.
What are collapsible backpacking and camping chairs made of?
Most camping chairs are made with steel frames. This is an inexpensive, durable material but it’s also heavy.
To make backpacking chairs more lightweight manufacturers make the chair frames with high-strength aluminum alloy.
The seats are made with durable ripstop 600D polyester or 500D nylon depending on the quality.
This is the same material hammocks and tents are made of.
What is the lightest backpacking chair?
The lightest backpacking chair that is an actual chair (not a seat pad) is the Helinox Chair Zero Chair (click to view on Amazon).
It weighs only 19.2 oz (1.2 lbs) and is still large enough to comfortably fit the average adult.
What should you sit on when backpacking?
Packing to go on a backpacking camping trip requires a lot of planning ahead.
You need to know exactly how much everything is going to weigh beforehand and balance out the amount of gear with the amount of food and water you will need.
When you go backpacking it can be difficult to find a clean comfy place to sit. There aren’t always perfectly sized rocks or logs available.
That’s why ultra lightweight, collapsible backpacking chairs can be a really nice piece of camping gear to always bring along.
They pack down to a small size, weigh very little, and keep you off the dirty ground when you are relaxing.
Another option for seating when hiking or backpacking is a basic inflatable seat pad or if you want a little bit of a backrest a stadium seat designed for camping.
The seat pad option is best for areas where you will have something to put them on but they can also make sitting on the ground just a bit more comfortable.
Have any more questions about ultra-portable lightweight collapsible camping and backpacking chairs? Leave a comment below.
