When you’re backpacking, every ounce you carry makes a difference, so it’s crucial to pack wisely and choose the right gear. This is where a backpacking chair comes in handy.
Backpacking chairs are designed to be folded and stored in your pack without taking up too much space.
They are also lightweight, so they won’t weigh you down while you’re walking.
Perfect for relaxing around the fire at the end of a long day, these chairs provide back support you simply won’t get from sitting on a rock, log, or foam pad.
Below you’ll find our product breakdown!
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What is a Backpacking Chair?
A backpacking chair is a portable seat that goes together by assembling lightweight aluminum poles and connectors or unfolding into place.
They normally feature a breathable mesh backing, and go together in just minutes.
Some even have pockets for your phone or flashlight.
Multi-functional, they are great not only for camping and backpacking, but also things like fishing or watching your kid’s soccer game.
Why Do I Need a Backpacking Chair?
Backpacking chairs are important for recovery and relaxation, especially on long, multi-day trips where your body is sore.
Nobody wants to walk all day and then have to sit on a dirty log or foam pad while they cook around the fire.
A good backpacking chair will keep you elevated and away from the ground, so you can be comfortable even when camping in the rain or the cold.
Dispersed campers, traditional campers, and car campers alike all deserve a proper seat, no matter where they are in the world, and these portable chairs are perfect.
Finding the Perfect Backpacking Chair
At the end of the day, the perfect backpacking chair is the one that fits your style and budget.
You can find chairs of all different designs and price points on Amazon, just make sure you read reviews before purchasing.
Here are some things to look for while doing your research:
Weight
- Most lightweight backpacking chairs weigh about 1-2 pounds. Some are even lighter. It’s always a good idea to cut weight when you can so you keep your pack light
Size
- Look for a chair that won’t take up space in your backpack. You should be able to find one that breaks down to about the size of a water bottle
Easy Assembly
- Find a chair that goes together quickly and easily, not one that has a million steps and a complicated setup
Stability
- Wide frame legs offer stability, and end caps on the legs will prevent the chair from piercing through the dirt
Backpacking Chair Product Recommendations
Here are some backpacking chairs from a few different price points:
Helinox Chair Zero
- If you want the best of the best, the Helinox Chair Zero is where it’s at. This chair is ultralight, weighing only 1.1 pounds, and will fit in any backpack. It is quite pricey though, over $100 dollars.
Naturehike YL08
- The Naturehike YL08 Ultralight comes in just under 2.5 pounds but features a 15-second lightning set-up. It has wide anti-sink feet, comes in three different colors, and the carrying bag can clip to the seat as a storage pouch when the chair is in use.
Alps Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool
- I’m including a stool variation as well, the Alps Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool, as an alternative style of seat. Stools can be a great discount option if you want a seat but don’t care about leaning back in your chair. This stool weighs only two pounds and doesn’t require any complicated assembly.
Final Thoughts: Are Backpacking Chairs Worth It?
My final answer is yes, they are worth it.
I would recommend all adventurers add a backpacking chair to their gear list for their next state or national park trip.
They are affordable, versatile, and a much-appreciated relief when camping alone or with friends.
With how lightweight they are, you won’t even notice the extra gear in your pack, and you’ll appreciate not having to sit on the ground in the dirt.
It’s a definite gamechanger on the trail.
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Until next time, happy camping!
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