Our Picks For The Best Backpacking Chair Of 2023

The Best Backpacking Chair

When you’ve been on your feet all day, nothing feels better than taking a seat on something comfortable and supportive. The best backpacking chairs have you looking forward to taking a seat when you’re on that last mile of the day. Though a backpacking chair isn’t considered an essential piece of gear, it can certainly improve your backcountry experience.

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Do You Need a Backpacking Chair?

Why spend time and money finding the best backpacking chair if you’re not sure if it will be worth it?

A backpacking chair is not a necessity in my book. They weigh a few pounds and take up a good amount of space in your backpack. There are certainly light and compact options, but you often find that the smaller and more lightweight the chair is, the less comfortable they are. The bottom line is, people who are looking to reduce backpack weight can easily do so by leaving their chair at home.

That being said, if you’re not trying to go ultralight and have room to spare, having a backpacking chair is wonderful. Most campsites do not have seating, so you’d end up popping a squat on the ground. When campsites do have seating, it is usually a log or boulder which aren’t the most comfortable seating options. When you use a log or the ground as a seat, you also risk getting wet, cold, or covered in ticks.

It’s also nice to have an elevated seat for certain tasks. Putting on your boots, filtering water, or tending to blisters are all easier to do when you have a seat to do it on.

A backpacking chair may not be a necessity for every backpacking packing list, but it’s certainly nice to have! However, I would argue a hammock is more comfortable and compact than a backpacking chair. So, if you’re interested, check out our hammock recommendation!

Key Features of The Best Backpacking Chair

To find the best backpacking chair, you need to find one that will check all the boxes. These are the qualities you should be looking for:

• Lightweight – For backpacking, you want just about everything to be lightweight. When it comes to a backpacking chair, something under 2 pounds is ideal. Just make sure it has the weight capacity to hold you.
• Compact – Saving space in your backpack is important. Unfortunately, many backpacking chairs can be rather bulky even when they are fully packed down. Look for ones that are compact, but also comfortable. Stools are incredibly compact because they use less material. However, they are also less comfortable than a larger chair with a backrest.
• Comfortable – Brining a chair is pointless if sitting on it isn’t more comfortable than sitting on the ground. While even the best backpacking chair won’t feel as nice as your recliner at home, you should look for something that feels good to sit on. Sometimes that means getting a heavier or bulkier chair.
• Style – Backpacking chairs come in a variety of different styles. They can be foldable, inflatable, or pads that provide a light cushion between you and the ground. Some can be more lightweight, compact, or comfortable. It’s worth testing out a variety of styles to see what suits you.

The Best Backpacking Chair

MOON LENCE Outdoor Folding Chair

This MOON LENCE folding chair’s simplicity is what makes it one of our favorites. It has the classic scoop shape that provides efficient comfort. The chair detaches from the aluminum alloy frame, allowing it to pack down small. The mesh features keep it lightweight, breathable, and fast-drying, important qualities in a piece of backpacking gear!

Find it here!

YIZI LITE Backpacking Chair

This chair is considered a top backpacking chair because of how lightweight and compact it is. It has a similar scoop design as many other chairs, but the short height, mesh fabric, and aero-grade aluminum alloy keeps it lightweight yet sturdy. The detachable design allows it to pack down small into it’s carrying case. However, this may not be a good fit for larger individuals. The weight limit is only 200 pounds and the short height can be uncomfortable for tall individuals.

Find it here!

Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit

This “chair” isn’t really a chair at all, but a frame that you insert your sleeping pad into to create a cushioned seat. What is great about this design is the efficiency of it, you’re creating a second use for your sleeping pad. Unlike other chair options, this provides a warm and soft backrest. Though it sits directly on the ground, the padding will keep you warm and dry. This will fit most mattresses with up to 20 inch width, but be sure to check the dimensions of yours before purchasing.

Find it here!

Interested in learning more about sleeping pads? Click here!

OPLIY Camp Stool

Some of the best backpacking chairs aren’t chairs at all, but stools. Stools tend to be a bit smaller and lighter than chairs. This stool is lightweight and compact, yet sturdy. It also comes with a side pocket for small items you want to keep handy. Though stools don’t offer back support they are quick to set up, making them helpful for seated tasks like filtering water or tending to blisters.

Find it here!

Crazy Creek HEX 2.0

This chair is incredibly versatile, lightweight, and easy to pack. Though this chair rests on the ground, it provides some cushion and back support. Having a tall backrest like this one makes a big difference in terms of back comfort. Simply roll it up when you’re done using it or flatten it and use it as an additional layer of insulation between your sleeping pad and the ground.

Find it here!

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