The 7 Best Backpacking Chairs for Ultimate Comfort on the Trail

Why It's My Top Pick

The Helinox Chair One (re) has earned its place as my top recommendation through consistent performance in various conditions. This updated version features recycled materials without compromising the quality that made the original Chair One famous among backpackers.

What truly sets this chair apart is its exceptional balance of weight, comfort, and durability. At 2.5 pounds, it's not the lightest option, but it offers a real chair experience with proper back support and stability that ultralight options simply can't match. The 14-inch seat height is ideal—high enough for comfortable sitting while remaining stable on uneven ground.

The DAC aluminum frame uses the same high-quality materials found in premium backpacking tents. It assembles intuitively with shock-corded poles that snap into place, similar to setting up a small tent. The new pole end hubs in the (re) version provide improved durability at stress points, addressing a minor weakness in previous models.

Pros and Cons

In my experience using the Chair One across several seasons, it's proven incredibly reliable. I've taken it on multi-day trips in Biscayne National Park where it held up well to moisture and salt air. The chair packs down small enough to strap to the outside of my pack, and I appreciate that I can set it up in under 30 seconds when I reach camp.

While it's not the lightest option, the comfort-to-weight ratio makes it worthwhile for trips up to a week long. For those seeking a backpacking chair that feels like a real chair, not a compromise, the Helinox Chair One (re) remains the gold standard.

The Original Trail Classic

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 represents the evolution of the original taco-style backpacking chair that has been a staple on trails for decades. It embodies simplicity and practicality, making it an excellent entry point for backpackers looking to add comfort without significant weight or cost.

Unlike the leg-based chairs in this guide, the Crazy Creek sits directly on the ground but provides crucial back support through its unique design. The chair uses carbon fiber stays embedded in the back panel to create structure, while adjustable side straps allow you to customize the recline angle. This simple design eliminates many of the failure points found in more complex chairs.

At just under 1.4 pounds, it's significantly lighter than most frame-based chairs while still providing meaningful back support. The Hex 2.0 improvement over the original includes lighter materials and a more durable hexagonal ripstop pattern that increases tear resistance without adding weight.

Pros and Cons

I've used the Crazy Creek on countless trips when I want back support without the weight penalty. It excels during lunch breaks on day hikes and works beautifully as a camp chair for short trips. The closed-cell foam base also provides insulation from cold or damp ground, which is a bonus in shoulder seasons.

While sitting on the ground isn't for everyone, it's worth noting that this design is far more stable on uneven terrain than any legged chair. I've used it successfully on steep slopes where traditional chairs would be unusable. For multi-day treks when I'm prioritizing weight, the Crazy Creek is often my go-to choice.

The Hex 2.0 has become something of a classic on long trails like the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, where its durability and simplicity make it a favorite among distance hikers who still want some comfort at camp.

Innovative Reclining Design

The NEMO Moonlite introduces a feature rarely seen in lightweight backpacking chairs: adjustable recline positions. This innovative design allows you to sit upright while cooking or eating, then lean back for relaxation afterward—versatility that makes it stand out in the backpacking chair market.

Despite its advanced features, the Moonlite maintains an impressively low weight profile at just under 2 pounds. The chair sits at a comfortable 10.5-inch height, which balances stability with ease of entry/exit. NEMO's focus on sustainability is evident in their use of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester and Bluesign-approved materials.

The all-mesh seat construction provides excellent breathability for hot weather use, while the forged aluminum hubs and 7001 aluminum frame offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Assembly is straightforward with a color-coded system that makes setup intuitive even in low light conditions.

Pros and Cons

During my testing in the humid climate of Biscayne National Park, the Moonlite's breathable mesh construction proved invaluable. After hot, sweaty hikes, sitting in a chair that allows airflow makes a significant difference in comfort. The ability to adjust the recline angle also meant I could find the perfect position whether I was reading, stargazing, or enjoying a meal.

The NEMO Moonlite represents the evolution of backpacking chair design, offering features previously available only in much heavier camp chairs. While it comes at a premium price point, the versatility and thoughtful design make it worth considering for backpackers who don't want to compromise on comfort.

One particularly nice feature is how it packs down – the stuff sack is attached to the chair itself, meaning you'll never lose it, and it's designed to be easy to pack even with cold hands. These small details show NEMO's attention to the practical realities of backcountry use.

Ultralight Engineering Excellence

Big Agnes has applied their tent-making expertise to create the Skyline UL Chair, a remarkably engineered piece of backcountry furniture. At just 1 pound 12 ounces, it delivers exceptional comfort while remaining light enough for serious backpacking trips.

The Skyline UL features a patented hub-less pole design that reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity. The pre-bent poles create a wider, more supportive seat than competitors in the same weight class. This translates to noticeably better comfort during extended sitting, especially for those with wider hips or shoulders.

Big Agnes uses high-quality materials throughout, with ultralight ripstop nylon that resists tears and aircraft-grade aluminum that provides rigidity without excess weight. The chair's architecture creates exceptional stability on uneven ground, with legs that distribute weight effectively.

Pros and Cons

I've brought the Skyline UL on multiple backpacking trips in mountainous terrain, and it's become my go-to chair when I want something lightweight but genuinely comfortable. During a recent trip through alpine meadows, the chair's stability on uneven ground was impressive – no tipping or sinking issues that plague some lightweight chairs.

While the $150 price tag positions this as a premium product, the quality justifies the investment for frequent backpackers. The materials and construction suggest exceptional durability, meaning this chair should last through many seasons of use with proper care.

The Skyline UL strikes the perfect balance for those unwilling to compromise significantly on comfort but still counting ounces for their backpacking loadout. It's not the absolute lightest option, but it offers a real chair experience at a weight that's reasonable for multi-day trips.

Ultralight Simplicity

The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat represents the absolute minimalist approach to backcountry seating. At just 2 ounces (57g), it's lighter than many energy bars yet provides essential comfort when sitting on cold, wet, or rough surfaces. For ultralight backpackers who count every gram, this is the solution that makes rest breaks more comfortable without weight penalty.

While not a chair in the traditional sense, the Z Seat serves a crucial function: it insulates you from the ground, keeps your clothing clean and dry, and provides a small cushioning effect. The accordion-fold design allows it to deploy instantly—no setup required—and the closed-cell foam construction means it works regardless of weather conditions.

The Z Seat features a reflective ThermaCapture coating on one side that reflects radiant heat back to your body, providing additional warmth when sitting on cold surfaces. The material is virtually indestructible, withstanding punctures, tears, and compression that would render inflatable pads useless.

Pros and Cons

I always keep a Z Seat attached to the outside of my pack with its integrated cord loop. On my thru-hike of a section of the Appalachian Trail, this small luxury made lunch breaks significantly more comfortable without adding noticeable weight. During winter camping trips, the thermal reflective surface has provided welcome insulation when sitting around camp.

The Z Seat's versatility is another major advantage. It serves as an effective wind block for a camp stove, additional insulation under a sleeping pad's torso area, a clean surface for organizing small items, and even an emergency splint component if needed. Few pieces of gear offer so many uses at such a minimal weight.

For ultralight purists and those on extended backcountry trips where every ounce matters, the Z Seat represents the perfect compromise between comfort and weight. While it won't provide the same experience as a proper chair, it dramatically improves comfort during breaks without weight penalty, earning a permanent place in my ultralight kit.

Lightweight Value Champion

The REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair represents an exceptional value proposition in the lightweight backpacking chair market. At exactly 1 pound (16 oz), it's among the lightest "real" chairs available, yet it costs significantly less than competitors with similar specifications.

REI has focused on the essentials with this design, using ripstop nylon and aluminum poles to create a sturdy but minimalist frame. The 11-inch seat height strikes a good balance, keeping you off the ground while maintaining stability. The chair assembles quickly with a hubless pole design that's intuitive and reliable.

The Flexlite Air's seat design distributes weight effectively, though the seat is slightly narrower than some premium options. The chair packs down to a compact 5" x 16" size that easily fits inside most backpacks, and the included stuff sack has a pull handle for easy removal.

Pros and Cons

I've taken the Flexlite Air on numerous backpacking trips, including a memorable journey through Biscayne National Park, where its light weight and packability were greatly appreciated during long hiking days. The chair performed admirably, though I did need to place it on my sleeping pad when in sandy areas to prevent the legs from sinking.

For those seeking a full-featured backpacking chair without premium pricing, the Flexlite Air hits the sweet spot. It delivers 90% of the performance of chairs costing $50+ more, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious backpackers who still want the comfort of sitting off the ground.

The chair's durability has proven impressive during my testing. The ripstop nylon resists tears effectively, and the aluminum frame has maintained its integrity despite rough handling. While it lacks some refinements of more expensive options, its fundamentals are solid where it matters most.

Engineering Masterpiece

The Helinox Chair Zero represents perhaps the most impressive engineering achievement in the backpacking chair category. At just 1 pound 2 ounces, it's barely heavier than some minimalist sitting pads, yet it provides a legitimate elevated seating experience with back support.

Helinox achieved this remarkable weight through meticulous design and material selection. The DAC aluminum poles are the same high-performance alloy used in premium backpacking tents, providing exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The ripstop polyester seat fabric is strategically reinforced only where necessary, eliminating every unnecessary gram.

The Chair Zero's 8.5-inch seat height is lower than some options, putting it closer to the ground to maximize stability while minimizing material. The chair assembles quickly with a single shock-corded frame that practically sets itself up once unfolded.

Pros and Cons

During extended backpacking trips where weight is critical, the Chair Zero has earned its place in my pack. On a recent 7-day trip through high alpine terrain, the difference between carrying this 1-pound chair versus a 2.5-pound alternative translated to noticeable relief on long ascents. At camp, it provided a welcome respite that justified its minimal weight penalty.

For those seeking the best possible weight-to-comfort ratio, the Helinox Chair Zero stands alone. Nothing else on the market offers a true off-the-ground seating experience at this weight. While the low height and narrower dimensions won't suit everyone, those prioritizing weight savings while still wanting a proper chair will find it exceptional.

The Chair Zero pairs particularly well with energy bars for hiking and other lightweight trail essentials. It represents the pinnacle of minimalist design without sacrificing the fundamental purpose of a chair—getting you off the ground with back support.

Amazon Review: Helinox Chair One

"After 25+ years of backpacking without a chair, I finally decided to try one. The Helinox Chair One has completely transformed my camping experience. Yes, it adds weight, but the comfort at the end of a long hiking day is worth every ounce. I've used it for two seasons now across various terrains, and it shows virtually no wear. Setup takes seconds, and it's sturdy even on uneven ground. My only regret is not buying one years ago. For anyone on the fence, just do it—your back will thank you."

— Michael R., Verified Purchase

Reddit Comment: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat

"The Z Seat is the perfect compromise for ultralight backpacking. At 2oz, it's basically free weight, but it makes such a difference during breaks. I use it under my sleeping pad for extra insulation in cold weather, as a seat during lunch stops, and even as a makeshift splint during a friend's ankle injury (along with proper first aid, of course). The accordion fold makes it pack flat against the back panel of my pack. Best $30 I've spent on gear that weighs practically nothing."

— u/UltraLightTrekker, r/Ultralight

Outdoor Forum: NEMO Moonlite

"I was skeptical about the reclining feature of the NEMO Moonlite—seemed like a gimmick that would add weight without much benefit. I was wrong. The ability to sit upright while cooking and eating, then recline back while reading or stargazing, makes this chair incredibly versatile. The mesh seat is perfect for hot weather backpacking in the Southwest where I do most of my hiking. It's not the lightest option, but for trips where comfort at camp is a priority, it's become my go-to. The build quality is exceptional, and after a year of regular use, it shows minimal wear."

— TrailSeeker92, BackpackingLight Forums

My Top Recommendations

• Best Overall: Helinox Chair One (re) - Perfect balance of comfort and reasonable weight
• Best Budget Option: Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 - Affordable, durable, no assembly required
• Best Ultralight Option: Helinox Chair Zero - Remarkable comfort at just 1.1 pounds
• Best Value: REI Flexlite Air Chair - Excellent performance at a competitive price