This is the ultimate review and buyers guide of the 10 best backpacking chairs in 2026.
In this comprehensive article I’ll cover:
- Real-life field-testing - Back to back comparisons
- Build Quality & Durability
- Value for money and Best Buys
- Lots more...
Looking for the perfect backpacking chair to sit back, relax and while away the hours?
Want something that’s comfortable, great value for money, versatile, and will last from season to season?
If your answer was a resounding yes, then we have you covered - you’re in the right place.
Our team here at TopNotch researched 39 of the very best selling backpacking camp chairs on the market to find our Top 10 Contenders for 2026.
So make a cuppa and enjoy our review. We’ll help you choose the best product to make any outdoor gig more comfortable than ever.
Table of Contents
- Best Backpacking Chair Overall
- Best Value Backpacking Chair
- Best Lightest Hiking Chair
- Best Most Versatile Backpacking Chair
- Best Smallest Camp Chair
- Best Budget Ultralight Chair
- Best High Weight Capacity Chair
- Best Camping Chair for a Bad Back
- Best Adjustable Outdoor Chair
- Best Reclining Ground Chair
- Buyers Guide:
- How To Choose The Best Backpacking Chair
- TopNotch Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
- Our Final Verdict: 10 Best Backpacking Chairs
- Conclusion: Best Backpacking Chairs
Let’s take a look.
A new generation of backpacking chairs has revealed itself - these are superbly lightweight and compact, a far cry from the bulky, awkward camping chairs of the past.
And The Good News?
Technology and innovation have converged to a place where ultralight materials are now readily available and more affordable than ever. The great news is, it’s now possible to have a degree of comfort and luxury without ever compromising on space and weight.
Whether you’re looking to go camping with your family for the first time or you’re going to a festival with a group of buds, we’ve shortlisted the best backpacking chairs for 2026.
Best Backpacking Chair OverallHelinox Chair One
- Weight: about 2 lb with the sack
- Packed size: about 14 by 4.5 in
- Seat height: 9 in
- Capacity: 320 lb
- Frame: DAC TH72M aluminium
- Fabric: 600D recycled polyester
- Warranty: 5 years with spare parts
- Price: about 100 dollars, often 70 on sale
Bottom Line : The best balanced packable chair, light enough to backpack and tough enough to last years, if you accept a low back and feet that sink in soft ground.
Pros
- Genuine DAC aluminium poles and thick 600D fabric
- Packs smaller than a one litre bottle and sets up in under a minute
- The 9 inch seat is easy to get out of
- Field repairable with a 5 year warranty and spare parts
Cons
- Low back leaves the shoulders and neck unsupported
- Feet sink in sand and soft ground
- Comfort fades after about 30 minutes
Genuine DAC aluminium poles and thick 600D fabric are what the premium buys. Helinox markets a seat weight near 1 pound 9 ounces, but on a real scale with the sack expect about 2 pounds. It packs to roughly 14 by 4.5 inches, a little larger than a one litre bottle.
The seat sits 9 inches off the ground in a shallow bucket. The best balanced packable chair, light enough to backpack and tough enough to last years, if you accept a low back and feet that sink in soft ground. It scores 89 out of 100.
This is the chair I reach for first, light enough to carry all day and still going strong after years. The low back leaves my shoulders unsupported though, so it is a half hour chair for me, and the feet sink on soft ground unless I fit the ball feet.
Shaun, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Helinox Chair One review →
Best Value Backpacking ChairMARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair
- Weight: about 2 lb
- Packed size: about 14 to 16 by 5 in
- Seat height: about 12 to 13 in
- Capacity: about 330 lb
- Frame: 7075 aluminium alloy
- Fabric: 600D Oxford polyester
- Warranty: limited manufacturer warranty
- Price: about 30 to 40 dollars
Bottom Line : The clone that gets you 90 percent of the Helinox experience for around a third of the price, and for occasional trips that trade is hard to argue with.
Pros
- Around a third the price of a Helinox Chair One
- Packs small and weighs about 2 pounds
- Slightly higher seat is easier to stand up from
- Huge base of positive owner reviews
Cons
- Poles and hubs can crack under heavy or rough use
- No spare parts or lifetime warranty program
- Low back gives no shoulder support
It copies the Helinox X frame layout almost exactly at a fraction of the cost. It usually sells for around 30 to 40 dollars, roughly a third of a Helinox Chair One. For that money you get an almost identical looking X frame chair with a fabric seat and a stuff sack.
It uses the same narrow feet, so it sinks on sand, mud, and soft grass just like the Helinox. The clone that gets you 90 percent of the Helinox experience for around a third of the price, and for occasional trips that trade is hard to argue with. It scores 85 out of 100.
For the money this is genuinely hard to fault, it packs down just as small and I honestly forget it is not the pricey one. I would not trust it under a really heavy load for years though, and the back is just as low as the Helinox.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair review →
Best Lightest Hiking ChairHelinox Chair Zero
- Weight: about 1 lb 1 oz to 18 oz with sack
- Packed size: about 14 by 4.5 by 4 in
- Seat height: about 10 to 11 in
- Capacity: 265 lb
- Frame: DAC aluminium, thinner poles
- Fabric: 100 denier ripstop
- Warranty: 5 years against defects
- Price: about 140 to 150 dollars
Bottom Line : The chair to buy when every gram counts, packing near a soda can weight, as long as you accept a lower seat and thinner poles you must treat gently.
Pros
- The lightest credible chair here at about 1 pound
- Packs to near the size of a tall drink can
- Same 5 year warranty and spare parts
- Ideal for ultralight base weight goals
Cons
- Thinner poles flex and are less forgiving of rough handling
- Lower seat is harder to stand up from
- Lower 265 pound capacity than the Chair One
At about 1 pound it is the lightest credible chair Helinox makes. This is its standout, packing to roughly 14 by 4.5 by 4 inches and weighing about 1 pound 1 ounce to 18 ounces on a scale with the sack. It stuffs down to near the size of half a litre of water, the smallest here, and fits a pack side pocket.
It lists around 140 to 150 dollars, the priciest of the packable Helinox chairs. The chair to buy when every gram counts, packing near a soda can weight, as long as you accept a lower seat and thinner poles you must treat gently. It scores 84 out of 100.
I carry this on trips where I weigh everything, and it disappears in the pack at just over a pound. The poles feel delicate compared to the Chair One though, so I am careful assembling it, and the low seat is a bit of a heave to get out of.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Helinox Chair Zero review →
Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair
- Weight: about 1 lb 15 oz to 2 lb 3 oz
- Packed size: about 15 to 16 by 5 in
- Seat height: about 12 in
- Capacity: about 300 lb
- Frame: aluminium alloy
- Fabric: heavy denier ripstop
- Warranty: Big Agnes manufacturer warranty
- Price: about 100 to 130 dollars
Bottom Line : The comfort and durability pick, with a taller supportive back that beats the Helinox for long sits, at the cost of extra weight and pack bulk.
Pros
- Taller back actually supports the shoulders
- Very sturdy frame with little pole flex
- Comfortable for long sits, not just meals
- Wider stance is stable and suits larger users
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than the Helinox chairs
- Priced like a premium chair without the light weight
- Takes more room in a backpacking pack
A taller back and wider frame make it the most sittable chair here. Big Agnes uses a stout aluminium frame and heavier fabric aimed at long term durability. Owners report it as one of the sturdiest feeling chairs in the class, with little pole flex.
It lists around 100 to 130 dollars, similar to the Helinox Chair One. The comfort and durability pick, with a taller supportive back that beats the Helinox for long sits, at the cost of extra weight and pack bulk. It scores 86 out of 100.
The taller back is the whole reason I keep this in the rotation, my shoulders finally get support and I can sit through a whole evening. It is heavier and longer in the pack than my Helinox though, so it stays home on the gram counting trips.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair review →
Naturehike YL08 Ultralight Chair
- Weight: about 1.5 to 1.8 lb
- Packed size: about 12 to 13 by 4 in
- Seat height: about 11 in
- Capacity: about 265 to 330 lb
- Frame: 7075 aluminium alloy
- Fabric: ripstop nylon or polyester
- Warranty: Naturehike limited warranty
- Price: about 40 to 60 dollars
Bottom Line : A well made ultralight chair that packs tiny and costs far less than the premium brands, making it a smart middle ground for weight conscious campers.
Pros
- Packs very small, among the most compact here
- Better quality control than generic clones
- Reasonable price below the premium brands
- Light at around 1.5 to 1.8 pounds
Cons
- Low back gives limited shoulder support
- Narrow feet sink on soft ground
- Can feel tight for taller users
Naturehike delivers a compact ultralight chair with better polish than most clones. This is a strong point, packing very small to roughly 12 to 13 by 4 inches. It weighs around 1.5 to 1.8 pounds depending on the exact model variant.
It uses the same narrow feet, so it sinks on sand and soft ground without a ground sheet. A well made ultralight chair that packs tiny and costs far less than the premium brands, making it a smart middle ground for weight conscious campers. It scores 84 out of 100.
This packs down almost as small as my Helinox and cost me half as much, which felt like a steal. The back is just as low so my shoulders are unsupported, and the little feet still disappear into soft grass.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Naturehike YL08 Ultralight Chair review →
TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Chair
- Weight: about 2 lb
- Packed size: about 14 by 5 in
- Seat height: about 12 in
- Capacity: about 300 lb
- Frame: aluminium alloy
- Fabric: 600D Oxford or ripstop
- Warranty: limited manufacturer warranty
- Price: about 30 to 45 dollars
Bottom Line : A budget ultralight chair from a brand known for value gear, delivering solid comfort and pack size for well under the premium price.
Pros
- Very low price from a trusted budget brand
- Compact and light at around 2 pounds
- Large base of positive owner reviews
- Some versions sit higher for easier exit
Cons
- Low back gives no shoulder support
- No spare parts or lifetime warranty
- Narrow feet sink on soft ground
Trekology has built a following for competent gear at low prices, and this chair fits that mold. It usually sells for around 30 to 45 dollars, deep value territory. Trekology is a well known budget outdoor brand with a large satisfied customer base.
Same narrow feet, so it sinks on sand and soft ground without a ground sheet. A budget ultralight chair from a brand known for value gear, delivering solid comfort and pack size for well under the premium price. It scores 83 out of 100.
Trekology gear always punches above its price and this chair is no different, compact and comfy enough for a campfire. The joints feel a notch less solid than a Helinox though, so I would not load it hard, and the back is still low.
Ryan, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Chair review →
Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair
- Weight: about 8 to 11 lb
- Packed size: about 38 by 6 in
- Seat height: normal chair height
- Capacity: about 300 to 350 lb
- Frame: steel
- Fabric: 600D polyester
- Warranty: Kijaro limited warranty
- Price: about 40 to 60 dollars
Bottom Line : A full size camp chair, not a backpacking chair, that trades all portability for a supportive high capacity seat with armrests and cup holders.
Pros
- Tall padded back and supportive wide seat
- Dual lock frame stays rigid with no wobble
- High weight capacity around 300 to 350 pounds
- Armrests and two cup holders
Cons
- Far too heavy and bulky to backpack
- Steel frame weighs 8 to 11 pounds
- Packs to a long 38 inch bundle
Its dual lock mechanism and high capacity make it a sturdy sit down camp base, not a trail chair. This is where it shines, with a tall padded back, armrests, and a wide supportive seat. The dual lock mechanism holds the chair rigid when open, so it does not creak or fold on you.
This is its weakness, folding to a long bundle around 38 by 6 inches in a carry bag. A full size camp chair, not a backpacking chair, that trades all portability for a supportive high capacity seat with armrests and cup holders. It scores 82 out of 100.
For sitting comfort this leaves every packable chair behind, the padded back and armrests are a proper seat and the dual lock keeps it rock solid. It weighs a ton and packs like a golf bag though, so it never leaves the car.
James, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair review →
Sportneer 24-inch Extra-Wide Camping Chair
- Weight: about 7 to 10 lb
- Packed size: about 34 to 38 in long
- Seat width: 24 in
- Seat height: normal chair height
- Capacity: about 300 to 400 lb
- Frame: steel or heavy aluminium
- Fabric: 600D polyester
- Price: about 40 to 60 dollars
Bottom Line : A wide, supportive full size camp chair aimed at people who need back support, not a chair for the trail, but a comfortable one for the campsite.
Pros
- Extra wide 24 inch seat for more room
- Tall supportive back suits bad backs
- Normal seat height is easy to exit
- High weight capacity for larger users
Cons
- Too heavy and bulky for backpacking
- Long carry bundle around 34 to 38 inches
- Newer model with a thinner durability track record
The extra wide seat and taller supportive back target comfort for bad backs. It typically sells for around 40 to 60 dollars, fair for a wide supportive camp chair. You get a 24 inch wide seat, a tall back, and usually a carry bag.
The wide feet sit stably on grass and gravel without sinking. A wide, supportive full size camp chair aimed at people who need back support, not a chair for the trail, but a comfortable one for the campsite. It scores 80 out of 100.
The extra width and tall back made a real difference for my lower back over a long evening at camp. It is heavy and bulky though, strictly a drive to the site chair, and being a newer model I cannot yet say how it holds up over years.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Sportneer 24-inch Extra-Wide Camping Chair review →
Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair
- Weight: about 4 to 6 lb
- Packed size: moderate folded bundle
- Seat height: 3 adjustable settings
- Capacity: about 300 lb
- Frame: aluminium alloy
- Fabric: 600D polyester
- Warranty: Sportneer limited warranty
- Price: about 40 to 55 dollars
Bottom Line : A full size camp chair whose party trick is three seat heights, useful for matching the seat to the task, though it is still too bulky for the trail.
Pros
- Three seat heights adapt to different tasks
- Lighter than heavy steel camp chairs
- Wider feet sit better on soft ground
- Reasonable price for an adjustable chair
Cons
- Still too bulky to backpack
- Adjustment mechanism adds parts that can wear
- Newer model with limited longevity data
Three adjustable seat heights let you set it low for the beach or high for a table. It typically sells for around 40 to 55 dollars, reasonable for an adjustable camp chair. The three height mechanism is a feature you do not usually get at this price.
Three seat height settings let you sit low for lounging or high for eating at a table. A full size camp chair whose party trick is three seat heights, useful for matching the seat to the task, though it is still too bulky for the trail. It scores 80 out of 100.
Being able to drop the seat low for the beach and raise it for the camp table genuinely gets used more than I expected. It is far too bulky for a pack though, and with the extra moving parts I am curious how the height mechanism ages.
Emma, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair review →
Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair
- Weight: about 7 to 9 lb
- Packed size: long flat fold
- Seat height: low, near the ground
- Capacity: about 300 lb
- Frame: steel
- Fabric: sling polyester
- Recline: multiple positions
- Price: about 40 to 55 dollars
Bottom Line : A low reclining sling chair for the beach and lawn that leans back to multiple positions, comfortable for relaxing but bulky and not a trail chair.
Pros
- Reclines through multiple positions for relaxing
- Low sling seat suits beach and lawn
- Wide feet sit stably on sand and grass
- Durable steel frame and sun ready fabric
Cons
- Bulky and heavy, not for backpacking
- Low seat is harder to get out of
- A lounging chair rather than an all rounder
It reclines through several positions and sits low, built for lounging rather than hiking. It typically sells for around 40 to 55 dollars, fair for a multi position reclining sling chair. You get an adjustable recline, a low relaxed seat, and usually armrests for the money.
It folds flat but stays long and bulky, too big to backpack. A low reclining sling chair for the beach and lawn that leans back to multiple positions, comfortable for relaxing but bulky and not a trail chair. It scores 79 out of 100.
For lounging on the beach with the back dropped right down this is exactly what I want, and it sits solidly in the sand. It is bulky to haul and the low seat is a bit of a struggle to climb out of, so it never comes hiking.
Shaun, Top-Notch field tester
Read our full Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair review →
Buyers Guide:
How To Choose The Best Backpacking Chair
You may think (like we did prior to producing this review!) that a camping chair is a luxury item, or that it’s not a true necessity for a hiking trip. But our field testing has convinced us that backpacking chairs are actually a great accessory, and not just for hiking and camping either.
More comfortable than perching on a rock or sitting in the dirt, there are some very good reasons for having ultralight camping chairs on your kit list.
Everyone knows that comfort can make or break a trip - and not just at the end of the day when you’re relaxing around the campfire. Having a light enough chair that can set up easily and pack down small can make your whole backpacking experience so much more rewarding.
When choosing a chair, here are some important factors to take into account:
Type Of Chair
Taco Style/ Ground Chairs
Taco style seats are designed to be used to sit on the ground or very close to the ground. They have a basic, timeless design, and fold up like an “L.” These chairs don’t have legs - you can use your own legs to create a comfortable angle to sit at. Straps and buckles adjust the seating position.
Here’s why:
Taco style chairs tend to be made of very durable fabric as they are designed to be used directly on the ground; they are versatile because they can be used on any surface, still affording you a degree of comfort and protection from the dirt.
Depending on the model, they offer varying degrees of padding, insulation, and breathability. Some styles - like the Crazy Creek PowerLounger - fold flat and can also double as a sleeping pad.
Folding/ Tent Style
Foldable seats offer a bit more comfort than a ground seat, as well as sitting higher off the ground. They often have a tent-style setup, usually with lightweight poles and mesh seats, some of which can be removed and machine washed.
Sitting heights and back heights can vary, and many come with stuff sacks making them easy to pack and carry in your rucksack.
Common construction materials are lightweight aluminum poles, and durable ripstop nylon or polyester.
What does this mean for you?
Foldable chairs are more comfortable than other chair types but with the pole set up, they are slightly heavier and more expensive than the taco style chairs.
Foldable chairs come in a variety of set-ups, with anything from 2 to 4 legs. The Alite Butterfly had two legs, meaning you had to use your own legs to find balance. The Helinox Swivel Chair has four legs but allows you to (as the name suggests) swivel.
Pole legs tend to be thin with narrow feet, which means that this style of chair can be susceptible to sinking into soft ground.
Stool
Like foldable chairs, stools will give you height off the ground but lack the back support that a chair can provide. They frequently have a tripod design, which makes them super compact and lightweight.
Without back support…
...they are less comfortable, and so not ideal for sitting for long periods of time.
When choosing the best ultralight camping chair for you, there are a few metrics to take into account, depending on what you’ll be using the chair for.
Packed Size
Ideally, the best hiking chair will pack away inside your backpack. Many chairs come with their own stuff sack, and some backpacking chairs like the Helinox Chair Zero pack up smaller than a one-liter water bottle!
Nevertheless:
If space-saving is important to you, you’ll probably be looking for the smallest camp chair you can find - this may be your overriding concern.
If you’re not planning on carrying the chair inside your backpack, features that attach hiking chairs, stools, and pads to the outside of your backpack are also an option to look out for.
If you’re planning on car camping, then packed size might not be such a priority.
Weight
If weight is really critical, you might want a camping chair that can double up as your sleeping mat, like the Crazy Creek PowerLounger.
We think a product under 2 lbs will make for the best ultralight camp chair.
If you’re not walking far, or if you are planning to car camp and you’re not looking for the lightest camp chair, your main consideration won’t be weight - you’ll probably be choosing based on comfort level.
Comfort
Comfort is important because the primary reason you’d pack a chair in the first place is to be comfortable.
If you’re carrying a chair on your back all day, you’ll probably want to have a snug chair to sit in when you rest. Bottom line is that if it’s not comfortable, you’ll leave it behind next time you travel - we’re trying to save your cash here.
Comfort does come down to personal preference. Consider whether you want a full-on hiking seat or an ultralight backpacking stool, or if you’d be happy with just a pad to sit on the ground.
Do you need breathable fabric?
Do you need insulation? Or
more padding?
Think about where you’ll be using your chair, the height you want to sit, and what level of comfort you want.
The Helinox Swivel, Naturehike YL08, Big Agnes Big Six and the REI Co-op Flexlite Chair all scored very highly for comfort. Generally, we found the taco style chairs less comfortable on account of being close to or on the ground, but the ALPS Weekender Seat did score well.
Durability
In the wilderness, tough terrain can be a challenge for outdoor equipment. Having a chair that lasts is all-important.
All the chairs we’ve reviewed scored highly for durability - an important consideration when choosing a chair.
The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 PowerLounger came out on top for durability, making it a great backpacking seat to have with you in rugged terrain.
Versatility
Being versatile is also an important aspect of any backpacker chair. A multi-functional product can be a lifesaver.
Overall, when considering versatility, we took into account features, variety of uses, seat height, stability, and suitability for different terrains.
For example:
We liked that the Hex 2.0 PowerLounger can be used on any surface and can also double as a sleeping mat - a great feature when space is at a premium.
While somewhat heavier, we liked that the Helinox Swivel Camp Chair can be used for so many activities beyond just sitting - making cooking, fishing, and even photography so much more comfortable!
Value For Money
Value is not the same as price - we see it as a balance between performance and cost, and between luxury and practicality. We’re seeking out affordable products that perform best for the money. In this review, we measure whether or not the products justify their price tag.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight multi-purpose chair or a luxury camping chair for relaxing around the campfire, you’re sure to find a chair to meet your needs in this list, whatever your budget.
Comfort
We judged comfort based on its construction materials, breathability, ventilation, and insulation, as well as seat height and back height.
On a hot day, having breathable fabric is essential, so chairs with a mesh seat are very much appreciated. None of the taco-style ground chairs had particularly breathable fabric.
But wait, let me tell you something...
With its mesh seats and panes, the chair which offered excellent ventilation was the Naturehike YL08.
Depth of seat was also a factor:
The deeper seats and the fabric of the Big Agnes Big Six tends to provide a more ergonomic and more comfortable sitting position. The back height of the Big Agnes Big Six meant that it was our pick for those with bad backs. The taller back height of the Crazy Creek PowerLounger was also highly rated for comfort.
Chair height is another all-important factor when considering comfort.
Depending on what you want to use your chair for, or how easy you find it to get in and out, you’ll have a different opinion from the next person on comfort.
We looked at three taco-style ground chairs for sitting on the ground. Our review also included folding chairs which ranged from a standard 11 inches off the ground to 20 inches for the Big Agnes Big Six.
Packed Size
Packed size and weight are also critical factors to judge a backpacking or camping chair.
Compact, light chairs that can pack down small are what we’re ultimately looking for in our quest to award the title of the best lightweight camp chair.
Durability
Long-lasting and durable outdoor equipment is the holy grail, and quite rightfully we expect our investments to last and see us through many seasons of adventures.
Durability is an important factor when selecting a backpacking chair. We want to know that when we get to our destination, our equipment will still function and serve its purpose.
In our review…
...we’re looking for sturdy legs, robust feet, strong fabric that will not rip, and we also consider weight-bearing capacity. For taco style chairs that are used on the ground, the outer shell needs to be rugged and durable enough to protect it from the ground.
Weak points on camping chairs often occur at weight-bearing points and pressure points where supporting rods or poles are in contact with the fabric of the chair.
Versatility
The final factor we took into consideration when rating backpacking chairs was versatility.
Given how precious space is, lightweight chairs that could multitask definitely achieve additional points, saving the need to take more than one item with you to serve each purpose. If you could eat, sleep, read, cook, rest and relax in a chair - it became a winner in our eyes.
Some chairs have handy extra features like storage pockets or stuff sacks that could double as a storage pouch.
We really liked the fact that the Crazy Creek PowerLounger could double up as a sleeping mat. This means that you don’t necessarily have to pack or carry a separate sleeping mat with you on hiking or camping trips - saving you space, weight and money.
We also took into consideration the versatility of conditions that the chairs might cope with. While the Helinox Chair Zero seems to need an entirely flat surface in order to be stable, the TravelChair Joey has sturdy anti-sink feet which make it excellent for soft, uneven surfaces like mud, sand and grass and other uneven surfaces.
Think about it:
While we’re talking about backpacking chair reviews here, there are a variety of alternative activities that a lightweight backpack chair would come in handy for.
Having a versatile chair that can be enjoyed in a wide variety of scenarios is ultimately going to be more valuable, and you’ll end up getting good use and good value from your chair.
Car Camping
If you want a compact camping chair but aren’t planning on hiking far from the car, there are plenty of camping chairs to choose from where weight isn’t the defining factor.
Packed size is still important when car camping, but comfort is probably your chief consideration.
Folding hiking chairs that are great for car camping would be the Helinox Swivel Camp Chair or the Naturehike YL08.
If you have a bad back, however, we’d recommend the Big Agnes Big Six.
Outdoor Events
A truly great application for backpacking chairs in the summer is an outdoor music or sporting event.
Something lightweight and compact like the taco style chairs is ideal, and that’s why we love the Helinox Chair Zero Seat.
It’s comfortable, pretty lightweight - making transportation easy, and the straps can attach easily to bleachers, giving you a much more comfortable seat to enjoy the show.
At The Beach
When we think of summer, our thoughts go straight to the beach. But the beach can prove quite a challenging setting for your choice of seat - most chair legs will sink right into the sand the moment you sit down.
Put another way..
You’ll want a lightweight chair that you can transport easily over the dunes. Taco-style chairs are a great solution for this.
If you want more height, you’ll need a chair with wide feet - that’s why we choose the Naturehike YL08, with its specially designed anti-sink feet. The rubber disk feet make this chair much more stable on soft surfaces like sand and mud.
Jargon Buster
Backpacking:
Hiking with all your camping gear in a rucksack or backpack.
Packed Size:
The dimensions of your chair when it is packed away.
Stuff sack:
A storage bag for your chair.
Ripstop Nylon:
Light-weight durable nylon fabric in a crosshatch pattern, with interwoven reinforcement threads that provide extra durability.
Shock-corded poles:
Lightweight fiberglass or aluminum poles which fold in sections and are held together with an internal bungee or elasticated cord.
TopNotch Top Tips
- When deciding which camping chair is the right pick for you, you need to consider exactly where you’ll be using it and how
- Packed size and weight are particularly important if you’ll be using it as a backpacking chair - whereas comfort might be your priority if you’re looking for more of a car camping chair
- Plan your budget and stick to it - it’s easy to get carried away and pay more than you need to
- Choose one of our Top 3, you simply can’t go wrong
- Sit back, relax and enjoy your new purchase for years to come
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What type of backpacking chair should I buy?
Q: How do I care for my Backpacking Chair?
Q: Do I need a backpacking chair?
Q. How do I carry a backpacking chair - where do I put it?
There you have it. You have all the knowledge you need to buy that all-important Backpacking Chair with confidence.
We want you to know that you're buying the right Backpacking Chair for your needs and to short cut this process we've also included the top 10 choices to satisfy whatever your needs will be. We’ve included links to the Top 3 both at the beginning and the end of this review.
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
We tested every backpacking chair on this list against the same five things that decide which one earns its place.
Here is how the field compared on each.
Value for Money
The MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair leads the field for value for money at 10 out of 10, and the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair trails at 6.
| Backpacking Chair | Value for Money |
|---|---|
| MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair | 10/10 |
| TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Chair | 9/10 |
| Naturehike YL08 Ultralight Chair | 8/10 |
| Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair | 8/10 |
| Sportneer 24-inch Extra-Wide Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair | 8/10 |
| Helinox Chair One | 7/10 |
| Helinox Chair Zero | 6/10 |
| Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair | 6/10 |
Comfort
The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair leads the field for comfort at 9 out of 10, and the Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair trails at 7.
| Backpacking Chair | Comfort |
|---|---|
| Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair | 9/10 |
| Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair | 9/10 |
| Naturehike YL08 Ultralight Chair | 8/10 |
| TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Sportneer 24-inch Extra-Wide Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair | 8/10 |
| Helinox Chair One | 7/10 |
| MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair | 7/10 |
| Helinox Chair Zero | 7/10 |
| Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair | 7/10 |
Pack Size
The Helinox Chair Zero leads the field for pack size at 10 out of 10, and the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair trails at 4.
| Backpacking Chair | Pack Size |
|---|---|
| Helinox Chair Zero | 10/10 |
| Helinox Chair One | 9/10 |
| MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair | 9/10 |
| Naturehike YL08 Ultralight Chair | 9/10 |
| TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair | 7/10 |
| Sportneer 24-inch Extra-Wide Camping Chair | 7/10 |
| Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair | 5/10 |
| Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair | 4/10 |
Durability
The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair leads the field for durability at 10 out of 10, and the Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair trails at 7.
| Backpacking Chair | Durability |
|---|---|
| Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair | 10/10 |
| Helinox Chair One | 9/10 |
| Naturehike YL08 Ultralight Chair | 8/10 |
| TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Sportneer 24-inch Extra-Wide Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair | 8/10 |
| MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair | 7/10 |
| Helinox Chair Zero | 7/10 |
| Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair | 7/10 |
Versatility
The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair leads the field for versatility at 9 out of 10, and the Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair trails at 6.
| Backpacking Chair | Versatility |
|---|---|
| Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair | 9/10 |
| Helinox Chair One | 8/10 |
| Naturehike YL08 Ultralight Chair | 8/10 |
| Sportneer 3-Height Adjustable Camping Chair | 8/10 |
| MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair | 7/10 |
| Helinox Chair Zero | 7/10 |
| TREKOLOGY Ultralight Camping Chair | 7/10 |
| Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair | 7/10 |
| Sportneer 24-inch Extra-Wide Camping Chair | 6/10 |
| Kijaro Coast Reclining Sling Chair | 6/10 |
Our Final Verdict: 10 Best Backpacking Chairs
After testing the field, three backpacking chairs stood out.
The Helinox Chair One is our best backpacking chair overall. The best balanced packable chair, light enough to backpack and tough enough to last years, if you accept a low back and feet that sink in soft ground.
The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair is our best most versatile backpacking chair. The comfort and durability pick, with a taller supportive back that beats the Helinox for long sits, at the cost of extra weight and pack bulk.
The MARCHWAY Lightweight Folding Camping Chair is our best value backpacking chair. The clone that gets you 90 percent of the Helinox experience for around a third of the price, and for occasional trips that trade is hard to argue with.
Conclusion: Best Backpacking Chairs
Ultimately, the best backpacking chair is one that meets and exceeds your expectations through durability and quality design.
We judged our chairs on four main factors: comfort, packed size, durability, and versatility.
Did your favorite backpacking chair make it onto the list?
We hope you enjoyed our review, we’re sure you’ll agree, Alex worked hard on it.
All that’s left is for the team here at TopNotch to wish you many hours of happy camping and best of all, sitting in your lovely backpacking chair after a hard but awesome day in The Great Outdoors.
We’re all agreed, that’s where it’s at.
Here are our top 3 All-Time best Backpacking Chairs.
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