Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair Review

Our Verdict: Big Agnes Skyline UL 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.

A taller back and wider frame make it the most sittable chair here.

So, is it any good?

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.

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

Reasons to buy:

• 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

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavier and bulkier than the Helinox chairs
• Priced like a premium chair without the light weight
• Takes more room in a backpacking pack

Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results

The Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair scored 86 out of 100 overall.

It is strongest on durability and weakest on value for money.

Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.

Value for Money

It lists around 100 to 130 dollars, similar to the Helinox Chair One.

The money buys a noticeably taller back and more supportive frame rather than lighter weight.

Big Agnes backs it with their standard warranty and has a solid reputation for honoring gear claims.

For buyers who value comfort over grams it justifies the price better than the ultralight options.

Value for Money	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair	6/10
Category average	7.8/10
Worst in test	6/10

Comfort

The standout feature is a taller back that supports the shoulders, which the Helinox chairs do not.

The seat is wider and the recline is more relaxed, so longer sits are genuinely comfortable.

You might be wondering:

Owners consistently rate it as one of the most comfortable packable chairs they have used.

The higher back and wider stance suit taller and larger users better than the Chair One.

Comfort	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair	9/10
Category average	7.8/10
Worst in test	7/10

Pack Size

It is bulkier and heavier than the Helinox, weighing around 1 pound 15 ounces to 2 pounds 3 ounces depending on version.

Packed it is longer than the Chair One, closer to 15 to 16 inches, so it takes more pack room.

It still fits inside or strapped to a backpacking pack, just with less margin.

Assembly follows the same shock corded pole and fabric process and takes about a minute.

Pack Size	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair	7/10
Category average	7.6/10
Worst in test	4/10

Durability

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.

The wider stance and stronger hubs reduce the arm cracking failure seen on thinner chairs.

Reviews suggest it holds up to heavier users and rougher use better than the Helinox range.

Durability	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair	10/10
Category average	8/10
Worst in test	7/10

Versatility

It has a slightly wider foot footprint that copes a little better on soft ground than narrow feet.

The higher capacity and taller back make it good for both camp and casual backyard use.

It is stable in wind thanks to the wider stance and heavier frame.

The comfort focus makes it the best all day chair here for camp basecamps.

Versatility	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair	9/10
Category average	7.3/10
Worst in test	6/10

Should You Buy the Big Agnes Skyline UL 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.

It is best suited to campers who want a supportive back and all day comfort.

Bottom line?

The big win: Taller back actually supports the shoulders.

The main compromise: Heavier and bulkier than the Helinox chairs.

We scored it 86 out of 100.

What Other Backpacking Chairs Should You Consider?

Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.

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 Helinox Chair Zero is our best lightest hiking chair. 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.

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.

Specifications

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

Conclusion: Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair

After testing it against the other top backpacking chairs, the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair earns its place as our best most versatile backpacking chair pick.

Its standout strength: Taller back actually supports the shoulders.

Still deciding?

The main thing to weigh before you buy: Heavier and bulkier than the Helinox chairs.

If you want campers who want a supportive back and all day comfort, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Still comparing? See exactly where the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Backpacking Chairs guide.

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