The Takeaway:

1. Our Pick: Alite Designs Monarch Chair

2. Runner-Up: Sunyear Compact Folding Backpack Chair

3. Third Pick: GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Chair

A trusty chair is your best friend on a long hike or backpacking trip. Even if you’re heading out to the beach or fishing at the lake, you’ll always be grateful to have a chair handy. Take a look below for a full breakdown of our top three choices:

Our Pick
 
 
4.8
4.2
4.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
Overall Dimensions:
Folded: 12 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Unfolded: 23 x 21.5 x 17 inches
Overall Dimensions:
Folded: 14.6 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches
Unfolded: 25.6 x 21.7 x 13.8 inches
Overall Dimensions:
Folded: 27 x 5 x 6 inches
Unfolded: 27 x 18.2 14 inches
Total Weight:
1.3 pounds
Total Weight:
1.8 pounds
Total Weight:
6 pounds
Available Colors :
Black, Capitola Blue, Jup Orange, Paradise Blue, Spreckels Red, Sutro Green
Available Colors :
Black, blue, orange, camo
Available Colors :
Midnight, Black
Material:
Ripstop nylon, aluminum
Material:
Nylon, 7075 Aviation Aluminum
Material:
600 denier polyester, powder-coated steel
Pros:
  • Color coded aluminum makes assembly a breeze. Holds up to 250 pounds. Breathable Nylon sling Stuff sack included Lightweight and easy to move
Pros:
  • Lightweight and compact. Ergonomic seat design. Quick setup and collapse. Aircraft-grade aluminum support.
Pros:
  • High-quality materials. Easy folding and transport Extra-wide 18-inch backrest Beverage holder
Cons:
  • A little pricey. Could use additional supports
Cons:
  • Not incredibly stable when sitting down. Customers close to the 250-pound weight limit have experienced issues.
Cons:
  • Weighs six pounds.
Our Verdict:
A lightweight and easy to assemble backpacking chair that offers a comfortable and breathable seat at a moment’s notice.
Our Verdict:
A budget-friendly camping chair that mimics many of the qualities seen in more expensive options.
Our Verdict:
A sturdy and large tripod style backpacking chair that includes a helpful beverage holder. Weighs more than other options, so not ideal for long-distance travel.
Our Pick
4.8
N/A
Overall Dimensions:
Folded: 12 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Unfolded: 23 x 21.5 x 17 inches
Total Weight:
1.3 pounds
Available Colors :
Black, Capitola Blue, Jup Orange, Paradise Blue, Spreckels Red, Sutro Green
Material:
Ripstop nylon, aluminum
Pros:
  • Color coded aluminum makes assembly a breeze. Holds up to 250 pounds. Breathable Nylon sling Stuff sack included Lightweight and easy to move
Cons:
  • A little pricey. Could use additional supports
Our Verdict:
A lightweight and easy to assemble backpacking chair that offers a comfortable and breathable seat at a moment’s notice.
4.2
N/A
Overall Dimensions:
Folded: 14.6 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches
Unfolded: 25.6 x 21.7 x 13.8 inches
Total Weight:
1.8 pounds
Available Colors :
Black, blue, orange, camo
Material:
Nylon, 7075 Aviation Aluminum
Pros:
  • Lightweight and compact. Ergonomic seat design. Quick setup and collapse. Aircraft-grade aluminum support.
Cons:
  • Not incredibly stable when sitting down. Customers close to the 250-pound weight limit have experienced issues.
Our Verdict:
A budget-friendly camping chair that mimics many of the qualities seen in more expensive options.
4.0
N/A
Overall Dimensions:
Folded: 27 x 5 x 6 inches
Unfolded: 27 x 18.2 14 inches
Total Weight:
6 pounds
Available Colors :
Midnight, Black
Material:
600 denier polyester, powder-coated steel
Pros:
  • High-quality materials. Easy folding and transport Extra-wide 18-inch backrest Beverage holder
Cons:
  • Weighs six pounds.
Our Verdict:
A sturdy and large tripod style backpacking chair that includes a helpful beverage holder. Weighs more than other options, so not ideal for long-distance travel.

Selection Criteria for Backpacking Camp Chair

Foldable backpacking chairs come in a lot of shapes and sizes so it can be hard to decide which ones will best suit your needs. When we decided on our top picks for small camping chairs, these were the criteria we used:

  • Portability: The most important aspect of any compact backpacking chair, is the portability. How easily can you set it up, break it down, and carry it around? The factors we looked at here were a mixture of weight and ease of assembly.If a chair is heavy and cumbersome to unfold, then it didn’t make our list. Ideally, we wanted simple chairs that were lightweight and easy to move around.
  • Durability: Any furniture that is made for the outdoors must be capable of withstanding the test of time and weather. Durability is a major factor in our decision to add backpacking chairs to this list.A combination of durable material and strong support structure was ideal. Things like nylon, aluminum, and steel were all materials we wanted to see.
  • Comfort: Finally, comfort is always something we want to see from a backpacking camp chair. You won’t be sitting in these for long periods of time, but the time you do spend in them should be comfortable and relaxing.

Our Pick: Alite Designs Monarch Chair

Our Pick
Alite Designs Monarch Camping Chair
4.8

Recommended For: Anyone looking for a sturdy yet extremely lightweight chair at a fair price. It’s our top pick for a backpacking chair.

Check Current Price Read Detailed Review

The Monarch Backpacking Chair comes in at our top spot for the best backpacking chair. The Alite Designs brand has a unique story that reveals its love of the outdoors. Their website states, “we believe that spending time in the great outdoors is good for the soul.

The brand’s website is a treasure trove of valuable information about camping and backpacking. The company’s mission and goal are to make getting outside easier and more fun than it has ever been.

Alite Designs is composed of a team that loves quality design and the outdoors in equal measure. The company strongly focuses on outdoor gear that is easy to assemble and tough to withstand any condition.

They even go so far as to support environmental groups and organizations focused on conservation. The employees often volunteer with these groups and donate a portion of sales to them.

The Monarch butterfly backpacking chair is the culmination of these efforts. This chair comprises 210D ripstop nylon fabric and 7075 aluminum for a lightweight and durable design. Weighing in at just 1.3 pounds, the sling-light backpacking chair is also easy to move around when you’re hiking or traveling.

The aluminum on the chair is color-coded to make assembly a breeze. Speaking of breezes, the nylon fabric is also designed for ideal breathability, and a stuff sack makes it easy to pick up and go whenever you please.

Runner Up: Sunyear Compact Folding Backpack Chair

Runner-Up
Sunyear Compact Folding Backpack Chair
4.2

Recommended For: Those who want a budget-friendly option, but the chair’s lifespan may not be long-term as a result.

Check Latest Price Read Detailed Review

Our next pick is a similar design to the Monarch chair, but this one comes in at a much lower price point. This light camping chair utilizes a nylon material and an aluminum shock-cord pole structure for easy setups and breakdowns.

This chair comes at 2 pounds, slightly heavier than our top pick, but not heavy by any means. A deep seat design also offers a larger and more comfortable seating experience than other chairs on the market.

The aluminum used in the chair is Aircraft-grade 7075 aviation aluminum that combines heavy-duty durability with a lightweight design. The feet of the chair have non-slip rubber covers to ensure it doesn’t slip on surfaces either.

This is a budget-friendly option that works well for outdoor events, hiking, or camping. The company also promises 24-hour customer service and a 1-year warranty to go along with their guarantee.

Value Pick: GCI Outdoor Quick-E-Seat Folding Tripod Chair

Our next chair comes from GCI Outdoor, which was founded in 1996 by Dan Grace. His approach was centered around a single question: “Why isn’t there a chair for this?” As an engineer, Dan was able to bring his vision to life.

He joined with Jeffrey Polke to grow the brand, and today GCI Outdoor is known for its chairs that can thrive in any outdoor situation. This Tripod camping chair is one of their best products. The high-quality materials combine with an easy folding transport solution.

While it does weigh six pounds, this chair has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and utilizes powder-coated steel, along with 600 denier polyester, for a tough design. An extra wide backrest that measures 18” across makes it comfortable for many users.

Also Great

Helinox Chair One Camping Chair

Helinox Chair One
4.2

Recommended For: Outdoor lovers looking for lightweight and easy assembly outdoor seating. Keep in mind that it is more expensive than many of the other options.

Check Current Price Read Detailed Review

Helinox is a brand by DAC that specializes in outdoor equipment. Their focus is on lightweight alloy tubing and high-strength materials for a gear that is both portable and strong. This chair has an innovative design that links the frame with an elastic shock cord.

As a result, the chair naturally assembles itself by pulling into the proper positions. The frame also has a certain flexibility that allows itself to form to your body shape. The carry bag is also attachable to the frame, so you don’t lose it when the chair is deployed.

A webbing ladder and large loops also give you the ability to attach the folded chair to a backpack or bike. Customers have often reported that the chair also performs well in the long term.

Moon Lence Compact Ultralight Portable Backpacking Chair

Moon Lence Compact Backpacking Chair
3.7
$28.99

Recommended For: Anyone looking for a lightweight and portable chair at a good price.

Check Latest Price Read Detailed Review
03/28/2024 03:05 am GMT

Our next chair falls into the budget-friendly category. This small backpacking chair from Moon Lence offers many features we would expect from a higher-priced camping chair. A great selection of colors also gives you a chance to choose a chair that matches your personality.

The seat is made from 1000D Oxford cloth and a high-quality aluminum alloy frame. The chair’s weight comes in at just two pounds for easy portability. The seat is designed for both ergonomic comfort and breathability.

Cleaning is a breeze with soap and water since the material is washable. For burgeoning campers or hikers, this chair is an affordable and durable option.

Therm-a-Rest Z Seat

Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
4.3

Recommended For: Anyone in need of a very simple, compact, and durable backpacking chair that doesn’t offer a lot of bells and whistles.

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The Thermarest backpacking chair is a compact chair that measures at the top of these options for campers. It is made from a puncture-proof closed cell foam and created with an accordion-style design that allows you to store it quickly for travel.

The latest model also includes an integrated bungee loop which will help you keep it rolled up while it’s not in use.

This chair is incredibly light at just 2 ounces as well, making it easy to carry. Hikers and campers absolutely love this chair for a variety of uses. 

Not only does it keep you from getting wet or dirty, but it also provides a comfortable mat when you’re entering or exiting a tent.

Crazy Creek HEX 2.0 LongBack Chair

Crazy Creek HEX 2.0 LongBack Chair
4.0

Recommended For: Anyone on-the-go. A simple, but very portable backpacking chair that is easy to carry with you where ever you may go.

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Crazy Creek is a brand that was started by an outdoorsman named Rob Hart. He came up with the idea after realizing that he never had anywhere to sit while on long hikes. When he first came up with the design, he got help from fellow hikers, friends, and family.

The original chair design was sold out of the back of his car, but it quickly began to sell very well. He started Crazy Creek in 1987 to chase this dream of better outdoor gear. The tagline for the company is “Creating comfortable products for the outdoors.”

While Rob himself was killed in a tragic skiing accident, the company is still going strong with leadership that has continued to pursue his goals. This brings us to the HEX 2.0 backpacking chair.

This redesigned version offers a larger size and backrest for support and comfort. The EVA closed cell foam is a high-density choice that provides insulation without extra weight. A strap keeps the packable chair for backpacking rolled up when you’re not using it.

A limited lifetime warranty also ensures that this chair will be with you on many trips to come.

Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair

Beach enthusiasts should look no further than the Tommy Bahama backpacking chair. This stylish floral design comes in numerous colors for every style of beach-goer. This brand is a huge player in the beach gear scene, with apparel and furniture for every type of beach lover.

Tommy Bahama has been around since 1992 as a strong and reliable outdoor lifestyle brand. Their goal is to make life “one long weekend.”

This Backpacking chair from Tommy Bahama can be adjusted into five positions, including one where you can lay flat on the beach under a hot sun. Two storage compartments, an adjustable pillow, and insulated beverage holders offer everything you need for the perfect beach chair.

EcoTek Outdoors Inflatable Backpacking Chair

EcoTek Outdoors Hybern8 Inflatable Backpacking Seat
4.2

Recommended For: Anyone looking for a versatile, ultralight, and durable inflatable backpacking seat pad.

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EcoTek’s story is familiar to outdoor enthusiasts. It was founded by friends who loved exploring and wanted to share their ideas for a gear that helps you see more of what Mother Nature has to offer. The hexagon pattern of their inflatable camping chair is a patent-pending design that gives you a balanced surface off the ground.

The material used for the exterior is 700 woven polyester that is resistant to leaks and tears in equal measure. The entire chair weighs just over 1 pound, so it easily passes our requirements for portability.

The rapid inflation valve also ensures that you can fully inflate the chair within 10-15 breaths. When it comes time to deflate, the air comes out quickly. No pump is needed for this chair! EcoTek also partners with the National Forest Foundation and funds the planting of a tree with every purchase.

Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping and Sports Chair

Kijaro Dual Lock Portable Camping Chair
4.2

Recommended For: Anyone. With locks for stability and a weight capacity of 300 pounds, there’s plenty to love about this budget-friendly chair.

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Kijaro is a supplier of outdoor furniture that focuses on bold colors and unique designs. Their camping chair solution offers a no-sag seat and diamond ripstop polyester material. The back of the chair is lined with breathable mesh as well.

The chair features 2 cup holders, as well as zip and mesh pockets. A carrying bag lets you carry it with you whenever you’re moving. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, it’s also an extremely durable option.

When you’re unfolding the chair, you can set the locks for additional stability. They can be disengaged with the push of a button, making it easy to open and close the chair. It’s truly a great chair for all outdoor activities.

Best Backpacking Chair Review 2024 – Final Verdict

The best backpacking chair is one that meets and exceeds your needs through durability and quality design. While we highly recommend the Alite Designs Monarch Chair, each of the chairs on this list bring their unique qualities to the table.

One thing is certain: you shouldn’t head out for your next camping trip without a comfortable place to sit.


References & Resources:

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