Backpacking Chair Showdown: 5 Chairs Tested, 1 Champion Crowned

Choosing the right backpacking chair can significantly impact your comfort and enjoyment on the trail. Too heavy, and it becomes a burden; too flimsy, and it offers little respite. This review cuts through the confusion, pitting five popular backpacking chairs against each other in a head-to-head showdown. We've tested them for weight, packability, comfort, ease of setup, and overall practicality in various situations, from rocky campsites to muddy trails. Our goal? To help you find the perfect seat for your next adventure, no matter your budget or backpacking style.This comprehensive review covers a range of options, from lightweight, frameless designs to sturdy folding stools and even a versatile sleeping pad alternative. We'll delve into the pros and cons of each chair, highlighting key features and performance in real-world backpacking scenarios. Whether you're prioritizing ultralight travel or seeking maximum comfort, this comparison will guide you toward making an informed decision and finding the champion chair that best suits your needs.

Pros And Cons

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Heliox Chair Zero: The Gold Standard

The Heliox Chair Zero reigns supreme in my backpacking chair arsenal. Weighing just over a pound, it packs down incredibly small, and provides exceptional back support, lifting you off the ground for superior comfort. Its lightweight design doesn't compromise on comfort; you can lean back, relax, and give your tired muscles a much-needed break after a long day's hike.

Setup is surprisingly quick and intuitive. The shock-corded poles snap together easily, and the fabric stretches over the frame in seconds. It's more user-friendly than you might think, becoming second nature after a couple of uses. Despite its light weight, the frame is surprisingly sturdy.

However, the Chair Zero's legs can sink into soft ground like mud or sand. Heliox offers a groundsheet attachment to remedy this, enhancing stability on less-than-ideal terrain. While the added cost of the groundsheet is a consideration, the overall comfort and convenience make it a worthwhile investment for many.

Stanport Folding Camp Stool: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse

The Stanport folding camp stool surprised me. It's unbelievably versatile and lightweight, weighing about the same as the Chair Zero but costing significantly less. While lacking back support, it offers a simple, functional solution for various camp chores and tasks.

Its strength lies in its ability to elevate you off the ground, ensuring dry seating and relieving pressure on your knees. This is particularly useful for cooking, gear organization, or simply taking a load off after a long day. It's far more useful than one might initially expect.

Setup is effortless – simply unfold and sit. Its instant usability makes it a go-to option when speed and convenience are key. I often strap mine to the outside of my pack for easy access.

Crazy Creek Camp Chair: The Classic Contender

The Crazy Creek camp chair was my first backpacking chair, and for good reason. It provides excellent back support without the bulk and weight of frame chairs, while remaining lightweight. The relatively low cost makes it a strong contender for budget-conscious hikers.

Setup is incredibly easy; simply unfold and adjust the straps to find your optimal comfort. Its versatile design means it can be used virtually anywhere – inside a tent, on uneven terrain, or even in a shelter. This adaptability is a significant advantage.

While I've since transitioned to chairs that lift me off the ground, the Crazy Creek chair still holds a place in my gear rotation for situations where ground-level seating is acceptable and convenience is paramount. It's simple, durable, and readily available at a reasonable price.

Therm-a-Rest Z Seat: The Multi-Functional MVP

The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat (or a DIY version using a cut-up sleeping pad) isn't technically a chair, but its versatility earns it a spot in my pack on every trip. It offers a lightweight, dry, and insulated place to sit, while also serving numerous other purposes.

It can be used as extra insulation under your sleeping bag, a kneeling pad, a gear organizer, or even padding for a frameless pack. Its non-absorbent nature makes it ideal for wet conditions. Its versatility truly makes it a pack staple.

It's lightweight, affordable, and easily stashed away in a pack's outer pocket. Its multiple uses far outweigh its seemingly simple design.

Marchway Folding Chair: A Weighty Disappointment

The Marchway folding chair, while comfortable and reasonably priced, falls short due to its excessive weight. While it mimics the look and feel of higher-end chairs, it significantly exceeds their weight by more than double. This makes it unsuitable for backpacking trips.

While the build quality and comfort level are decent, the weight penalty outweighs the benefits for serious backpackers focused on minimizing pack weight. For car camping or backyard use, this chair could be a satisfactory option.

If lightweight backpacking is your priority, this style of chair isn't optimal. The tradeoff between comfort and weight needs careful consideration, and for me, the Marchway tipped the scales toward too much weight for the convenience.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Backpacking Chair

My backpacking chair preferences have evolved significantly through these tests. While the Heliox Chair Zero delivers unparalleled comfort and is my top choice, the Stanport stool offers incredible value and functionality for its weight. The Crazy Creek provides solid support and simple usability and the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is a versatile multi-tool.

The Marchway, though comfortable, is ultimately too heavy for backpacking. The decision hinges on prioritizing comfort versus weight. For ultralight backpacking, the Z Seat or Crazy Creek are excellent choices. For those willing to carry a bit more weight for superior comfort, the Heliox Chair Zero is worth the splurge.

Ultimately, the best backpacking chair depends on individual needs and priorities. Weigh your options carefully, considering both the comfort and weight implications before making your purchase.