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10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair Backpacking Chair - The 4th Generation Ultralight Folding Chair - Compact, Lightweight Foldable Chairs for Hiking Mountaineering Beach

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,482
Weight
Packed Size
Comfort

Most important from
1524 reviews

Weight
Extremely light, compact, and portable, making it easy to travel or hike with.
Packed Size
The chair's compact and foldable design saves space during camping trips.
Comfort
Very comfortable for watching sports practices and more convenient than bulky fold-up chairs.
Durability
Durability is impressive with materials holding up well even with moderate use.
Ease of Setup
Setup and breakdown take only 45 seconds, making it easy to carry into crowded areas.

The MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair is a great option for ultralight backpacking, weighing only 2.7 lbs. It's impressively lightweight yet sturdy, supporting up to 400 lbs thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum frame and durable 900D Oxford ripstop nylon fabric. The dual-triangle base design adds extra stability, making it reliable on various terrains. For comfort, it includes a breathable mesh back to keep you cool, which is a nice touch for hot days.

Setup is a breeze with the central linkage pole design, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. When packed, it's compact enough to fit into a backpack or carry-on luggage, making it highly portable. This chair is not just for backpacking; it's also versatile enough for activities like camping, hiking, beach outings, and even indoor use.

However, if you prioritize extreme compactness when packed, this chair might take up a bit more space than some ultra-minimalist options. Additionally, with its primary focus on outdoor use, it may not offer the same level of comfort as bulkier, traditional chairs when used for extended sedentary periods. Also, while it has a high weight capacity, frequent use by heavier individuals might see the mesh deteriorate faster than expected. Its bright orange color might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more subdued tones. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance of lightweight portability, durability, and ease of setup for various outdoor adventures.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,482
Weight
Packed Size
Comfort

Most important from
1524 reviews

Weight
Extremely light, compact, and portable, making it easy to travel or hike with.
Packed Size
The chair's compact and foldable design saves space during camping trips.
Comfort
Very comfortable for watching sports practices and more convenient than bulky fold-up chairs.
Durability
Durability is impressive with materials holding up well even with moderate use.
Ease of Setup
Setup and breakdown take only 45 seconds, making it easy to carry into crowded areas.
#2

iClimb Ultralight Compact Camping Folding Beach Chair with Anti-Sinking Large Feet and Back Support Webbing (Yellow - Square Frame)

Rating
9.8
Ease of Setup
Packed Size
Durability

Most important from
2527 reviews

Ease of Setup
Effortless assembly without instructions, taking just a couple of minutes to set up and slightly longer to pack away.
Packed Size
Compact size allows for easy storage, making it convenient to tuck away without occupying much space.
Durability
Remarkably durable fabric and solid construction contribute to a well-made, reliable chair.
Weight
Lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for quick picnics, camping, and outdoor adventures on the fly.
Comfort
Comfortable for a person 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, with a bit of flexible wobble that enhances sitting comfort.

The iClimb Ultralight Compact Camping Chair is a thoughtful choice for those needing a lightweight, portable seat for backpacking, beach trips, or outdoor events. Weighing just 2.2 lbs without its detachable large feet, it stays light enough not to add much burden to your pack. Its packed size is compact (about 14 x 5.5 x 5 inches), making it easy to carry and store. The chair’s square frame design and wide, anti-sinking feet provide good stability, especially on sand or soft ground, which is a nice plus for beach use.

Comfort is addressed well; with a seat height of 13.8 inches, a deep seat, and ergonomic mesh back support, it helps you relax without getting tired after long sitting. It also includes practical features like a cup holder and side pocket. Durability is strong thanks to aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and tough 600D ripstop fabric, with reinforced corners and corrosion resistance to handle rough outdoor conditions. Setup is quick and simple since the frame parts are connected by strings, so you can unfold and start using it easily.

One possible drawback is the extra weight added by the detachable large feet (0.2 lbs), which you might choose to leave off if you’re prioritizing weight over stability on very soft ground. Also, it doesn’t recline beyond one position and has no armrests, which might affect comfort for some users over longer periods. This chair effectively balances lightness, stability, and comfort, making it a solid pick for ultralight backpackers who value ease of setup and reliable support on varied terrain.

Rating
9.8
Ease of Setup
Packed Size
Durability

Most important from
2527 reviews

Ease of Setup
Effortless assembly without instructions, taking just a couple of minutes to set up and slightly longer to pack away.
Packed Size
Compact size allows for easy storage, making it convenient to tuck away without occupying much space.
Durability
Remarkably durable fabric and solid construction contribute to a well-made, reliable chair.
Weight
Lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for quick picnics, camping, and outdoor adventures on the fly.
Comfort
Comfortable for a person 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, with a bit of flexible wobble that enhances sitting comfort.
#3

ONETIGRIS Tigerblade Camping Chair, Lightweight Folding Backpacking Hiking Chair, Compact Portable 330 lbs Capacity

Rating
9.7
Weight
Packed Size
Comfort

Most important from
754 reviews

Weight
Compact, lightweight, and easy to set up, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability.
Packed Size
Sturdy construction and fits perfectly in small storage spaces like saddle bags or beneath car seats.
Comfort
Quick and efficient assembly, providing strong support and comfort during use.
Durability
Sturdy construction and fits perfectly in small storage spaces like saddle bags or beneath car seats.
Ease of Setup
Compact, lightweight, and easy to set up, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability.

The OneTigris Tigerblade Camping Chair is designed for ultralight backpacking, offering a good balance of weight and durability. Weighing just 2.9 pounds (1.34 kg), it is very lightweight, making it easy to carry on long hikes. The compact packed size of 5.9”x5.1”x13” (15x13x33 cm) ensures it won't take up much space in your backpack, which is a significant advantage for backpackers and hikers who need to minimize their gear load.

The chair’s high-strength 7075 aluminum alloy frame and 600D polyester fabric provide robust support, accommodating up to 330 lbs (150 kg), which is impressive for such a lightweight product. The triangle structure of the frame enhances stability and comfort, making it suitable for various outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and trekking. Setup is straightforward, thanks to the foldable frame and detachable fabric, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly.

However, some users may find the absence of armrests and a customizable feature a bit limiting for extended periods of use, and it may not offer the highest level of comfort compared to bulkier chairs. Additionally, the chair's low height could be a drawback for those who prefer a higher sitting position. Despite these minor drawbacks, the OneTigris Tigerblade Camping Chair is an excellent choice for those prioritizing portability and durability in their ultralight backpacking gear.

Rating
9.7
Weight
Packed Size
Comfort

Most important from
754 reviews

Weight
Compact, lightweight, and easy to set up, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability.
Packed Size
Sturdy construction and fits perfectly in small storage spaces like saddle bags or beneath car seats.
Comfort
Quick and efficient assembly, providing strong support and comfort during use.
Durability
Sturdy construction and fits perfectly in small storage spaces like saddle bags or beneath car seats.
Ease of Setup
Compact, lightweight, and easy to set up, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability.

Buying Guide for the Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair

Choosing the right ultralight backpacking chair can significantly enhance your outdoor experience by providing comfort without adding much weight to your pack. When selecting a chair, consider factors such as weight, packed size, comfort, durability, and ease of setup. Understanding these key specifications will help you find a chair that best fits your needs and preferences for your backpacking adventures.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor for ultralight backpacking chairs because every ounce counts when you're carrying all your gear on your back. Chairs can range from under a pound to a few pounds. If you're a minimalist hiker, aim for a chair that weighs less than a pound. For those who prioritize comfort over minimal weight, a chair weighing up to two pounds might be acceptable. Consider how much weight you're willing to carry and balance it with the level of comfort you desire.
Packed SizePacked size refers to how small the chair can be folded or collapsed for storage in your backpack. This is important because space in your pack is limited. Chairs with a packed size of around 10-15 inches in length and a few inches in diameter are ideal for ultralight backpacking. If you have limited space or a smaller backpack, look for a chair that packs down to a very compact size. If space is less of a concern, you can opt for a slightly larger packed size for added comfort.
ComfortComfort is subjective and varies from person to person, but it generally includes factors like seat height, back support, and overall design. Some chairs offer higher backs and more ergonomic designs, while others are simpler and more basic. If you plan to spend a lot of time sitting, prioritize a chair with good back support and a comfortable seat. For shorter breaks or minimal use, a simpler design might suffice. Consider how much time you'll spend sitting and choose a chair that meets your comfort needs.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the chair can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including the materials used and the construction quality. Look for chairs made from high-quality materials like ripstop nylon and aluminum or carbon fiber frames. If you frequently backpack in rugged terrain or harsh conditions, prioritize a chair with robust construction and durable materials. For occasional use in milder conditions, a less durable but lighter chair might be suitable. Assess your typical backpacking environment and choose a chair that can handle it.
Ease of SetupEase of setup is about how quickly and effortlessly you can assemble and disassemble the chair. This is important because you don't want to spend a lot of time and effort setting up your chair after a long day of hiking. Chairs with simple, intuitive designs and fewer parts are generally easier to set up. If you value convenience and speed, look for a chair that can be set up in under a minute. If you're okay with a bit more complexity for added features, a slightly more involved setup might be acceptable. Consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in setting up your chair.

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