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10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Chairs 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
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Weight
Packed Size
Comfort

Most important from
1296 reviews

Weight
Extremely light, compact, and portable, making it easy to travel or hike with.
Packed Size
Saves space, fitting easily into a backpack and making it convenient for camping trips.
Comfort
Comfortable for multiple hours, ideal for watching sports or relaxing at the campsite.
Durability
The materials are holding up very well, indicating strong durability.
Setup Ease
Quick and easy to set up and take apart, taking no more than a minute or two.

The MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair, part of the 4th Generation series, is a robust option for ultralight backpacking. Weighing only 2.7 pounds, it is light enough to carry on long hikes, yet it impressively supports up to 400 pounds, thanks to its strong aircraft-grade aluminum frame. The chair's compact packed size (approximately 14 x 7.3 x 5.1 inches) ensures it fits easily into backpacks or carry-on luggage, making it highly portable for various outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountaineering, and beach trips.

Its durability is another strong point, featuring a 900D Oxford ripstop ballistic nylon seat with double seams, which is designed to be rip-proof and withstand rugged use. The mesh back enhances comfort by providing airflow and reducing sweat buildup, which is essential for maintaining comfort during prolonged use. Furthermore, the ergonomic seat design aims to provide a comfortable sitting experience, which is crucial for relaxation after a long day of trekking.

The setup process is straightforward, thanks to the central linkage design, which simplifies installation and disassembly. However, for those seeking extra features such as adjustability or reclining positions, this chair might fall short, as it only offers a single seating position. Additionally, while the chair's low weight is advantageous for portability, it may not offer the same level of stability on uneven terrains compared to heavier models. In summary, the MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair is a well-balanced choice for ultralight backpackers prioritizing weight, durability, and packability, with minor trade-offs in adjustability and stability.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Weight
Packed Size
Comfort

Most important from
1296 reviews

Weight
Extremely light, compact, and portable, making it easy to travel or hike with.
Packed Size
Saves space, fitting easily into a backpack and making it convenient for camping trips.
Comfort
Comfortable for multiple hours, ideal for watching sports or relaxing at the campsite.
Durability
The materials are holding up very well, indicating strong durability.
Setup Ease
Quick and easy to set up and take apart, taking no more than a minute or two.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Setup Ease
Durability
Packed Size

Most important from
1296 reviews

Setup Ease
Effortless assembly and takedown make this chair a hassle-free choice for camping.
Durability
The thick, durable fabric and sturdy frame provide reliable long-term use.
Packed Size
Its compact design packs smaller than expected, making it very travel-friendly.
Comfort
Comfort is impressive with a semi-reclined yet supportive seating position.
Weight
Lightweight construction ensures it’s easy to carry without adding bulk.
Weight Capacity
The chair feels solid and stable, even though it sits lower to the ground.

The MOON LENCE Portable Camping Chair stands out as a solid choice for ultralight backpacking thanks to its combination of light weight and strong build. Weighing only 2.7 pounds, it’s easy to carry without adding much load to your backpack. Its compact folded size also makes it travel-friendly. The chair’s durability is impressive, using aircraft-grade aluminum and tough 600D ripstop nylon, which means it can handle rough outdoor use and support up to 400 pounds—great if you want a reliable seat that won’t easily break or sag.

Comfort is considered too, with a ventilated mesh back to keep you cool and an ergonomic seat design that helps you relax after a long hike. Setup and takedown are hassle-free due to the unique central linkage design, making it quick to use even if you’re tired. The detachable claw-shaped foot pads add extra stability on different surfaces like sand or soft dirt, preventing the chair from sinking or tipping.

One minor point is that while the chair is lightweight and compact, its package size is not the smallest on the market, so if you need absolute minimal bulk, there might be lighter or smaller options. Also, the seat height and depth are comfortable for most adults but might feel a bit low for taller users. This chair offers a great balance of durability, comfort, and portability, making it ideal for backpackers who want a dependable seat without extra weight or complicated setup.

Rating
10.0
Setup Ease
Durability
Packed Size

Most important from
1296 reviews

Setup Ease
Effortless assembly and takedown make this chair a hassle-free choice for camping.
Durability
The thick, durable fabric and sturdy frame provide reliable long-term use.
Packed Size
Its compact design packs smaller than expected, making it very travel-friendly.
Comfort
Comfort is impressive with a semi-reclined yet supportive seating position.
Weight
Lightweight construction ensures it’s easy to carry without adding bulk.
Weight Capacity
The chair feels solid and stable, even though it sits lower to the ground.
#3

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

Rating
9.8
Comfort
Setup Ease
Weight

Most important from
2100 reviews

Comfort
The chair offers surprisingly comfortable seating despite its compact size, making long sitting sessions enjoyable without knee strain.
Setup Ease
Assembly is straightforward once you know the trick, with the frame easily snapping together, though fitting the fabric seat tightly can require extra effort.
Weight
Its lightweight design and small packed size make it exceptionally easy to carry on hikes and store in a car trunk or backpack.
Durability
The large detachable anti-sink feet provide excellent stability on soft ground like sand or lawn, preventing the chair from sinking.
Weight Capacity
Durability is impressive with aerospace-grade aluminum and reinforced ripstop fabric, supporting up to 330 pounds reliably.

The iClimb Ultralight Compact Camping Chair is designed with stability and portability in mind, making it a good fit for ultralight backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. Weighing just 2.2 pounds (excluding the detachable large feet), it’s very light compared to many camping chairs, which helps keep your pack weight down. Its packed size is compact enough to easily fit in a backpack or carry bag, measuring about 14 by 5.5 by 5 inches. The square frame and large detachable anti-sinking feet are standout features, especially for soft ground like sand, providing extra stability where other chairs might sink.

Comfort is addressed with an ergonomic mesh back that breathes well and supports your back during long sitting sessions, plus a deep seat and a handy cup holder for convenience. Durability is a strong point here too—the chair uses aerospace-grade aluminum and tough ripstop fabric, reinforced at stress points, and it supports up to 330 pounds. The chair is also corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, so it can hold up well in various outdoor conditions. Setup is simple and quick, with all frame pieces connected by string, meaning no extra parts to manage.

The chair is armless, which might affect comfort for some users who prefer armrests for lounging. Also, while the chair is sturdy, the extra detachable feet add a bit of weight, which could matter if every ounce counts. This chair effectively balances light weight, stability, and durability, making it suitable for beach trips, camping, hiking, and general outdoor use, especially if you want a stable seat on soft surfaces without bulk.

Rating
9.8
Comfort
Setup Ease
Weight

Most important from
2100 reviews

Comfort
The chair offers surprisingly comfortable seating despite its compact size, making long sitting sessions enjoyable without knee strain.
Setup Ease
Assembly is straightforward once you know the trick, with the frame easily snapping together, though fitting the fabric seat tightly can require extra effort.
Weight
Its lightweight design and small packed size make it exceptionally easy to carry on hikes and store in a car trunk or backpack.
Durability
The large detachable anti-sink feet provide excellent stability on soft ground like sand or lawn, preventing the chair from sinking.
Weight Capacity
Durability is impressive with aerospace-grade aluminum and reinforced ripstop fabric, supporting up to 330 pounds reliably.

Buying Guide for the Best Ultralight Backpacking Chairs

When it comes to ultralight backpacking chairs, the goal is to find a balance between comfort, weight, and durability. These chairs are designed to provide a comfortable seating option while being lightweight and compact enough to carry on long hikes. To choose the best ultralight backpacking chair for your needs, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your personal preferences and backpacking style.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor for ultralight backpacking chairs because every ounce counts when you're carrying your gear over long distances. Chairs can range from under a pound to a few pounds. If you're a minimalist hiker, aim for chairs that weigh less than a pound. For those who prioritize comfort over minimal weight, chairs weighing up to two pounds can still be a good option. Consider how much weight you're willing to carry and how it fits into your overall gear load.
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 backpack 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 prefer a more compact setup, look for chairs with the smallest packed size. Ensure the packed size fits comfortably in your backpack without taking up too much room.
ComfortComfort is subjective and varies from person to person, but it's essential for enjoying your time outdoors. Comfort can be influenced by the chair's design, height, and the material used. Some chairs offer higher backs and better support, while others are more basic. If you prioritize comfort, look for chairs with ergonomic designs and supportive materials. If you can sacrifice some comfort for weight savings, simpler designs may be sufficient. Consider how much time you'll spend sitting and your personal comfort preferences.
DurabilityDurability is important because you want your chair to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. This includes the material of the frame and the fabric. Aluminum frames and ripstop nylon fabrics are common in durable ultralight chairs. If you plan to use the chair frequently or in rugged conditions, prioritize durability. For occasional use or less demanding environments, you might opt for lighter materials. Assess the conditions you'll be using the chair in and choose a model that can handle those conditions.
Setup EaseSetup ease refers to how quickly and easily you can assemble and disassemble the chair. This is important for convenience, especially after a long day of hiking. Some chairs have simple, intuitive designs that can be set up in under a minute, while others may require more effort. If you value quick and hassle-free setup, look for chairs with straightforward assembly processes. If you're okay with spending a bit more time on setup, you might find more options available. Consider your patience and preference for ease of use.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity indicates the maximum weight the chair can support. This is important for ensuring the chair can safely hold you and any gear you might have on you. Most ultralight backpacking chairs have weight capacities ranging from 200 to 300 pounds. Choose a chair with a weight capacity that comfortably exceeds your body weight to ensure stability and longevity. If you're on the heavier side or plan to use the chair with additional gear, opt for a higher weight capacity.

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