After getting you rig all setup for your camping trip, you start pulling out your chairs to setup around your campsite. Sometimes you like the sturdy heavy chairs that you can arrange around the site for your family or any guests that might stop by.
But there are times you would like to visit others and join them around a nice campfire but lugging your chairs around can be a bit of a pain.
This is where nice ultra light chairs come in handy. Something light and compact that wont back your back carrying around.
Well, fear not. There are plenty of chairs on the market that won’t break your back…or the bank.
1. Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair -Best Overall
2. G4Free Portable Camping Chair -Best Value Option
3. TravelChair Folding Tripod Camping Stool -Best Minimalist
4. Sunyear Lightweight Compact Folding Chairs –Best Budget Option
5. ENKEEO Camping Folding Chair with 330 lbs Capacity -Best Upgrade
6. ALPS Rendezvous Folding Camp Chair -Best Low Seater
7. Cascade Mountain High Back Lightweight Camp Chair – Best High Back
8. KingCamp Round Chair Heavy Duty -Best Heavy Duty
Product Reviews
1. Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair
This is the priciest model on our list by far, but at just 1.1 pounds, it’s also the lightest. The Helinox packs down to 14 X 4 X 4 inches and can hold up to 260 pounds of weight.
It features a low-slung, rectangular design that fits snugly around the hips. The durable ripstop polyester fabric is machine-washable—another great perk.
2. G4Free Portable Lightweight Chair with Carrying Bag and Side Pouch
This high-back camping chair weighs in at 2.86 pounds and measures 16.5 X 6.3 X 5.5 inches when it’s folded down for packing. When it’s set up, it can comfortably hold up to 265 pounds.
There’s a comfortable cushion on the headrest, and the aluminum frame is a snap to assemble. The design also includes a convenient side pocket for storing cell phones, snacks, or whatever strikes your fancy.
3. Sunyear Lightweight Compact Folding Backpack Chair
Like the Nice C Ultralight option, this chair offers a boxy mid-height design that folds into a convenient duffel case. The packable dimensions are 13.75 X 4.33 X 4.72 inches, and it weighs just two pounds, making it a great choice for backpacking.
It also offers a deep, comfortable seat; oversized slip-proof feet, and a side pocket. Sunyear offers a 100 percent cash-back warranty for one year from the original date of purchase.
4. TravelChair Folding Tripod Camping Stool
This model has three legs and a triangular stool-shaped seat and can be folded to the size of a rolled-up Sunday newspaper.
Since it weighs just 2.2 pounds, it’s extremely portable, especially if you utilize the built-in Velcro strap to secure it to your luggage. Despite its small size, it can hold up to 275 pounds.
5. ENKEEO Camping Folding Chair
The ENKEEO’s claim to fame is its oversized capacity—a whopping 330 pounds. The comfortable headrest is large enough to be called a pillow, and three pockets give it a multitude of storage space.
It weighs in at 2.7 pounds and packs down to 17 X 6 X 6 inches.
6. ALPS Mountaineering Rendezvous Folding Camp Chair
This offering from ALPS features a traditional boxy design, complete with crossbars that function as arms. It sits low to the ground, making it an appealing option if you frequently camp on rocky or rough terrain.
The downside? It weighs 6.8 pounds, with packing dimensions of 22 X 14 X 24 inches.
7. Cascade Mountain Tech Outdoor High Back Lightweight Camp Chair
This chair offers a breathable poly-mesh construction, a narrow oblong shape, and a round, comfortable neck roll. It sits 16 inches off the ground and features anti-slip feet, so it can be set up on smooth rock without a problem.
At just over four pounds, it’s a bit heavy for multi-day trips but suitable for shorter distances.
8. KingCamp Moon Saucer Camping Folding Round Chair
The KingCamp Moon Saucer chair offers a basic boxy design with a 264-pound capacity, but no headrest. The fabric is durable and weighs in at 2.4 pounds.
The convenient carry case measures just 15 X 6 inches when the chair is packed. Thirsty campers will enjoy the built-in cup holder.
How To Choose The Best Ultralight Camping Chair
Portability
A ultralight chair should be lightweight and portable, while still being sturdy enough to provide you with the support you need.
When you’re narrowing down your options, look at the weight and the packed dimensions of the chair first, then check out the other criteria. Look for a chair that weighs no more than two or three pounds, and can fit inside a pouch that fits inside your backpack.
Style
The design of the chair is another consideration. Some will be quite basic, with four legs and a boxy frame. Others might have just two or three legs, gliders, rockers, a scoop design, or other features that set them apart.
Only you can decide whether you’re willing to invest in these quirks and whether they’ll make your life on the trail or in the campground more enjoyable.
Elevation
Since you’re taking the chair around the camp ground with you, it’s a good idea to look for a low-slung model, since these are more practical on rocky or uneven terrain.
If you do choose to invest in a chair that sits high off the ground, make sure that it will fit in comfortably with the rest of your gear.
Complexity
Some models can simply be unfolded and plunked on the ground, no complicated maneuvering required. Others might take a little bit more time to set up, but as a trade-off, they’re often more comfortable.
Decide in advance whether you want a chair that’s easy to set up and re-pack, or a luxury option.
Price
You’ll want to choose a chair that you can afford, without sacrificing comfort. Fortunately, there are many affordable options to choose from.
You want to ensure that you get one of decent quality so you can have it around for many camping seasons.
Safety Tips
Make sure that the chair you choose is capable of supporting your weight. Most youth-sized chairs can hold 150 to 225 pounds, while adult models should be able to support 225 to 500 pounds of weight.
If you have any questions in this regard, check the specifications before making your purchase final. If the chair collapses on your first night on the trail, it will just be more dead weight to carry.
On a similar note, take care when setting up your chair on rocky terrain, especially if it sits high off the ground. If the legs are uneven, you’ll risk toppling over when you try to get comfortable.
Finally, make sure your chair is situated a safe distance from any campfires or other open flames. While some tougher materials might be flame-retardant, more companies are choosing an all-natural approach. This is safer for both you and the environment, but not if the chair goes up in flames.
The Verdict
Which of these light weight chairs would win in a head-to-head matchup?
Of the products listed, we would give the edge to the Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair
It’s set at an affordable price, it features an attractive and sturdy design, and the company is easy to deal with if you run into a problem. While it doesn’t offer the high weight capacity of some other models on our list, you shouldn’t have a problem unless you weigh over 225 pounds.
Good luck, and happy camping!
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