There is an end number of styles of camping. A good number of people go off the grid in Patagonia, and the rest park their van and camp wherever they can find a spot of parking with a view. But no matter what, at the very end of a long and hectic day of backpacking, fishing, hunting or even swimming in the lake nearby, every camper loves to take a load off, and the cold, hard ground will not going to cut it. So for those camping lovers, we have a well-researched list of best lightweight camping chair for everyone.
Collapsible seating ranges from dense, relatively luxurious chairs; you will require a car to tote around to, ultralight chairs that can slot snugly into a backpack. So lightweight camping chairs are our favorites for quick backpacking.
We know we can get a camping chair as low as 10$ from our local retailer, but that is not sufficient. Because for camping we require a chair not only lightweight but also comfortable, durable and best in quality.
Here we have compiled a list of 10 best lightweight camping chairs in which we consider all the features like lightweight, durable, comfortable, versatile, easy to assemble, and best in quality.
10 Top Rated Lightweight Camping Chairs Reviews:
1. Helinox Chair One – Overall Best Lightweight Chair For Camping (Editor’s Choice)
Helinox chair one is 1st lightweight chair in our list. We love its simple sleek design, the quality materials used and comfortable bucket style seat. Measuring 20 x 20 x 25 inches it is big enough to be super comfortable but it packs down to the size of a newspaper.
Just fold it up, slip it into your bag and you are ready to go. The Helinox weighs only 1.9 lbs, and yet, it can hold a whopping 320lbs in weight!
The workmanship on this particular hiker chair is impeccable. The extra strong polyester fabric is reinforced at each corner, and stitching is perfect. There is no fraying or unraveling, even after extensive use.
The legs are made from the same aluminum pole technology used in hiking poles, offering optimal stability and support for your tired body after a long hike.
To keep it light as a feather, the designers had to omit a few of the “luxuries” you might be used to searching on traditional camping seats. There are no waste products like armrests or cup holders, which gradually adds to the overall weight making it special between camping chair reviews.
Best Features:
- Can be used on almost every type of terrain
- It is very Stable and Comfortable
- Top-notch build quality
- It’s effortless to assemble
Specifications:
- 20 x 20 x 25 inches: Open size
- 14 x 4x 5 inches: Packed Size
- 320 lb: Capacity
- 1.9 lb: Weight
We are doing this kind of camping chair reviews from a long span of time. After so much testing as well as feedback from people who have purchased these chairs, we have found that the Helinox Chair One is the most popular one. It is more comfortable, stronger and lighter than it competitors and is simply a pleasure to use. The only thing which is quite less is the price.
2. Helinox Zero Chair – Ultralight Compact Chair For Camping (Amazon’s Choice)
The Helinox is a well known brand since 2009. It is known for it’s comfort outdoors by designing premium packable furniture.
Helinox Chair Zero is most suitable designed for users who are looking for the best camp chair under the category of camping chair reviews.
It is one which is our no disputed winner for quality and comfort in this list of best lightweight camping chair!
The primary advantage is flexibility. It is 1.2 pounds lighter, which makes it easier to take on longer treks. Because it rests on four ultra-durable aluminum alloy bars, which spreads the weight over a large surface area, it is incredibly stable for its size.
Unfortunately, you will require to make sure that you are inside the 265 lb weight limit.
You might not have a similar weight capacity then you can check out best heavy duty camping chair.
Still, for lighter individuals, it is an excellent choice for a stable and comfortable respite.
If you are sore after a hectic day of backpacking, this is one of the most comfortable folding chair options available for you. It offers a lot of back support, letting rest your weary muscles.
A vital thing to note here is that almost all the options on the best camping chair sitting is really low to the ground, which can make getting up a little more tough. The helinox is no different. Having said that, it’s still the best lightweight camping chair on the market as far as we are concerned. You simply cannot go wrong by adding it to your hiking gear.
Best Features:
- It is super compact and highly comfortable
- A good no. of users reviewed that this is probably the best camping gear that they have acquired in many years.
- It packs down to that extent that it can fit inside your bag, trunk, or tote.
- Ideal for camping, backpacking, hiking, trekking, travel, etc.
Specifications:
- 20 x 19 x 25 inches: Open size
- 14 x 4x 5 inches: Packed Size
- 265 pounds: Capacity
- 1.2 pounds: Weight
- Seat Height: 7.5 inches
3. GCI Camping Stool Tripod with Back
Fold up stools really do not get much portable than this. They even somehow managed to get a cup holder in there too!
This 3.5 lb tripod seat provides everything you require for a quick break from a long hike. The superior quality denier polyester is durable and very comfortable with an extra-wide, padded backrest for some added support.
The legs are made from powder-coated steel, giving them a hard, sturdy finish that keeps rust away.
With its amazing tripod design, you can set it up almost anywhere. It deploys into the position of seating with a single simple flick and folds up the instant you lift it by the carry strap!
There is nothing quicker than that.
It is not suggested for long periods of sitting, but rather a quick rest until you are ready to resume your journey. It has a handy shoulder strap, but this can sometimes be slightly awkward to carry, especially if you already have a bulky load.
Best Features:
- Super compact folding stool for events outside, camping, traveling, fishing, hiking and very lightweight
- Involves carry bag with closure carabiner, buckle, and strap
- Light enough to be comfortably transported hung from a belt loop
Specifications:
- 17.3 inches: Seat Height
- 14.6 x 17.1 x 27.7: Unfolded Dimensions
- 4.7 x 5.5 x 26.8: Folded Dimensions
- 4.3 pounds: Shipping weight
Check out – Best Reading Chair
4. Slacker Travel Chair – Best Portable Camping Chair
By sacrificing the backrest, the cute little slacker is the smallest and lightest of all the stools. This makes it the most portable option. Using it is simple.
The folding tripod design folds out in seconds to offer an upright and comfortable place to sit. When you are all set to go, just squeeze the legs together, wrap the involved strap around it, and tie it to your bag.
Besides being very portable, it is even extremely durable. It uses 600D rip-stop polyester, which we can say that it is among the best on the market.
Even though its folded size is smaller than a rolled-up newspaper, the aluminum legs are much larger in diameter than most options. It prevents them from shearing and offers a very high weight capacity. It can hold as much as 275lb, and that is super impressive for a stool!
Best Features:
- Steel frame polyester fabric
- Sturdy and durable supports up to 275 pounds
- Reinforced throughout- Nail Head/ 600D Rip-Stop Poly
- Portable tripod stool folds to the size of a rolled-up newspaper
- Easy to carry integrated Velcro strap closure
- Lightweight and small weighs 2.2lbs.
Specifications:
- 11 x 11 x 18: Unfolded Dimensions
- 2.3 pounds: Shipment Weight
- 2.2 lbs: Weight
- Powder Coated Steel Frame: Frame
- 17.5”: Seat Height
5. Coleman Stadium Seat -Best Camping Seat
Though these are technically not collapsible folding chairs, the use of camping seats has become extremely famous in folding camp chairs due to their incredible portability.
The soft padded products roll up into a malleable shape that can easily be stuffed into your tiny bag or strapped to the side of your backpack. In our suggestions, it is the very best value for money on our whole list.
The seat of Coleman is especially significant because of its perfect size. It’s surprisingly large and has fantastic padding along with the bottom seating area.
Your legs will act as a counterbalance, keeping your back supported. It works better than you would expect!
And of course, getting up off the ground is as hard as it can be so light the fire, pour yourself a drink and settle in comfortably with a great group of friends.
Best Features:
- Rolls up for compact storage and transport
- Shoulder strap for hands-free carrying
- Side straps loosen to lay cushions flat for double the room
- Lightweight, compact, portable design
- Perfect for sporting events, concerts and extra cushioning on outdoor furniture
Specifications:
- 15.7 x 15.7 x 0.8: Unfolded Dimensions
- 1.3 pounds: Shipping Weight
- Black: Color
- 15.5 inch: Seat
- Water Resistant: Yes
6. WildHorn Chair- Best Chair For Hiking
The Terralite was recently added to this list of best lightweight camping chair due to its popularity with our readers. It is essentially a more affordable replica of the Helinox but doesn’t have the similar brand assurance and has a slightly lower weight capacity.
The primary reason our reader love it, besides the good value, is the rounded feet attached to every leg. It prevents you from sinking into sand or snow, which are softer than anything else. It does make it slightly heavier but might just be worth the extra ounces depending on where you are going.
If you weigh more than 300 pounds, you might see the chair experience a little stain as you sit down, so make sure you are well under the weight limit.
Best Features:
- Very compact storage
- It is easy to set up anywhere
- The materials are very durable
- It is portable, yet durable
- Includes Non-Slip feet, Terra-Grip No-Sink
- Can folds up to 9 x 6 x 1.5” Carry case 6″w x 16″h x 6″d
Specifications:
- 23”w x 29”h x 24”d inches: Open size
- 5”w x 15”h x 6”d inches: Packed Size
- 350 lb: Capacity
- 3.4 pounds: Weight
7. Alite MayFly – Ultralight Folding Chair
Unwilling to compromise on portability?
The Alite products are the lightest on the list of folding camp chairs. By cutting the weight of the polyester and changing the construction, they somehow managed to decrease it to an ultra-lightweight 1.15 pounds!
It sits really down to the ground. But still, it is perfect for lounging back along with enjoying a great view. We suggest it for you if your weight under 250 pounds, as the lightweight materials are not quite strong as the aforementioned models. The wide stance and slim legs work best on solid ground, but this is not really a seat you will want to take with you to the beach.
If you remove the optional front leg, it essentially becomes a Monarch and acts a bit like a outdoor rocking chair– the perfect way to unwind after a long day of hiking.
For backpackers that desire a comfortable, ultralight hiking option that can fold up extremely small, there is nothing that can beat the Mayfly.
Best Features:
- It can hold up to 250 lbs
- Extremely comfortable and has breathable nylon sling
- It packs down to that extent that it can fit inside your bag, trunk, or tote.
- This stuff sack involves all the instructions of assembly
- Color-coded aluminum for easy assembly
- US patented design
- It is perfect for social gatherings, like outdoor shows or other events.
Specifications:
- 250 lbs: Weight Capacity
- 1 lb. 9.6 oz: Weight
- 2 inches: Seat Height
- 20 x 20 x 15: Unfolded Dimensions
Check out – Best Lounge Chair
8. The Lightest Alite Monarch – Lightweight Camp Chair
Similar like Mayfly, the Alite Monarch is tied for being the lightest weight model on our entire list. In reality, they literally have a lot of similarities. The material is very identical, and even the support is similar. The only difference is in the way the legs are joined together, and it actually makes a world of difference.
The Monarch has a tiny footprint. Just a single flat patch of ground can be used to offer a reliable stable footing for the feet. It would be our initial choice if we had to sit up and cook, tend to the fire, or re-pack our bag for the next leg of our trip.
Best Features:
- This 2-legged nylon chair ensures you to sit comfortably on flat or even on uneven ground.
- It is swift and easy to assemble and packs down to fit inside your bag
- Extremely lightweight and durable aluminium frame and breathable nylon sling
- It is a best friend for picnics, backpacking, music festivals and bike camping.
Specifications:
- 23 x 21.5 x 17 inches: Unfolded Dimensions
- 4.5 x 12 inches: Folded Dimensions
- 7 inches: Seat Height
- 250 pounds: Weight Capacity
- Aluminium: Frame Construction
- Ripstop Nylon: Seat Material
9. Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 – Smallest Lightweight Camping Seat
The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 folds up the smallest of all the options in the list of best lightweight camping chair.
Anything less and you are sitting on your butt. That is what makes it so impressive, you are sitting on less than half an inch of material, but unless you are sitting on rough stony terrain, you feel very comfortable. It is the EVA closed-cell foam material that makes it so well insulated and suited to outdoor use.
Fold it or roll it up, clip it onto your backpack and you are ready to go. You can carry various at a time before you even feel the weight!
The backrest is strong and sturdy and can be adjusted to your selected angle. The weight of your lower body counter balances the weight of your back which creates surprisingly strong support.
Fold it or roll it up, clip it onto your backpack and you are ready to go. You can carry various at a time before you even feel the weight!
The backrest is strong and sturdy and can be adjusted to your selected angle. The weight of your lower body counterbalances the weight of your back, which creates surprisingly strong support.
If you are planning a long hike and require a simple solution that is as light as a feather as easy to pack as possible, this would be a great choice. We wouldn’t suggest it though if you want to sit for long span of time while enjoying a timeless fireside evening with friends.
Best Features:
- The inner surface of water-resistant, breathable 70D coated rip-stop nylon.
- Durable, easy to keep clean, and offers better insulation.
- Virtually unbreakable carbon-fibre stays
- Tight-knit nylon webbing for superior tensile strength.
- Reinforced wing connection for durability.
Specifications:
- 33 x 15.5 x 21.9: Unfolded Dimensions
- 595 grams: Weight
- 250 pounds: Weight Capacity
10. Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with 4-Can Cooler (Highest Reviewed)
If you are looking for durability on a budget, then Coleman Woodsman II is one of the best backpacking chair options in our list of camping chair reviews.
Featuring aluminium legs which are powder coated, it can support a lot of weight!
The construction is rock solid and doesn’t flex or bend in any direction. It results in an extremely stable seat than can last for many years. This stability and stability does come at the expense of portability.
It won’t fold up as small as some, and it is not quite as light. But setup is a breeze, and you are not going to have any trouble carrying it around on short trips.
Best Features:
- Lightweight outdoor chair for sporting events, camping and more
- Folding design for easy portability and storage
- Constructed from powder-coated aluminium and tough polyester for durability
- Roomy 24 inch seat and comfortable 18.1-inch height
- Support up to 325 Lbs
Specifications:
- 18.1 inch: Seat Height
- 7.8 x 27 x 27 inches: Product Dimensions
- 8.3 pounds: Shipping Weight
You may interested in:
The Best Lightweight Camping Chair – Buying Guide
You can get multiple camping chairs with lower prices, but quality may not be good. So before purchasing best folding chair for camping, you need to consider below points.
Comfortable Folding Chair for Outdoors:
There is not even a single point of buying a super lightweight camping chair when you are feeling unstable and uncomfortable. When you are giving so much effort to make a seating product lightweight, comfort is often one of the initial things to go out the window!
But there are multiple options that still really excel here. Our personal favourite is the Helinox range of chairs.
The top-rated Helinox range in the list of best lightweight camping chair is most stable and comfortable folding chair. It is due to the way they are designed.
If comfort is your first and foremost priority, you should look no further than the Helinox Chair One. The weight capacity is fantastic, and it sits highest off the ground, like a traditional camping design.
Next is the Alite range and they are a pretty cool sit-back-and-relax option with great bucket seat support but sit a little lower to the ground than the Helinox.
If you are suffering from back pain then you need to think before purchasing any camping chair for back pain.
Stools are not our favourite choice for comfort.
However, as because they sit higher, they are very much well suited if you desire to stand up on regularly without the strain of elevating yourself out of a lower seat. It could even be for fishing or might be light work around camp.
The Lightest Collapsible Options
This list specifically looks at lightweight options so you wouldn’t find traditional camping chairs here. If you are having back pain issues then you need to think about the weight of the chair before purchasing.
You can also check out our list of best camping chair for back pain. If you do some wrong selection then it may impact your body performance.
Rather, cleverly designed folding seats that are very light and fold up into a tiny bag or have their own carry strap attached. You should not necessarily just pick up the lightest option on our list though.
Beyond a certain point, the lightweight has begun to come at the expense of other features like stability and strength. We have broken all of the options down into various key groups.
If you are already struggling to carry a heavy backpack, adding more weight is not required to be a good option, or else you can go for outdoor folding camp chairs. The two lightest options in our entire list and gain popularity in camping chair reviews are the Alite models.
Both the Monarch and the Mayfly clock in at only 1.2 pounds!
Despite this ultra-low weight, they still provide a ton of support! Which must you choose?
The Mayfly has an extra removable beam along with the bottom for more stability, making it the perfect way to kick back and relax with absolute stability.
On the other hand, the Monarch has a couple of contact points to the ground and allows for a comfortable rocking motion.
Strongest Weight Capacity and Build
Of all the collapsible chairs we reviewed, the Helinox One can hold the maximum weight a whopping 320 lbs.
If this is not enough, you should check out our list of best heavy duty camping chair.
Furthermore, Helinox is well known for their quality and have been making long-lasting products with durable materials and frames for years and gained goodwill in camping chair reviews.
You will find numerous knock-offs that look the same. But do not be fooled with that. There is a reason the cost is little more than the average.
The 600D polyester is robust and will not let you down, even after multiple years of use. The WildHorn has the same design, but the added foot pads will assist you in holding that weight on any surface without sinking into the sand or snow.
Coleman Woodsman II is a great option. It just feels super stable.
Not only do you sit high off the ground, but the back support assists you in maintaining proper posture while you whip up a quick dinner over the campfire.
Most Portable Lightweight Camping Chair on a Hike
Besides the weight of the item, we require to know that it can easily be taken on a long trek into the wilderness. Few seats fold into a small carry bag that can be attached to your backpack while others require to be carried separately by a shoulder strap.
Either way, you will find the best selection for your kind of hiking right here.
What makes a collapsible chair portable?
It is highly circumstantial. Luckily, one of these choices will perform well in almost any circumstance.
To just grab-and-go, the GCI Quick E seat is very convenient.
Both the GCI Quick-E Seat and the Travel Slacker Stools are pretty easy to carry due to their carry straps. Still, on the other hand, the Helinox, Terralite and Alite range fold up into bags which attach easily to your backpack.
Which one do you personally prefer the most?
For all those of you just do not have the space for the rigid metal poles used in most camp chairs, the perfect choice is a soft seating pad.
Both the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 and the Coleman Stadium Seat are great options.
The Coleman is cheerful along with cheap alternatives, while the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 has a few extra features.
Thanks to the insulation, it is more comfortable to use on the hot or cold ground. The adjustable backrest offers some extra support as well, which is something you do not often see in this form factor.
It doesn’t matter what option you select, rolling them up and attaching them to the side of your backpack is very easy!
It will save your space for things that matter the most, letting you make the most of your outdoor adventure.
“Folding Up” Our Conclusion
All the options that are mentioned on our list of best lightweight camping chair are well- reviewed and researched. These folding camp chairs are worth buying and will leave you very satisfied. They even will not add much to your gear haul and weigh pretty much the same as a flask of water.
Make sure you are buying a chair that actually matches your weight. You should be significantly under maximum capacity. It will make sure the longevity of the material and you will not start seeing small stretches in the fabric and tension bands on the frame.
Leave a Reply