The 6 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023 Tested by GearLab

Though 2 ounces could be a deal-breaker to some hikers, the vast majority of even the most ultralight backpackers are willing to add the minuscule weight of the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat to their kits. It’s hard to pass up this kind of versatility — this foam pad can act as your seat, sleeping pad extension, pack cushion, and more. Add in the facts that there is zero setup involved and that these seats are known to last for decades, and you’ve got a winner. The Renetto chair usually comes in between 8 and 10 colors and is rated to hold up to 350 pounds. Portable outdoor chairs are also helpful for anyone who doesn’t have the room or budget for permanent backyard furniture. And they can save your back, make it easier to juggle a picnic plate and a cold beverage, and generally help you to relax comfortably outdoors.

We noticed during the first of our three camping trips—a weekend in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, with a total of seven families—that, given the choice, campers prefer to take the biggest seat. When we set up a dozen chairs around the campfire without comment, people consistently claimed them from largest to smallest. The Renetto Original Canopy Chair, a cleverly designed specialty seat, is ideal for anyone who wants sun protection and doesn’t mind a heavier, bulkier chair. Despite the Renetto’s weight, our testers found it easy to carry and simple to set up and adjust.

The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair is a value pick that outperforms its price point. It has a well-defined bucket seat that makes it lounge-worthy but not so deep that it’s hard to get out of it. The square base is also stable enough that we weren’t fearful of tipping over, and we appreciate the side pockets for phone and sunglasses storage. In terms of out-of-case performance, it stacks up well for its price point.

However, if you’re setting up camp for an extended stay, having home-furniture level comfort — and a whooping 500-pound weight capacity — could be worth the extra effort in transport. Plus, though the chair is large even when folded up, its spacious backpack carrying case with cushioned, adjustable shoulder straps makes dealing with the size and weight much easier. Rest your weary legs after a long hard day exploring by sitting in a comfortable folding camping chair. Whether you’re ozark trail lounge chair heading off for a family camping holiday, planning some wild camping, a trip to the beach or going to a festival, you’ll need somewhere comfortable where you can sit and relax. Check out Decathlon’s extensive range of camping chairs for lots of great options from some of the top outdoor brands, including Regatta, Quechua, Kampa, Outwell and Milestone Camping. The 4-pound, steel-construction REI chair has an attached carry strap, rather than a carry bag like the other chairs.

The 1-pound seat comes with a miniscule stuff sack that can easily be slipped into a backpack or suitcase. We also loved that setting up and breaking down the aluminum frame and seat cover is conveniently intuitive. You may doubt a chair this light and compact could also be sturdy, but it held up beautifully to all the plopping, dropping, and throwing they could put it through. From backyard campouts to ozark trail camping chair backcountry treks, summer is all about camping and hiking with friends and family. Sleep under the starry sky in a tent you’ve pitched yourself and fall asleep in a warm sleeping bag, on a comfortable air mattress while telling stories to your kids. Make the outdoors your home away from home with competitively priced grills, stoves and cooking accessories to prepare a scrumptious meal in the wilderness.

However, this isn’t really a chair, per se — you are still basically sitting on the ground. If you find getting up off the ground difficult and uncomfortable, then this seat may not be suitable for you. But for those who want a dry, warm spot to park their rear without adding more than a couple of ounces to their packs, this one could be your ideal solution.

Enjoy a simple and portable solution for outdoor relaxation with the Ozark Trail Pineapple Steel Folding Hammock Chair with Padded Seat. This comfortable item is made with an easy-folding steel frame for simple setup and storage. This foldable camping chair is made with extra-tough nylon fabric and padded foam built into the seat to provide hours of relaxation and comfy seating. When not in use, this lightweight camping chair folds up compactly and fits easily into a convenient carry bag.