Many hikers prioritize a lot of comforts particularly when you are hiking in the wilderness. In this scenario, a hiking chair will be a welcome piece of gear as long as it is lightweight, supportive, and functional. There are several hiking chairs that encompass these features.
In recent times, hiking chairs have gotten lighter, more functional, and have become more diverse. You can get a chair that works well with your ultralight setup and one that functions well for front and backcountry use.
8 Best Hiking Chairs for Every Environment
There are endless options when it comes to selecting the ideal chair for your hiking adventures. You must go for a chair that will not break the bank and will hold down to your heavy usage.
We will therefore be reviewing eight of the best hiking chairs for every environment.
1. Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Chair
This is an ultralight foldable hiking chair that will keep you a solid 11 inches off the ground. You can stretch out your legs, lean back, and let the campfire warm you with this piece of gear. It also comes in quite lightweight.
This ultralight, compact camping and hiking chair weighs just about 1.2 pounds and it can easily fold smaller than a bottle of water. The folding chair frame is made from DAC aluminium alloy which means that it can provide maximum strength at a minimal weight. This chair can easily hold up to 265 pounds.
The seat and carry chair of this Helinox Zero gear are constructed with durable and lightweight ripstop polyester. This helps the chair resist harsh weather and UV rays. The material also comes in machine washable. You can set up this chair as soon as possible as it has a single internal bungee that assembles poles.
The seat height of this chair is about 8.5 inches and it can be used for hiking, camping, backpacking, and other outdoor activities where minimal weight is a top priority. The chair’s back goes up to 20 inches which offers a decent amount of support with a small backward lean.
What I Like:
- Super light
- Easy to set up
- Comfortable to sit in
- Useful for outdoor activities
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Compact and packable
- Good for backpacking
- Great for camping
- Quick assembly
What I Don’t Like:
- May not feel stable for some users
- Expensive
- Not the most comfortable chair
- The back is shorter than desired
- The paranoia of damage near the fire
2. Therm-a-rest Trekker Chair Kit
This Trekker Chair comes in as a highly durable chair back that you can readily slip over your sleeping pad to create a very cushy seat. A lot of hikers are fans of this method as it turns your pad into a chair and weighs a very small amount
Most air pads are designed to be quite comfortable so this gear gives you an option of a more comfortable chair. This Trekker chair uses a thick 75D material to ensure that your pad is properly protected. The setup is quite simple and it can work for non-Therm-a-rest pads as long as they come with the same width.
This chair provides the essential comfort of a camp chair in a modular form. The chair comes in two sizes that fit well for both near and self-inflating pads by making use of updated elastic sleeves. With this chair, you are guaranteed all-round comfort as it features a mixed blend of lightweight, comfort, and durability.
This chair easily packs small when you are not making use of it so it won’t add unnecessary weight to your hiking gear. This comes in handy for hikers who love to travel light. This chair fits most mattresses of up to 20 inches.
What I Like:
- High quality
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up
- Comfortable
- Great for back problems
What I Don’t Like:
- The new version has open seating in the front
- No protection against puncture
- Carbon fibre supports can break
- The old pad may not fit perfectly
- Requires additional back support
3. Crazy Creek Hex Camping Chair
This chair comes on as two sections of closed-cell foam covered with fabric and is connected through a cinch-able webbing. This helps to create a sit pad that supports your butt and back well enough. It provides great comfort and it packs up quite small so if you are looking to move light, then, this gear should be of top priority.
The closed-cell foam of this chair comes with a high-density core EVA material to provide you with maximum insulation and comfort without increasing the weight of this chair. It comes with a handy attached strap for easy rolling and carrying. There is a built-in hanging loop that ensures that it can be attached to your backpack.
The outer shell of this chair is made of durable coated ripstop nylon that helps you stay protected from wet grounds. The adjustable side straps help to ensure that you can work with different sitting positions.
The inner surface of the ripstop nylon is water-resistant and durable to ensure that the gear is more durable and sealed from sand and dirt. This chair is ideal whenever space and weight are major considerations.
What I Like:
- The Crazy Creek works well in a canoe during an eight-day trip in Quetico.
- It is lightweight, compact, and comfortable.
- Love the construction of this product.
- Excellent craftsmanship and materials are used to make this compact chair ideal for backpacking and hiking where weight is of importance.
- These lightweight chairs are perfect for backpacking or reading in the park.
What I Don’t Like:
- The seating area does not allow for water to drain or vent.
- It is not as easy to get in and out of compared to previous models.
4. Big Agnes Big Six Chair
This chair comes in lightweight and comfortable and you can readily pack it to stash it in your trunk, truck, or wherever you deem fit. This chair is always one to keep within reach as it comes with a full-corded architecture that is simple to set up and break down.
It comes with a comfier and deeper seat than other lightweight chairs available. It also features pre-bent poles to create a wide and stable structure that helps you sit 20 inches off the ground. It comes with a hub-less frame construction that helps to add durability and reduces the packed size of the chair.
This Big Six chair also features aircraft-grade aluminium that ensures that everything stays lightweight. There is also the high-tenacity aerobic yarn in the polyester ripstop that is about 30% stronger than the regular yarn.
This chair comes with a waterproof UTS coating that helps it withstand mountain weather. It also comes in handy to give the chair a soft feel and enhance the tear strength. This means that this chair comes in rugged and tough.
What I Like:
- Super comfortable for a big man
- High backrest relieves stress on the lower back
- Design works like a sling for your butt
- Construction is beyond solid
- Aluminum material and non-crossed leg design make it super sturdy
- Rubber foot stoppers prevent sinking into the ground
- Collapsed small enough to fit inside a canoe dry bag
- Easy and intuitive setup
- Strong bungee shock cords hold everything together
What I Don’t Like:
- Not ideal for hard backpacking due to weight
- Legs flex and spread apart when sitting
- Back bars can be squeaky when moving in the seat
- Seat height off the ground is lower than advertised
- Expensive
- Some find it hard to put together
5. Trekology 2 Pieces YIZI GO Camping Chair
This new YIZI GO design comes in 1cm higher and is 15% lighter than its previous version. The new deep-seater fabric of this chair helps you experience superior lower back support. It features breathable side mesh panels to allow for increased airflow in hot and humid conditions ensuring that you remain cooler.
This YIZI GO chair is a portable and strong gear in a lightweight package which makes it perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The lightweight nature of this chair allows it to fit into your backpack easily.
This camping chair has been built to last as it comes in engineered with aircraft-grade aluminium alloys that help it achieve its high strength. The frame of this chair provides sturdy support with a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. It also comes in with polyester seat fabric and double reinforced V stitch that is durable and flexible.
This chair comes with a pole system and a shock-corded mainframe that helps you guide the poles directly into the frame. This unique design makes the chair easy to open and set up for your adventures and comfort.
What I Like:
- A great and comfortable chair
- Can fit two in a backpack
What I Don’t Like:
- Water gets stuck in the seat on the beach
6. Bluu Ultralight Foldable Chair
This chair comes in light and is durable as it is engineered with high-strength aluminium alloy and 600D Oxford cloth. It comes with added support poles at the top and bottom of the chair which are built for enhanced stability and more load-bearing. This chair even though it is very lightweight, can support up to 300 pounds.
This chair is quite easy to assemble which means it can be ready for use in seconds. All you have to do is to assemble the poles and then, slip on the mesh chair and your Bluu chair will be ready for use.
This Bluu Chair has been designed to achieve ultimate comfort and durability. It features a taller backrest, extra space, and an added pillow just to bring you the comfort that you desire. It is the perfect chair to bring with you for your hiking adventures. This chair comes in affordable with a breathable design.
This Bluu chair also comes in compact and collapsible. This means that it can easily collapse into your carrying case as it features a lightweight frame. It can also fit perfectly into your backpack or car or in whatever storage area you have designed.
What I Like:
- Nice chair for weekend adventures
- Pockets for drinks and other items
- Comfortable for sitting by a fire
- Simple set-up and pack-up
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Good feeling and looking materials
- Made of quality materials
- Holds up well on multiple weekend adventures
- Sturdy
What I Don’t Like:
- Zipper broke on first use
- Chair sits low to the ground
- May have a bit of a wiggle
- Not suitable for bigger individuals
- Some poles may bend with the use
- Some bags may have weak zippers
7. One Tigris Backpacking Chair
This One Tigris chair is made of an aluminium alloy frame and heavy-duty polyester to deliver excellent durability and resistance against dirt, water, and scratch. It weighs only 2.4 pounds and it can support up to 330 pounds weight capacity.
This chair features a lightweight and sturdy construction as it is built with high-strength aluminium alloy. This aluminium alloy helps to ensure that the chair is resistant to oxidation and corrosion. It comes with a double-barred structure that delivers stability with a high level of comfort making it ideal for campers and hikers.
This chair features a foldable frame and detachable fabric that makes it convenient for storage. Since it is lightweight, you should not have issues with storing this chair. This chair is quite easy to piece together, easy to dismantle for storage purposes and highly lightweight for carriage. This means that it would not add unnecessary weight to your hiking gear.
The ultralight design of this One Tigris portable chair makes your pack light which means you can take it along for any outdoor activity that you have planned. It features two pockets on the side for storing your accessories.
What I Like:
- Compact and perfect for outdoor activities
- Sturdy and comfy
What I Don’t Like:
- Tricky set-up process
8. Bobvillage Ultralight Folding Chair
This Bobvillage chair comes in quite easy to set up as it features foldable aluminium poles with a shock-cord structure. This makes this chair quite easy to assemble and set up. All you have to do is simply guide the connected poles into the frame.
The four corners on the back of this chair are well-reinforced to ensure security and reliability as you sit on it. This chair comes in lightweight making it convenient and easy to carry for any outdoor adventure.
This chair features an ergonomic design with a mesh seat net to maximize the breathability that you get from it. This also ensures that you have a more comfortable and relaxing experience as it features a loading capacity of up to 320 pounds.
The chair can be easily folded into its drawstring storage bag when not in use. When you want to sit on the chair, you can readily attach the bag to the back of the chair to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
What I Like:
- This chair comes in lightweight
What I Don’t Like:
- N/a
What To Consider When Choosing a Hiking Chair
Long hikes can be tiring, and having a comfortable place to sit and rest is essential. That’s where hiking chairs come in
1. Chair Type
The first thing to think about is the type of hiking chair that suits your needs. There are three primary types to choose from:
- Ultralight Chairs: These are incredibly lightweight and designed for minimalists. They’re perfect for those who prioritize weight savings on long hikes.
- Camp Chairs: Camp chairs are more comfortable and offer better support. They’re suitable for short hikes, camping trips, and outdoor events.
- Backpacking Chairs: These chairs are a balance between comfort and weight. They’re ideal for backpackers who want a comfy seat without carrying too much extra weight.
2. Weight and Portability
Consider the weight of the chair and how easy it is to carry. Ultralight chairs are the lightest, making them great for backpacking, while camp chairs are heavier but offer better comfort. Choose a chair that balances your desire for comfort with your willingness to carry extra weight.
3. Comfort and Support
Comfort is crucial when choosing a hiking chair. Look for chairs with ergonomic designs, ample cushioning, and a supportive backrest.
Some chairs even come with adjustable features to customize the comfort level to your liking.
4. Durability
Outdoor gear should be built to withstand rugged terrain and weather conditions. Check for chairs made from durable materials like ripstop nylon and sturdy frames. The durability of your chair will affect its longevity.
5. Setup and Packability
Consider how easy it is to set up and pack away the chair. Chairs with simple, intuitive assembly are ideal, especially if you’ll be using them frequently. Look for chairs that pack down compactly to fit into your backpack or gear.
6. Weight Capacity
Check the weight capacity of the chair to ensure it can support your body weight comfortably. Chairs with higher weight limits are generally more robust and suitable for a wider range of users.
7. Terrain and Activity
Think about the terrain and activities you’ll encounter. If you plan to hike on rocky or uneven terrain, a chair with stable legs is essential. Also, consider whether you’ll be using the chair for other outdoor activities like picnics, beach trips, or sporting events.
8. Price
Hiking chairs come in various price ranges. Set a budget based on your preferences and needs, but keep in mind that investing in a quality chair can provide long-lasting comfort and support for your outdoor adventures.
How Do I Know if a Hiking Chair Is Comfortable?
To determine if a hiking chair is comfortable, several factors come into play. Firstly, inspect the seat material, which should be both soft and supportive. Look for chairs with cushioned, breathable fabrics that ensure a pleasant sitting experience.
Secondly, check the chair’s backrest design. A well-designed backrest offers lower back support and encourages a relaxed sitting posture. Adjustable backrests can be particularly helpful in finding the most comfortable position. Thirdly, evaluate the presence of padding on the seat and backrest, as extra padding reduces pressure points and adds to overall comfort during prolonged use.
Additionally, consider the chair’s ergonomic design, as ergonomic chairs are tailored to follow the body’s natural contours, providing optimal comfort and support. Ensure that the chair’s weight capacity aligns with your body weight, as chairs with higher weight limits tend to be sturdier and more accommodating for a broader range of users.
How Do I Maintain Hiking Chair to Ensure Its Longevity?
To ensure your hiking chair serves you well for years to come, proper maintenance is key.
1. Regular Cleaning
Dirt, dust, and mud can accumulate on your hiking chair, potentially causing wear and tear. To clean it, use a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub the chair’s fabric and frame, then rinse it thoroughly.
Avoid harsh detergents, as they can damage the chair’s materials. Consider using a product like the Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof for added protection against UV damage and to maintain water repellency on your chair.
2. Frame Inspection
Regularly inspect the chair’s frame for any signs of damage, like bent or broken poles. If you notice any issues, address them promptly.
For minor repairs, a product like McNett Tenacious Tape can be handy for fixing small tears or holes in the chair’s fabric.
3. Storage
Store your hiking chair in a cool, dry place when not in use. Extended exposure to sunlight or moisture can cause fabric and frame deterioration.
Consider using a storage bag, such as the Alps Mountaineering Compression Stuff Sack, to protect your chair from dust and moisture during storage.
4. Lubrication
If your hiking chair has moving parts like hinges, apply a silicone-based lubricant to keep them working smoothly. This helps prevent rust and ensures the chair remains easy to fold and unfold.
5. Avoid Overloading
Pay attention to the weight capacity of your chair and avoid exceeding it. Overloading can strain the chair’s frame and fabric, leading to premature wear and tear.
6. Carry Bag
Consider using a carry bag, like the Helinox Chair One Camp Chair Carry Bag, to transport and protect your chair.
It keeps the chair clean during transportation and prevents it from snagging on other gear in your backpack.
Conclusion
Remember, when you’re out exploring nature, a good hiking chair can be like a cosy, portable seat that you can take anywhere. It’s like having a special magic chair for your outdoor adventures!
We talked about some awesome hiking chairs that are light, easy to carry, and super comfy. They’re perfect for resting and enjoying the beautiful outdoors, whether you’re on a hike, camping trip, or just having a picnic.
Always remember to think about what you need in a chair for your adventures. Do you want one that’s small and easy to carry or one with extra cushioning for added comfort?
The choice is yours
