In this article, we’ve identified the four most important qualities to look for in a chair. We rate each seat on its comfort throughout 30 minutes of lounging, its size and how much it weighs, its overall stability when getting in and out, and its ease of use. We weight metrics accordingly based on our experience of what is most important in a backpacking chair, with comfort being at the top of that list, followed by size and weight, stability, and, finally, ease of use. The Helinox Chair Zero is our favorite chair for ultralight luxury. It barely misses being the lightest chair of its kind, yet it’s significantly more comfortable and stable than its lightweight counterparts.
Even after regularly using this chair for six months, it’s just as plush and comfortable as ever. It has more than enough room for two people — and perhaps a pet — to lounge. (If you want even more room, Kelty also makes a party-sized couch with plenty of space for three people.) Sturdy, padded fabric forms a supportive high back and adjustable armrests. The low height instantly turns the ground into a footrest, and the seat is wide enough to provide leg support that makes you feel like you’re reclining. Unlike our camping chair review, this review is designed specifically for portable chairs that can be carried into the backcountry or during hikes. We analyzed packability and weight for this metric, knowing that a chair would have to be pretty compact to make it into an already heavy pack on your next trip into the backcountry.
To see how comfortable it was to use the chairs for extended periods of time, we sat in each for minutes, making sure to evaluate any extra features like tables, coolers, and cup holders. We also tested any adjustable features like recliners and armrests to see if those functions ozark trail hammock chair worked smoothly. Since the breathable mesh is also quick-drying, you can feel free to plop down in a wet bathing suit and leave the chair out during afternoon rain showers. And although its thinness may cause you concern, it has proved to be durably and sturdy after months of use.
Eurmax uses a thumb-lock slider for both the top corner locks and telescoping legs which is much easier to use than traditional push-button locks. The spring-loaded lever locks into place during setup, making it easy to unlock the frame with just one hand. A quick push of the slider releases the leg lock and you can choose one of the three peak height settings; 10 feet, 10.5 feet, or 11.1 feet. You won’t see 30mm thick steel legs on many canopy tents, and thick plastic truss washers connect each cross truss, and the center peak tensioner brings it all together to provide an incredibly stable structure. We especially love the smooth and safe push button slider for an easy release of the telescoping legs and canopy corner locks. Leaving your canopy tent up will almost certainly reduce the life of the shelter.
The pyramid structure provides adequate stability and strength across the entire one-piece frame. The unit is equipped with upgraded locking mechanisms that prevent sand and dirt from entering the telescoping legs and that also allow for a simple one-person setup. While one person can set it up by themselves, due to the commercial-grade weight we highly recommend two people assist in the setup. Instructions are included with all ABCCanopy tents, but assembly is so simple you likely won’t even need it. Taco chairs like the Crazy Creek Hex Original 2.0 and Crazy Creek Original are harder to get in and out of since they sit on the ground and offer less support. Sit pads like the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat and Nemo Chipper are truly just a piece of foam that offers just a hint of padding and primarily keeps your butt from getting wet and dirty if you’re sitting on the ground.
We prefer a deeper seat that lets us recline and relax, like the one found on our favorite model, the Big Agnes Skyline UL, and the luxurious Big Agnes Big Six. Comfort is decidedly lower in foam chairs — we noted that the PowerLounger curled our shoulders in and dug into our underarms the least. Comes with the same compact bag with a shoulder strap for carrying.
We have no doubt the aluminum frame and UV-resistant polyester seat are designed to last through years upon years of outdoor seasons. The chair and sack are also machine washable, so you can always head out on ozark trail lounge chair a hike feeling fresh. Like many ultralight chairs structured with a pole base, it will sink into soft ground like snow or sand, but Helinox makes a ground sheet you can buy to make the chair more versatile.