The 6 Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023 Tested by GearLab

REI’s Co-op Camp X Chair brings the best of both worlds with a webbed nylon mesh that keeps you cozy and cool. The material is designed to evenly distribute your weight and maximize comfort, and we found the material was tense enough to feel supportive while letting them take advantage of the breeze. For an ultra lightweight chair that’s ready to make your hiking breaks a breeze, opt for the Helinox Chair Zero. It has two open panels in the seat back for breathability, and when packed up in its ripstop polyester stuff sack, it’s totally tiny.

The canopy quickly and easily transforms into a carrying case—just wrap it around the chair and snap it closed with two plastic buckles, and you can carry the whole thing on your back like an oblong backpack. We brought this chair to a dense Los Angeles neighborhood to watch Fourth of July fireworks. We got some admiring nods en route ozark trail lounge chair to the celebration—and we had one of the more comfy seats at the show. 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.

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. She has backpacked thousands of miles through the Appalachian mountains, the deserts of Southern Utah, and the high Sierra, both alone and with her husband and two girls. Elizabeth and her family can be found traveling the country, living in their converted school bus, seeking adventure through climbing and hiking, and enjoying our public lands as their outdoor living room. He has spent hundreds of evenings in backcountry and front country campsites, parking himself on all sorts of seating. After 7,000 miles on some of America’s most iconic long trails, he knows what to look for when it comes to ideal seat selection. After six months of regularly using the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair, we think it’s the best choice for most people who are seeking an upright chair for car camping, tailgating, and outdoor gatherings.

Ensure you have all the camping cooking equipment you need so you’re not caught short when preparing a camping feast. Decathlon has everything you might need, whether camping with the kids or heading off on a solo expedition. You’ll find cooler bags, camping pots and pans, cutlery, kettles, mugs, cooking utensils, camping stoves, thermal flasks, and even foldable washing-up bowls.

The seat is made of a webbed mesh that comfortably conforms to your body and promotes airflow. The chair seemed surprisingly wear-resistant given how light it is and complimented the ball-and-socket joint system that helps the chair accommodate different body types. The Moonlite weighs under two pounds, folds into a compact position, and comes with a zip-up carrying bag. While sturdy canvas chairs are great for keeping your back supported, no one wants to be engulfed in a thick fabric when the temperature rises.

We also stock a great range of camping chairs for kids that come in a variety of styles, colours and designs, including nautical, tractors, unicorns and sharks. Coleman’s heavy-duty outdoor chair with a side table can transform your camping mealtimes. An aluminum side table flips up when you’re ready to feast and includes a cup holder. The chair’s backrest is slightly angled, and those who prefer firm support enjoyed the strong, taut fabric.