The 7 Best Budget Backpacking Chairs (2024)

Best Budget Trekking Chairs – Reviewed

When it comes to backpacking, every ounce matters, but so does comfort and durability. Choosing the right backpacking chair can make or break your outdoor experience. In this article, we’ve scoured the market to find the 7 best budget backpacking chairs, reviewing them based on affordability, comfort, durability, and other critical factors. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a thru-hiker, these chairs offer the perfect blend of comfort and portability without breaking the bank.

Budget Backpacking Chair Details

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REI Co-op Trail Stool

The REI Co-op Trail Stool is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. It features a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame that can support up to 200 pounds. Despite its robust construction, the stool weighs just under a pound, making it ideal for backpackers looking to lighten their load.

Priced at just under $25, the REI Co-op Trail Stool offers incredible value for money. It’s rare to find a backpacking chair of this quality at such an affordable price point. I highly recommend the REI Co-op Trail Stool to anyone in need of a reliable and lightweight budget backpacking chair.

Crazy Creek Original Chair

The Crazy Creek Original Chair is a standout budget backpacking chair option, offering great comfort, durability, and affordability. One of the standout features of the Crazy Creek Original Chair is its comfort level. The chair’s closed-cell foam padding provides excellent cushioning, ensuring that you can sit comfortably for hours on end.

This chair’s lightweight design and compact size make it easy to carry in your backpack or attach to the outside. It also comes with a convenient carrying handle, making it easy to transport wherever your adventures take you.

Helinox Chair One

The Helinox Chair One boasts a clever design that blends lightweight materials with sturdy construction. The chair’s frame is made of lightweight aluminum, providing robust support that can hold up to 320 pounds.

The Chair One’s seat is wide and deep, providing ample room to sit comfortably for extended periods. The chair’s backrest is also well-designed, providing excellent support for your lower back. Additionally, the chair is incredibly easy to set up and pack away, thanks to its collapsible design.

This is certainly one of my top picks for backpacking chairs overall, however it is a bit at the high end of budget chairs at over $100.

REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair

The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair features a clever design that combines a lightweight aluminum frame with durable ripstop polyester fabric. This design not only keeps the chair’s weight to a minimum but also ensures its durability, capable of supporting up to 250 pounds. The chair’s low profile and wide seat provide excellent stability, even on uneven terrain.

Priced at just under $80, the REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair offers exceptional value for money. Its combination of affordability, comfort, and durability makes it a standout choice for budget-conscious backpackers.

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair

The REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is crafted with an ultralight design, making it one of the lightest chairs in its class. Despite its lightweight construction, the chair is sturdy and durable, with an aluminum frame capable of supporting up to 250 pounds. The chair’s seat and backrest are made of ripstop polyester, providing both comfort and durability for long-lasting use.

Priced at just under $100, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair offers excellent value for money. Its ultralight build and comfortable design make it a top choice for backpackers looking to save weight without sacrificing comfort.

iClimb Ultralight Camping Chair

The iClimb Ultralight Camping Chair is a strong contender for the budget conscious backpacker. This chair features a weight capacity of 330 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers. It has wide footrests, allowing you to remain stable and comfortable on uneven terrain.

This chair is much cheaper than others in its class at under $40, albeit a bit heavier. It’s a great budget backpacking chair if you’re just getting into the hobby or looking to save a few bucks.

G4Free Camp Chair (High Back)

The G4Free Camp Chair is the heaviest option on this list, however it gives a nice contrast when compared against the other backpacking chairs you’ll commonly find. This chair has a built in pillow, and a high back rest that provides tons of support and comfort.

The G4Free chair also packs down nice and small with its included carrying case, making it portable and easy to carry inside or outside of your backpack. At under $55, this chair is an incredible value.

Budget Backpacking Chair Summary

Selecting the best budget backpacking chair is a balancing act between comfort, durability, and affordability. After reviewing 7 of the best chairs in the market, each offering its unique blend of features, it’s clear that there’s a chair for every type of backpacker. From the lightweight and compact design of the REI Co-op Trail Stool to the sturdy and reliable construction of the Helinox Chair One, these chairs cater to a range of preferences and needs.

Whether you prioritize comfort for long evenings by the campfire or need a chair that can withstand rugged terrain, these budget backpacking chairs deliver. With these options, backpackers can find the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and affordability, enhancing their outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.