In this text you have 8 best ultralight backpacking chairs available on the market in 2018, all fully collapsible and with the weight below 1 kg.
What is included in the list
- All the chairs in the list are collapsible by the design, this is natural if you plan to carry them on the trail. This makes them different from folding chairs which you normally have for ordinary camping. This also implies that the chairs need assembly, but this is usually done in seconds. In all types here you have shock-corded poles that make the frame so you cannot lose any part of them and you can also make them ready even in the darkness.
- All the chairs here are also designed for off the ground sitting. But some are really low.
- Regarding the weight, I put the upper limit at 1 kg.
- Most of them are described in detail in my separate reviews.
- These are quite expensive items, constructed from ultra lightweight yet durable materials, only the most reliable models from renown brands are presented here.
My list of the best backpacking chairs
The chairs below are ordered by weight from heavier to lighter.
- LEKI Sub 1 Chair – 940 g
- Moon Lence Compact Chair – 907 g
- Big Agnes Helinox Chair One – 850 g
- Alite Designs Mantis Chair – 816 g
- Alite Designs Mayfly Chair – 635 g
- Big Agnes Helinox Ground Chair– 615 g
- Alite Designs Monarch Chair – 590 g
- Helinox Chair Zero – 510 g
1. LEKI Sub 1 Chair
The LEKI Sub 1 is an aluminum construction with bonuses. Those include a removable cup holder and an elegant carry bag that doubles as a storage pouch because you can attach it to the frame as shown in the picture.
The most important numbers are as follows. The weight is 2.07 lb (940 g) and the capacity is 320 lb (145 kg). The seat is 11.8 inches (30 cm) above the ground. The packed size is great, 13 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches (33 x 14 x 14 cm). Please see more in my full review.
2. Moon Lence Compact Chair
This chair comes with a price tag that is without a match as of the moment of writing this text. So if you are on a budget this is the chair to consider. They sell it on Amazon under the name Moon Lence Compact Ultralight Portable Folding Camping Backpacking Chairs and this is because they have two chairs which they sell at the same place.
This low-back chair is with the weight of 2 lb (907 g) and its capacity is 242 lb (110 kg). Yet another feature where it shines is its incredible packed size, it is only 14 x 5 x 3.5 inches (36 x 13 x 9 cm). So the chair is backpack portable and very versatile. Please read more in my full review.
3. Big Agnes Helinox Chair One
This chair is available in no less than 12 different color combination. The weight is 1.9 lb (0.85 kg) and it supports the weight of up to 320 lb (145 kg). Its packed size is also great, it reduces to 13.8 x 3.9 x 4.7 inches (35 x 10 x 12 cm).
The seat is quite high above the ground, its lowest point is at 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) of height. Like the other chairs here, this is an aluminum collapsible structure. Please read more in my review.
4. Alite Designs Mantis Chair
The packed size of this chair is (L x D) 10 x 5.5 inches (25 x 14 cm) and the weight is 1.8 lb (816 g). Yet it supports up to 250 pounds (113 kg). It is built in many different colors. This is a tool suitable for a variety of activities like sitting on the beach, at summer festivals, or simply enjoying in the backyard. But it is lightweight enough to be carried on the trail as well.
The frame is a durable 7000 series aluminum and the fabric is 210D ripstop nylon. As you see from the picture, the chair is with 4 points on the ground and you have plastic caps. Such a structure is great for a hard surface but not so great on a very soft terrain.
Its measures are (W x D x H) 22 x 21.5 x 29 inches (56 x 55 x 74 cm). It comes in a nice stuff sack with instructions printed on it.
Here is a video review so have a look:
5. Alite Designs Mayfly Chair
Perhaps it is best to start with the legs of this chair because it has some unique features. As you realize you have the front bar plus the two points on the back connected with yet another bar. So such a structure will hardly ever sink and it is suitable for practically any ground.
But there is more to this design. The front bar is removable and you can use it as a swinging chair, quite the same as you have in the Monarch chair below from the same brand.
This is a very lightweight and compact design. The weight is only 1.4 pounds (635 g) and its packed size is (L x D) 11.5 x 4.3 inches (29 x 11 cm). But this chair has the capacity of 250 lb (113 kg). So this is a tool suitable for backpackers and hikers and also for camping, outdoor concerts, and beaches.
The frame is a sturdy and lightweight 7000 series aluminum, all is shock corded, but the front bar is a separate piece. The fabric is a very breathable 210D ripstop nylon. Note that it is rather low, just 2 inches (5 cm) above the ground. So if you prefer something higher check other models in the list.
See how to make it ready and how to dismantle it:
6. Big Agnes Helinox Ground Chair
With 1.35 lb (615 g) of weight, this is a true ultralight chair, and it supports up to 265 lb (120 kg). The packed size is 12.2 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches (31 x 15 x 15 cm).
The frame is all one single shock-corded piece so the setup is easy. Observe that this chair has bars instead of legs, and it has them many. This makes it suitable even for a soft ground. It will not sink regardless where you use it. More in my full review.
7. Alite Designs Monarch Chair
This Monarch chair is something totally unique, a chair with two legs only. It has been on the market for a decade already. In view of its two legs, it is surprisingly comfortable.
You have a strong aluminum frame which is able to support up to 250 lb (113 kg). But it is here in the list because of its weight, so you have only 1.3 lb (590 g). The packed size is 12 x 4.5 inches (30.5 x 11.4 cm). Please read more in my full review.
8. Helinox Chair Zero
The Chair Zero is an exceptional design, it has such a high back section, but it weighs only 18 oz (510 g). If you leave the stuff sack at home, you have only 17.3 oz (490 g). So imagine that such a chair can support up to 265 lb (120 kg), this is quite remarkable.
You have quality DAC poles used for the frame, all segments are shock corded and setting it up is in seconds. The packed size is 13.8 x 3.9 inches (35 x 10 cm).
Final thoughts
So this was my list with the best ultralight backpacking chairs. Note that this list will be updated regularly, so bookmark this post and visit it from time to time.
If you need something more suitable for ordinary camping please check in the category Camping Chairs here in the site and check my list with the best collapsible chairs for camping. See also my list of the best folding camping chairs.
Thank you for reading. Please use the comment box below in the case of questions and comments. Have a nice day