This Big Agnes Mica Basin Armchair is a fully collapsible, lightweight, easy to use, and backpack portable camping chair without any plastic elements in the frame.
Key features & benefits
- Fully collapsible.
- Light shock-corded aluminum frame.
- Nicely packable.
- Carry bag included.
- Easy to use.
What this is about
This Big Agnes Mica Basin Armchair is an upgraded version of their Mica Basin Chair. So this is again a fully collapsible and nicely packable camping chair, but they have added two extra poles on the sides and those serve as a support for the soft armrests. One is visible in the picture:
These armrests come with integrated deep cup holders on both sides. You can see them better in this picture:
So they have done something similar to their Big Agnes Big Six Armchair which is an upgraded version of the Big Agnes Big Six Chair.
Obviously, this chair needs a simple assembly, but you have a shock-corded frame, so all the elements are permanently pre-attached. There is nothing to guess and all is done in seconds.
The chair is designed with a supportive seat and a low backrest so there is no headrest here. They use a durable nylon 100D Robic fabric with a 300D polyester rip-stop that is lightweight and, as they claim, it is 25-30% stronger than regular yarn in the same denier. You have a waterproof UTS coating that gives the fabric a soft feel and enhances tear strength.
The frame is a lightweight aircraft aluminum pole system with the tubes that are shock-corded. They attach to each other without the usual plastic hub elements. This is a patented construction all-metal construction.
Who is it for
Capacity-wise, with its 300 lb (136 kg) declared capacity this is quite typical for chairs of this type. So this should be strong enough for most potential users, unless you need something for a really heavy person.
Weight-wise, with 2 lb 13 oz (1.28 kg) of weight, this is almost an ultralight chair. Though I did not include it in my list of backpacking chairs, instead it is in my list of best collapsible chairs.
The packed size 18 x 5 x 4 inches (46 x 13 x 10 cm) is excellent, see the carry bag in the picture below.
So all in all this is a camping chair that can be carried attached to the backpack. You can also transport it on a bicycle and in any other way, it is truly versatile.
The seat with its side cup holders reminds me of yet another great portable chair, the Alite Stonefly Camping Chair. But the legs and feet of this Mica Armchair is not so great option on a soft ground, they will sink easily. So bear this in mind is you plan to use this chair on such a terrain.
Specifications
- Trail weight: 2 lb 13 oz (1.28 kg).
- Packed weight: 2 lb 15 oz (1.33 kg).
- Capacity: 300 lb (136 kg).
- Packed size: 18 x 5 x 4 in (46 x 13 x 10 cm).
- Unfolded dimensions (W x H x D): 31 x 29 x 19.5 in (79 x 74 x 50 cm).
- Seat height: 16 in (41 cm).
My rating, pros & cons
In the table below I give my rating and the list of pros and cons. I use the same rating criteria for all the chairs here in the site so you can easily compare.
Very light collapsible & backpack portable chair
Product Name: Big Agnes Mica Basin Armchair
Product Description: This Big Agnes Mica Basin Armchair is a fully collapsible, lightweight, easy to use, and backpack portable camping chair without any plastic elements in the frame.
Brand: Big Agnes
SKU: B08174C7XS
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Weight - 8.8/10
8.8/10
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Dimensions - 7.7/10
7.7/10
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Packed size - 9/10
9/10
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Capacity - 7.5/10
7.5/10
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Comfort - 9.5/10
9.5/10
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Craftsmanship - 9.7/10
9.7/10
Summary
My overall rating of this chair is Excellent, and this will all the good reasons. But check the price as well.
Pros
- Very light.
- Excellent packed size.
- Easy to use.
- Reliable.
- Carry bag adds value.
Cons
- Very expensive.
User Review
( votes)Final thoughts
To summarize this Big Agnes Mica Basin Armchair review, what you have here is a high-quality patented and reliable chair from one of the best-known brands in this industry.
It is very light and it packs to a really small size, so it is backpack portable and versatile. You can take it with you on camping, picnics, concerts, sports events, road tours, and you name it. Fully recommended.
If you need more options from this brand, check my list of Big Agnes camp chairs. But you might also want to check this Cliq Camping Chair that is folding and with an incredibly small packed size. See this ultralight MOON LENCE Backpacking Chair if you need a chair for the trail.
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