Why You Want a Chair
3
Always bring a chair. Always. If you think it's too heavy to bring along, get a different chair.
Trust me, the older you get, the more you appreciate the value of a good camp chair. Your back is already going to be killing you from sleeping on the ground every night. The last thing you need to do is add insult to injury by sitting on a log every day. Camp chairs have come a long way since the heavy, clunky, semi-foldable chairs, and the new lightweight, compact chairs are worth every ounce.
You want to be evaluating comfort, the weight of the chair, compactness and load capacity.
Some of the lightweight camping chairs are seriously undersized and uncomfortable for bigger people. This is where, if you select the wrong chair, you might as well sit on a log.
Look for back support that fits your frame size, along with a wide base and sturdy legs, so you can sit comfortably without worrying about tipping over. Also consider the chair's capacity to hold your weight. If you're packing a lot of muscle or... ahem... you're not gonna be a lightweight and your chair needs to last more than just your first day.
One last point. You want a chair that's easy to set up and take down with minimal fuss and hassle. Because let's face it - you didn't come all this way to waste your time wrestling with a complicated chair!
camp chair reviews
Helinox Zero Ultralight Compact
This ultralight, compact chair is straightforward to assemble and packs smaller than a water bottle. You'll forget you added an extra pound to your pack. Weight capacity maxes out at 265 pounds (120 kg). The Large Zero Ultralight Compact chair support 320 pounds (145 kg). The chair is tippy and wobbly on anything but solid ground no matter how much you weigh.
The Zero Ultralight's assembled dimensions are 20.5W x 19D x 25H inches (52W x 48D x 63.5H cm), with a seat height of 8.5 inches (22 cm). Weighing 1.1 pounds (499 grams), this chair packs down to 4 x 4 x 13.5 inches (10 x 10 x 34 cm).
The Large Zero Ultralight's assembled dimensions are 21W x 20D x 26H inches (53W x 51D x 66 cm), with a seat height of 8.5 inches (22 cm). Weighing 1.4 pounds (635 grams), the Large chair packs down to 14 x 4.5 x 4 inches (35.6 x 11 x 10 cm).
The frame is made of DAC aluminum alloy to provide maximum strength at a minimum weight. The seat and carrying sack are made from durable, UV-resistant, ripstop polyester. The chair withstands a variety of weather and is quick to dry. If the Helinox Zero is going to break, it's at the joints. While the majority of users have zero issues (us included), when it breaks, it leaves a lasting memory.
Setup is fast with a single internal bungee cord that assembles the poles. Tuck the poles in corner pockets and you're good to go.
Also, Helinox repairs or replaces any manufacturing defect free of charge within 5 years of purchase date.
Check out Amazon.com:
Helinox Zero Ultralight Compact chair
Helinox Large Zero Ultralight Compact chair
Helinox Zero highback Ultralight
Made from durable materials, this ultralight, compact chair is easy to assemble and fairly upright - good for reading or eating, rather than stretching your legs out after a long day. Weight capacity clocks in at 265 pounds (120 kg). Those who are taller or broad-shouldered won't find the chair as comfortable with its tall back.
Assembled dimensions are 20.5W x 21.5D x 32.5H inches (52W x 54.6D x 82.5H cm), with a seat height of 6.5 inches (16.5 cm). Weighing 1.5 pounds (680 grams), this chair packs down to 5 x 5 x 16 inches (13 x 13 x 40.6 cm).
The DAC aluminum alloy frame maximizes strength and minimizes weight. The ripstop polyester seat and carry sack resist UV rays and are machine washable. Reinforced corners make this folding chair durable enough to withstand a variety of weather. The chair will blow away in the slightest breeze if you're not sitting in it.
A single internal bungee cord self-assembles the poles, making setup easy and hassle free.
Helinox will repair or replace any manufacturing defect free of charge within 5 years of purchase date. A nice bonus.
Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight
This ultralight, compact chair has a deeper, wider seat than most and exceptionally sturdy construction. It also comes in bright colors. Weight capacity tops out at 275 pounds (125 kg). It's a comfortable Go-To chair big people (both height and body mass) look for and not just because it rarely breaks.
Assembled dimensions are 15D x 14W x 21H inches (38D x 35.5W x 53H cm), with a seat height of 15 inches (38 cm). Weighing 1 pound 11 ounces (766 grams), this chair packs down to 3.5 x 3.5 x 17 inches (9 x 9 x 43 cm). If you wanted to remove an ounce or two of weight, ditch the storage bag, roll the seat cover over the chair frame and secure it with Velcro cinch straps.
The frame is made of pre-bent, interlocking, heavy-duty aircraft aluminum poles.
A self-equalizing center pole levels the chair on uneven ground. It's extra durable with nylon ripstop and a high-tenacity yarn that adds 25% - 30% more strength to the seat and back. The waterproof UTS coating withstands all kinds of weather and means "wipe clean" actually works.
The fully shock-corded and colour-coded frame make setup and breakdown easy. Set up and sit in the chair at home before you go. It's easy after the first attempt. Believe me, you don't want to be farting around after a long day setting up the Skyline UL for the first time.
Big Agnes does not disappoint with this sturdy, durable, compact, ultralight camping chair.
GOT FEEDBACK?
If you've used one of the camping chairs I reviewed and you have something to add that could help other campers, I'd love to hear it.
Same, if you have a chair you love (or hate) that's not reviewed here, tell me about it and I'll pass it on.
Your fellow campers thank you!
