Whether you’re lounging at the beach after a long hike or settling into camp to enjoy a good book, having a comfortable chair can make all the difference. While they aren’t necessary for most backpackers, a lightweight backpack chair can be worth its weight in gold. They can elevate you above the ground, provide back support, and allow you to stay connected with your campmates after a long day of hiking.
When deciding to invest in a backpack chair, it’s important to think about how you plan on using it before shelling out the cash. If you only bring a chair on short backpacking trips, then you might be better off with a simple sit pad that packs down to a compact cylinder for easy storage. If you want to relax in comfort at the beach or campsite, on the other hand, you’ll likely want a chair with more features. Look for padded backpack straps to keep your shoulders from straining, a cup holder or insulated pouch for cold drinks, and other comfort features.
There are several different types of backpack chairs on the market, but the lightest options are ground-pad style seats like the ThermaRest Z Seat, which weigh just 2 ounces and fold up accordion-style into a cylinder smaller than a Nalgene bottle. Another popular option is the REI Flexlite Air or Helinox Chair Zero, both of which come in under a pound and feature durable materials for comfort and stability.
abshoo Classical Basic Travel Backpack For School Water Resistant Bookbag
$19.99 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Eberlestock Bando Bag - Tactical Men's Fanny Pack w/Adjustable Waist Belt, Zippered Pockets, Compact Lightweight Belt Bag
$59.00 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
USPECLARE Clear Backpack for Stadium Approved 12×6×12, Water proof Clear Bag for Stadium Events and Concert Work Sport Event
$15.99 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L, Foldable Hiking Backpacks Water Resistant Compact Folding Daypack for Travel(Black)
$18.99 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MATEIN Carry on Backpack, Extra Large Travel Backpack Expandable Airplane Approved Weekender Bag for Men and Women, Water Resistant Lightweight Daypack for Flight 40L, Black
$29.99 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
YAZEKOUS Small Sling Bag for Women, Sling Backpack Daypack Fanny Pack Crossbody Bags for Hiking Travel Sports Running
$8.99 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
G4Free 10L/15L Hiking Backpack Lightweight Packable Hiking Daypack Small Travel Outdoor Foldable Shoulder Bag
$18.99 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks - Durable, Lightweight Bookbag with 1 Main Compartment, Front Utility Pocket with Built-in Organizer - Premium Backpack, Black
$38.00 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
JanSport Superbreak Backpack - Durable, Lightweight Premium Backpack, Black
$34.36 (as of February 22, 2025 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)