Ultralight Motocamping and Backpacking Chairs

Elevation isn't the only way you can take your next backpacking or moto camping trip to new heights. There is an ultralight chair just for you!

Ultralight Motocamping and Backpacking Chairs
Photo by DIEU / Unsplash

Are you ready to take your backpacking and motocamping to the next level; and not ONLY in elevation?

Don't let the constraints of space and weight prevent you from enjoying your next adventure. We have come up with some great solutions that will help you make the most of your next backpacking or motocamping trip. Our recommendations are lightweight and compact, so you can take it anywhere without worrying about bulk or weight.

Experience the freedom of being able to take the right gear with you wherever you go. With our lightweight and compact solutions, you can enjoy all the comforts of home, at scale, while still having an adventure.

Start planning your next backpacking or motocamping trip today! Check out our recommendations of lightweight and compact gear that will make your journey even more enjoyable, and, memorable for the right reasons!

Ultralight Chairs

Ultralight (UL) chairs are becoming increasingly popular among backpackers, campers and moto campers (adventure motorcycle camping). These chairs are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for backpacking and motocamping trips.

They come in a variety of styles, from ultralight camping chairs, ultralight stools to just a pad. Ultralight chairs provide comfort and convenience while still being light enough to carry on your back or in your saddlebags. With the right chair, you can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

After a hard day of hiking or riding, time in camp is meant to rejuvenate and re-energize you for the next day of adventures. Make sure you are prepared with the right gear without sacrificing this valuable time.

How we choose

When you're out camping, you want to be comfortable and enjoy the outdoors. But finding the right camping chair that. you can carry while backpacking or motocamping can be a daunting task with so many different varieties to choose from.

You don't want to be stuck with a chair that's too heavy OR too flimsy, or one that doesn't provide enough support. You need something that's lightweight, durable, and comfortable enough to get you through long days in the great outdoors.

Good news! Outdoor Verified has done the work for you and found the best ultralight camp chairs available on Amazon today! Get ready to inject some comfort into your next adventure with these top-rated chairs that are sure to make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable.

Best Overall UL Chair

Helinox Chair One

Check price on Amazon

What we like

Get ready to take a seat anywhere you go with our pick for the best overall UL camp chair. The Helinox Chair One is the perfect lightweight, compact camping and backpacking chair that packs smaller and weighs less than a bottle of wine.

With its proprietary aluminum alloy frame for maximum strength-to-weight ratio, setup is easy and fast. Enjoy both the comfort and the convenience of having a seat at the table wherever you go - with  the Helinox Chair One. Strength and durability in a small lightweight package.

More details

  • Holds up to 320 pounds
  • Durable, UV-resistant, 600-weave rip-stop polyester
  • Material is machine washable
  • Setup is fast with a single internal bungee cord
  • Assembled chair measures 21.5W x 20D x 25.5H inches
  • Seat height is 10 inches
  • Weighs 2.10 pounds
  • Measures 4 x 4.5 x 14 inches packed in included bag;
  • Manufacturer’s five-year warranty

Lightest UL Chair

Helinox Chair Zero

Check price on Amazon

What we like

Get ready to take your backpacking to lower weights with the Helinox Chair Zero. This chair is easily the most reliable, lowest weight chair on the list earning it our recommendation for the lightest UL chair. This chair weighs just 1.1 pounds and packs up smaller than a water bottle!

That makes it easy to transport in a backpack or saddlebag with ease. It may even fit in your tank bag. Constructed from DAC aluminum alloy and ripstop polyester, it can hold up to 265 pounds and is UV-resistant so the fabric holds up for years.

Setup is fast and easy with a single internal bungee cord that self-assembles the poles. This chair removes any excuse for not being able to sit around your campfire!

More details

  • Weighs just 1.2 pounds
  • Packs smaller than a bottle of water (measures 4 x 4 x 13.5 inches packed)
  • Constructed from advanced DAC aluminum alloy
  • Holds up to 265 pounds
  • Constructed from durable, lightweight ripstop polyester
  • Material is machine washable
  • Assembled chair measures 20.5W x 19D x 25H inches
  • Seat height is 8.5 inches
  • Ideal for outdoor activities like camping, backpacking, hiking, motocamping and biking where weight is critical
  • Manufacturer's five-year warranty

Best Value UL Chair(s)

MOON LENCE 2 Pack

Check price on Amazon

What we like

Relax as a couple or with a friend with the MOON LENCE 2 Pack Ultralight camp chairs that garner our recommendation for the best value. Adventures are better together! These lightweight (2.3 lbs), easy-to-carry chairs are perfect for camping, hiking, motocamping and other outdoor activities like watching kids’ games.

With their durable 7075 aluminum alloy frame and 900D Oxford cloth seat and carrying sack, you can feel secure that it will last for years to come. There are two side pockets and. the seats hold up to 400 lbs. Heck, if you buy this pack, its like having a ticket to adventure you can pass off to your friend or partner (if they need a nudge)!

More details

  • Item Package Dimensions L x W x H - ‎13.5 x 11.26 x 5.31 inches
  • Package Weight - ‎2.28 Kilograms
  • Weight - ‎2.3 Pounds
  • Color - ‎Black
  • Material - ‎Aluminium, Oxford
  • Size - ‎Low

Best UL Stool

Walkstool Comfort Stool

Check price on Amazon

What we like

The Walkstool Comfort Stool is our choice for the best backpacking and motocamping stool! We love the adjustability of its height coupled with the low weight. The lightweight and portable telescopic legs provide you with a comfortable seat height  with max heights in different models of 18, 22, 26 and 30 inches.

We chose the model in the middle of the range at 22” to juxtapose this with the other much lower chairs on this list. Great for photographers, birdwatchers, hikers, hunters, anglers, and anyone that needs a transportable seat.

With its compact size and minimum weight, you can easily carry it around all day and barely even notice. With a practical bag for easy carrying and the highest quality Swedish craftsmanship you can experience the ultimate in comfort with Walkstool Comfort Stool.

More details

  • Normal sitting height - 55 cm / 22 in
  • Low sitting height - 33 cm / 13 in
  • Packed length - 41 cm / 16 in
  • Seat size - 37.5 cm / 15 in
  • Weight - 900 g / 32 oz
  • Maximum load - 225 kg / 495 lbs
  • Sitting comfort - High
  • Feet type - Big, rubber
  • Color of seat / legs - Black
  • Production country - Sweden

Best Campsite UL Chair

Big Agnes Big Six

Check price on Amazon

What we like

The Big Agnes Big Six camp chair is our pick for the best UL chair for the campsite. This means we do not recommend this one for backpacking or motocamping since the size and weight are at the top end of the list. However, it is lightweight relative to standard camp chairs. This super-sturdy chair is designed for deluxe chillin' with its tall back, wide seat, and 20" height off the ground.

Setup is quick and easy with a shock-cord pole set, and it's packable enough to take anywhere you go. The revolutionary frame is designed with interlocking, aircraft-grade aluminum poles for a stronger support system that you can trust. Enjoy smaller packed weights and sizes, ergonomic seats, and superior campsite performance. This is the most comfortable chair on the list!

More details

  • Intended Use - Camping
  • Weight – 3 lbs 3 oz
  • Packed Size - 3.5" x 4.5" x 21"
  • Seat / Table Height from Ground - 20"
  • Weight Capacity - 300lbs
  • Seat Width - 24"

Best Minimalist UL Chair

Therm-a-Rest Z

Check price on Amazon

What we like

The Therm-a-Rest Z Seat is our choice for the minimalists out there even though all of these are relatively minimal in size and weight. This ultra-lightweight, virtually indestructible camping seat is designed to provide you with comfort and convenience on any terrain. Though rock mitigation will challenge the upper limits of this seat’s comfort.

With its accordion-style design and closed-cell foam construction, it packs small and is perfect for backpacking, ski touring, motocamping or just relaxing in the great outdoors. Plus, it's available with our warmth-boosting, reflective ThermaCapture surface treatment for added comfort in cold weather. It doesn’t have to be fancy to work!

More details

  • Item Package Dimensions L x W x H - ‎12.76 x 3.19 x 2.6 inches
  • Package Weight - ‎0.07 Kilograms
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH - ‎13 x 3 x 3 inches
  • Item Weight - ‎0.15 Pounds
  • Brand Name - ‎Therm-a-Rest
  • Warranty Description - ‎3-year Limited Warranty

Buyer’s Guide and FAQs for Ultralight Chairs

How strict are weight limits on camping chairs?

Your average camping chair can usually support up to 250 lbs; however, if you're heavier or taller, this won't do. Even people around the limit may have difficulty finding a comfortable and secure fit. Therefore, it's important to look for options that are best suited for your size and weight.

Can I bring a camping chair as a carry on?

Ensure that the chair's Length + Height + Width total is less than 62 inches to avoid any extra fees. Make sure it is well-protected and packaged and avoid having the chair itself being packed. Refer to Southwest's baggage information for more details.

What is a good weight for a backpacking chair?

It is generally advised to bring as little external gear on your backpacking journey as possible. Our tests showed that all of the chairs tested could be strapped to a backpack, but it is better to keep the weight down and not exceed two pounds.

Should you bring a chair backpacking?

Having an comfortable seating option can be immensely beneficial for recovery and revitalization. Setting it up is extremely quick, even if you just need a brief 20-minute break while hiking. It's much more pleasant than sitting on the wet ground.

Is 30 lbs too heavy for backpacking?

When going on a backpacking trip, make sure your bag doesn't exceed 20% of your own body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, the total weight of the pack you'll be carrying should not surpass 30 pounds. When it comes to day hiking trips, the ideal backpack weight shouldn't go beyond 10% of bodyweight.

Final Word for Ultralight Motocamping and Backpacking Chairs

So there you have it! Our thoughts about ultralight motocamping and backpacking chairs along with some suggestions to get you going the right direction. When you are in camp, wherever that may be, it is time to rest and re-energize. It is possible to do that on the ground, but if you are like me, getting up after is the hardest part. Don’t let space or weight be the issue that prevents that. With these chairs, it is possible!

The most important part of any camping trip is not the gear, it really is the people with whom you spend time. Whether it is family or friends, our goal is to minimize the distractions of either not having the right gear, or the gear malfunctioning so you can focus on what's most important.

If this article was helpful, consider becoming Outdoor Verified by subscribing so you won't miss any updates on camping and outdoor gear recommendations. We even send out sale items when we find them to subscribers!

~ Ron