After a long day hiking, sitting on the ground gets old fast. But hauling a heavy chair ruins the point of ultralight backpacking. I spent years avoiding camp chairs entirely until I found ones that weigh less than a water bottle and actually support your back.
The best ultralight chairs balance weight, comfort, and durability. Some fold to the size of a rolled-up jacket. Others prioritize back support over packability. I've tested chairs on everything from overnight trips to week-long treks. What matters is whether you'll actually carry it and whether it holds up after months of use.
1. Naturehike Yl08 Ultralight Camping Chair
At 2.12 pounds, this Naturehike chair is light but stable. The anti-sinking feet work on soft ground, which I appreciated at a sandy campsite last summer. It folds down compact and the build quality feels solid. The green color blends into campsites well.
The seat height and back angle are comfortable for sitting around a fire or eating meals. It's not plush, but it beats sitting on rocks or logs. For the weight, this is one of the better chairs I've used.
Pros:
- 2.12 pounds is light for the stability
- Anti-sinking feet work on soft ground
- Compact when folded
- Durable aluminum frame
- Comfortable seat angle
Cons:
- Minimal padding for long sits
- One color only
- Not for very heavy users
2. Moon Lence Portable Camping Chair
Moon Lence's fourth generation chair weighs 2.7 pounds and feels more substantial than lighter options. I like the extra stability when I'm sitting for a while. The folding mechanism is smooth and the chair sets up fast. At 25.9 inches high, it's a good height for most people.
The black color is practical. It's handled months of use without showing wear. For the slight weight penalty over ultralight options, you get better comfort and durability.
Pros:
- Stable and comfortable
- Quick setup and takedown
- Durable construction
- Good height for sitting
- Black hides dirt and wear
Cons:
- 2.7 pounds is heavier than minimalist options
- One color choice
- May be too large for ultralight purists
3. Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair Grey
This is the lightest chair here at 1.1 pounds. Helinox pioneered ultralight camp furniture and it shows. The chair packs down tiny and sets up in seconds. Despite the weight, it's surprisingly comfortable. I've used mine on dozens of trips and it's held up perfectly.
The price is steep, but if weight is your priority and you backpack often, it's worth it. The gray color is neutral and the build quality is premium.
Pros:
- 1.1 pounds is incredibly light
- Packs down very small
- Quick setup
- Premium build quality
- Comfortable despite minimal weight
Cons:
- Expensive compared to others
- Can feel less stable on uneven ground
- One color option
4. Iclimb Ultralight Compact Camping Folding Beach Chair
The back support webbing on this iClimb chair makes a difference on long sits. At 2.2 pounds, it's still light but the added support is worth the weight. The square frame is stable and the anti-sinking feet work on sand and soft ground. I've used this at the beach and campsites.
The black color is practical and the chair folds compact. It's a good middle ground between ultralight and comfort.
Pros:
- Back support webbing adds comfort
- Anti-sinking feet on soft surfaces
- Square frame is stable
- 2.2 pounds is reasonable
- Folds compact
Cons:
- One color only
- May be too small for taller users
- Not the absolute lightest
5. G2 Go2gether Ultra-light Folding Camping Chair
At 1.5 pounds, this G2 chair is one of the lightest here. The all-aluminum frame is strong but light. The breathable fabric keeps you cool on warm days. It folds down small and the compact storage size makes it easy to pack.
I've used this on summer trips when heat was a concern. The airflow through the fabric is noticeable. The black color is sleek and it's durable despite the light weight.
Pros:
- 1.5 pounds is ultralight
- Breathable fabric keeps you cool
- All-aluminum frame is strong
- Compact storage
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- One color option
- Limited padding
- May not suit those wanting wider seats
6. Oragati Lightweight Camping Chair
This Oragati chair weighs 2.6 pounds and feels solid. The dimensions are comfortable and the folding design is straightforward. I use this for car camping and shorter hikes where the weight isn't as critical. The black color is practical.
It's durable and has held up to regular use. The price is fair for what you get. Not the lightest, but reliable.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Comfortable dimensions
- Folding design is simple
- Black color is practical
- Good value
Cons:
- 2.6 pounds may be heavy for ultralight trips
- Limited padding
- May be too compact for larger users
7. Marchway Ultralight Folding Camping Chair
The orange color on this Marchway chair makes it easy to spot at crowded campsites. At 2.3 pounds, it's light but the heavy-duty construction handles abuse well. I've used this at festivals and beach trips where visibility matters.
The dimensions are comfortable and it folds compact. It's a good all-around chair for various outdoor activities. While you're at it, take a look at our lightweight backpack.
Pros:
- 2.3 pounds is manageable
- Orange color is highly visible
- Heavy-duty construction
- Comfortable dimensions
- Versatile for various activities
Cons:
- Limited padding
- May feel small for taller users
- Color may not suit everyone
How to Pick the Right One
- Absolute lightest: Helinox Chair Zero at 1.1 pounds is the gold standard.
- Budget ultralight: G2 Go2gether at 1.5 pounds offers great weight-to-price ratio.
- Best for comfort: iClimb with back support webbing reduces strain on long sits.
- Soft ground: Naturehike with anti-sinking feet works on sand and mud.
- Durability focus: Moon Lence 4th gen trades slight weight for toughness.
- Visibility: Marchway orange stands out at busy campsites.
Bottom Line
A camp chair changes how you enjoy evenings on the trail. I carry the Helinox Chair Zero on backpacking trips and the Naturehike on car camping weekends. Weight matters, but so does actually using the chair instead of leaving it at home. For related gear, check out our folding camp table.
