Stay comfortable on the trail with ultralight backpacking chairs for big guys
On my last trip up Green Mountain, I realized just how much I needed a good camp chair that I could take with me backpacking. There were few logs around and my camp spot really had no place to rest other than the ground. That had me looking for a backpacking chair for big guys.
The obvious issue is that I run about 270# to 280# and most backpacking chairs are build for little, some would argue normal sized, people and top out in the 225# to 250# weight capacity. I don’t feel like crushing any chairs while camping. After much searching, here are the chairs that I’ve found will hold a bigger person up, but still be light enough to carry in a backpack.
After much research and going through everyone’s websites, the backpacking chairs that I’ve found so far that I’m confident that will hold up my bulk are the following.
- Helinox Chair Zero L
- REI Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
- Helinox Chair One
- Travelchair Joey Chair
- REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair
- Travelchair Roo
If you know of a backpacking chair that weighs in under 3# and that will hold at least #300 of weight, let me know so I can add it to the list!
Helinox Chair Zero L ($160)
For big guys that love to hike, Helinox has rolled out their Chair Zero L that almost is feather weight that comes in just over a pound in weight. A very similar build to the Helinox Chair One, this plus-size camping chair has an almost identical build, but it is a full pound lighter.
This is my current #1 choice for camping chairs for big guys.
Weight: 1 lbs. 6 oz.
Weight limit: 320 lbs.
REI Co-op Flexlite Print Camp Boss Chair ($90)
Rarely do I find anything at REI that fits me. This isn’t to say that I don’t love their stuff, just that most of their gear is not designed for giants like me.
That being said, they do have a few things that work for me and the REI Flexlite chair is on the list for backpacking chairs for big guys, with a stated weight capacity of 300#
Why choose this chair? Gets you up off the ground and offers some good back support if you don’t mind the nearly 3# of added weight to your pack. Plus it is REI and if it doesn’t work for you, send it back!
Weight: 2 lbs. 14 oz.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Helinox Chair One ($110)
Right now, judging from the online reviews, the Helinox Chair One is the current reigning champ when it comes to high capacity backpacking chairs. Weighing in at less than the REI Flexlite but with more capacity, it has some glowing reviews
Why choose this chair? Gets you up off the ground and offers some good back support if you don’t mind the nearly 3# of added weight to your pack. Plus it is REI and if it doesn’t work for you, send it back!
Weight: 2 lbs. 2 oz.
Weight limit: 320 lbs.
Travelchair Joey Chair ($70)
Not a name I’d heard before, but the specs look right and it is definitely one of the more affordable options, and the company’s home base is in Gig Harbor, somewhat near mine.
Why choose this chair? If you plan on setting up your chair on softer soils, the built in discs on the legs will help keep you from sinking in and falling over.
Weight: 2. lbs. 5 oz.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
The Rule Breakers
My stated goal was to find a 300# weight capacity backpacking chair that came in under 3# in weight. I couldn’t though, not at least mention these options that come in just over the 3# mark for anyone that doesn’t mind a tiny bit more weight, but wants a little more luxury
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair ($100)
If you really want to relax, and don’t mind the weight, then REI has an option for you. The dreamer gives you a full chair experience but still is packable. Or at least packable if you don’t mind the extra pound of weight.
Why choose this chair? Big plus here is the high back on this chair that gives you more support.
Weight: 3 lbs. 7 oz.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Travelchair Roo ($127)
Same general design as the Travelchair Joey, but in a higher and wider configuration. If you want a little more space to stretch out on or want a higher back, this is a good choice.
Why choose this chair? If you want a little wider seat and a higher back to support you.
Weight: 3 lbs. 5 oz.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
