Lightweight camping chairs
A lightweight camping chair saves weight and pack space for hiking, backpacking, festivals and small cars. The savings always cost something, so the skill is knowing what to give up.
What you give up
To get weight down, makers use thinner aluminium frames, less padding, lower backs and smaller seats. The result is a chair that is easy to carry and less forgiving to sit in for a long evening. A low seat is also harder to get out of. Think about how long you will sit before choosing the lightest option.
Weight and packed size
Compare two numbers: the weight, and the packed size. A very light chair that packs long and thin can be harder to fit on a pack than a slightly heavier one that packs short. Check both against the bag you will carry it in.
Frame and fabric
Aluminium frames are the usual choice for light chairs. Thin tubing flexes, so check the weight rating and look for reinforced joints. The fabric is usually thin woven polyester or nylon and dries quickly; it can abrade on rough surfaces, so avoid dragging the chair along the ground.
Chair, stool or mat?
If every gram counts, a stool or an inflatable seat can be lighter again, at the cost of back support. If the trip is a car trip, a standard folding chair is likely to be more comfortable for the weight you can afford.
Questions to ask
How far will I carry it? How long will I sit in it? What is the weight rating, and is that enough with a margin? Does it have a carry bag? Does the seat height suit my knees? The answers will tell you whether a lightweight chair is the right choice or a false saving.