[Wild Frontier]

So, I’ve been on a quest lately—not for the elusive golden hiking trail, but for the best hiking trail chairs that won’t leave my back begging for mercy after a long day of trekking. Let’s be honest, after an uphill slog, we all dream of a comfy spot to plop down and enjoy the view…maybe with a snack or two. So, grab your trail mix and settle in because I’m about to share three of my absolute favorite chairs that have made my outdoor adventures a lot less ‘squatty’ and a lot more ‘chill.’

I’ll be giving you my two cents on each of these gems, along with a little guide to help you make the right choice for your next hiking adventure. Trust me, your posterior will thank you!

• 🪑 Helinox Chair Zero
• 🪑 REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair
• 🪑 Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair

[Wild Frontier]

Helinox Chair Zero

Well, gather ‘round, fellow trailblazers, because I’ve got a tale to tell about my trusty camp companion, the Helinox Chair Zero. You know those moments on a hike when your legs turn to jelly and you dream of sinking into the comfiest seat ever? Enter the Chair Zero, my bum’s savior!

First Impressions: This chair is ridiculously light. At first, I thought it might just float away, taking my trail mix with it. Skeptical? So was I, but the promise of packing light reeled me in. It’s like magic, weighing in at just a pound or so. You could practically carry it in your pocket if you had comically large pockets.

Set-Up Shenanigans: Now, I’m no IKEA ninja, but assembling the Chair Zero is a breeze. You know those glorious moments when everything just clicks? Yup, it’s as simple as that. The bits and pieces just kind of snap together almost by themselves, which is great, especially when all forest wisdom fails you after a long day.

On the Trail: I took this bad boy on a multi-day hike recently and honestly, it was the envy of all bum-sitters. Your friends will try and drape themselves over rocks or logs, but they’ll eye your Chair Zero like it’s a gourmet buffet and they’ve been on a juice cleanse. It’s become the social hub of evening campsites – me, in my throne, holding court around the fire.

• Weight: Exactly as advertised. Featherweight!
• Comfort: Surprisingly more comfortable than sitting on a bed of pinecones.
• Durability: Withstood my attempts at enthusiastic collapsing, so it’s a sturdy little thing.
• Looks: It’s sleek enough to be the cover model for “Trail Furniture Monthly” – if that existed.

A Couple of Tips:

Try not to plop down too hard onto it if you’ve had one too many trail coffees – steady does it! Also, practice setting it up once or twice at home, otherwise, you might end up with something resembling an abstract art piece on your first try.

In summary, if you’re after something that’s lighter than your epic trail beard but sturdy enough to handle all your post-hike laziness, the Helinox Chair Zero might just be your new best friend. Plus, it will earn you a few cool points, and who doesn’t want those? Cheers to happy trails and comfy bums!

[Wild Frontier]

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair

So, picture this: You’re out on the trail, miles away from civilization, exhausted from a day of dodging tree roots and humming terrible renditions of Led Zeppelin to keep the bears away. You finally make it to your campsite, throw off your backpack, and desperately search for… somewhere to park your tush that’s not a rock or, heaven forbid, the ground. Enter the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair—a game changer in the camp comfort department.

First Impressions: Setting up the Flexlite Air Chair is almost as easy as convincing your friend Tim that picking the trail using only a paper map in 2023 was a bad idea (sorry, Tim). In just a couple of minutes, you’ve got yourself a comfy chair. The chair is impressively lightweight, clocking in at a mere 1 pound, so you might forget it’s in your pack until you’re basking in its ergonomic glory.

On the Trail: My maiden voyage with the Flexlite Air Chair was during a weekend hiking trip to the Enchantments. You know, where the views are absolutely enchanting, but the seating options aren’t. I whipped out this bad boy after a long ascent and, let me tell you, it was like sitting on a throne. The mesh seating fabric is breathable and kept me from feeling like a sweaty mess—a blessing I didn’t know I needed until it happened.

Comfort & Support: Tonight, conversation under the stars went on much longer than usual because we weren’t all squirming on logs (which is basically Mother Nature’s version of “musical chairs” without the music or the fun). There’s a surprising amount of support for something that looks like it could double as a prop in a minimalist dance recital.

The Downsides?: Okay, let’s spice things up. I’d say the only downside is the potential balancing act required on uneven terrain. Make sure you find a decently flat area unless you want to experience a spontaneous low-altitude gymnastics routine. And, of course, the price tag isn’t as light as the chair itself. But if your posterior happiness means anything to you, it’s totally justified.

Final Thoughts: If you’re serious about your camping comfort and not so serious about hauling unnecessary weight, this chair is your perfect hiking partner. Plus, it makes for fascinating trail conversation when fellow backpackers peep into your camp and say, “Whoa, you carried a chair all the way up here?” Simply reply with a smile, lean back, and enjoy your mountaintop view. Check it out here!

[Wild Frontier]

Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair

Alright, fellow trail wanderers, gather ’round the digital campfire ’cause I’ve got a story to tell you about the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair. Picture this: You’ve just conquered a monstrous climb, your legs feel like jelly, and all you want is a comfy seat that’s not a jagged rock. Enter the hero of our tale—the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair.

Let me tell ya, this beauty is as lightweight as a whisper—it weighs just over a pound. Perfect for someone like me who thinks of “packing light” as less than bringing the kitchen sink. When I pulled it out on my last hike, the setup was so easy-peasy, it felt like the chair practically unfolded itself. Trust me, if I can do it with tired noodle arms, anyone can.

Now, let’s talk comfort. You might be thinking, “It’s a camping chair—how comfy can it be?” Well, sit your skeptical tush in the Skyline, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It cradles your backside like a supportive yet slightly sassy aunt at Thanksgiving. Not to mention, the seat height is just right for those of us who worry about looking like we’re mid-squats when attempting to sit down.

Durability? Check!

This thing can hold its own (and all my trail snacks). The frame’s sturdier than my commitment to getting up early on a hiking day. The fabric is also tough—no awkward, embarrassing moments when a stray twig tries to poke through. I even managed a graceful-ish midday nap in it, woke up without a crick in my neck, and only mildly drooled on my chin.

• Weight: Just over a pound (eat that, scales!)
• Setup: Quick like a gazelle
• Comfort: Yessiree, Bob!
• Durability: As strong as my never-resolutions

So if you’re on the fence about upgrading from that trusty old rock, let me gently nudge you (like that last cookie at camp) toward the Big Agnes Skyline UL Chair. It’s the throne you didn’t know you needed but will never hike without again! Scout’s honor.

[Wild Frontier]

Best Hiking Trail Chairs Buyer’s Guide

Hey fellow adventurers! If you’re anything like me, after a long trek uphill, your legs are practically pleading for a break—sometimes audibly. Enter the hiking trail chair: my savior on the trail and, perhaps soon, yours. Let’s dive into the lively world of hiking chairs and find your posterior’s new best friend.

• Weight Matters: The first rule of trail chairs is pretty straightforward: what’s light is right. Remember, no one savors the addition of a Sisyphean boulder to their backpack. Look for chairs under 2 pounds. My trusty featherweight buddy folds up like a magic trick and slips into my pack without a fuss.
• Setup Struggles: You’ve been tirelessly trekking, and you deserve a no-frills setup. Opt for simple, intuitive designs. Some fancy chairs can make you feel like you’re assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions, and trust me, cursing at inanimate objects doesn’t look great on the trail.
• Stability: Nobody wants to do an impromptu log roll down a hill. A chair with a wide base and stable footings is essential. My personal chair of choice has had to deal with many a mischievous squirrel and eager trail-mate, holding firm every time.
• Comfort & Padding: While you’re determined to tough it out, your rear end would prefer some cushion. Chairs with breathable, lightly padded fabrics are perfect. Fun fact: the combo of a comfy chair and an awe-inspiring view has been known to create existential epiphanies.
• Durability: You didn’t buy a one-hit wonder. Look for sturdy materials like reinforced aluminum and weather-resistant fabrics. Mine’s faced the wrath of fall rains and hot summer dust storms and lived to tell the tale!
• Price: While I like to splurge on gear as much as anyone, there’s a fine line. Balance between affordability and features. Consider it an investment in happy, comfortable trails.

“The best view comes after the hardest climb,” they say. Why not enjoy it in style with the right chair? Just a thought.

For those craving more in-depth reviews and recommendations, check out our Best Trail Chairs Review Page. And remember: wherever your feet take you, your trusty chair should be right behind! Happy hiking, folks.

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