Finding a backpacking chair for plus-size people isn’t easy. At 6’4″ and ~#280 I exceed the weight limit for most backing chairs. I know I can’t be the only person who would love a plus-size backpacking chair, so I’m sharing my list of backpacking chairs that are light enough to backpack with, but that will hold at least three hundred pounds.
To make things clear, I’m exclusively looking at backpacking chairs here and not camping chairs. That means they need to be under three pounds in weight and break down into a packable size. In my book ‘camping chairs’ are what you take when you are car camping and don’t mind some extra weight and space.
After much research and going through everyone’s websites, the backpacking chairs that I’ve found so far that I’m confident will hold up my bulk are the following.
For big guys that love to hike, Helinox has rolled out their Chair Zero L which 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.
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!
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? You should consider the Helinox Chair One for your backpacking chair because it gets you up off the ground, offers some good back support, and only adds a meager two pounds of added weight to your pack.
Not a name I’d heard before, but the specs on the Travel Chair Joey Chair look right and it is 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.
Owner Review: I am 6 foot and weighed 280 lbs when I got it. through my uses of it, it has yet to show any wear. The height at which the char sits is perfect. My knees are bent to where I feel like I am squatting nor do I feel my legs pulled down like on a taller chair or stool. – M FN K
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
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.
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 wider seat and a higher back to support you.
Ultralight backpacking chairs for big guys
What backpacking chairs will hold 300#?
Finding a backpacking chair for plus-size people isn’t easy. At 6’4″ and ~#280 I exceed the weight limit for most backing chairs. I know I can’t be the only person who would love a plus-size backpacking chair, so I’m sharing my list of backpacking chairs that are light enough to backpack with, but that will hold at least three hundred pounds.
To make things clear, I’m exclusively looking at backpacking chairs here and not camping chairs. That means they need to be under three pounds in weight and break down into a packable size. In my book ‘camping chairs’ are what you take when you are car camping and don’t mind some extra weight and space.
After much research and going through everyone’s websites, the backpacking chairs that I’ve found so far that I’m confident will hold up my bulk are the following.
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 which 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? You should consider the Helinox Chair One for your backpacking chair because it gets you up off the ground, offers some good back support, and only adds a meager two pounds of added weight to your pack.
Weight: 2 lbs. 2 oz.
Weight limit: 320 lbs.
Travelchair Joey Chair ($85)
Not a name I’d heard before, but the specs on the Travel Chair Joey Chair look right and it is 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 ($140)
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 wider seat and a higher back to support you.
Weight: 3 lbs. 5 oz.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
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