The BEST Chair Option for Backpacking

[@zakkmiller8242]

I didnt know how much I loved my chair until I went backpacking without one. Now I think I worship the chair.

[@garrycollins3415]

For my chair that sinks into the ground I got those lightweight hollow practice golf balls, cut and X into them and shoved them onto the feet of the chair. Works great.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Right on! I'm just high maintenance I think because I don't like taking extra items to make other items work. But, this is a great hack for sure! Thanks Garry!

[@garrycollins3415]

@@Asdf-789 I can't take credit, I saw it on a KZbin video.

[@jimmynoname4089]

I need to be completely comfortable after a long hike, so i bring my chair and a half with me. Granted it’s a bit heavy and bulky, but i don’t leave home without it.

[@LousyFIBs]

There’s another option… an inflatable sit pad. I think that in combination with the “not a chair” option you mentioned would work well.

[@debvandevoort349]

I really liked the content, and thank you for not talking for half an hour on each option as sometimes you tubers tend to do.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

🤣 You bet! It can be hard to not get into too much detail. I try to just to the point (although sometimes my intros to the topic get wordy 🤷‍♂️). I figure people can look up the specs while I focus more on the experience and usability. Cheers! 🍻

[@nealmacdonald9896]

Canadian Tire sells their Woods camping brand chair which comes with a mat that attaches to the legs so you can even sit on sand without sinking. Around $80 to $90 .

[@MrTangent]

While keeping weight down is admirable, two things I will not sacrifice: comfort and survival. Weight be damned.

[@somefuckstolemynick]

Thing is though, weight impacts comfort, and in the extreme survival. Every kg means extra calories spent.

[@MrTangent]

@@somefuckstolemynick Yes, but in extreme survival I will very likely ditch the chair anyway.

[@somefuckstolemynick]

@@MrTangent it was more about the general idea than the chair specifically.

[@erickinder]

I’m a senior and love my Helinox chair. As a senior there is another reason besides comfort to consider. I find the small height above ground makes it much easier to get out of the chair for everything I forgot to bring close to me. In an afternoon & evening this can be many times.

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

This was really well put together, especially the last clip 😂🤣. I take a Helinox chair and you’re exactly right. Backpackers emphatically don’t sit around the campfire debating whether to bring a chair. 🦑

[@MarkGoesHiking]

🤣 You have to be dedicated to have stayed for that. Thanks man! Cheers!

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Great video Mark. I’ve turned into a chair nerd especially since these companies send them to me. Bottom line I’m old and love my chair. 👍👍😎

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Same, buddy!

[@MarkGoesHiking]

I am 100% sure that the bigger high back chairs will be part of my kit as time goes on. Thanks!

[@MarkGoesHiking]

BP, you're an old fart

[@joeclark3149]

I like my stansport folding stool on amazon for 19.99 It weighs 19 oz. I bought a couple extra as well for family. I like that it nestles over backpack without having to secure. Great for taking breaks on trail. Shugemery uses one and he zip ties around pivot points ensuring that the rivet will never break. I copied that trick snd have been using for multiple trips.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Nice option! Love it!

[@christophersedgwick7461]

You missed it! You mentioned hammock camping but missed the forest for the trees. A hammock is the best camp chair. Even when I carry a tent I carry a Dutchware Hammock Chair. 4 oz with suspension. If I can find a tree (yes 1 is the minimum) you have the most comfortable seat that you can lounge in at camp.Yes I own a Chair Zero, a stool and a Z-seat. Hammock Chair for the win.

[@JulesMorrison]

Fold the hammock double and sit to avoid it cutting into your leg under the knee

[@5857521ManitobaInc]

The only drawback to the hammock chair is that you don't get to adjust how close or far away you are from the fire because you need to suspend from a tree That's the only drawback though When you're relying on the fire for warmth, you just can't move closer or further to the heat source

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I opted for a 2lb Helinox knockoff... fatigue reduction at the end of the day more than justifies the weight, in my opinion. Thanks for the vid.

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

I just went on my first trip last week, I ended up with the helinox chair zero with the ground sheet accessory. Once I stepped out the snow for camp, chair never sunk in. Feel like the ground sheet is what makes that chair great lol

[@MarkGoesHiking]

The ground sheet and even the practice golf ball hack work really well to avoid sinking. I guess ground sheets are the most amazing piece of gear ever! LOL

[@ZukaraTheGame]

Is that a bison wool co hat? I love their socks and insoles

[@patrickschlauch6638]

What brand is the stool you showed 2:00?

[@LeaveMyFreedomBe]

I think there is a way to create a lightweight backpack frame that converts into a chair or a sleeping platform.

[@lt2246]

Nice video. To keep your chair from sinking try out the Trekology sand pad. This pad off Amazon has not only supported using my chair on backpacking trips but also trips to the beach.

[@phillipp1399]

I use a closed cell foam sleeping pad. Light, serious multitasker. Sit pad, yoga mat, nap pad, tent/hammock porch, fire fan, sleeping pad or additional r-value and/or padding/protection for inflatables, insta-privy, you name it. No need to lean back, just lay down a spell and sit back up. Plus sitting on the ground gets you stronger and more flexible.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Well said!

[@nedanother9382]

AMEN. I use a sleep pad but I take a roll closed cell foam for sitting, laying, keeping the pad still....just like you said. It does too many things to leave it and bring a chair thats only a chair.

[@JulesMorrison]

Additional trick: put the sleeping pad inside a goretex bivi bag and roll it up. Now you can sit or lie on it, but can also climb inside it as emergency shelter if the weather closes in.

[@mkultrahikes]

GRmreat video as always. Very good point about how much it depends on the situation. I have that 780 gram trekolgy chair for social hiking trips and a sit pad when im solo. I did that little ground flap chair thing.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Yeah, my go to is just the ground sheet. When solo I tend to not make fires. Cheers!

[@DlK69]

I expected you to also elaborate on the comfort that a bear cannister could provide... I personally don't know if it's worth it or not but in my experience on long metal festival days where i at least walked 15 miles per day finding something to sit on at least 5 inches above ground make a big big difference.

[@amberhernandez1487]

Please help, my boyfriend said he seen someone with a hiking backpack that doesn’t fold up or anything you just sit on top of it, would you know what or where I could find one!

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Perhaps this is what he saw: www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/bags-gear/backpacks-bags/trekking-backpacks/singi-stubben

[@paulnam4488]

Out of context reply here but you reminded me that my second backpack when I was a teen was a Himalayan aluminum frame pack that allegedly identical to the ones Hillary and Norgau used summiting Everest. They had a shelf and a cloth back and made a nice little chair! There are photos of the two sitting in them in the expedition. It was a good chair but not a very good backpack. Still I did many trips with it. It eventually broke from too many wheelies at the fire. I'd forgotten all about it. We're in our 60's now and my wife wants a light camp chair. Hence looking at these reviews. After the Himalayan frame I simply sat or lounged on anything I could find. From observing house cats I learned the art of being comfortable in weird positions. I'm pretty sure it's a thing. Still, nothing beats getting a load off at the end of the day.

[@nedanother9382]

I believe the biggest argument against a chair is....that its a chair and only a chair. When it breaks its just weight. My chairs - tyvek and sit pads are all part of another system. The back pad to my pack, the footprint to my tent...nothing to break and the chair properties are a secondary use. I also use the tyvek as a rain kilt. Nothing makes the cut with only one use. But like you said it depends on the trip - I hike high altitude california mountains.....so no fire almost ever to sit around. Every ounce really does count so for me its a hard no but a few miles into the woods - makes perfect sense to do it up right.

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

That stool is next on my wants list. Nice work on this, Mark!

[@MarkGoesHiking]

It’s rock solid man! Cheers!

[@ryangases9386]

i have the btr stool. my best use of it is for quick rest while hiking. very quick setup!

[@mikeghost7788]

Great video, we have the same stool. I use the 14" blue version. It really is preference. Speedos?? Lmbo!!

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Thx Mike!

[@5857521ManitobaInc]

I have 3 separate back injuries and problems with my neck and shoulder.. whether I'm travelling on my adventure, bike by car by canoe by mountain bike or just hiking, I will never head outdoors without bringing one or two options for sitting on. Every item has to have multiple uses . Gel seat pad on the motorcycle or canoe, can do double duty as a sit pad, when off the bike or outside of the canoe . A foam sit pad for hiking comes in handy sometimes specially for kneeling on But even with a sit pad packed I will always bring the chair when possible. Mine is a high back with a neck rest. And anytime I don't have the chair I bring a hammock . The hammock can be used as a chair.. The Hamic is also asleep system and a shelter But I also have tents that I'll use for shelters So if I'm bringing a tent, whether it be a one person or the four person then I'll bring either the chair or the hammock not usually both unless I'm Car camping. Bottom line.. Something comfortable to sit in is an absolute must if your nursing old injuries it's definitely worth the weight if it prevents your body from being too crippled up to move.. then someplace comfortable to sit and a comfortable sleep system becomes your ultimate survival gear.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Well done Mark.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Thanks bro!

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great review/content. I've tried them all and have a garage full of chairs. lol. The tripod stool sucks as you cant take the load off your legs. My conclusion: Sitting on the ground sucks. You dont get the warmth of the fire you spent the last hour making... and your ass goes numb. As you pointed out. REI's UL chair is only 15 oz but has balance issues. The Helox is just a few oz more and is more comfortable. As you pointed out, both are sinkers in soft soil. Amazon has sink-disks for $10. FWIW, most of the southern AT has logs or stumps at all the campsites. No need to take a chair on the Georgia or NC sections.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

I think you stated this perfectly. Where there is a pro there is a con and vis a versa. Cheers!

[@rudyo8409]

are most of your videos in Michigan ??

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Yes

[@markheming3507]

Great video brother

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Thanks!

[@nickolasthefrog]

There are no ultralight couches. Poncho is good for a quick cuddle. Ridgerest XL is good for a slower one.

[@drabbag]

Hello, which 17” stool is this?

[@MarkGoesHiking]

BTR Stool. Also comes in 14”.

[@drabbag]

@@MarkGoesHiking thank you

[@sir_vics]

Stone mountain?

[@edk8493]

I'm definitely a chair nerd so I appreciate this video. I've tried all of these options (Mountainsmith Slingback Chair, Chair Zero are equivalents to some of them). One that I like and lightweight at 10 oz. with the straps that you didn't mention is the Terripin Hatchling Hammock Chair. It's comfort rivals the basic chair. The only problem is it's obviously not all that flexible for where you put it. Because of this I don't bring it when I go with other people. Also, I have added golf whiffle balls on the legs of the Chair Zero which seems to solve the soft ground issue.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Great comment! Sometimes I do a quick hammock set up when resting and just chill in that for 30 min. 🤙😁

[@paddle_hike]

I rarely bring one... but on a long multi-day hike or thru-hike ...sadly I have to cause I broke my tailbone and I need to sit well at some point cause I go in severe pain and this can make my life and health miserable.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

At least there are more comfortable light weight chairs coming out. That has to be great for you. 🍻

[@tangenttrails]

The Qwickback UL… very interesting.🤔

[@Doc_Watson]

You captured video of Sasquatch @ 0:39. 🤣😂

[@MarkGoesHiking]

🤣😂🤣

[@sheilasunshine9173]

🤣🤣

[@Doc_Watson]

Oh, I also messaged Stringer about it. 😂🤣😂 👣

[@MultiThunder1234]

The answer is to make a great backpack that also doubles as a chair

[@MarkGoesHiking]

@@MultiThunder1234 Yes! So much yes!

[@safromnc8616]

I have to admit I would be skeptical on the little 4oz prop up thing. I am surprised it will support, well anyone. It looks like you would just fall over, but I'll take your word for it...(not really a chair guy).

[@MarkGoesHiking]

It’s amazing how strong that little guy is. Cheers!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yo mama's chair is stupid. :) Awesome video Mark, very helpful and accurate!!!

[@MarkGoesHiking]

LOL. Thanks bro!

[@Everydaybackpacker]

NO YOUR CHAIR IS STUPID!😂😂😂 great review, and yes chairs can for sure be a spirited topic in the comments section for some odd reason. Live and let live people haha. Loved the speedo reference haha. I used a crazy creek hex 2.0 for many years, but finally upgraded to a big agnes skyline UL chair. Not as light but way more comfortable in my opinion. No more navigating my butt away from stumps and rocks haha.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

That BA chair looks comfortable! But it is stupid! 🤣

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Good take. I used to be anti-chair and I thought chairs were a sign of weakness, testosterone issues, and a lack of masculinity. After much camping, I realised that it really sucks to ..... 1. Get a wet ass by sitting on wet stuff 2. Get a wet ass by sitting on the ground. 3. Get bitten by ticks by sitting on wet stuff... AND get a wet ass 4. Get to a nice camp and watch your fellow campers recline on nice chairs whilst I feel ticks crawling up my ass because Im sitting on the ground. These days I have the same range of options you discuss, and I pick and choose based on how far I have to hike with them. A bum mat is fine if you are on a long trail and carrying everything, but if Im on a camp where I dont have to carry my kit too far, and weight is not an issue, Ill take a full-on chair. Life is short and my bones are getting old. A chair is nice.

[@MarkGoesHiking]

Well said!

[@RoyceKitts]

I find my friend's chair is always more comfy than my chair.

[@edwardbenton4428]

If you like a chair, bring a chair. If you don't, then don't, ATB. I'm close to the guy at very end. My arthritic parts (some were recently sawn out and replaced wirh a prostheses) don't like the cold hard....

[@markcummings6856]

👍 👍

[@arcticradio]

A chair? Never use one 🙈 I find the ground or tree trunk is fine

[@squirrelred64]

I'd have to carry something made out of tungsten steel,,I weigh that much and I'm that large,,🤣

[@CFRoach]

Your chairs are more stupid. Sorry brother you walked into that one : (

[@MarkGoesHiking]

🤣

[@Greenmachine305]

Inflatable motorcycle seat pad.