REI Flexlite Air Chair Review and Top Alternatives

Looking for the Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair? If you’re serious about traveling light, the right ultralight backpacking chair can make a big difference. The REI Flexlite Air Chair is often considered one of the best ultralight backpacking chair options, but how does it hold up against top competitors like the Helinox Chair Zero and NEMO Moonlite Elite? In this post, I’ll share my experience with the Flexlite Air and compare it with these two top ultralight chairs to help you find the best option for comfort, weight, and packability on the trail.

REI Flexlite Air Chair Review

Technical Specs: REI Flexlite Air Chair

The REI Flexlite Air Chair is a standout ultralight backpacking chair. It weighs just 1 pound, making it one of the lightest options out there, without giving up comfort.

When set up, it measures 25 x 20 x 20 inches, offering ergonomic support for tired legs. Packed down, it shrinks to just 4.5 x 15 inches, easy to stash in your pack.

It’s built with bluesign®-approved ripstop nylon and a strong aluminum frame. The shock-corded poles make setup quick and simple.

With a 250-pound weight limit, this chair is both lightweight and reliable, perfect for backpackers who count every ounce.

Color Options: REI Flexlite Air Chair

The REI Flexlite Air Chair comes in three sleek seat colors to match your style:

• Stone Blue (blue grey)
• Shadow Rays Stone Green (green)
• Fireclay (orange)

No matter which color you choose, the chair’s legs are now always light grey with black joints. This combo adds a pop of color while keeping things stable and durable, perfect for any ultralight backpacking chair setup on the trail.

Key Features: REI Flexlite Air Chair

Ultralight and Compact

At just 1 pound, the REI Flexlite Air Chair earns its place among the best ultralight backpacking chairs for hikers focused on minimal weight and maximum comfort. It folds down small enough to tuck into your backpack without taking up precious space, perfect when every ounce matters.

When you’re already loaded with gear, the last thing you want is a heavy or bulky chair. This one adds a touch of luxury to your backcountry setup without the weight penalty, a true ultralight backpacking chair.

Stargazing Comfort with an Ultralight Backpacking Chair

This Chair has become my favorite for stargazing and astrophotography, and it’s one of the best ultralight backpacking chairs for relaxing under the stars. After a long hike, it feels amazing to lean back, relax, and watch the sky instead of sitting on cold dirt or rocks.

Quick and Easy Setup

Setting it up? Super simple. The shock-corded frame snaps together almost on its own, and slipping the seat fabric on takes just a few seconds. You won’t waste time messing with tricky parts or unclear instructions, and teardown is just as fast when you’re ready to hit the trail again.

Comfortable Seating on Your Hike

The Flexlite Air Chair offers surprisingly comfortable seating despite its ultralight and compact design. Its ergonomic shape supports your back, providing much-needed relief after hours of hiking. Whether you’re relaxing, reading, eating, or soaking in the view, this chair is a perfect companion. Plus, the breathable fabric helps keep you cool on warmer days.

Affordable Luxury Outdoor Chair

REI strikes a great balance between quality and price with the Flexlite Air Chair. It delivers comfort and durability without breaking the bank, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious backpackers who want to upgrade their outdoor comfort without overspending.

Unexpected Everyday Uses

While the REI Flexlite Air Chair is designed for the backcountry, I often use it in everyday settings too. One of my favorite, and admittedly a bit quirky, uses is bringing it to free summer concerts in San Diego parks. It always gets a few laughs, but it’s compact, lightweight, easy to carry, and most importantly, really comfortable!

Rent before you buy

Not sure if the Flexlite Air Chair is right for you? REI offers rental gear, so you can try this ultralight backpacking chair before committing. Just visit the REI Rental gear page, pick your location, and reserve your chair online. It’s a smart way to test it out on the trail first!

Pros and Cons: REI Flexlite Air Chair

The REI Flexlite Air Chair is an ultralight, compact, and durable backpacking chair with easy setup and ergonomic comfort. While great for flat surfaces, it has weight capacity concerns and can tip on soft ground.

Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair Alternatives

I weigh 130 lbs, and the REI Flexlite Air Chair has worked well for me on flat desert terrain and around camp. However, some reviews and my own experience highlight concerns about its true weight capacity and stability on soft or uneven ground like sand. To help you decide, here are two excellent alternatives available at REI:

Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair Comparison

Feature	Flexlite Air Chair	NEMO Moonlite Elite	Helinox Chair Zero
Weight	1 lb	1 lb 2 oz	1 lb
Packed Size	4.5 x 15 in	12.5 x 3.0 x 4.0 in	13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 in
Seat Height	11 inches	10 inches	8.5 inches
Weight Capacity	250 pounds	250 pounds	265 pounds
Material	Aluminum / Ripstop nylon	Aluminum / Polyester/TPU fibers	Aluminum / Ripstop polyester
Best For	Flat surfaces, campsites	Stability on sand/soft ground	Higher weight capacity
Extra Features	Lightweight & compact	Reclines + includes a free platform for sand/soft ground	Compatible with groundsheet for sand/snow (sold separately)

Frequently Asked Questions About Ultralight Backpacking Chairs

What is the lightest REI backpacking chair?
At just 1 pound, the REI Flexlite Air Chair is already one of the lightest backpacking chairs available. But if you’re truly counting ounces, you can go even lighter by leaving behind the storage pouch it comes with. Ditching the pouch saves a few more ounces, making this chair even more appealing to ultralight hikers aiming for a sub-10 lb base weight.

Is the REI Flexlite Air Chair worth it?
Yes, if you hike on flat terrain and prioritize weight savings. It’s affordable, packs down small, and adds comfort to your camp setup. But it may not feel as stable on uneven ground.

REI Flexlite Air vs. Helinox Chair Zero: which is better?
Both weigh about 1 pound. The Helinox Chair Zero supports more weight (265 lbs vs 250 lbs), and is often considered more stable, especially with the optional groundsheet for sand or snow. The Flexlite Air is slightly more affordable and also very compact.

What’s the best ultralight chair for soft or sandy ground?
The NEMO Moonlite Elite offers more stability thanks to its platform base and tensioned suspension. It also reclines and is great if comfort is your top priority.

Can I rent backpacking chairs from REI?
Yes. REI Rentals allows you to test chairs like the Flexlite Air before buying. Just visit their rental page and choose your location.

What are some good alternatives to the REI Flexlite Air Chair?
The Helinox Chair Zero and NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair are two great ultralight options. Both offer different advantages depending on your priorities (weight capacity, stability, reclining).

Final Thoughts on REI Flexlite Air Chair Review and Top Alternatives

The REI Flexlite Air Chair has become a key part of my ultralight backpacking and stargazing gear, offering an excellent balance of lightweight design and comfort. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, adding convenience to any outdoor adventure. If you don’t have major concerns about weight capacity or using it on uneven or soft surfaces, this chair is a fantastic, reliable choice.

However, if you need greater stability on soft ground like sand or require a higher weight capacity, the NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair or Helinox Chair Zero are worthy alternatives that better meet those needs. I brought the Flexlite Air Chair on my California Riding & Hiking Trail trip, and it was a perfect ultralight luxury for relaxing under the stars.

Whether you’re looking for the best ultralight backpacking chair for comfort, weight savings, or stability, choosing the right model can make all the difference in how you rest and recover on the trail.

Post originally published on December 9, 2023, and last updated on October 7, 2025.