Review Of My New Ultralight Backpacking Chair from REI
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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping and backpacking under the stars, finding the right ultralight backpacking chair can make all the difference. The REI Flexlite Air Chair, NEMO Moonlite Elite, and Helinox Chair Zero are three top contenders, each offering unique benefits for different terrains and needs. In this guide, I’ll share my experience with the Flexlite Air Chair and compare it with the Moonlite Elite and Chair Zero, helping you find the perfect balance of comfort, portability, and stability for your outdoor adventures.
Technical Specs: REI Flexlite Air Chair
The REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is a game-changer for ultralight backpacking. Weighing just 1 pound, it offers comfort without sacrificing portability.
Unfolded, it measures 25 x 20 x 20 inches, providing ergonomic support, yet packs down to a compact 4.5 x 15 inches—ideal for minimalist adventurers.
Made from durable, bluesign®-approved ripstop nylon and a sturdy aluminum frame with shock-corded collapsible technology, it balances strength and flexibility.
With a 250-pound weight capacity, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is a lightweight yet reliable outdoor seating option.
Color Options: REI Flexlite Air Chair
The REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is available in three stylish colors to suit your personal preferences. Choose from:
- Asphalt (gray)
- Muted Sage (green)
- Copper Spice (orange)
These color options apply to the seat only. The chair’s legs always come in a vibrant orange color with black joints. This combination not only provides visual appeal but also ensures stability and durability during your outdoor adventures.
Key Features: REI Flexlite Air Chair
Ultralight and Compact
One of the standout features of the Flexlite Air Chair is its portability. At just 1 pound and packing down to a size that fits easily into your backpack, it’s the perfect addition to your outdoor adventures.
When already carrying so many crucial essentials during a backpacking trip, the last thing I’d want is bulky, heavy gear. This chair adds a bit of luxury without adding much weight to my load.
Stargazing Comfort with an Ultralight Backpacking Chair
If you’re looking to elevate your stargazing experience, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is the chair for you. This chair provides much-needed comfort after a long hiking climb, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beauty of the night without sitting directly on the ground. I often forget to take it on my longer day hikes though, and every time I get to a summit, I wish I had the chair, which also says a lot for its comfort.
I use this chair most often when I spend the night in the wilderness for astrophotography and stargazing while my camera is at work. Having this chair has improved my comfort under the stars. It’s like having a front-row seat to the celestial show.
Easy Assembly and Disassembly
Setting up and taking down this Flexlite Air Chair is a breeze. First, the shock-corded frame practically assembles itself, and attaching the fabric seat is straightforward. Accordingly, you won’t waste precious time fumbling with complicated instructions or small parts, and it’s just as easy to disassemble when it’s time to hit the trail again.
Comfortable Seating on Your Hike
Despite its ultralight and compact design, the Flexlite Air Chair offers surprisingly comfortable seating. Moreover, its ergonomic design supports your back, making it a welcome relief after hours of trekking. It’s the perfect spot to relax, read a book, enjoy a meal, or simply take in the scenery. Additionally, the breathable fabric keeps you cool on warm days.
Affordable Luxury Outdoor Chair
REI Co-op has skillfully managed to strike a balance between quality and affordability with this chair. As a result, it doesn’t break the bank, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious backpackers who want to enhance their outdoor experiences without overspending.
Rent before you buy
Did you know you can rent gear from REI?
With REI Rental gear, you can rent this ultralight backpacking chair and test it for yourself, if you prefer to try it before you buy!
Simply visit the REI Rental gear webpage, select your REI location and you should be able to reserve your gear online!
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.
Pros
- Ultralight Design: Weighing in at only 1 pound, the chair is exceptionally light, making it ideal for backpacking and outdoor adventures.
- Compact Portability: The chair folds down to a mere 4.5 x 15 inches, ensuring easy packing and transportation for on-the-go comfort.
- Stargazing Comfort: Offers a comfortable seating experience, especially for stargazing, allowing users to relax and enjoy the night sky without sitting directly on the ground.
- Easy Assembly and Disassembly: The chair features a simple and quick setup, with a shock-corded frame that practically assembles itself, and attaching the fabric seat is straightforward. Disassembly is equally easy for quick pack-ups.
- Durable Construction: Crafted with precision using bluesign® approved ripstop nylon and a robust aluminum frame, ensuring durability and sustainability.
- Ergonomic Design: Despite its lightweight and compact nature, the chair provides surprisingly comfortable seating with ergonomic support for the back.
- Affordable Luxury: Strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it accessible to budget-conscious backpackers seeking enhanced outdoor experiences.
Cons
- Weight Capacity Concerns: Some reviews express concerns about the chair’s weight capacity, prompting caution for users over 200 pounds.
- Limited Use on Uneven Surfaces: While suitable for flat surfaces, there are reservations about the chair’s durability when used on uneven terrains. Whenever I use it on sand or soft surfaces, I often tip over on my back or my side. The good news is that it makes everyone else laugh 🙂
Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair Alternatives
I weigh 130 lbs so my Flexlite Air Chair has worked great for me so far, and I typically use it on flat surfaces in the desert or around camp. However, I read some reviews that raised concerns over the true weight capacity of the chair, or durability if used on uneven surfaces, which was also my experience with instability on sand. Therefore, to help with your decision and to provide a comparison, I am suggesting two other options below, also available to purchase a REI.
NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair
The NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Backpacking Chair combines ultralight design and durability for outdoor adventures. Weighing just 1 lb. 2 oz., its innovative construction features a suspension system using HTP and Dyneema® cordage, known for strength and water resistance.
The chair’s reclining system allows customizable sitting angles, and premium materials ensure stability without added weight. Made with recycled mesh for comfort and support, it comes with a Platform Pack™ carrying case for versatility. Backed by NEMO’s lifetime warranty, it’s ready for countless adventures. The NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair is the backpacking chair to buy if you’re likely to need stability even on sand and soft surfaces.
Helinox Chair Zero
The Helinox Chair Zero is a remarkable camp chair designed for backpackers. Weighing only one pound and folding down to the size of a 32 oz. water bottle, this ultralight chair is perfect for those on the move. With a seat height of 8.5 inches and a sturdy anodized DAC aluminum frame, it can support up to 265 lbs.
Setting up is a breeze with its single shock-corded pole structure, and its compact size makes it effortlessly portable. The package includes a convenient stuff sack for easy transport. For added versatility, pair it with the Helinox Chair Groundsheet (sold separately) to elevate your seating experience above the snow, sand, or muddy terrain. The Helinox Chair Zero is the backpacking chair to buy if you are concerned with weight capacity.
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 free platform for sand/soft ground | Compatible with groundsheet for sand/snow (sold separately) |
Flexlite Air Chair
- 1 lb
- Ultralight & Compact
- Best for sturdy flat surfaces
NEMO Moonlite Elite
- 1 lb 2 oz
- Reclining
- Best for stability on soft ground
Helinox Chair Zero
- 1 lb
- Optional groundsheet
- Best for higher weight capacity
Final Thoughts on the Best Ultralight Backpacking Chair
The REI Flexlite Air Chair has seamlessly integrated into my ultralight backpacking and stargazing essentials, offering a compelling blend of ultralight design and utmost comfort. Its compact nature ensures easy portability, enhancing the allure of outdoor escapades. If weight capacity and surface adaptability aren’t primary concerns, this chair stands out as an indispensable addition to your gear repertoire. However, if stability on soft surfaces like sand is a priority or weight capacity is a consideration, alternative options like the NEMO Moonlite Elite Reclining Chair or the Helinox Chair Zero merit consideration.
Post originally published on December 9, 2023, and last updated on February 23, 2025.
