In the world of backpacking, each piece of gear carries a special mission. The backpack camping chair, this seemingly insignificant small object, can greatly enhance the camping experience. Imagine arriving at a peaceful campsite after a day of trekking and having a comfortable chair to sit on, relax your tired legs and enjoy the peace of nature. It not only provides a place to rest, but also a symbol of comfort and convenience in camping life.
Exquisitely designed to meet outdoor needs
Lightweight and portable structure
The main consideration in the design of the backpack camping chair is lightness. In order to reduce weight, many chairs are made of lightweight materials and minimalist construction. For example, the frame of some chairs uses high-strength aluminum alloy, which is not only lightweight, but also has excellent strength and can support the user’s weight. At the same time, the overall structural design of the chair is also simplified as far as possible to reduce unnecessary parts to reduce weight. Some chairs also use a folding design, can easily fold the chair into a small shape, convenient storage in the backpack, does not take up too much space. For example, the common X-type folding chair is small and easy to carry after folding.
Comfortable sitting design
Although the pursuit of light, but backpack camping chair in the sense of sitting does not compromise. The seat and back of the chair are usually made of soft and breathable materials. Materials such as nylon and polyester fiber not only have good air permeability, which can keep users dry in hot weather, but also soft and comfortable, and fit the body curve. Some high-end chairs will also add special designs to the table and back, such as ergonomic curvature, better support the back and hips, and reduce the feeling of fatigue from sitting for a long time. Some chairs are equipped with adjustable backrest, users can adjust the Angle according to their needs, to find the most comfortable sitting position.
Stable support system
In the complex terrain outdoors, the stability of the chair is crucial. Backpack camping chairs generally ensure stability through reasonable structural design and wide support surfaces. The legs of most chairs are designed to be wide and open outwards, forming a stable triangular structure to increase the contact area with the ground and prevent the chair from shaking or tipping. Some chairs also have non-slip pads on the bottom of the legs to provide a reliable grip, even on wet or uneven ground. For people camping in the mountains or on the slopes, some chairs even have the function of adjusting the height of the chair leg, which can be adjusted according to the slope of the ground, so that the chair is always level, providing users with safe and stable support.
Material selection is related to performance and durability
Frame material considerations
As mentioned earlier, aluminum alloy is a common material for backpack camping chair frame. In addition to lightweight and high strength, aluminum alloy also has good corrosion resistance, it is not easy to rust in the outdoor humid environment, and can ensure the service life of the chair. Another common frame material is carbon fiber. The carbon fiber frame is lighter and has extremely high strength, making it the first choice for campers looking for extreme lightweight. However, the cost of carbon fiber is higher and the price is relatively expensive. For campers on a budget, steel is also an option. Although the steel frame is relatively heavy, it has excellent robustness and durability, can withstand greater pressure and impact forces, and is suitable for use in harsher environments.
Chair surface and backrest material
The material of the upholstery and backrest directly affects comfort. In addition to nylon and polyester, canvas is a common choice. The canvas material is thick and durable, with certain wear resistance, and can withstand frequent use. However, the canvas is relatively poor in air permeability and may make users feel stuffy in hot weather. To solve this problem, some chairs are made of mesh fabric. The mesh cloth has excellent permeability, and the air can circulate freely, effectively reducing the stuffy feeling. Moreover, the flexibility of the mesh cloth is good, which can better fit the body and provide a comfortable feeling of sitting. In addition, some chairs will use a special fabric coating on the chair surface and back to enhance the waterproof and anti-fouling performance, making the chair easier to clean and maintain in the outdoor environment.
Installation and portability: Convenience is key
Installation procedure
Installing a backpacking camping chair is usually very simple. For folding chairs, just unfold the folded frame and connect it according to the preset structure. Some chairs are fixed by clasp or latch, easy to operate. When connecting the frame, ensure that the various components are firmly connected to avoid loosening during use. For some chairs with a modular design, the installation process is not complicated. Generally equipped with a detailed manual, according to the instructions of the manual, the various components are assembled one by one. In the assembly process, pay attention to the direction and position of the parts to ensure that the installation is correct. After the installation is complete, check the stability of the chair and gently shake the chair to ensure that there is no shaking or abnormal conditions.
portability
The key to carrying a backpack camping chair is its portability. The folded chair should be easy to fit into the backpack, and will not cause excessive burden on the weight and volume of the backpack. Some chairs are specially designed for easy carrying, such as carrying bags or shoulder straps. The carrying bag can store the chair completely to prevent scratching and damage during carrying. The shoulder strap allows users to put the chair on their shoulders, freeing their hands and making it easy to carry during the hike. For people who are backpacking for long distances, it is especially important to choose a chair with light weight and small volume. When choosing a chair, you can consider balancing its weight with the carrying capacity of your backpack to ensure that the comfort and schedule of the trip will not be affected by the weight of the chair.
Use experience in different scenarios
Mountain camping
When camping in the mountains, the terrain may be rugged, with obstacles such as rocks and roots on the ground. At this time, the adjustable legs and stable support system of the backpack camping chair play an important role. Adjustable chair legs can be adjusted according to the level of the ground to keep the chair stable. The wide legs and non-slip pads provide reliable support on uneven surfaces and prevent the chair from sliding or tipping. In the mountains, you can also choose a chair with a high back, lean back in the chair, enjoy the quiet of the mountains, while protecting the back from mosquito bites and cold wind.
River camping
The ground along the river is usually wet and may have sand or mud. The waterproof and anti-slip performance of the backpack camping chair is particularly important here. The waterproof chair cover prevents moisture from penetrating and keeps the user’s clothing dry. The anti-slip pads at the bottom of the legs provide enough friction on the slippery ground to ensure the stability of the chair. At the river, you can also choose a chair with a cup holder or storage bag, which is convenient for placing water cups, fishing tackle and other items. Sit back in a chair, watch the river flow, and enjoy a leisurely camping time.
Prairie camping
Grasslands are relatively flat, but can be windy. When camping in the prairie, choosing a moderate weight and good stability chair is very important. Heavier chairs are better able to withstand the wind and are less likely to be blown over. At the same time, the frame structure of the chair should be strong and able to withstand a certain amount of wind impact. In the grassland, the view is wide, suitable for choosing a chair with adjustable backrest, the user can adjust the backrest to the right Angle, lie down to enjoy the blue sky and white clouds, relax. In addition, the sun is strong on the grassland, and the chair surface material of some chairs has a sunscreen function, which can protect the user’s skin from ultraviolet damage.
Brand product recommendation
REI Co-op Flexlite Air
REI Co-op’s Flexlite Air is an award-winning backpacking camping chair. It weighs just 1 pound and features a lightweight aluminum frame for outstanding strength and durability. Chair surface with breathable mesh cloth, comfortable and well ventilated. The chair is cleverly designed with good back support, allowing users to sit comfortably for long periods of time. It has a load-bearing capacity of up to 250 pounds and high stability. The compact folding design of the Flexlite Air makes it easy to store and carry, making it ideal for backpacking campers to use in a variety of outdoor scenarios. Moreover, its price is relatively close to the people, is the pursuit of cost-effective campers a good choice.
Helinox Chair Zero
Helinox’s Chair Zero is known for its ultra-light weight and comfort. Its frame is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, and it weighs just 1 pound, 2 ounces, yet can hold up to 265 pounds. The seat and back of the chair are made of durable nylon material, which has good flexibility and breathability. The unique feature of the Chair Zero is its ability to tilt slightly, allowing users to more comfortably relax their bodies, whether it is to rest or enjoy the view is perfect. It is simple and fast to install, small size after storage, easy to carry. Although the price is higher, with its excellent quality and performance, it is loved by campers who pursue high-quality outdoor experience.
Big Agnes Skyline UL
Skyline UL by Big Agnes is a chair designed specifically for backpacking camping. It has a lightweight aluminum frame that is lightweight and rugged. The top and back of the chair are made of wear-resistant polyester fiber, which has good waterproof and breathable properties. Designed with a focus on comfort, this chair provides excellent back support that can effectively reduce fatigue. The Skyline UL is characterized by its excellent stability, wide legs and special structural design, which makes it stable on all kinds of terrain. It is also equipped with adjustable foot pads to further enhance stability on uneven surfaces. In addition, the chair is convenient to store, small size after folding, easy to carry, is a reliable choice for backpacking campers in different outdoor environments.
Conclusion
Backpacking camping chairs are very important for improving the comfort of camping. Its lightweight, stable and comfortable design, with a variety of materials, suitable for all types of terrain. Easy to install, easy to carry. Products from REI Co-op, Helinox, Big Agnes and other brands are excellent. Choose the right chair to enjoy a more pleasant camping time outside.
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