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Planning a lightweight backpacking trip and want somewhere to park your behind? You need a camping stool! In this guide, we look at the best lightweight camping stools, which are not only light, but also pack down small and are easy to throw into your backpack without taking up too much space.
Recommended Lightweight Camping Stools
REI Co-op Trail Stool
If you are looking for a small and affordable lightweight camping stool, you can’t go wrong with the REI Co-op Trail Stool.
This stool has been designed with the weight and space concious backpacker in mind. Weighing just 1.1lbs, this lightweight backpacking stool is a solid choice for those who want somewhere to park their bum after a long day of hiking without feeling weighed down by it being in their backpack. It also packs down very small, to a pack size of just 22″ x 4″ x 4″, the joint smallest pack size on the list.
If is also very affordable as well, with an RRP of $24.95. This is around the average price for a lightweight portable stool, but much cheaper than lightweight camping chairs of a similar weight.
The only downsides of the Rei Trail Stool are the weight capacity, which is just 200lbs, and the seat height of 15″, which may be too low for some people.
Overall though the Rei Co-op Trail Stool gets the fundamentals right. It’s light, packs down small and is a great affordable camping stool.
Big Agnes Skyline UL Camp Stool
If you’re looking for a lightweight camping stool with a wider seat, the Big Agnes Skyline UL Camp Stool would be a great option.
Where most ultralight camping stools will compromise on size to keep the weight down, the Big Agnes Skyline doesn’t. The width of this camping stool when unfolded is 21″, which is much closer to the size of lightweight camping chairs and much more generous than other lightweight camping stools. The seat height at 15″ is similar to other camping stools.
This doesn’t mean that you have to carry around a heavier load though. The UL stands for ultralight and at just 1.1lbs it is the joint lightest on this list and on the market, with the much smaller Rei Trail Stool being of an identical weight.
This stool has a decent weight limit too, with a max load of 250lbs making it one of the stronger stools available, the this remains lower than most lightweight camping chairs.
The only real compromise with this excellent lightweight camping stool is the price. With an RRP of $99.95, this is more expensive than its rivals.
Stansport Apex Fold-Up Stool
The Stansport Apex Fold-Up Stool is a good choice for this looking for a dependable camping stool on a budget with good stability.
This folding camping stool weighs just 1.5lbs, meaning it is not the lightest on the market, but is still very light. It also has a max load of 225lbs, which is pretty good given the small size of this chair.
This chair also packs down pretty small, fitting into a 20″ x 4″ x 4″ package. This makes it a good choice for those who want a small stool for putting in their bag when backpacking.
Unlike chairs with a similar design, the Stansport Apex Fold-Up Stool has four legs, more than the standard tripod design you see with similar stools. This means you get a wider, sturdier platform for sitting, making you more comfortable and relaxed.
With an RRP of $20.99, this lightweight camping stool is also very reasonably priced and is a good choice for those with a tight budget looking a lightweight portable stool.
Boreeman Collapsible Stool
If you want a lightweight stool with a higher weight capacity, then the Boreeman Collapsible Stool would be a great choice.
The unique looking stool boasts a weight capacity of 400lbs, which is very high compared to other stools on this list. It is also higher than some of the best lightweight backpacking chairs. It does weigh more that other camping stools though, at 2.5lbs.
One of the other benefits of this camping stool is the packed size, with the stool folding into a 2.5″ x 9″ x 9″ disc, which means it can easily slip into your backpack. You can also carry is using the handy carrystrap if that is easier for you.
This stool has a chair height of 18″, which is much higher than other lightweight camping stools and will be welcomed by taller campers who struggle to get in and out of lower chairs and stools.
The Boreeman Collapsible Stool has an RRP of $25.99, which is similar to other stools on the list, so if you want something a little bit different, give is a try!
Stansport Folding Camping Stool
The Stansport Folding Camping Stool is a great choice for those looking for a simple, no fuss camping stool option.
This lightweight camping stool is simple to set up and put away, which can be a real time saver compared to more complicated camping stools. If also has a veru simple and sturdy design, meaning that you can rest your legs assured that you don’t have to find the right point of balance to sit comfortably.
Weighing 2lbs, it is not the lightest on the list, but is still classed as a lightweight portable stool. The max load is a little wanting though, with an advertised weight capacity of 200lbs. This should be enough for most people, but is the joint lowest on this list.
One downside of this stool is the packed size. Due to the shape of the legs this stool can’t fold down into a tight package like some of the trpod style stools. With a packed size of 20″ x 13″ x 4″, this one might be a little tricky to fit into your backpack.
With an RRP of $23.99, the Stansport Folding Camping Stool is an affordable piece of camping gear and a good choice for those looking for a simple stool for their next camping trip.
What to Look For When Buying a Lightweight Camping Stool
Struggling to know how to choose the right lightweight camping stool? Below are some of the kry factors to consider and why they are important.
Weight
Weight is the most important factor when choosing a lightweight camping stool.
In general the best lightweight camping stools will weigh less than 2.5lbs, with ultralight camping stools weighing less than 1.5lbs.
The main trade off you will have when looking for the lightest camping stool is the weight capacity of the stool, with lighter stools usually having a lower weight capacity.
If you are planning on backpacking over a long distance, you should aim to get as light a stool as possible to reduce the overall weight of your gear. If you are simply car camping and looking for something that isn’t too heavy, you will need to worry less about the stool being ultra light.
Price
When choosing between different camping stool, price is often a factor that has a strong influence on your purchasing decision.
If you are going to be frequently using your camping stool or you are looking for an ultralight camping stool that is also strong, your probably going to be piaying more for one as you will be wanting a strong, durable chair.
If you are only going to be using your camping chair infrequently, you can get away with spending a bit less on a stool as it is less likely to wear out through over use.
Packed Size
For those looking for a camping stool for lightweight backpacking, packed size is another important factor to consider.
When you are carrying all of your gear with you ina backpack, space can come at a premium. One of the best ways to make sure you can fit all of your gear in is to buy items that pack down into very small packages. This means that a lightweight portable stool that packs down very small is a useful item to have.
If you are buying your stool simple for car camping, packed size is less important as you will likely have enough space in your car for a larger stool if needed.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity determines how much weight the camping stool you are buying can hold. If you weigh over 200lbs, you should check carefully whether the camping stool can definitely support your weight.
This is becase most lightweight stools have been designed primarily to be light and pack down small, rather that being designed for strength.
Most camping stools will onty support up to 250lbs.
Overall Size
The overall size of the stoll is worth considering if you are a bigger guy and want something that feel comfortable to sit on.
Most lightweight portable stools have been designed to be efficient in terms of their size, meaning they are often low to the ground and not very wide.
If you are a tall guy like me, a low camping stool will be uncomfortable for sitting as your knees will be high up and there will be more pressure on your lower back.
If you have a larger frame, you should also consider the width of the camping stool. Some stools are quite narrow, meaning you may end up sitting on the frame more than the seat, which get uncomfortable after a while.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed reading this guide about the best lightweight camping stools and that you have found the right stool for you. For me the REI Trail Stool strikes the best balance between weight, packed size and price, making it my top pick.
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