Though it’s super basic, the Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad is an all-time favorite seat among ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers. It doesn’t provide any back support, but it does add a layer of softness and insulation between you and the ground, which is really important on cold and wet days. You’ll also vastly improve the appearance of and extend the life of your pants or shorts by sitting on a pad instead of the ground. The Z-Seat is extremely lightweight and super convenient to deploy and pack away for quick trail breaks, which makes it ideal for use throughout the day. Whether you’re backpacking or day-hiking, the Z-Seat is a must-have in our opinion.

If portability is important to you, the Helinox Chair Zero is one of the best options on the market. It only weighs a pound, and it folds up into a stuff sack about the size of a water bottle. We even take ours on backpacking trips when comfort is a priority. The nylon scoop seat supports your back in a slightly reclined position, and it’s just the right height for your legs to extend comfortably. If you’re looking for maximum portability without compromising comfort, we highly recommend the Helinox Chair Zero. There’s also a Highback version — it’ll cost you a bit more, but it’s even more comfortable and supportive.

The Gossamer Gear Thinlight is a great chair solution for hikers who want to keep weight to an absolute minimum without foregoing comfort. It not only makes a great sit pad when you fold it up, but you can also use it as insulation with your sleep system, or stretch out on it like a yoga mat. Having a full-size mat to use while taking breaks keeps you out of the dirt so you stay cleaner and more comfortable on multi-day trips. The great thing about the Thinlight Pad is that you can use it for a multitude of things, and you can cut it to any size you need. The Thinlight Pad is one of the lightest, and most versatile options on the market, and one of the most affordable too.

The REI Flexlite Air Chair is very similar to Helinox’s Chair Zero, but it costs considerably less. While we prefer the Chair Zero for its slight increase in durability/toughness, comfort, and more secure pole structure, the Flexlite Air is just as comfortable and easy to set up. If you don’t mind a little extra weight (11 more ounces to be exact) the popular Flexlite Camp Chair is even more affordable. The Flexlite is a great option for those who prioritize price a bit more than weight savings. It’s comfortable, and still highly portable for day trips, camping, and short backpacking trips on easy terrain.

Big Agnes is known as “the mother of comfort” and the Skyline UL Chair certainly lives up to that reputation. This chair is very similar in design to the REI Flexlite and Helinox Chair Zero, but it’s much more supportive and sits at a more comfortable height. At nearly two pounds, the Skyline is a little heavy for backpacking, but it’s very compact and is a nice luxury to carry on shorter trips.

The Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair is comfortable and provides good back support while being lightweight and compact. To use the Trekker Chair, you’ll need a NeoAir or comparable sleeping pad, which is sold separately. It takes a few minutes to inflate the sleeping pad and slip it into the elastic sleeves, so it’s probably not something you’d be able to quickly whip out for short trail breaks. But it makes a luxurious resting place in camp when you need it most. We recommend using a small ground cloth underneath the Trekker Chair to ensure its safety when outside the tent since your sleeping pad is really important and inflatables run the risk of being punctured.

The Moon Lence Portable Folding Chair is an affordable crossover chair with a design similar to other luxury chairs on this list. It’s well-made, comfortable, and off the ground, but at 2 lbs. it weighs the maximum amount we’d consider reasonable for backpacking. That said, the Moon Lence is still a good option for short trips and front-country activities due to its budget-friendly price tag.

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 provides a clean dry surface to sit on and offers back support, unlike a basic sit pad. It isn’t the lightest or most compact option available, but it’s great for those who prioritize durability and convenience. The Hex 2.0 is pretty versatile in the frontcountry as well – we’ve used ours to make bench seating at events more comfortable, and we’ve even taken it out on our paddleboard to recline. Before buying, you may also want to consider the LongBack, which is taller and wider or the Power Lounger, which has more coverage under the legs.

The REI Trail Stool is a very affordable option for those who simply want to get off the ground for short hikes and day trips. The Trail Stool is quick and easy to get out/put away on the trail, and certainly beats sitting on the ground for activities like cooking or fishing. Unfortunately the Trail Stool doesn’t provide any back support, which limits its comfort for relaxing around camp. If you have bad knees and simply need a place to perch on trail breaks and in camp, the Trail Stool may be well-worth considering.