How to Choose a Camp Chair

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Supportive and easy-to-pack, the REI Co-op Flexlite Macro Chair offers a deep, comfortable seat with generous support and lightweight construction that's perfect for camping.
Shop similar products| Best Use | Camping Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Unfolded Dimensions | 29 x 24 x 24 inches |
| Folded Dimensions | 5 x 16 inches |
| Seat Height | 11 inches |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 300 pounds |
| Seat Material(s) | Ripstop nylon |
| Frame Construction | Aluminum |
| Weight | 2 lb. 9 oz. |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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I'm not sure if there is an easy way to set this up, but I certain that the first time I did, I didn't find it. When brand new, it can take a fair amount of elbow grease to get the hammock on the frame. After that, the chair is very comfortable. The ventilation on the back is great. The pockets are nice & large. The chair is great to chill in on a driveway pad or improved campground, but if you're on soft ground, a lawn, or open field, the chair struggles. It becomes unstable & rotates at the center post under your hind end. This is the product's biggest limitation. I do like the coyote brown color & high packability.
I am out regularly with scouts on car camping to multi-day hiking trips. The Flexlite Macro Chair's shock corded tubes make for a super-easy set up in under a minute and it quickly packs back down to 5x16 and into its bag. Foot pads keep legs from burying into ground, providing stability even on sloping ground. I don't think twice about taking this out for even a short trail break. I have a crazy creek, but hate sitting straight legged on the ground, especially when it is cold. Helinox fabric cut into my tush and Alite and regular Flexlite chairs feel flimsy and tippy. By comparison, Flexlite Macro Chair is very comfortable for my 6'4" 230 lb self. Buying on sale made it even better.
Was seeking a portable chair. This chair is also comfortable & sturdy, so it fit my needs. However, it is very difficult to assemble the fabric over the frame. The instructional video is deceptive in making it look easy! I was prepared to return chair after multiple attempts at assembly. Took it to work to show co-workers, and see if I was missing something. A co-worker was able - with much effort - to assemble it. I was eventually able to assemble it myself - with much effort/frustration. Have left chair assembled, using it regularly at home in the hope the fabric will stretch a bit, allowing easier assembly in the future.
I used this chair for the first time at an outdoor event and found it very comfortable. It was difficult putting on the last fabric hole into the pole but I realize now I started with the back instead of the legs first according to the assembly video. I was also impressed that the frame and fabric folded up easily back into the bag without a struggle. The only negative I found was not having a shoulder strap if you're going to be doing a lot of walking. I had to carry two of these chairs for a couple of miles and my arms got tired. I would recommend using a yoga strap or something similar to avoid arm fatigue.
The REI Flexlite Macro Chair is a great option for all those events where you're not carrying it strapped to your backpack. Granted, ultralight afficionados will scoff at the thought of bringing any chair in to the backcountry, but personally, I find them to be an invaluable aid to not only a relieving sense of comfort after a hard day on trail, but also keeping the pack upright while on the ground, organizing and packing up camp and enabling a more comfortable position from which to cook. That being said, the Flexlite Macro is a touch too large and about a pound too heavy for those duties. Where this chair shines is in its relative compactness (in opposition to the traditional camp chair), excellent stability, good seating position and wonderful comfort. Because of its beefier frame compared to the standard Flexlite it is rated to a higher capacity up to 300-lbs. The fabric/mesh body is both durable and functional - thanks to its high breathability and integrated stow pockets on the lower under side for things such as your phone, headlamp, etc. Also helpful is a storage bag with a wide enough diameter to make for easy access in/out. While the Flexlite Macro will not replace my Helinox Ground Chair for backpacking adventures - it will be a welcome addition to my car for all those bbq's, tennis matches, soccer games, concerts, etc. where I want quick setup and supreme comfort. The attached photo shows the differences in my original Flexlite, the aforementioned Ground Chair and the taller/wider/sturdier Flexlite Macro.
This chair is excellent. I was considering getting the smaller version, but went to my local REI to see it wasn't quite large enough. I have slightly wider build and the smaller version of this chair just wasn't going to cut it. I set this one up and immediately noticed a great difference. It is a very comfortable fit and wide enough for a person with a larger build. The side pockets are low key very useful, for storing your flashlight or phone. Breakdown/Setup is very simple and packs down to nothing.
Wondering if this chair will hold you? I've tested the tensile strength of this poor chair and VOIL'A it stands tested! Lets not hold to niceties, but yet stay sympathetic to others too.. I'm a fat guy and stand over the suggested limit on this product.. And although I still have my 30yr old Galyans folding 1lb aluminum stool (W/back), I love this thing for comfort and stability! Actually I just bought another because my son keeps steeling mine, lol... In conclusion, if your looking for a lightweight answer to those big bulks bag chairs, BAM, here it is... AND there's a sale on right now too! PS: don't forget the under quilt.. : )
I wanted a small, lightweight but sturdy chair, mainly to use on kayak camping and backpack trips. Needed it to be able to support my extra-large self. This supports up to 300 pounds, so I've still got a little clearance there ;-) The second I sat in it at the store, I knew I'd found the right one. Very comfortable, including sitting in several different positions (leaning back, leaning forward, feet propped up...). Feels very stable, never feels wobbly. Easily put together in 30-45 seconds. Wish I'd found this years ago!
This is FRESH @ REI as of this review! I had a member dividend/20% off and it was a no brainer as soon as I saw this new item out on the sales floor. Everything you like about the original Flex Lite but better for bigger people. My flex lite chairs go everywhere with me on summer outings and everyone loves them. My bigger friends (200+ lb range) comment that the chairs are a bit wobbly though. This new beefed up macro version is sure to fix that. It is slightly heavier and bulkier, but the chair is much more appropriate for accommodating larger sized bodies. I am 5'10 and about 150 and this chair is super comfortable for me I can lounge way back in it almost as if using a recliner. A bit pricey at $100, but I cannot deduct a star because of how REI decided to price their product. I will mention the the poles are much thicker/solid on the macro flex lite.
This is a great chair so far, I'm a big guy (280 lbs) and this chair feels very sturdy. It is far easier to set up than the YouTube reviews made it seem. I was able to set it up in about 30 seconds with minimal effort after doing it two or three times. They may have slightly changed design, as my chair seems alot easier to set up than what reviews online state. The chair material is thin and light, but feels very strong. Light and small enough when packed, I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a motorcycle trip, or short hike. I don't joke that I'd want to pack it for a week, but its easily stowable on my motorcycle. Perfect for motorcycle camping!