How to Choose a Camp Chair
REI Co-op Flexlite Chair
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Carry comfort along on your next backpacking trip with the REI Flexlite chair.
Shop newer version- Chair sets up quickly and easily with an aluminum frame similar to the design found in many lightweight tents; features a stable 4-leg design
- Center seat panels use nylon mono mesh that dries quickly and allows water to drain
- Fabric seat provides support
- REI Flex Lite chair packs up into the included stuff sack for easy storage and transportation
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
| Best Use | Backpacking Camping |
|---|---|
| Unfolded Dimensions | 25.5 x 20 x 20 (H x W x D) inches |
| Folded Dimensions | 4 x 14 inches |
| Seat Height | 13 inches |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 250 pounds |
| Seat Material(s) | Ripstop nylon |
| Frame Construction | Aluminum |
| Weight | 1 lb. 12 oz. |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
Better gear is built together
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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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Very nice
aDave11 years ago
Swallowed hard on the purchase price and pulled the trigger prior to a couple of weeks of solo backcountry motorcycle exploring in Central Colorado. I needed a very compact, lightweight chair with full back support to get me up off of the ground and away from all of the large ants that inhabit that part of the backcountry. Very, very compact and light. Sets up and takes down in a matter of a minute or so. The frame is shock-corded aluminum sections attached to a plastic hub just like quality tent pole sections. Idiot proof.
Dried very quickly when mine was caught in a couple of afternoon downpours.
I am 210 lbs and athletic build. It held me without worries, although it would flex when I shifted positions. Not a chair to get crazy rough with, deadweight plop down on or use as a step stool... Arm rests would have been nice, but it wouldn't weigh just under 2 lbs and pack up a little over 1 foot in length. No cup holders, but it is only about a foot off of the ground. If those features are crucial for you and you can handle the 5.3 lbs, 22" folded size and more than double the price, get a Kermit chair.
I liked it well enough to pay full price...and I rarely pay full price for anything. Came home and ordered a second one for my wife using a coupon code from a summer sale...super sweet! No more sitting on the ground in the back country when size/weight is a major consideration. I am very pleased. Hope this helps my fellow explorers...
aDave
the Ozarks of the good ol' USA
131 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Better options available
bc-anonymous12 years ago
1. To heavy.
2. Requires 4 level points of floor contact for seating, so you can't sit on a hill or uneven surface.
3. Chair is bulkier and will take more pack space then other options.
4. The small legs will dig into soft soil.
5. The poles are think and heavier then other options.
6. Can't rock back and forth in this chair i.e. only one seated position.
7. The pointy legs won't let you sit in your tent with the chair, as leg ends might poke through tent floor.
bc-anonymous
Dallas, Texas
36 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
motocampah
Probbydense, RI
5 out of 6 motorcyclists recommend!
12 years ago
I used to use the Monarch Alite which I really liked, but when I saw REI brought this chair into the US, I snapped it up (use the member discount). It weighs just a bit more, but the comfort of four legs is worth it. It rolls up small enough to fit easily into a pannier or duffel, and well worth the luxury at the end of a long day of riding. Keep it away from sparks as mine already has a burn mark, but it does not weaken the fabric. On a recent camping trip, 5 out of 6 of us had the same chair (the 6th hadn't yet seen one!), and we were on a variety of bikes from a 350 to a 1200.
Yes , I recommend this product
aDave
the Ozarks of the good ol' USA
Very nice
11 years ago
Swallowed hard on the purchase price and pulled the trigger prior to a couple of weeks of solo backcountry motorcycle exploring in Central Colorado. I needed a very compact, lightweight chair with full back support to get me up off of the ground and away from all of the large ants that inhabit that part of the backcountry. Very, very compact and light. Sets up and takes down in a matter of a minute or so. The frame is shock-corded aluminum sections attached to a plastic hub just like quality tent pole sections. Idiot proof. Dried very quickly when mine was caught in a couple of afternoon downpours. I am 210 lbs and athletic build. It held me without worries, although it would flex when I shifted positions. Not a chair to get crazy rough with, deadweight plop down on or use as a step stool... Arm rests would have been nice, but it wouldn't weigh just under 2 lbs and pack up a little over 1 foot in length. No cup holders, but it is only about a foot off of the ground. If those features are crucial for you and you can handle the 5.3 lbs, 22" folded size and more than double the price, get a Kermit chair. I liked it well enough to pay full price...and I rarely pay full price for anything. Came home and ordered a second one for my wife using a coupon code from a summer sale...super sweet! No more sitting on the ground in the back country when size/weight is a major consideration. I am very pleased. Hope this helps my fellow explorers...
Yes , I recommend this product
storminn0rm
Grand Rapids, MI
Great Chair!
12 years ago
This chair is great! It's light and compact. I ended up just strapping it to the outside of my pack during a Memorial Day backpacking trip. It's easy to set up. I'm 6'-4" and I was able to stretch my feet out and lounge. The back goes almost to my shoulders when lounging.
Yes , I recommend this product
GeologyGSU
Statesboro, GA
Everday Chair
10 years ago
As 6'1" and 220 lbs, I was somewhat concerned with comfort and durability. Neither has been an issue after 1 year of constant use. I tend to recline when I sit, and this chair is designed for it. I usually find a rock or a log to put my feet up, and I'm comfortable for hours. Might not be for you if you're an upright sitter. The design is super sturdy, yet flexible-- you can use the flexibility to rock back and forth a bit (Leo Mazzone-style, Braves fans). Packs up easily every time, and is a breeze to set up. Some folks have had issues on soft (sandy) ground, but I've been able to make it work on beaches with no problem. Excellent product.
Yes , I recommend this product
zenk0006
San Antonio, TX
Well worth the weight
11 years ago
As a long range backpacker, i love this chair. It's light enough that I'll put it in my Baltero pack and walk out 20 miles into nowhere, yet I wouldn't consider leaving it behind. I've gone out ultra-light and left this behind and really didn't enjoy my time out due to the amount of time suffering in the name of weight. I would rather pack this and be comfortable while relaxing after a long hike. Comfortable enough to spend the day reading in the chair, and the bomb for enjoying morning coffee.
Yes , I recommend this product
SkyEyes
Cape Cod
Just what I was looking for
12 years ago
I was looking for a very compact, very lightweight chair to bring camping as only bring what I can fit into my backpack. I looked at the Monarch chairs but was pretty sure that using one would result in an injury trying to balance on that. ;-) The REI chair is great - it goes together literally in a snap. It is small, however. I'm 5'2" and 120 lbs so it fits me just fine and is quite comfy. My brother is 5'8" and 180 and although he looked like a gorilla in a baby carriage he thought it was very comfortable. I haven't gotten to test it for a full camping season, so I may be back to update my review.
Yes , I recommend this product
evoque
Washington, DC
Take it to the track!
12 years ago
Since we fly out to a variety of events, we needed chairs that would fit into checked baggage, and every time we bring these chairs out, people are always curious about them. The pull tabs are a great improvement, though the side-zip stuff sack on the comparable Alite Mantis chair is superior to the drawstring sack provided by REI. On steeply banked slopes where the fixed seating angle is a disadvantage, we don't slot the chair legs in, which allows us to use our own legs to balance ourselves, a la the Alite Monarch Butterfly chair. The plastic leg connectors have held up okay so far, but they're definitely the weak point. Hopefully, REI will consider making the chair base completely out of metal!
Yes , I recommend this product
CaFl
Monterey, CA
Shell Shoes
11 years ago
I don't need to add anything to the great reviews of this chair. I use it kayak camping and backpacking. Just wanted to post an idea to prevent sinking into the sand. I carry 4 shells in the bottom of my bag!
Yes , I recommend this product
Crazywombat
NJ
Liked it more than expected
10 years ago
I bought this chair despite the high price. It was one of those last minute purchases before the trip. All I can say is that it is surprisingly good. If you are getting a little older but still like to backpack, this chair breaks down to a very small and light weight package. Sandy or soft ground does cause the feet to sink in a bit- (Note to REI: please add some sort of attachment for the feet. Think trekking poles for a solution). Despite this issue, it was well worth it to be able to sit down after a hike, take off the old boots in comfort and use that hard log by the fire to rest my feet on. The chair also doesn't flex as much as I thought it would (215lbs).
Yes , I recommend this product
NYRich
New York, NY
Best Backpack Chair Available
12 years ago
I've tried a number of chair, stool and seat options. IMO, this is the best one available. It's more comfortable then a stool or seat, almost as light as one, super simple to assemble and folds up very conveniently. If you are cutting out logos from your base layer and sawing your toothbrush in half, then you probably aren't looking at chairs to begin with. For the rest of us that like added comfort, look no further. Half the people that I've camped with have been jealous enough of this chair they went out and bought their own immediately after they returned from our trip. Bottom line REI knows how to make excellent equipment. If you can get past the price tag and can afford the extra weight, you won't be sorry.
Yes , I recommend this product
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