Best Ultralight Backpacking Chairs · #6
Hex 2.0 Original Chair
Crazy Creek
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The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Chair is a classic for a reason: it's incredibly simple, durable, and provides a significant comfort upgrade from sitting directly on the ground. This isn't a chair in the traditional sense, but rather a self-supporting backrest that uses your own body weight to create a comfortable, insulated seat. It's made from a robust 210D coated ripstop nylon exterior with a dense, closed-cell foam insulation interior, offering both durability and warmth. The beauty of the Hex 2.0 lies in its versatility; it works equally well on rocky ground, damp earth, or even inside a tent. It's ideal for those who want back support without any frame or complex parts. It rolls up compactly, making it easy to strap to the outside of a pack or even slide inside a larger one. While it doesn't lift you off the ground, the insulation and back support are a game-changer for long hours spent sitting around camp, fishing, or attending outdoor events. It's also surprisingly lightweight for the comfort it provides, making it a favorite for those who prioritize simplicity and robust build quality. **Highlights** * Extremely lightweight and simple, no frame to assemble. * Durable 210D coated ripstop nylon exterior. * Closed-cell foam insulation provides warmth and cushioning. * Highly versatile for various sitting situations. * Rolls up compactly for easy transport. **Watch-outs** * Does not elevate you off the ground. * Offers less structural support than a full-frame chair.
Pros
- Exceptional durability with robust 210D ripstop nylon
- Effective closed-cell foam insulation for warmth and comfort
- Simple, intuitive design with no complex parts to break
- Highly versatile for various ground conditions and activities
- Rolls up compactly for easy attachment to packs
Cons
- Does not elevate user off the ground
- Less structural support than framed chairs
- Bulkier than some minimalist foam pads
Best uses
- Backpacking camp comfort
- Fishing and hunting
- Outdoor concerts/events
- Day hikes and picnics
- Cold weather sitting
Specifications
- Weight
- Around 1 lb 5 oz (21 oz)
- Packed Size
- 16.5" x 4" diameter (rolled)
- Material
- 210D coated ripstop nylon
- Insulation
- Closed-cell foam
- Adjustability
- Webbing strap buckle system
- Seating Type
- Ground-level back support
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Backpacking camp comfort, Fishing and hunting, Outdoor concerts/events, Day hikes and picnics, Cold weather sitting
Where to buy the Hex 2.0 Original Chair
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For many, the Hex 2.0 Original Chair isn't just a piece of gear; it's a backpacking institution. It lands at number six on our list not because it's a revolutionary design, but precisely because it's the opposite: a time-tested, elegantly simple solution to an age-old problem. This isn't a chair you sit *in* as much as one you sit *with*, providing a comfortable, insulated backrest that transforms any flat surface into a more enjoyable perch. It's built to last, with materials chosen for their resilience in the field, not their showroom appeal. The beauty lies in its unpretentious functionality and its ability to deliver genuine comfort without the bulk or complexity of traditional camping chairs. For those who prioritize pack space and durability over elevated seating, the Hex 2.0 has been a reliable companion for decades, proving that sometimes, the simplest design is truly the best. It caters to a specific kind of outdoor enthusiast: one who values direct contact with the ground but demands back support and insulation. Think long hours by a campfire, chilly mornings fishing, or even just impromptu rest stops on a hike. Its closed-cell foam interior not only cushions but also prevents heat loss, a crucial detail often overlooked in lightweight seating options. While it won't lift you off the damp earth, it will certainly make sitting on it far more tolerable. This is a workhorse, not a show pony, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its practical, no-nonsense approach to trail comfort.
Who It's Really For
This chair is for the pragmatist, the minimalist who understands that true comfort on the trail often comes from intelligent design, not added weight. It's not for those who need to get off the ground entirely, or who prioritize luxurious recline. Instead, it serves backpackers, campers, and outdoor event-goers who want significant back support and a padded, insulated seat without the bulk or frame of a traditional chair. Hikers who take frequent rest breaks, anglers who spend hours by the water, or anyone who frequently finds themselves sitting on cold, hard, or damp surfaces will appreciate its straightforward effectiveness. It’s for those who appreciate gear that works, year after year, without fuss.
Materials and Construction
Crazy Creek built the Hex 2.0 to be tough. The exterior is a 210D coated ripstop nylon, a material known for its resistance to tears and punctures, capable of shrugging off abrasions from rocks and roots. The coating provides a good degree of water resistance, keeping your backside dry on damp ground. Inside, a dense closed-cell foam insulates effectively, preventing cold from seeping up from the earth and adding crucial cushioning. The webbing and buckles are robust, designed for repeated adjustments and trail abuse. There are no delicate parts or complex mechanisms; it’s a simple, bombproof design that relies on durable materials rather than intricate engineering for its longevity and performance.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Hex 2.0 is a consistent performer. Its back support is noticeable and genuinely comfortable, transforming uncomfortable logs or rocky ground into tolerable seating. The insulation makes a real difference on cold surfaces, a feature often undervalued until you've shivered through a cold dinner. Adjusting the recline is quick and intuitive with the buckle system, allowing you to fine-tune your position. While it doesn't lift you from the ground, the comfort it adds is significant. It holds up extremely well to repeated use and abuse, often lasting for many seasons. It simply works, day in and day out, offering reliable comfort without demanding much in return.
Weight and Packability
Coming in at roughly 21 ounces, the Hex 2.0 is respectably lightweight for the comfort it provides, especially when considering its robust construction and insulation. It's not the absolute lightest back support option available, but the added durability and insulation justify the modest weight. Its packability is excellent: it rolls up into a compact cylinder, about 16.5 inches long and 4 inches in diameter. This allows it to be easily strapped to the outside of a pack, stashed in a side pocket, or even slipped inside a larger pack without consuming much valuable interior volume. Its flexibility means it conforms well to whatever space you have available.
Durability and Longevity
This chair sets the standard for durability in its class. The 210D ripstop nylon exterior is highly resistant to tears and abrasions, making it well-suited for rough outdoor use. There are no moving parts to break, no frames to bend, and no mesh to tear. The robust stitching and heavy-duty buckles further contribute to its long lifespan. It's common for owners to report using their Hex 2.0 for a decade or more, enduring countless trips and sitting sessions without significant degradation. This is a piece of gear you buy once and use for a very long time, making its initial cost a sound investment in enduring comfort.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best ultralight backpacking chairs that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Load carriage
- How the suspension handles the loads the pack is actually rated for, over long days.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Hex 2.0 Original Chair — frequently asked questions
- Is the Hex 2.0 Original Chair worth it?
- We rank it #6 in Best Ultralight Backpacking Chairs. 0 Original Chair is a classic for a reason: it's incredibly simple, durable, and provides a significant comfort upgrade from sitting directly on the ground. This isn't a chair in the traditional sense, but rather a self-supporting backrest that uses your own body weight to create a comfortable, insulated seat.
- What is the Hex 2.0 Original Chair best for?
- Best for backpacking camp comfort, fishing and hunting, outdoor concerts/events and day hikes and picnics. Standouts: exceptional durability with robust 210d ripstop nylon and effective closed-cell foam insulation for warmth and comfort.
- What are the downsides of the Hex 2.0 Original Chair?
- Does not elevate user off the ground, Less structural support than framed chairs and Bulkier than some minimalist foam pads.
- What are the key specs of the Hex 2.0 Original Chair?
- Weight: Around 1 lb 5 oz (21 oz) · Packed Size: 16.5" x 4" diameter (rolled) · Material: 210D coated ripstop nylon · Insulation: Closed-cell foam · Adjustability: Webbing strap buckle system
- Who It's Really For?
- This chair is for the pragmatist, the minimalist who understands that true comfort on the trail often comes from intelligent design, not added weight. It's not for those who need to get off the ground entirely, or who prioritize luxurious recline.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Hex 2.0 Original Chair?
- 0 to be tough. The exterior is a 210D coated ripstop nylon, a material known for its resistance to tears and punctures, capable of shrugging off abrasions from rocks and roots.
Compare side by side
Put the Hex 2.0 Original Chair against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.