A hunting chair has a different job than a camp chair. It needs to carry in quietly, set up fast, keep you still for hours and let you turn toward game without much movement. For hunters who walk a long way to a stand or glass from a ridge, weight and packed size matter too.
We compared packable hunting seats on Amazon, from 2.6 lb tripod stools to swivel blind chairs, using published specs and owner ratings. Here are the 7 best options depending on how far you carry them.
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Best Backpacking Hunting Chairs at a Glance
- Best Overall Packable Hunting Seat: Portal Tripod Stool with Backrest
- Lightest Pick: REDCAMP Tripod Hunting Stools (2 Pack)
- Best Ultralight Chair for Hunters: Helinox Chair One
- Best Ground Seat: ALPS Mountaineering Weekender Camp Seat
- Best Swivel Blind Chair: Guide Gear Huntrite 360 Swivel Blind Chair
- Best Low Swivel Seat: Hawk Stealth Spin Chair
- Best Adjustable Blind Chair: Tangkula 360 Swivel Hunting Chair
Hunting Chair Comparison
| Product | Best for | Weight | Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portal Tripod Stool with Backrest | Best Overall Packable Hunting Seat | Light tripod | 225 lb | View |
| REDCAMP Tripod Hunting Stools (2 Pack) | Lightest Pick | 2.6 lb each | 225 lb | View |
| Helinox Chair One | Best Ultralight Chair for Hunters | ~2 lb | 320 lb | View |
| ALPS Mountaineering Weekender Camp Seat | Best Ground Seat | ~21 oz | Ground seat | View |
| Guide Gear Huntrite 360 Swivel Blind Chair | Best Swivel Blind Chair | ~15-16 lb | 300 lb | View |
| Hawk Stealth Spin Chair | Best Low Swivel Seat | 13 lb | ~330 lb | View |
| Tangkula 360 Swivel Hunting Chair | Best Adjustable Blind Chair | 15 lb | See listing | View |
The 7 Best Backpacking Hunting Chairs
1. Portal Tripod Stool with Backrest
1Portal’s tripod stool folds to 33 by 4 by 4 inches and opens to an 18 inch seat height with a backrest. That height keeps you comfortable for long sits and makes shooting from a seated position easier. Over 1,800 owners rate it highly.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Folds to 33 x 4 x 4 in
- 18 in seat height
- Backrest for long sits
Watch out for
- 225 lb capacity
- Three legs need firm ground
Key Specs
- Seat height: 18 in
- Capacity: 225 lb
- Folded: 33 x 4 x 4 in
2Each REDCAMP stool weighs 2.6 lb and folds very small, making it easy to strap to a daypack. The two-pack suits hunting partners or keeping one in the truck.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- 2.6 lb each
- Two in a pack
- 1,000+ ratings
Watch out for
- No backrest
- 225 lb limit
Key Specs
- Weight: 2.6 lb each
- Capacity: 225 lb
- Seat height: ~16-18 in
3For backcountry hunts, the Chair One gives a full backrest at about 2 lb and 320 lb capacity. It sits low, which helps you stay hidden behind brush.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- About 2 lb
- Full back support
- Low profile
Watch out for
- Low seat limits shooting angles
- Fabric can be noisy
Key Specs
- Weight: ~2 lb
- Capacity: 320 lb
4This padded ground seat weighs around 21 oz and adds a backrest. Lean against a tree, keep a low silhouette and stay off cold ground.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- About 21 oz
- Insulates from cold ground
- Folds flat
Watch out for
- Ground level only
- Not for wet ground
Key Specs
- Weight: ~21 oz
- Type: ground seat with back
5. Guide Gear Huntrite 360 Swivel Blind Chair
5The Huntrite rotates 360 degrees so you can follow game without shifting your feet. It is the number-three seller in Amazon’s hunting seats category with 1,800+ ratings.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Silent 360 swivel
- 300 lb capacity
- Popular and proven
Watch out for
- 15 to 16 lb
- Not for long carries
Key Specs
- Weight: ~15-16 lb
- Capacity: 300 lb
- Swivel: 360 degrees
6Hawk’s Stealth Spin is a silent rotating seat at 13 lb. It is lighter than most swivel blind chairs, a useful middle ground for walk-in blinds.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Silent rotation
- 13 lb
- Compact
Watch out for
- Still heavy for backpacking
- Fewer reviews
Key Specs
- Weight: 13 lb
- Capacity: ~330 lb (150 kg listed)
7. Tangkula 360 Swivel Hunting Chair
7Tangkula adds four adjustable legs to a swivel blind chair, so you can level it on slopes. A rustproof steel frame and breathable fabric round it out.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Adjustable legs for uneven ground
- 360 swivel
- Breathable fabric
Watch out for
- 15 lb
- Strong owner ratings
Key Specs
- Weight: 15 lb
- Legs: 4 adjustable
How We Chose
We grouped hunting seats by carry distance: ultralight chairs and stools for long hikes, and swivel chairs for blinds near the truck. Scores weigh portability (30%), quiet and stable setup (25%), owner ratings (25%) and capacity (20%). We did not receive free products, and we do not claim hands-on testing. TOR Scores combine published specs, verified owner ratings, review volume and price.
What Makes a Good Backpacking Hunting Chair?
The best hunting seat is the one you will actually carry. For long walk-ins, that means under about 3 lb. It should set up in seconds without clanking, keep you steady for long sits and put you at a height that works for shooting.
How to Choose a Hunting Chair You Can Carry
Carry distance
Under a mile from the truck, a 13 to 16 lb swivel chair is fine. For backcountry hunts, stick to tripod stools, ultralight chairs or ground seats under 3 lb.
Seat height and shooting position
An 18 inch seat, like the Portal tripod, makes seated shooting with shooting sticks easier. Low chairs and ground seats hide you better but limit your angles.
Noise
Look for quiet fabric and joints. Practice setting up at home so you are not fumbling in the dark.
Swivel or fixed
Swivel chairs let you track game with less movement inside a blind. Fixed seats are lighter and better for still-hunting and glassing.
Ground conditions
Tripods need firm ground. On slopes, adjustable-leg chairs like the Tangkula help you stay level.
Color
Choose dark or camo fabric. Bright colors can stand out against brush and snow.
Hunting Chair Tips
- Strap stools to the outside of your pack with the legs pointing down to avoid snagging brush.
- Clear leaves and twigs under your seat so shifting does not make noise.
- Bring a small foam pad for cold mornings on metal or mesh seats.
- Check local rules for leaving seats or blinds on public land.
More gear guides: ultralight backpacking chairs, lightweight hiking chairs and low camping chairs.
Sources and further reading: Leave No Trace: the 7 Principles, Smokey Bear: campfire safety and National Park Service: camping. Product specs come from brand listings on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best backpacking hunting chair?
The Portal Tripod Stool with Backrest is our top pick because it folds small, sits at a shooting-friendly 18 inch height and has a backrest for long sits.
What is the lightest hunting chair?
The ALPS Weekender seat is about 21 oz, and the REDCAMP tripod stools are 2.6 lb each.
Is a swivel chair worth it for hunting?
In a blind, yes. A silent swivel lets you follow game with minimal movement. For long hikes, it is usually too heavy.
What seat height is best for hunting?
Around 18 inches works well with shooting sticks. Lower seats help concealment but limit angles.
Final Verdict
The Portal Tripod Stool with Backrest is the best backpacking hunting chair for most hunters. Choose the REDCAMP stools for the lightest carry, the Helinox Chair One for backcountry comfort, or the Guide Gear Huntrite for a silent swivel seat in blinds.
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