Sometimes comfort trumps weight, and while the Mica Basin Chair from Big Agnes might not be the lightest, it sure beats the hell out of sitting on a stump any day. With a luxurious 22-inch-wide seat, pre-bent poles for superior weight distribution, and a 300-pound capacity, this chair is a great choice for taller and heavier folks or those who just prefer a dependable chair while backpacking. 

　　While its 2-pound weight isn’t the lightest backpacking chair Ive ever toted, and it likely won’t be the choice for the ultralight thru-hikers out there, the Mica Basin is a fantastic choice for car campers, RVers, and casual backpackers who don’t mind carrying an extra couple of pounds. Let other people run the race to the bottom when it comes to backpackable furniture — the Mica Basin is happy right where its at.

　　Ive tested the Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair over two seasons now, often taking it along to backyard gatherings where it would promptly be taken over if left empty. Deployed in a variety of terrains in the high desert region of the Eastern Sierra, Calif., Ive set it up in sandy campsites and grassy yards alike. And Ive had friends of different heights and weights try it out for themselves. All agree: If weight isnt a worry, go big with the Mica Basin.

　　In short: Leave the scrap of foam pad at home — the Big Agnes Mica Basin is a better camping and backpacking chair — even if it weighs a bit more. Its made with sustainable materials, a wide seat, and a high-quality all-metal frame, and you’re sure to be comfortable and secure in this chair when hanging at camp.

　　Our favorite seats in the backcountry vary widely, from light-is-right foam options to more plush ones like the Mica Basin here. To see the rest of our favorites, check out GearJunkies Best Backpacking Chairs Buyers Guide.

　　Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair

　　Specs Weight 2 lbs., 3 oz. Weight limit 300 lbs. Packed size 3.5 x 17.5” Materials Lightweight 100D Robic nylon with 300D polyester ripstop, aluminum Pros Color-coded frame for easy setup Pre-bent poles help create stability and support the wider seat Made by a sustainability conscious company Cons A bit heavy for backpacking Backside of seat isnt printed, and feels a bit unfinished Miya Tsudome $105 at Backcountry$105 at Amazon Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair: Review First Impressions This is definitely one of the larger camp chairs Ive tested, and noticeably heavier as well. The bag it comes in has a nice side zipper for easy access instead of the usual stuff sack design, which usually means you spend extra time fumbling and squeezing fabric back into a small bag.

　　The first thing I noticed was how well-made the chair legs felt and how easily they snapped into place. The chair is tall, and the pre-bent legs give it an overall feeling of stability.

　　I enjoyed the wide seat, which just made hanging at camp more comfortable overall. With the Mica Basin, you don’t have to lower yourself into a short, small seat. But rather, you can sit up tall and comfortably next to a table cooking dinner.

　　Comfort and Back Support to Spare

　　The deep seat of this chair makes it comfortable to kick back in, but it’s also tall enough to sit by a table; (photo/Miya Tsudome) The Mica Basin has a deep, comfortable seat and a high back, earning it high marks in the comfort and support categories. The chair seat is 19.5 inches deep, whereas many other chairs of its kind typically have back support thats around 15 inches deep.

　　Other camping chairs, like the Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair, are made with an exaggerated tall back for extra support, but add weight and heft that swing the scales out of the backpacking camp and into car-camping-only territory.

　　The Mica Basin strikes a great balance between being nimble enough to pack away and put in a backpack while still maximizing the seat and frame construction to provide a very comfortable and supportive seating experience.

　　To make an even cozier seat, you can even buy an insulated cover from Big Agnes that adds warmth and some padding to the Mica Basin.

　　On Solid Ground

　　Sturdy poles make this chair a more stable pick; (photo/Miya Tsudome) The Mica Basin has a unique frame design, featuring pre-bent poles made of heavy-duty aluminum that will support up to 300 pounds. It also has no plastic joint hubs, which are often weak points prone to cracking or breaking. With a seat height of 16 inches, this chair is easy to get into and out of, making it a great choice for larger and taller folks, as well as seniors or those who might have knee problems. 

　　The poles are heavier and sturdier than many other backpacking chairs we’ve tested. Many of these opt to shave weight with lighter materials, which can sometimes feel flimsy. However, with a higher overall seat and longer legs, one must be careful not to lean back too far, which will cause the chair to tip. Chairs with a lower center of gravity tend to have better overall stability.

　　No Boat Anchor, but Heavier Than Most

　　The Mica Basin is still a bit larger packed up than other backpacking chairs we’ve tested; (photo/Miya Tsudome) The Mica Basin is heavier and larger than most other backpacking chairs in our general review and, therefore, wouldnt be my top choice for the best backpacking chair for your next overnight adventure. At 2 pounds, 3 ounces, it’s a whole pound and 3 ounces heavier than the lightest chair we tested.

　　While that doesn’t seem like much, for serious backpackers, those extra ounces add up quickly. For this reason, I would recommend the Mica Basin for car camping, road trips, concerts, sporting events, or backyard hangouts.

　　That being said, if you’re a tall guy or gal and hate how some of the smaller camp chairs buckle under your weight or dig into the backs of your thighs, carrying that extra 2 pounds of weight might not be that big of a deal — and its well worth the extra comfort! With a wide base of 22 inches and a tall back of 19.5 inches, the Mica Basin is large and comfortable.

　　Ease of Setup

　　The legs of this chair easily snap together and pull apart for quick setup; (photo/Miya Tsudome) You assemble this chair much like any other backpacking chair. The fully shock-corded, color-coded pieces slot together in under a minute. The fact that the Mica Basin has no plastic hubs means that the joints don’t fit together as easily and obviously as other chair models.

　　The trade-off here is that there are fewer vulnerable parts, making this a great durable option. The aluminum frame is also more environmentally friendly, as its easily recyclable and doesnt use any plastic parts.

　　The Backpacking Luxury Item We Can't Leave Behind: REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair ReviewAt only 16 ounces and as small as a Nalgene, the REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair hardly makes a dent in our pack weight, and it brings excellent camp comfort. Read more

　　Surprisingly Sustainable Typically not a major metric for backpacking chairs, the Mica Basin actually scores quite high in the sustainability department. The all-metal chair frame doesnt use plastic joints, and the aluminum used in it is infinitely recyclable — nice.

　　There is also no foam used, which can be nasty to produce on its own. Instead of paying for these sins by using pre- or post-consumer polymers and calling it sustainable, Big Agnes cuts the stuff from the start.

　　Further, sales of certain prints funnel a portion of proceeds toward a handful of different initiatives, including Protect Our Winters, the Yampa River Fund, and the National Forest Foundation.

　　Room for Improvements While this chair is fantastic for car camping and serviceable for shorter backpacking trips, we would love to see Big Agnes shave a few ounces off of it so we could also justify taking it backpacking on longer trips.I know, cake and eating it and all that, but I can dream. Maybe theyll roll a titanium version in the future.

　　While I love the different colors and patterns it comes in, I do find it a bit odd that only the interior of the seat is printed, and the exterior is not. This makes it seem “unfinished” and not as attractive or polished as it could look. I love, however, that it is made with sustainable materials.

　　Big Agnes Mica Basin Chair: Conclusion

　　The Mica Basin is available in nine different prints, and many are more fun than simple color blocks; (photo/Miya Tsudome) If you’re on the taller side and like a chair that sits higher off the ground — and prefer a wider, deeper seat and sturdy, stable legs — the Big Agnes Mica Basin is a great choice. Snag an uber-light option when weight is a concern (like the Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat), but when youre going for the luxe experience, the tradeoff is worth it, in my opinion.

　　Since it isnt an ultralight option, the added durability is likely to see the chair supporting you longer into the future, as well, and by avoiding lighter construction methods, the Mica Basin also earns high regard from the planet. Coming in a variety of fun colors and patterns, this durable chair is sure to last a long time in your quiver and provide a comfortable seat wherever you decide to take it.

　　The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2024Planning to hit the trails but don't want to sacrifice comfort at camp? Invest in a backpacking chair. Read more

　　Miya Tsudome $105 at Backcountry$105 at Amazon