The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair is a budget-friendly alternative to the Helinox Chair Zero. It’s light, compact, and comfy enough to make sitting on rocks a thing of the past. After a year of use—from Dartmoor to Dales—it’s earned its place in my pack.
Setup & Portability
- Weight: Around 2 lbs (907g)—not ultralight, but light enough for short backpacking trips or bikepacking.
- Packed Size: Roughly 13.4 x 4.7 inches (34 x 12 cm). Fits easily in a pannier, saddlebag, or side pocket of a hiking pack.
- Setup: The shock-corded 7075 aluminium frame practically assembles itself. Shake it out, slot the poles into the hubs, and stretch the seat fabric over the corners. Done in under a minute—even with cold fingers.
Comfort & Design
- Seat Shape: Deep bucket-style seat that cradles your backside like a hammock. At 21″ wide, it’s roomier than most in this price range.
- Back Support: Low to mid-back support—fine for lounging, but not ideal if you want to sit bolt upright.
- Fabric: 900D Oxford cloth with mesh ventilation panels. Durable, breathable, and surprisingly wind-resistant on chilly evenings.
- Pockets: Two mesh side pockets—perfect for stashing a phone, multitool, or that half-eaten flapjack you forgot about.
Stability & Durability
- Frame: Aircraft-grade aluminium feels solid. No creaks, no wobbles (on flat ground).
- Feet: Narrow and prone to sinking in soft ground. I added aftermarket anti-sink caps, which helped a lot.
- Durability: After a year of use, the fabric’s holding up well—no tears, no fraying. The stitching is solid, and the frame hasn’t bent or warped.
Performance in the Field
- Best Use: Ideal for car camping, festivals, beach days, and short backpacking trips where comfort trumps grams.
- Not Ideal For: Ultralight backpackers or technical terrain—it’s a bit bulky and not the most stable on uneven ground.
- Weather Resistance: Not waterproof, but dries quickly. The mesh helps with airflow in warm weather, though it can get a bit chilly in wind.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Comfortable, deep seat
- Packs small and sets up fast
- Side pockets and carry bag included
Cons
- Not ultralight
- Legs can wobble on hard surfaces
- Feet sink in soft ground
- No headrest or high back support
Final Verdict
The Moon Lence Backpacking Chair is a budget-friendly gem that delivers surprising comfort and durability for the price. It’s not the lightest or most refined, but for casual campers, bikepackers, or anyone who wants a comfy seat without spending Helinox money, it’s a brilliant choice. Just don’t forget the anti-sink feet if you’re heading off the beaten path.
