In hiking culture, minimalism is next to godliness - it’s a saint-like virtue. Everything’s counted down to the ounce, so what space is there for a foldable chair? Most hikers consider comfortable, lightweight chairs an unnecessary indulgence. What if, instead, we looked at them as tools to recover?  

If you want to be at your best on the trail, it’s only fair that our bodies enjoy comfort during downtime. You might think that going out to shop for portable camping chairs is unnecessary, but it might give you the recovery you need.

Let’s explore the benefits of bringing a camping chair that you can relax in.

Why Sitting On The Ground is Hindering Your Recovery

Ultralight hiking backpacks don’t have much room, so backpackers are always looking for one more thing they can compromise on. Usually, the argument against the chair is that there’s no reason to carry it since you can just sit on the ground.  

But did you ever think that maybe that was damaging your body even more? Here are some ways in which ground sitting can be harmful:

The Ground Damages Your Body

Sitting on the ground compresses your joints and spine by putting pressure on them. You’ll struggle to maintain proper posture, and that’ll create back discomfort, pain, or even joint issues if you keep it up over time.

Lack of Insulation

Think joint pain sounds bad? It gets even worse if you’re cold. The earth, especially in cold or damp conditions, draws body heat away from you. Without any kind of insulation, you’ll get colder, your muscles will get tighter, your blood flow will be limited, and all of this worsens any pre-existing pain. 

Seated rest is more than just comfort - it’s a way to give your body the support it needs to recover. It can influence how fatigued you feel and your hiking performance the next day.  

The Benefits Of A Portable Camping Chair

Camping chairs can have a rejuvenating impact because they combat the issues listed above, as well as assisting with factors necessary for recovery, like sleep. 

They can:

Relieve pressure: Ergonomic camping chairs shift the weight from your spine to your pelvis. This helps prevent any kind of back pain and reduces pressure on the adjacent joints, helping your body physically unwind from an arduous day of hiking.

Promote better circulation: Camping chairs keep your legs elevated and support better circulation. This helps to combat any numbness or swelling in your legs and feet.

Reduces mental fatigue: This one might seem like a luxury, but it’s not. Camping chairs are designated spaces to relax, and after an overstimulating day in the wilds, it can be the kind of downtime you need to ensure you’re mentally sharp and ready for tomorrow. 

When you go to shop for portable camping chairs online, the initial weight might put you off. Standard chairs range from 1 to 2 pounds, and most hikers aim to stay around 10-15 pounds. 

The added weight brings a lot of rest, recovery, and relaxation with it, though. It’s why we always recommend our customers shop travel duffel bags as well. A separate storage is worth looking into when you go to shop for portable camping chairs.

Everything You Need At Light Hiking Gear (Formerly AARN USA)

When you go on a hike, there’s a lot to consider. Each hiker packs according to their style, but at Light Hiking Gear (Formerly AARN USA), we stock gear for every situation, and we aim to maximize your hiking experience, making us your one-stop shop to buy ultralight packs from.

Whether that’s with accessories, trail-tested gear, or must-haves that no hiker should be without. Call us today to enrich your hiking experience!