QwikBack™ UL Chair

$69.95
(36 reviews) Write a Review
Availability:
4 week lead time, built to order, whole order ships when chair is completed
Maximum Purchase:
10 units
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4 week lead time, built to order, whole order ships when chair is completed

 

  • Ultralight - just 2.65 oz (75 g)
  • Durable ripstop nylon seat
  • Strong yet light carbon fiber poles
  • Integrated pole storage
  • Folds into a compact, self-contained package

 

After several days of hiking, one thing we miss in the backcountry is a chair. But most are too heavy and bulky to even consider carrying as a luxury item. The QwikBack™ UL Chair changed our thinking and made backpacking more relaxing. At just 2.65 oz (75 g), it's hard to leave at home. "What's wrong with a log?", you say. Well, nothing, but after a long day of hiking or even at a lunch stop, something comfortable to lean back on just makes life more enjoyable.

The QwikBack UL Chair is made in the USA of durable materials - ripstop nylon seat and twill carbon fiber poles - for years of backcountry enjoyment. Heck, you could even take it with you to the park or outdoor concert.

The design is super simple, but it takes a little getting used to because unlike most chairs, this one doesn't stand on its own. First you insert the poles in the reinforced pockets on the chair back, crossing them in an X pattern. Next you sit on the wide end of the seat on the ground with the poles under the fabric. Then prop up the poles behind you and lean back on the chair. Large diameter feet keep the poles from sinking into the ground. To make adjustments, just reach back and grab the poles, lean forward a little, and move them to a better position. Now lean back and relax.

 

qwikback-chair-pole-pockets-text2.jpg    qwikback-chair-sit-on-end-text2.jpg    qwikback-chair-adjust-legs-text.jpg    qwikback-chair-sitting-back-side-text.jpg

 

When it's time to pack up, the chair folds into a compact, self-contained package. Simply remove the poles from the seat and fold them in half. The poles are shockcorded and connected in an assembly so they're easy to pack without losing any pieces. Starting at the top with the dirty side in, roll the poles inside the seat. When you reach the bottom, tuck the roll into the integrated pouch. No extra bag to keep track of.

 

qwikback-chair-folding-poles-text.jpg    qwikback-chair-begin-rolling-text.jpg    qwikback-chair-tuck-in-pocket-text.jpg

 

For a little more cushion and insulation from the ground, add our Folding Sit Pad. The pad can be placed either under the chair seat or on top and adds just 0.98 oz (27.8 g). When used under the seat, the pad slips into the integrated pouch. If you find the chair seat material slippery, try a pad on top.

 

sit-pad-unfolded-text.jpg

 

 

 

 

Reviews

Litesmith QwikBack UL Chair Review by Mark B

 

Specifications

Seat: 1.9 oz ripstop nylon, PU coated, black

Poles: Roll-wrapped twill carbon fiber

Dimensions Packed (LxWxD): 13.25 x 2.75 x 1.5 in. (33.7 x 7 x 3.8 cm)

Weight: 2.65 oz (75 g)

Load Capacity: 250 lb (113 kg) person

 

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  • DO NOT use in situations where personal safety or valuable property could be endangered.
  • DO NOT use the chair around any objects that could cause injury if you fell over on them.
  • Inspect all chair components before each use. DO NOT use if signs of damage are apparent to the fabric, stitching, poles, or hardware. When exposed to direct sunlight and outdoor elements, deterioration can occur.
  • DO NOT exceed the maximum load capacity.
  • Misuse can result in serious injury or death.

In no event shall Litesmith, LLC be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, or special consequential damages, to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of its products.

36 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews

  • 5
    Pamper your back!

    Posted by Catherine Emerson on 6th Nov 2023

    After considering this for a couple years, I finally took the plunge. Great little solution to the tired back at the end of a long day of hiking! And if you suddenly get several orders, my five hiking buddies this weekend have all decided they want one. :)

  • 5
    The best non-chair out there.

    Posted by Jason McGrath on 16th Feb 2023

    It's not really a chair, but it's my favorite ultralight sitting solution. I've used it for a one summer and I plan to bring it along again this year. The only knock against it is that it is a little slippery to sit on. But I can use this in my tent! I don't do a ton of sitting when I hike so this is perfect for me.

  • 5
    Awesome chair!

    Posted by Catherine A Rigsby on 18th Jan 2023

    I bought this chair for my husband before a backpacking trip to the Pyrenees. He was skeptical. But, once he used it he was sold. He loves it! The chair is comfortable and so amazingly light that adding it to your pack is a complete no-brainer. Having something to lean back on during lunch breaks, at dinner time, etc. is an awesome luxury. With this chair, that luxury is easy. Now I want one too!

  • 5
    Incredible :-)

    Posted by Carrie on 31st Dec 2022

    What an amazing chair! It is so light and compact yet provides EXCELLENT back support while sitting outside or in the tent while reading. I received it for Christmas and have already used it while on a hike to sit comfortably eating my lunch. Needless to say, it will be going backpacking. But in the meantime, It will live in my daypack ready for any adventure on the trail!!

  • 5
    空っぽの封筒を輸入したかと思いました。

    Posted by HIDETO YOSHIYAMA on 4th Nov 2022

    日本から注文しました。 待ちに待った荷物を受け取った瞬間、「何も入ってないのでは?」と思うほど軽く驚きました。 封を開けるとそこにはしっかりと注文した商品が入っていて一安心。 それほど軽量なイスでした。 座面・背面の布が二本のフレームを巻き取り、そのまま収納袋になるという素晴らしいデザイン。 これをもって山へ行くのが非常に楽しみです。 ありがとうございました。

  • 4
    Still Luxury

    Posted by Hiram on 26th Sep 2022

    It's still a chair but it is only a fraction of the oz's or the lightest lite chair, So it gives you another option. Very light, well made and more comfortable than a rock, not as comfortable as a hiker chair. I'm happy for the grams.

  • 5
    Amazing lightweight chair

    Posted by Tim Scudder on 28th Jun 2022

    Not only is this perfect for bike packing, but also for concerts…the look my friends faces when I pulled things out was priceless…then they went online and ordered one too.

  • 5
    Exactly what I hoped it would be

    Posted by James P. on 26th May 2022

    I just finished shaking this chair down on ~90 miles/ 4 days on the North Country Trail in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I purchased it because i wanted something that was small, light, and would let me sit upright in my tent w/ some back support (I use both a Big Agnes Salt Creek SL2 and a Durston X-Mid 2). This chair nailed it. The weather was very sloppy on multiple nights and this gave me a comfortable way to lounge “inside”. I also own a Helinox Chair Zero, which I like but which is completely unsuitable for this specific application (not to mention much bulkier + 6x heavier). I would say there’s a slight learning curve to getting the chair set for [your own] maximum comfort, but if you follow the instructions and tinker a bit, you’ll have it dialed in no time. I don’t think it will fully replace my Chair Zero—but given the weight and size—I have a hard time imagining a situation where I wouldn’t take it along.

  • 4
    Very light weight luxury item!

    Posted by PHIL MORNEAULT on 11th May 2022

    I have not used it yet on a backpacking trip yet but have tested it a couple times at home and appears to work well, easy to set up, put away and is comfortable. Its super light and I like the idea that im on the ground so can use while making meals.

  • 5
    will know more soon

    Posted by Unknown on 6th May 2022

    I haven’t tried this on the trip yet, but plan to give it to my husband as a 30th anniversary present — when we are hiking in the Pyrenees (on the GR20). From my home test it will be perfect. He always has a hard time resting against his backpack (as I do) during our picnic lunches on the trail. This should solve that problem nicely. And for a VERy low cost, weigh-wise. :)

  • 5
    It’s perfect!

    Posted by Jesse “OutLaw” on 30th Apr 2022

    Exactly what I needed so I can rest my back while backpacking. Super light and hardly takes up any space. Very well made!

  • 5
    Unbelievable relaxing

    Posted by Simon on 31st Mar 2022

    I am 78 now and need some training to sit down on the ground. Once done, perfect! Smashing lite!

  • 5
    Produit bien conçu et solide

    Posted by Eric on 1st Nov 2021

    Pour le poids ces un très beau produit. Le seul leger défaut ces que la parti que l’on s’assoie est un peu glissante et cherche a descendre un peu. J’ai placé mon seat pad et le problème est résolu. Je recommande a tous. J’ai hâte de l’essayer dans différente situation et endroit.

  • 5
    Light enough to carry on a long backpacking trip!

    Posted by Denice on 15th Sep 2021

    Purchased 2 chairs for use backpacking. Haven't tried in the field yet, but have set them up at home. The weight, at 80g is close to the listed weight of 75g. The part you sit on is adequately wide for a medium-size individual. Provides a comfortable and stable back rest - just don't expect to recline it, since if you try this the angle of the poles will poke you in the back.

  • 5
    Dang thing works!

    Posted by Unknown on 22nd Jul 2021

    I admit, I was skeptical. I use a folding chair when I go camping to help ease my back pain. I ordered this after a couple reviews thinking that it might not work. I was pleasantly surprised how well it works, and how incredibly light and well designed! I've only used it on one trip, but had great success on both nights and mornings while cooking. My tent mate was a little pissed about the new chair and will be ordering one on our return.

  • 5
    Happy Happy Happy

    Posted by @run_hike_sleep_repeat on 9th Jul 2021

    First off.... Customer service.... Outstanding... Couldn't have been more helpful... Especially when sorting out my order and payment errors..... The chair.... Oh the chair... The quality of the materials, the design, the finish... All excellent. I tried a friend's chair and as an Ultralight FastPacker, hiker and runner...even my gram weenie mind soon succumbed to the comfort and practical use. It will be perfect for taking a break and stretching out and elevating my feet at the end of the day. (hoping it won't make me lazy by encouraging more rest stops! ) I'll return and add to my review when I've had some time on the fells with it. No regrets... Very happy. Cheers

  • 5
    Awesome UL option

    Posted by Mark on 22nd Mar 2021

    Sturdy, very UL, easy to set up, love that it is totally self contained. Combine with a z-seat and you have the perfect set up, even if the ground is wet. You can adjust the angle of the poles for different postures of sitting and/or to make sure you don't feel the poles on your back. Great product!

  • 5
    Outstanding Backpacking Chair

    Posted by Unknown on 26th Feb 2021

    I had been using only a sit pad as I did not want to carry a "heavy" chair on my backpack trips. However, my lower back would hurt just using the pad as I had no support. This chair is a perfect solution to my problem. It is extremely lightweight and small but offers great lower back support. The design allows it to conform perfectly to my back when sitting.

  • 5
    Fantastic UL Comfort!!

    Posted by Brian on 27th Jan 2021

    The QwikBack is a surprisingly adept UL chair. It's hard to appreciate how well this chair will works before trying it. I'm been carrying the Helinox Zero for some time .. figured it was hard to beat. To be clear, this isn't a full on chair like the Helinox, but if you are OK getting down on the ground, this is absolutely just the ticket to allow you to lean back, and relax. Given the substantial weight savings, for the longer-mile treks, this will be my go-to "chair" for winding down at camp. I will still take the Hellinox for base camping, but at 2.8oz, there is just no reason to not take the QuickBack on the longer treks.

  • 5
    Perfect

    Posted by Unknown on 18th Jan 2021

    I thought I was going to have to lug a 16oz Helinox chair on our backpacking trip, because I’m old and need a chair. So glad I got this one - featherlight, packs really small, works great & provides good back support. Throw a light sit pad on it & I’m good to go.

  • 5
    Light weight comfort

    Posted by Dave R on 2nd Dec 2020

    I bought this together with the Folding Sit Pad and just came back from a backpacking trip with them. I especially liked the very comfortable back support which the chair provided. This fully met my expectation. My only improvement comment would be that the material is a little slick and therefore there is a little slippage, requiring the chair to be periodically adjusted.

  • 5
    ultralight yet comfortable

    Posted by Unknown on 8th Nov 2020

    If you’re not looking to carry a pound or more with one of the collapsible frame chairs, but still want something with some support for your back, this is the chair for you. Ultralight, extremely packable, and surprisingly comfortable. I definitely recommend including the sit pad for both the cushioning and the insulation. Customer service is fantastic - Litesmith worked with me on a last minute change and I was able to enjoy this chair on a recent four day trip.

  • 5
    Creative and awesome product

    Posted by Birgit G on 2nd Sep 2020

    I have been patiently waiting for this chair because I love to read in high country meadows after a day of backpacking and have sadly felt that other chairs were too heavy. This chair exceeded my expectations and worked beautifully on both rock and soft surfaces. I did also order the lightweight sit pad and this really improved the comfort and function of the chair. This will be coming on all future trips and I'll be purchasing another several for friends later.

  • 4
    UL and it works

    Posted by JR on 13th Jul 2020

    I weigh ~194lbs and I didn't have any issues. I used the chair on rock plateaus as well as directly on the ground. I do recommend some kind of seating pad but it's certainly not required (I didn't use one).

  • 5
    Super light and a great way to relax with your coffee

    Posted by Diane on 6th Jun 2020

    I bought this chair knowing it would be a little fiddly to sit in, but it's really not that hard to get it right. It's great to have a way to sit back and savor your coffee or just sit and listen to the sounds of the forest. I used the back pad of my pack to cushion my behind. I'm a small person, 5'3" and the chair for me is comfortable to sit in and a great way to improve my camping comfort while adding negligible weight to my gear.

  • 5
    Amazingly comfortable ultralight chair

    Posted by SaS on 31st May 2020

    Wow! A dream come true: an amazingly comfortable chair for only 2.65 ounces (but I had to also use the 1 ounce seat pad inside the end section folded inside out to keep from sliding down). Note however that this chair is not very robust and must be treated carefully. How could it be at less than 3 ounces? But I'm a small person (120 lbs) and it works great for me and will always be in my pack. I can't imagine camping without it now.

  • 5
    Novel idea!!

    Posted by Itsuko mitsuyama on 17th Feb 2020

    We are satisfied with the design and storage method. The back can be adjusted to your liking and relaxed. I want to use the seat pad in combination with the seat.

  • 5
    awesome chair

    Posted by Rodney Nooe on 14th Jul 2019

    I can't say enough good things about this chair. Bout it as a means to both downsize pack weight and have comfort on my day hikes. It by far exceeded my expectations. Takes a little getting use to but, its very comfortable once you figure it out. I added a small sit pad to it as a ground barrier however; it makes for a nice addition with the padding. You can't go wrong with it. Worth every penny.

  • 4
    Does the trick

    Posted by Unknown on 11th Jul 2019

    Good lightweight chair, (nothing lighter) ' you definitely need to bring a butt pad along to use this for extended periods of time. Would be five stars except the price seems a bit excessive... But for the super light nerds it's a no brainer.

  • 5
    This is what I'd been looking for

    Posted by Lester on 15th Jun 2019

    This QwikBack chair checks all the boxes for me: Very lightweight; I could never justify the backpacking chairs that weigh a full pound or more. A simple setup; not fiddly or time-consuming to set up. Comfortable and supportive; I use it with the sit-pad that I carry all the time anyway. Not bulky to carry; it's nice the way it rolls up into itself. I've tried a number of chairs and methods for making chairs when backpacking because I really like to have back support when I sit in camp at night. This chair is the best design I've seen for this purpose.

  • 5
    Ultralighter's dream come true

    Posted by Ronald Kerley on 22nd May 2019

    Haven't tried this in the field yet, but I can tell it will be great.I attached a Gossamer Gear Nightlight pad with Velcro discs and it actually stays up when I get up! Love it!

  • 5
    Backcountry Luxury

    Posted by Art H. on 20th Sep 2018

    Amazing design and superior customer service! Plus being the envy of your friends on the trail who didn't bring one.

  • 5
    Finally a real Ultralight chair

    Posted by Rick A. on 4th Jul 2017

    This is a real ultralight chair. Nothing fancy but it works. Add a small sit pad and it is very comfortable. Add A small piece of Tyvek under it if gtround is wet

  • 5
    The absolute lightest chair there is!

    Posted by Kathy on 30th Jun 2017

    I ordered this some time ago, and have used it on 2 trips. What a luxury! No one has a chair lighter than this. I actually saw an article on the top items for 2017, and they were talking about how great another chair was that used your trekking poles. It was much heavier, and for most of us, the trekking poles are used for our tent. I left a comment about this chair, which is much better constructed, lighter, and doesn't require any trekking poles. It is unbelievably light, but surprisingly well constructed, and I used it constantly!

  • 4
    Good back rest

    Posted by Marty Elliott on 23rd Jun 2017

    This "chair" is exactly as described. Light, small and did I say light?!? I have a multitude of back issues/injuries which require back support at end of day. Took it out for overnight shake down; sets up fast and easy and the legs are very sturdy. Like any chair of this type, getting into it takes some maneuvering. It provides very good back support and is comfortable while stationary. Legs straight or crossed, no problem. Why I gave it four instead of five. Once in the chair, if you want to adjust your sitting position by moving your butt around, the chair will collapse on you. I would imagine this happens with any chair of this type. The other issue I had is the width of the seat is thin and you will get very dirty. I don't carry one but I would recommend other users place a ground sheet (3' x 3' tyvek should do it) under the seat to provide some barrier from dirt. Also, you will need to carry a foam sit pad for your butt. Understand, this seat is exactly as advertised and is probably the leader in this technology. It's my personal back issues that cause me to adjust my sitting position so often, not the discomfort of the chair. Get a wider barrier for the dirt and you will be good to go. Great technology and well worth the purchase.

  • 5
    Luxury comes to backpacking!

    Posted by Robert Walker on 14th May 2017

    What a fabulous idea this was! This chair gives me the ability to experience comfort on the backpacking trail I never thought possible. This product will become common place in the backcountry, and I hope the company founders sail around the world in the Mega Yacht this little chair will afford them!