Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

You planned this trip months in advance, hiked deep into the backcountry to catch a sunset worth every switchback, and now you are sitting in the dirt wishing you had brought a chair. The Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair solves that problem without adding much to your pack. With a color-coded frame, shock-corded poles, and a hubless build, it sets up in seconds even after a long day exposed to the elements. We have spent plenty of time in this chair around camp and on the trail, and here is everything you need to know before you buy one, including how it stacks up against the Helinox Chair One and what to pair it with once the temperature drops.

Quick answer The Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair packs down to 3.5 x 4.5 x 17.5 inches, weighs 2 lb 5 oz, and holds up to 300 lbs. Its hubless, shock-corded aluminum frame sets up fast and holds up well over time, and it sits about two inches higher off the ground than a Helinox Chair One for easier in and out. Pair it with the Big Agnes Insulated Camp Chair Cover to stretch the season into cold mornings.

Features

• Lightweight and packable backpacking chair
• Shock corded construction for easy setup and breakdown
• Color coded frame to aid assembly
• Lightweight aircraft aluminum pole system
• Waterproof UTS coating increases durability and is soft to the touch
• Durable hubless design
• Stuff sack included
• Available in Black, Blue, and two Grayling print colorways

Specs

• Best Use Car Camping, Backpacking
• Packed Weight 2 lb 5 oz
• Packed Size 3.5 x 4.5 x 17.5 in
• Seat Width 22 in
• Capacity 300 lbs
• Material Nylon and Polyester Ripstop

Pros

• Big Agnes went with a hubless design on this chair. It takes a few extra seconds to assemble than a hub style frame, but it holds up well over repeated trips and avoids the central plastic hub that some other lightweight camp chairs rely on.

• The Mica Basin sits a comfortable 16 inches off the ground, about two inches higher than a Helinox Chair One, giving you a little extra height so you do not feel like you are about to fall over when you sit down after a long day on the trail.

• Pre bent poles give a wide, stable, and comfortable seat, especially for a lightweight camping chair.

• It is genuinely light. At 2 lb 5 oz, the Mica Basin is a chair worth carrying into the backcountry with you.

Cons

We could not find any major flaws in the design itself, but we did come up with a couple of notes for buyers to think about.

• The wider base makes for a more comfortable seat but does take some coaxing to get onto the frame. Do not be afraid to pull the material a bit to attach it, doing so creates a taut and comfortable platform.

• When you break the chair down, the plastic caps on the pole ends can pull off with the body of the chair. They pop back into place without issue, but you would not want to lose one on the trail.

Extend the Season with the Insulated Camp Chair Cover

Big Agnes now makes an Insulated Camp Chair Cover sized specifically for the Mica Basin, along with versions for the Skyline UL and Big Six chairs. It slips on like a shower cap and adds Fireline Eco insulation to the seat, so shoulder season mornings at camp are a lot less bracing. It packs into its own stuff sack and only adds about 9 ounces for the Mica Basin size, which is a fair trade for not having to sit on cold nylon before the coffee kicks in.

• Insulated cover adds cushy warmth to Big Agnes camp chairs
• Recycled polyester shell insulated with Fireline Eco insulation
• Elastic shower cap design secures to the chair quickly
• Stuff sack included
• Sized specifically for the Skyline UL, Mica Basin, or Big Six Camp Chairs, so check your chair model before ordering

All Around

The Mica Basin is great for anyone who wants to be comfortable at camp without sacrificing pack weight. That said, even with a couple of extra inches in height, it still sits lower to the ground than a traditional car camping chair, so you are trading some chair height to save on weight. If you want something for a long car camping trip or as your daily driver for soccer games and days at the park, this might not be your best option. In that case it is worth a look at the Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair, a deluxe, high back chair from the same lineup.

All said, while the Mica Basin is not as cozy as your favorite spot on the couch, it is about as close as it gets, especially when the alternative is sitting in the dirt. If you want a lightweight, durable chair that is simple to set up, the Mica Basin should be at the top of your list.

Mica Basin vs Helinox Chair One vs Big Six

Chair	Best Use	Packed Weight	Packed Size	Capacity	Frame Style
Big Agnes Mica Basin	Backpacking, Car Camping	2 lb 5 oz	3.5 x 4.5 x 17.5 in	300 lbs	Hubless, shock corded
Helinox Chair One	Backpacking, Festivals, Beach	2 lb 2 oz	4.5 x 4.5 x 14 in	320 lbs	Hub and shock cord
Big Agnes Big Six	Backpacking, Car Camping, Base Camp	3 lb	3.5 x 4.5 x 21 in	300 lbs	Hubless, shock corded, high back

The Helinox Chair One is a touch lighter and holds more weight on paper, and it is a fine choice if you mostly use it at the beach or a festival. For backcountry trips where durability matters more than a couple of ounces, the hubless Big Agnes frame is the more dependable pick, and the Big Six is the better option once you have a base camp or car camping setup and want more chair for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair weigh?

How much does the Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair weigh The Mica Basin has a packed weight of 2 lb 5 oz, making it light enough to bring on backpacking trips without a second thought.

How much weight can the Mica Basin hold?

How much weight can the Mica Basin hold The chair is rated to 300 lbs, which covers the vast majority of adult users with room to spare.

Is the Big Agnes Mica Basin better than the Helinox Chair One?

Is the Big Agnes Mica Basin better than the Helinox Chair One Both chairs are excellent lightweight options. The Mica Basin uses a hubless frame that tends to hold up better over years of use and sits about two inches higher off the ground, while the Chair One is a few ounces lighter and packs slightly smaller. Neither is objectively better, it comes down to whether you prioritize long term durability or the last few ounces of pack weight.

Does the Mica Basin chair fold up small enough for backpacking?

Does the Mica Basin chair fold up small enough for backpacking Yes. It packs down to 3.5 x 4.5 x 17.5 inches, about the length of four beer cans, and slides into most backpacks alongside your other gear.

What colors does the Big Agnes Mica Basin come in?

What colors does the Big Agnes Mica Basin come in Campman currently carries the Mica Basin in Black, Blue, and two Grayling print colorways, though availability by color can shift with each production run.

Is there a warmer version of the Mica Basin for cold weather?

Is there a warmer version of the Mica Basin for cold weather Big Agnes does not sell a separate cold weather chair, but the Insulated Camp Chair Cover slips over your existing Mica Basin and adds Fireline Eco insulation for chilly mornings at camp.

What is the difference between the Mica Basin and the Big Six?

What is the difference between the Mica Basin and the Big Six The Big Six is a taller, high back chair built for base camp comfort at about 3 lbs packed, while the Mica Basin is a lower profile, lighter chair better suited to backpacking where every ounce counts.

Do I need a stuff sack for the Mica Basin?

Do I need a stuff sack for the Mica Basin No separate purchase needed, a stuff sack is included with the chair.

About Campman

Campman is an outdoor retail store located in Salt Lake City, Utah that specializes in gear and equipment for camping, skiing, backpacking, climbing, and everything in between. We understand that the difference between a bad memory and the experience of a lifetime can come down to the gear you take with you when you head into the outdoors, and we want our customers to have the best experiences possible. That is why we put our gear to the test, write reviews, and work directly with our customers to make sure that every piece we sell is simply the best.

Questions? Feel free to contact us by phone at (801) 999-8117 or by email at sales@campman.com so we can get you the gear you need to get outside.

About the Author

Dan Goodman

Most of the year, Dan can be found chasing the best climbing conditions he can get his hands on, and in the dead of winter, he'll settle for chasing powder on his snowboard. He's constantly seeking out better gear, testing new climbing shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more to make his life in the outdoors a bit more comfortable. When he's not outside putting his gear to good use, he's writing about the products that he knows best.