Paddling Mag awards Hex 2.0, AirLounger as best camp chair top picks

Paddling Mag awarded the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original "Best Soft Lightweight Chair" and the Crazy Creek AirLounger "Best Inflatable" in its roundup of the best camp chairs for 2026.

The publication's testers put a range of camp chairs through the paces on portages, in the backcountry, and at campsites, considering packability, comfort, and versatility for paddlers who need gear that earns its place in a hatch or dry bag. Two Crazy Creek chairs came out on top, each catering to specific needs from campers and paddlers.

One tester called the [Hex 2.0] original Crazy Creek their go-to chair for years running, especially when weight and space are tight. They pointed out that so-called "taco-style" chairs like the Hex 2.0 bring advantages beyond just packability — namely, versatility. For paddlers and campers who like their gear to pull double or triple duty, the Hex 2.0 doubles as a kneeling pad, a fire-starting fan for coaxing embers back to life, or extra insulation under a sleeping pad. The review also highlights the Hex 2.0’s durability and seamless setup.

For a cushier or more spacious option, the writer suggests the Hex 2.0 PowerLounger or Crazy Creek AirLounger. The Hex 2.0 PowerLounger is like the Hex 2.0 Original, but features a third panel for extra comfort or use as a sleep pad and its seat is 2.5 inches wider and 4.5 inches taller than the Original size.

When seeking maximum comfort at the end of a long day on the water, Paddling Mag's larger testers gravitated toward the Crazy Creek AirLounger. Built from extra-tough ripstop nylon, the AirLounger delivers a cushy seat on rocky put-ins and campsites.

Two chairs, one goal —packable, durable support in the backcountry. The Hex 2.0 Original is there when you want a packable, lightweight chair option, and the AirLounger shows what's possible when you're willing to trade a few ounces for serious cushion.