Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Gear Reviews

    GCI Outdoor Trail-Sling Backpacking Chair Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellSeptember 2, 20055 Comments5 Mins Read

    GCI Outdoor was founded in 1996 by a savvy engineer, Dan Grace. His first idea was to create an outdoor chair that adjusted to the typically uneven terrain found outdoors. He was tired of trying to sit in a chair that was made for a perfectly flat surface–because, if any of you have checked the outdoors lately, nothing outside of your kitchen table is perfectly flat.

    So, out of this endeavor, GCI Outdoor was formed and the successful “Everywhere Chair” was introduced to the market. Since that time, the “Chair Guys” have been tinkering with new outdoor chair designs that are more portable, more user-friendly and more durable.

    GCI Outdoors Trail Sling Backpacking Chair

    Trail-Sling Ultralight Details

    The new GCI Outdoor Trail-Sling Ultralight chair is the smallest and lightest backpacking lounge chair on the market today. Made with a lightweight, yet durable powder-coated aluminum frame with nylon fittings, the Trail-Sling can handle up to 275 lbs., yet weighs only 30 oz. Folded down, the Trail-Sling fits into a small bag and is easily slid into water bottle holsters or inside a backpack. Heck, it’s small enough that it could be carried inside something as small as a handbag. Not that I carry a handbag, ahem, it’s a “man bag”, of course!

    All moveable aluminum poles are shock-corded to ensure they stay with the chair and don’t get lost. The seat itself is durable 150 D nylon that will be durable enough for a lifetime of use.

    Trail-Sling Performance

    The first time I saw the Trail-Sling was at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2005. Instantly, I saw it as a nice place to lounge and rest my weary feet. Well, halfway to the butt/seat impact, Joe from GCI Outdoor caught my attention with a “don’t plop down on the Trail-Sling!”. I quickly slowed my butt velocity just in time for a nice touchdown on the Trail-Sling. He made sure I sat down properly and enjoyed the true benefits of the Trail-Sling, but made sure I was aware that the Trail-Sling is no “plopper”. Though you do have to be gentle while taking a seat in the Trail-Sling (if you plop down on it, your tailbone will let you know), once situated, it’s hard to find a better seat in the outdoors.

    I got the Trail-Sling just in time for a weekend backpacking trip to Lake Martha in Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT. Because of the small size of the Trail-Sling, it was easy to place it inside the side water bottle holsters at the base of my EMS Ascent backpack. The Trail-Sling folds down and stores inside the included bag to 8 inches in length by about 3 inches in diameter–a small exchange for comfort on the trail.

    I’m a firm believer in hauling a seat on every backpacking trip I go on. Since I was young, I always carried a lightweight camp chair on my backpacking trips. I was typically the envy of everyone in the group, but I was able to ward them off enough to enjoy a relaxing seat after hoofing it on a trail all day. I like how compact and lightweight the Trail-Sling is… there would be no hesitation to bring it along.

    I didn’t bother testing out the chair at home before heading out on the trip, so my first setup of the Trail-Sling happened in the real-world. It did take me a little while to figure out just the right sequence for putting it together, but you can’t fault the directions! I’m like most guys and I don’t like to follow directions unless I’m completely lost. Well, I got to that point because I couldn’t figure out how to get the headrest into the crossbars. After actually reading the directions, everything went together in a snap and I was lounging like a pro in no time.

    I appreciated the laid back seating of the Trail-Sling for relaxation, but it didn’t quite lend itself as well to cooking. Leaning forward in the seat, the back of the chair tended to get airborne, unless you sat just right. Once I figured out the sweet spot for leaning forward and checking on dinner, it worked just fine, but it isn’t as convenient as other camp chairs for cooking purposes.

    Bottom Line: GCI Trail-Sling

    The $34.99 GCI Outdoor Trail-Sling Ultralight chair is a great find for anyone looking for an ultra-compact lounge chair. I think it’s one of the best options for heading into the backcountry where sitting on the Trail-Sling sure beats sitting on the ground or a rock. Definitely read the directions to put it together properly and don’t just plop down on it–your tailbone will thank you. Overall, the Trail-Sling provides a comfortable seat in the woods with very little weight penalty. It is the most compact outdoor chair on the market with full back support. Get one for your next backpacking trip!

    UPDATE!!!

    It looks like GCI no longer makes this product. As was pointed out from a commenter below, the Alite Monarch Butterfly chair appears to be the best option for a lightweight, packable backpacking chair. It’s available from REI for $59. Here’s a photo of it:

    It is more of a rocker, but appears to that it is a) easier to assemble/disassemble than the Trail Sling and b) much safer on the tailbone!

    Your Options: Visit REI to Buy the Alite Monarch Butterfly or Search for Camping Chairs

    305
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    backpacking chair GCI Outdoor
    Previous Article2006 Banshee Pyre Mountain Bike
    Next Article Moonstone Morpheus 650 Delta Sleeping Bag Review
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review

    March 29, 2023

    Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review

    March 27, 2023

    Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review

    March 22, 2023

    5 Comments

    1. Jason Mitchell on April 5, 2008 7:50 am

      Looks like GCI has discontinued production of the Trail-Sling, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for a backpacking chair.

      Reply
    2. Jason Mitchell on July 1, 2008 9:04 am

      Anyone seen other lightweight, foldable backpacking chair options?

      Reply
    3. JRS on October 26, 2008 6:14 pm

      CampMor still sells this chair while they last for $29.99. I think the reviewer here captured the pluses and minuses. There are not a lot of options out there unless you go the the Thermarest fold-up version which is a lot less comfortable than this. For $29.99 it is a value.

      Reply
    4. Apixx77 on January 15, 2010 7:40 pm

      I found this amazing ultralight chair similar in size that is comfortable, ultralight, and innovative. It’s called the Alite butterfly chair, I believe, and it’s sold at REI. I know, the price is a little hefty, but it is WELL worth the investment. If you go to one of their stores, you’ll see what I mean.

      Reply
    5. Jason Mitchell on May 7, 2010 10:17 am

      Thanks for the tip. The Alite Monarch Butterfly Chair looks pretty sweet, actually. Packs down to a similar size and would be perfect for backpacking at only 18 oz!

      Click Here to View the Alite Monarch Butterfly Chair at REI

      YouTube Video from Outside Magazine:

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    Review: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS for Road?

    October 5, 2022
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review
    • Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals
    • Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.