aire fusion | Nico Francis Design

ultralight backpacking chair

the aire fusion backpacking chair makes use of trekking poles in the design of the chair structure, reducing its weight and maximizing the use/function of trekking poles which are usually only used during the day while backpacking.

tot. weight .97 lbs

Like many outdoor activities, backpacking becomes more difficult with age or injuries that cause mobility difficulties, such as joint stiffness or difficulty standing from sitting on the ground.

There are a variety of methods people use to make backpacking more comfortable despite mobility challenges, first and foremost of which is minimizing weight to reduce the impact of hiking on joints. Though it may seem simple, a chair can also greatly improve the enjoyability of camp time. The added comfort of a chair also allows people to recover better for the next day.

However, existing ultralight chairs are often too heavy and bulky.

user personas

joel, moab, UT

age: 76

occupation: owns Joel’s Gear Shop & writes guidebooks in his spare time

passions: watercolor painting, reads Edward Abbey (his ‘bible’ is “Desert Solitaire”), writes poetry

Joel spends most of his time hiking and backpacking. He is happiest when he is at the top of a mountain, taking notes for his guidebooks in a beat-up field guide. He has access to pro deals through his gear shop and likes testing new gear as ‘research’ for selling. He likes Columbia and North Face gear but refuses to sell North Face (had a disagreement with them 20 years ago).

He drives a 1975 Ford Bronco that has way too many miles on it.

Joel is getting sick of carrying a big pack when he hikes but he also wants to be comfortable. He has switched over to ultralight gear (through his pro deals) and just wants a nice backpacking chair so he can sit and paint/write.

james, sedona AZ

age: 59

occupation: mechanical engineer

passions: reading a good book, going on outdoor adventures with his family

James is an avid hiker and backpacker. Growing up, he was not in the best shape but when he turned 30 he got into backpacking and hiking and discovered his love of the outdoors. Since then he has shaped his life around outdoor activities, moving to Sedona five years ago to have better access to trails and the Grand Canyon. James can be found driving to various trailheads in his red FJ Cruiser.

Two years ago he had a knee replacement, forcing him to switch to an ultralight set up. He struggles to balance bringing comfortable gear with keeping his pack light enough that he can hike with minimal pain.

jamie, hoodsport, WA

age: 67

occupation: retired, coordinator of local hiking group ‘wandering women’

passions: volunteering, learning about native plants, playing the flute

A lifelong backpacker and hiker, Jamie previously worked for the Forest Service. She feels most comfortable when she is outdoors and she views hiking as her form of meditation. She is passionate about environmental stewardship and is active in her community, working to conserve the natural spaces she cares about and getting more people outdoors. She loves to load up her three Australian cattle dogs in her beat-up old ‘92 Tacoma and go out on an adventure.

She hikes frequently and backpacks six or seven times a year (through every season). Though she is very active, Jamie is starting to notice some stiffness in her joints (especially with the Washington weather) making some aspects of backpacking more uncomfortable. For years she has used equipment that was less-than-ideal but served her needs. As she has gotten older she has become more willing to spend money on gear that truly fits her rather than ‘making do.’