Four days, forty miles, and countless moments of awe—our backcountry trek through Yosemite National Park was one for the books. We explored the high country, weaving our way from Boothe Lake to Bernice Lake, with day trips to Washburn and Merced Lakes. Along the way, we crossed the breathtaking Vogelsang Pass, camped under the stars, and soaked in the beauty of the Sierra. But amid the towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes, one unlikely hero kept making its way to the forefront of our trip: the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 chair.
Now, I’ve done plenty of backpacking in Yosemite over the years, and I used to lug around one of those foldable pole chairs—sturdy, sure, but heavy and frustrating to set up. There’s nothing quite like rummaging through your pack after a long day on the trail, fighting with pieces to assemble that chair while your legs beg for a break. Don’t get me wrong, I love comfort, but every ounce counts when you’re hauling all your gear over steep passes and rocky terrain.
This time, though, I brought along the Crazy Creek OG, aka the Hex 2.0. And let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. No more struggling with heavy, complicated pole chairs. The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 was a breeze to set up, providing instant relief and comfort.
After a gorgeous hike up to Boothe Lake on day one, we paused for lunch. Typically, I’d be looking for a decent rock or log to prop myself against—anything to take the load off my back. But with the Crazy Creek chair rolled up neatly on the outside of my pack, it was so easy to pull out and set up. I had it unrolled and ready in seconds, and there I was, sitting comfortably with full back support as I enjoyed my sandwich with a view of the lake—no awkward perching, no leaning on jagged rocks—just pure relaxation.
Our first camp was at Emeric Lake, and that evening we sat around the camp had dinner and even laid the chair out flat for a little Yoga session in the meadow. The self-supporting back made a world of difference, especially after a long day of hiking. I wasn’t slumped over or straining to find a comfortable position. Rather, I found myself relaxing lakeside, sitting back, relaxed, and enjoying the alpine glow as it settled over the mountains. The lightweight, roll-up design made it such a breeze to carry that I didn’t even notice it adding any bulk to my pack. At just under a pound, it was far less of a burden than my old pole chair, offering even more comfort.
As we ascended over Vogelsang Pass and descended to Bernice Lake, the Crazy Creek chair continued to prove its worth. Every time we stopped for a break—by the river, at a lakeside, or just to take in the view—I’d unroll the chair and settle in for a proper rest. Whether it was a quick 30-minute pause by a stream or an extended lunch break with our boots off, having the Crazy Creek meant that I could truly relax. No more stiff back or numb legs from sitting on uneven ground. The closed-cell foam insulation even provided a bit of warmth, keeping the cold, hard ground from leeching into me.
By the time we reached Bernice Lake, our second campsite, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much easier and more enjoyable the trip had been because of something as simple as a lightweight chair. Forget that extra weight of my old chair and the hassle of setting it up. The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 was so convenient to use—quick to deploy, easy to pack up, and light enough that it never felt like a burden on the trail.
On side trips to Washburn and Merced Lakes, the chair gave us unique rest spots with great views. At each lake we unrolled the chair and took time off our feet. After all, it was so compact and easy to store, why not experience this luxury on hard days hiking? Each stop by the water, whether to fish, rest, or just admire the scenery, became a moment to fully unwind. The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 chair was always ready, allowing me to enjoy the Sierra in a way I hadn’t before. No more squirming on rocks or trying to get comfortable on the ground—just pure backcountry bliss, comfortably seated with the best views in the world.
As we concluded our journey and descended back into Yosemite Valley, I couldn’t help but appreciate the role the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 had played. It had become an essential part of my gear, not just for its convenience and comfort, but for the way it enhanced my wilderness experience. It made every stop more relaxing and every view more enjoyable, truly adding value to my backcountry adventures.
I’ve officially said goodbye to my heavy, complicated pole chair. The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 has earned its place in my pack, and from now on, it’s coming along on every trip—whether I’m headed over a pass, along a river, or up to a lakeside campsite in the Sierra Nevada. This chair is a revelation for anyone who’s ever struggled with the discomfort of sitting on rocks, logs, or the ground after a long day of hiking. It lets you truly relax without the extra weight or hassle, making the backcountry experience that much sweeter.
“Disclaimer: I received the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 chair at no cost in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this article are my own. This review is not part of any affiliate or sponsorship program.”
