A season of Sierra trips with Crazy Creek’s inflatable chair and pad hybrid
Last spring, we introduced Crazy Creek’s AirLounger with plans to bring it along on real Sierra adventures — from lakeside lounging to backcountry camps. Over the course of the season, it joined us on snow hikes, day trips, and a short pack trip into the Mokelumne Wilderness, giving us a clear picture of where this inflatable design shines and where it fits within a traditional kit.
The First Test: Snowbanks Above Convict Lake
One of the most memorable outings with the AirLounger came on a day adventure in the Mammoth region. After exploring the hot springs and thermal areas, Tom and I climbed above Convict Lake, stepping back into lingering spring snow.
That’s where the AirLounger felt perfectly at home — deployed right on the snowbanks as we soaked in the views and the quiet of the high country. The waterproof design and insulated feel made it surprisingly ideal for cold ground, turning a quick rest stop into a comfortable pause in the day.
It was one of those Sierra moments where gear fades into the background and simply lets you enjoy being there.
Why I Wanted to Test It
I’ve long been a fan of the classic Crazy Creek chair and have carried one on many Sierra trips. The AirLounger caught my attention because it promised something different — a hybrid approach that could serve as both a chair and a ground lounger, adding comfort without dramatically increasing pack weight or complexity.
The big question for me was simple:
Would the inflatable comfort justify replacing the tried-and-true foam chair on real trips?
Real-World Performance
Comfort
This is where the AirLounger clearly stands out.
After long hikes, being able to lay it flat on the ground and stretch out made a noticeable difference in recovery and relaxation. The air padding provides a level of comfort the traditional chair simply can’t match, especially when lounging rather than just sitting.
The higher back also worked well for my frame, offering better support during longer breaks or evenings at camp.
Packability
Despite being longer when rolled, the AirLounger packs tighter and more efficiently. I found it easy to stow inside my pack, where it sat close to my back panel and carried comfortably on both day hikes and short backpacking trips.
Versatility
Over the season, it saw use on:
- Snow hikes
- Day adventures
- Car camping
- A short Mokelumne Wilderness pack trip
Its ability to function as both a seat and a ground lounger made it feel like more than just a luxury item — especially when downtime was part of the trip.
Durability (Perception vs Reality)
While I didn’t experience any failures or issues, I’ll admit I still instinctively reach for the traditional Crazy Creek chair on trips where durability feels paramount.
That’s less about actual performance — the AirLounger felt sturdy and well-built — and more about the psychological confidence that comes with foam over inflatable gear. Over time, that perception may shift, but it’s worth noting as part of the real user experience.
Where It Fits
Best For
- Basecamp trips
- Backpackers who prioritize comfort
- Snow or cold-ground lounging
- Lakeside relaxation and recovery
Less Ideal For
- Ultralight purists
- Trips where simplicity and bombproof durability outweigh comfort
Pros
- Excellent comfort for both sitting and lounging
- Packs compactly and rides well inside a pack
- Higher back provides solid support
- Waterproof feel makes it great for snow or damp ground
- Multi-use versatility adds real value
Considerations
- Some users may still prefer foam chairs for perceived durability
- Slightly more setup compared to a traditional chair
Final Verdict
After a season of Sierra use, the Crazy Creek AirLounger proved itself as a genuinely comfortable and versatile addition to camp life. It doesn’t fully replace the simplicity and confidence of the classic foam chair for every trip, but when comfort is a priority — especially on trips with downtime built in — it’s an easy piece of gear to justify bringing along.
For me, it’s become the chair I reach for when I want to slow down, stretch out, and really enjoy the places we travel to.
Affiliate & Partnership Disclosure
Crazy Creek provided the AirLounger for testing. All opinions are based on real-world Sierra use over multiple trips. If you purchase through our links, Sierra Rec Magazine may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
