When I first got my hands on the Grand Trunk Mayfly Chair almost two years ago, I’ll admit I was a bit of a skeptic. Personally, I thought backpacking chairs were nothing more than an unnecessary gimmick. Why carry extra weight when you can just sit on the ground, right? Well, I put my hands up and admit, I was completely wrong, and this little piece of kit has since become an essential part of my outdoor adventures.
As someone who’s spent years hiking and camping across the UK, from the Lakes to the Cornish coastal paths, I’ve put this chair through its paces in all sorts of conditions. After nearly two years of testing, I’m ready to share why this compact seat has completely changed my approach to outdoor comfort.
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At a Glance
Best For: Day hikers, family camping, beach trips, lightweight backpacking
Price: £60 (check latest price)
Pack Size: 30cm x 11cm x 11cm
Weight: 725g
The Grand Trunk Mayfly is a low-profile backpacking chair that strikes an impressive balance between comfort, weight, and packability. Unlike traditional camping chairs, its ground-level design makes it perfect for cooking, relaxing, and genuinely enhancing your outdoor experience without the bulk.
Tested over 2 years across beaches, mountains, and family camping trips in varied UK conditions.
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Top Features of the Grand Trunk Mayfly
What sets the Mayfly apart isn’t any single revolutionary feature, but rather how well it executes the fundamentals of portable seating. After extensive use, these are the elements that make this chair genuinely useful on the trail.
Compact Design
At 30cm x 11cm x 11cm when packed, the Mayfly achieves what many backpacking chairs promise but fail to deliver: true portability. It’s about the size of a 2-litre bottle (possibly even smaller), which means it fits easily in day packs, beach bags, or strapped to larger rucksacks without dominating space.
Intuitive Setup System
The aluminium pole system comes pre-connected, making setup a breeze. The fabric features colour-coded pockets that correspond to pole ends—a simple but effective touch that prevents fumbling about in poor light. Setup genuinely takes under a minute once you’re familiar with the process.
Low-Profile Comfort
The 8-20cm seat height might seem limiting compared to traditional camping chairs, but it’s actually perfectly pitched for outdoor activities. Whether you’re cooking at camp level, sitting around a low fire, or just taking a breather during a hike, the position feels natural rather than perched.
Removable Front Support
The front pole that props up the seat slides onto the base poles before attaching the fabric. This additional support piece provides the chair’s stability whilst remaining completely removable, useful for customising setup based on terrain or personal preference.
Grand Trunk Mayfly Specifications
These specifications place the Mayfly firmly in the ultralight category whilst maintaining a respectable weight capacity. The 210D ripstop nylon is notably more robust than the fabrics used on many budget alternatives, whilst the pre-connected pole system eliminates the faff factor that makes some portable chairs more trouble than they’re worth.
My Personal Experience with the Grand Trunk Mayfly
When this chair first arrived, I genuinely questioned whether it would see much use beyond initial testing. I’d always been firmly in the “just sit on the ground” camp, viewing portable chairs as unnecessary kit for people who weren’t proper outdoors types. How wrong I was.
Over nearly two years, this chair has been everywhere with me: beach days on the Dorset coast, summit breaks in Snowdonia, family camping trips in the New Forest, and countless day hikes here, there, and everywhere. What started as skeptical testing has evolved into genuine dependency—I now struggle to imagine heading out without it.
Setup: Actually Simple
The deployment process is refreshingly straightforward. Pull out the pre-connected aluminium poles, click the sections together (exactly like assembling tent poles), and attach the fabric using the colour-coded pockets. The removable front support pole slides onto the base before you attach the seat fabric, providing crucial stability.
One practical detail worth mentioning: the chair includes rubber feet that sit around the ball joints at the rear of the seat for added grip. After extensive use, I’ve managed to lose one of these feet, but the chair still performs perfectly without them.
Performance in All Conditions
The low-profile design initially seemed limiting, but it’s proven perfect for various activities. When cooking at camp, the position feels natural rather than awkward. For hiking snack stops, it provides genuine comfort without the bulk of traditional chairs. On family trips, it’s become my go-to seat for everything from beach picnics to garden gatherings.
The 113kg weight capacity and durable 210D ripstop nylon have handled everything I’ve thrown at them. From rocky fells to sandy beaches, the chair has proven reliable on all terrains. The fabric shows minimal wear despite regular use, and the aluminium frame remains solid.
Pack-Up: Just as Easy
Breakdown is simply the reverse of setup: pull apart the seat, collapse the poles into one bundle, roll everything in the seat fabric, and slip it back into the carry bag. The entire process takes less than a minute once you develop the rhythm.
Use code STEVE10 for 10% off your Grand Trunk Mayfly Chair.
Grand Trunk Mayfly Pros and Cons
What I Like
- Genuinely compact – Packs smaller than most water bottles
- Quick setup – Under a minute with colour-coded system
- Proper durability – 210D ripstop nylon withstands regular outdoor use
- Versatile height – Perfect for cooking, relaxing, or taking breaks
- Solid weight capacity – 113kg rating handles larger users confidently
- Smart design details – Pre-connected poles and removable front support
What I Dislike
- Low seating position – Not suitable for those preferring traditional chair height
- Small rubber feet – Easy to lose (though the chair functions fine without them)
- Limited back support – More of a seat than a proper reclining chair
- Price point – More expensive than basic ground seats
Mixed Points
The low profile is either perfect or problematic, depending on your preferences and intended use. For active outdoor pursuits, it’s spot on. For extended lounging sessions, you might prefer something with more back support.
Top Alternatives to the Grand Trunk Mayfly
Helinox Chair Zero
Weight: 490g | Price: £110-130
Lighter than the Mayfly but considerably more expensive. The Chair Zero offers similar packability with slightly higher seating and excellent build quality. Best for ultralight enthusiasts with deeper pockets.
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat
Weight: 57g | Price: £25-35
A minimalist foam pad rather than a true chair, but popular among ultralight hikers. Provides basic insulation and comfort for sitting on rocks, logs, or cold ground. Best for weight-conscious hikers who prioritise minimal pack impact.
Big Agnes Skyline UL
Weight: 795g | Price: £80-100
Slightly heavier than the Mayfly but offers a higher seating position (38cm) with excellent back support. The hub-less pole design provides stability, whilst the 70D nylon seat includes waterproof coating. Best for those wanting traditional chair height with backpacking portability.
| Model | Weight | Pack Size | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Trunk Mayfly | 725g | 30cm x 11cm x 11cm | £60-80 | All-round versatility |
| Helinox Chair Zero | 490g | 35cm x 10cm x 10cm | £110-130 | Weight savings |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Seat | 57g | 25cm x 13cm x 2cm | £25-35 | Ultralight option |
| Big Agnes Skyline UL | 795g | 40cm x 10cm x 7cm | £80-100 | Traditional height |
Final Thoughts
The Grand Trunk Mayfly is an excellent choice for anyone seeking portable comfort without significant weight.
After nearly two years of regular use, this chair has completely changed my perspective on backpacking seats. What I initially dismissed as unnecessary kit has become something I genuinely struggle to head out without. The combination of genuine packability, quick setup, and real-world durability hits a sweet spot that few portable chairs achieve.
The Mayfly isn’t perfect—the low seating position won’t suit everyone, and the price reflects the quality construction. However, for day hikers, family campers, and anyone who values outdoor comfort, it delivers exactly what it promises without the compromises that plague many alternatives.
If you’re sitting on the fence about portable chairs (as I was), the Mayfly offers an excellent introduction to why these seemingly frivolous items can genuinely enhance your outdoor experience.
Use code STEVE10 for 10% off your Grand Trunk Mayfly Chair.
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More Grand Trunk Mayfly Chair Photos
Grand Trunk Mayfly Chair FAQ
How long does the Grand Trunk Mayfly take to set up?
Setup takes under a minute once you’re familiar with the process. The pre-connected poles and colour-coded fabric pockets make assembly straightforward even in low light.
What’s the weight limit for the Mayfly chair?
The Grand Trunk Mayfly has a 113kg weight capacity, making it suitable for most users despite its lightweight construction.
Can you use the Mayfly on sand and uneven ground?
Yes, the low profile and wide base make it stable on various surfaces including sand, grass, and moderately uneven terrain. The rubber feet (if attached) provide additional grip.
How does the Mayfly compare to Helinox chairs?
The Mayfly is slightly heavier but significantly cheaper than comparable Helinox models. Both offer similar packability and setup convenience, making the choice largely about budget versus minimal weight savings.
Is the Grand Trunk Mayfly worth it for day hiking?
Absolutely. At 725g, the weight penalty is minimal for day trips, whilst the comfort improvement during breaks is substantial. Many day hikers find it transforms their outdoor experience.
What’s included with the Mayfly chair?
The chair comes with a pre-connected aluminium frame, 210D ripstop nylon seat, two rubber feet for additional grip, and a carry bag for storage and transport.
Learn More
Like this review? Well, you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…
- UK Camping Guide: Wild Camping, Gear & Safety Tips
- Best Tents For Wild Camping
- Best Hammocks + Best Bivvy Bags
- Best Portable Camping Fire Pits
- Best Places for Wild Camping Wales, Scotland and The Lake District
I was gifted the Grand Trunk Mayfly Chair to test and review. My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own unbiased opinions.
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
