How to Choose a Camp Chair

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The Chair Zero is a light, comfortable, four-legged camp chair that packs down to the width of a standard 32 oz. water bottle and weighs a single pound.
Shop newer versionImported.
View the Helinox Chair Zero Product LineView all Helinox Camp ChairsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Unfolded Dimensions | (W x D x H) 20.5 x 18.9 x 25.2 inches |
Folded Dimensions | 13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches |
Seat Height | 11 inches |
Weight Capacity (lbs) | 265 pounds |
Seat Material(s) | Ripstop polyester |
Frame Construction | Aluminum |
Weight | 1 pound |
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I waffled for months on whether to take this on a 5-month bicycle tour. I did, and I never regretted it. It was so nice to be able to sit somewhere other than the grount or my tent when wild camping. It was particularly great to sit off the ground when stopping for meal breaks. My feet fall asleep super fast when sitting on the ground, so having this makes my traveling life so much better. Also, I'm over 200 lbs, and while my butt doesn't fit in it as well as it did 20 lbs ago when I bought it, it's still comfortable enough. I use a full pannier as a footstool, and somtimes lean against a tree when I really feel like relaxing.
Haven't had this chair for long, but it is amazingly light, reasonable comfortable, fast and easy to set up and take down, I expect to continue to love it. My only question is, why didn't they make it so it packs into a pocket on the chair (like my coat packs into its own pocket? Attach the bag to the chair? Or at least have a little pouch that you can tuck the bag into? I am afraid I am going to lose the bag one of these day since there is no simple way to keep track of it.
It packed enough smaller than the chair one that I bought it. I found the seating position more upright, this I liked. Yea it can be a little unstable at times if your not careful, but hey its a ultra light backpacking chair. For me, it meant I could pack other things because my chair didnt take up too much room on a daily basis. Perfect. Mind you, my trip is over and now I kind of wish I had a camp chair. So buy what you need, you have options from Helinox for everything. J
I have the Helinox Chair One and decided to purchase the Helinox Chair Zero as my take everywhere chair. I store it in the boot of my car for picnics and related vacation events. It's nice and light and has worked well for me on short trips. I do prefer the increased sturdiness of the Chair One. Had to warranty one of the front poles due to a slight bend. Not sure how it happened, but I contacted Helinox and they were quick to reply back and repair.
Carry the Zero around all day for a week in Alaska fishing in the bush and you will understand why this is my go-to for times when you just need to sit down. Fishing and walking 15 miles a day make you want to take a rest once in a while. It is light enough that you can carry it all day, even while fishing (when you are moving that far you have to carry everything as you go. Sand, rain, wind and sun 0 it can handle all of it!
The older model that sits on the ground is more stable. The legs wobble and in soft earth, they are terrible as they are not stable at all. On rock, you need to find an even place or you will rock all over. Bring back the older model that sits on the ground and does not have the legs
I used to carry a flat pad kind of chair backpacking as my luxury item. This is smaller, and lighter. I usually carry it on one side of my daypack and a water bottle on the other side - the chair is smaller, and lighter. It has always been solid for me on all kinds of ground.
Weight matters when hiking on the highline trail. I added this to my pack this year and it was worth every ounce! No more sitting on logs or standing under a tree during a downpour... it was nice to sit and relax after a long day of hiking.
Never was comfortable... then it broke while I was just sitting in it. The left hub broke where it receives the leg and fell straight on my butt hurting my wrist in the tumble. Also damaged my pride, as I was at an event in my neighborhood.
At ONLY ONE POUND, this chair is less than HALF THE WEIGHT, and nearly as comfortable as other, much heavier portable chairs weighing 2-to-3 pounds, and even much more! This is the "perfect chair" for backpacking!