How to Choose a Camp Chair
Helinox Chair Zero
$139.95
Members get an est. $13.99 in rewards
The Helinox Chair Zero is a lightweight and comfortable, four-legged camp chair that packs down to the width of a standard 32 oz. water bottle and weighs just a single pound.
- Seat is 8.5 in. off the ground
- Thanks to anodized DAC aluminum poles, Chair Zero is strong enough to support up to 265 lbs.
- High-performance 100-denier aramid ripstop fabric is lightweight and abrasion-resistant
- This high-tenacity fabric is strong and durable, preventing tears and holes from ripping further
- Single shockcorded pole structure makes for easy setup
- Compact size makes it easy to pack and carry
- Stuff sack included
- To sit above snow, sand, or muddy ground, pair it with the small Helinox Chair Groundsheet (not included), which secures to the feet and distributes weight to a larger surface
Imported.
View the Helinox Chair Zero Product LineView all Helinox Camp Chairs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Camp Chair Style | Scoop |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 25.2 x 20.5 x 18.9 (H x W x D) inches |
| Folded Dimensions | 13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches |
| Seat Height | 8.5 inches |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 265 pounds |
| Seat Material(s) | Ripstop polyester |
| Frame Construction | Aluminum |
| Weight | 1 pound |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Chair Zero vs. Chair One
souperjen248 years ago
I bought Helinox's Chair One for myself back in the Spring of 2015, and it was a great little seat to have around. I tried taking it on a long day hike once and decided it was just a bit too heavy for me to lug around on my backpacking trips. We still used the chair in all kinds of settings though - it packed down light and was pretty comfy.
When I saw the Chair Zero, I decided to purchase it for my partner for Christmas who was always stealing my Chair One. Wow, what a difference!
Chair Zero is much lighter than the One - by about 42%. When you are holding them, one in each hand, you can really tell a difference. The material of the seat is lighter, although still strong and will hold. The reason I've knocked one star off is because the Chair Zero easily tilts backward if you lean a bit at the right angle or force, where the Chair One does not. I would also say the Chair Zero enables you to sit upright a bit more than the Chair One. Both are still comfortable.
Now I'd like to steal the Chair Zero from her! I would be much more likely to take that one on a backpacking trip than the Chair One.
souperjen24
MD
322 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Not a great option for backpacking
jense758 years ago
Disappointed. Beware reviews where the person has not actually used this in the field, especially on uneven ground. I've sat multiple times in heavier chairs in this situation, such as the Helinox Chair 1 and Ground Chair, Banggood Outdoor Portable...Chair, TravelChair Joey, King Do Way Ultralight, and the ALite Monarch, and the Chair Zero was the least comfortable of the bunch - so much so that I returned it. It was not worth the weight reduction. I'm 6'0", 205lb and this chair did not fit or support me well on a multi-day backpacking trip. At 1lb I was excited this might be the panacea of backpacking chairs, but, it was not stable or comfortable enough for me. The chair is just slightly narrower and shorter than a Helinox Chair 1 or similar. The fabric is flexible and mostly comfortable in feel. The seatback angle is noticeably more upright and not as reclined as other chairs. Leaning back or forward causes the chair to want to tip over more easily than other chairs. I believe it's more a function of the slimmer tube walls and my weight, than the slightly thinner width or depth of the whole chair. The worst issue I had with the Chair Zero was using it on uneven ground, the slightest slant - which was no problem for the other chairs - caused the spindlier legs to bow and cause the chair to tip over. Overall, I was not happy with the Chair Zero and am using a Helinox Ground Chair as my currently favorite option for weight/comfort. The Chair Zero may work for you if you're a smaller person, using it primarily on more level ground and if its lesser weight and size is of utmost importance.
jense75
Raleigh, NC, United States
101 people found this review helpful
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Rey215
Fresno, CA
Camp Site Essential
6 years ago
I have taken this chair on a half dozen trips. Some friends will always argue it's not worth the weight. I have found this to be totally worth the weight for overnight or even 2 night trips where you are not even taking that much food. For longer trips I'd have to reconsider. I have had friends 6 ft tall sit in it and love it despite it's weird small size it is totally comfortable. At the end of a 10 mile hike and I'm setting up camp the two main things I look forward to is kicking off my boots, and sitting in my Helinox Chair Zero.
Yes , I recommend this product
ScarCraig
Springfield Ohio
Well-designed and comfortable
1 year ago
"The ground is harder than the pound" Yes, carrying around this chair will cost you a pound of extra weight in your pack, and that is hard - but having to sit on the hard ground after a long day of hiking is harder. Buy this chair; you will be satisfied! It's expensive, but it is well spent. The chair is well-designed and comfortable. The only caution is that the legs will sink into soft ground. A YouTube video shows how to solve this issue with a lightweight footprint that you can make from home from an old tarp and some duct tape that works exceptionally well.
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
JimDog
Denver, CO, United States
1 of the best "extra 1lb" I've carried backpacking
7 years ago
I have wanted a chair to take backpacking with me for a few years. But as most know, you want to keep your pack as light as possible. I finally decided to buy this chair as it was on sale and super light (only 1 lb). I've gotta say, I used this chair way more than my ENO hammock (another light weight luxury I carry with me). Don't get me wrong, I love the hammock, but the chair was more versatile as it could be setup in seconds and moved around the various camp sites. Would definitely recommend if you can fit in an extra 1 lb in your pack. Also note, since this packs away in to a slim profile, I was able to carry it on the outside as if it was a water bottle.
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Bishop, California, USA
My favorite backcountry luxury
4 years ago
So, this is absolutely my favorite luxury item when backpacking. At just 1 pound, it's heavier than just about any other single item in my pack, but I can't tell you it's value at the end of a long, hard day on the trail. I *love* being able to sit in this while cooking dinner, reading, or just resting my feet after a day of backpacking. It is a fantastic piece of gear I never thought I'd enjoy as much as I do. I did get the ground cloth, which helps in three significant ways. One, the legs won't sink into any soft ground. Two, the legs won't spread when you sit in it. Three, you can put a rock or heavy item on the ground cloth to keep it from blowing over or away during the night. I find the Helinox super-comfortable. I'm not a huge guy (5' 9" tall), and I find it excellent to sit in. I can also put my feet up on my bear canister or a log for really relaxing. Works great if you use a cork ball to massage/roll your feet after a long hike, too. If you can spare a pound in your pack, you won't regret it. I really enjoyed it.
Age:55–64
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
souperjen24
Maryland
Chair Zero vs. Chair One
8 years ago
I bought Helinox's Chair One for myself back in the Spring of 2015, and it was a great little seat to have around. I tried taking it on a long day hike once and decided it was just a bit too heavy for me to lug around on my backpacking trips. We still used the chair in all kinds of settings though - it packed down light and was pretty comfy. When I saw the Chair Zero, I decided to purchase it for my partner for Christmas who was always stealing my Chair One. Wow, what a difference! Chair Zero is much lighter than the One - by about 42%. When you are holding them, one in each hand, you can really tell a difference. The material of the seat is lighter, although still strong and will hold. The reason I've knocked one star off is because the Chair Zero easily tilts backward if you lean a bit at the right angle or force, where the Chair One does not. I would also say the Chair Zero enables you to sit upright a bit more than the Chair One. Both are still comfortable. Now I'd like to steal the Chair Zero from her! I would be much more likely to take that one on a backpacking trip than the Chair One.
Yes , I recommend this product
Another reviewer
Great outdoor chair
2 years ago
This chair is worth the money. It's light and it is fairly compact and it's comfortable, more comfortable than the REI Flexlite Air, IMO. What makes this worth the money is that it's so light and compact, you can take it with you..just in-case. We've used this at people's back yard parties when they didn't have enough chairs. I sat it in at the park for about 3 hours while reading when I didn't want sit on a bench. The chair feels stable and solid. I would have liked to try the high back version, but this one does give some back support and allow you to stretch your legs out. I do recommend that you either make yourself a ground foot-print for mud or sand, or buy one. The legs will sink in soft dirt. It's also a little low, so if you don't have any flexibility in your knees, you'll want something higher off the ground.
Yes , I recommend this product
BrianC
Hopkinton MA
Love it - used it on a thru hike of the Long Trail
5 years ago
I bought the Helinox Chair Zero about a year ago because I'm sick of sitting on rocks, logs, and the ground, and I thought my 62 year old body deserved better. I bring it on all my day hikes, and I took it on two overnight trips, and I always felt that the extra weight was worth it. I was planning on a thru hike of the Long Trail in August/September 2019, and I debated whether to take the chair or not because of the additional weight. I finally decided to take it, and if I decided I didn't want to carry it, I would mail it home at the first town stop. I ended up keeping it for the entire trail. It is incredibly comfortable. I'd take it out during the day when I took a break, and every night in camp when I was having dinner or just relaxing. And breakfast every morning. It's awesome; I won't go on another trip without it. My only complaint is that they say it weighs one pound, but it doesn't. It's 17.4 ounces without the stuff sack.
Yes , I recommend this product
Devin
Columbia, Missouri
Just get one, or two!
3 years ago
Great chair. Lightweight and install is quick. Took it on my first bike ride and it fit in my Osprey Raptor 14 easy. Even had another rider ask about it. Worth every penny.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Adam E
Phoenix, AZ
A true backpacking chair that's worth the weight
8 years ago
I own the original Helinox chair, but at 2 lbs, I just couldn't justify it in a true lightweight backpacking kit. My wife loves it, and she doesn't mind carrying the extra 2 lbs while I carry more tent weight. Now that we have the new Chair Zero at a measly 1 lb, I'm actually considering carrying this in my ultralight kit on my next thru-hike on the JMT. I'm big at 230 lbs, and I can sit in this chair with confidence. It's very supportive, and a pleasure to sit in at camp or on a pack break because it actually supports me properly and allows me to sit with my legs in proper position. I love it.
Yes , I recommend this product
DaveB
Austin, TX
Worth every ounce
7 years ago
I first made fun of a buddy who pulled one of these out of his heavy pack after a long hike. Then another buddy bought one and I was the only one sitting on the ground. They convinced me to buy the chair and swore I would return it. Nope. WORTH IT. It’s the first item that comes out of my pack and the last one back in. Just pulling it out to relax while setting up camp, to the luxury of having something dry to sit on while lacing up the boots, it’s awesome. It’s pricier than some competitors, but the pack size and weight makes up for it. I like to be a minimalist, but this chair has become my favorite pack item. Just buy it.
Yes , I recommend this product
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