Helinox Chair Zero Review: Is It the Best Backpacking Chair?
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When it comes to backpacking, every gram matters. After a long day on the trail, having a comfy seat to relax in is a luxury. Enter the Helinox Chair Zero—designed for ultralight backpackers and making waves in the outdoor industry. This ultralight chair offers a perfect blend of comfort and practicality, revolutionizing backpacking chairs. In this review, we'll dive into the features, pros, and cons of the Helinox Chair Zero, and explore what sets it apart from other camping chairs on the market.
Key Takeaways
Lightweight and Compact: The Helinox Chair Zero is incredibly light at just 1.1 lbs, making it perfect for backpacking and travel.
Durability: Made with high-strength aluminum alloy, it supports up to 265 lbs.
Comfort: Despite its minimalist design, it offers surprising comfort for outdoor relaxation.
Ease of Setup: The chair is easy to assemble and disassemble, ideal for quick breaks on the trail.
Packability: Packs down small enough to fit in most backpacks, enhancing portability.
Helinox Chair Zero Backpacking Chair Review
Modern backpacking chairs have evolved significantly, drawing inspiration from ultralight tents. The Helinox Chair Zero is a prime example, weighing just 17 ounces and packing down to 13.2 inches. It’s designed for backpackers who value lightweight gear without sacrificing comfort. This chair offers excellent off-the-ground support, durability, and stability, setting a new standard in the outdoor industry. But is the Helinox Chair Zero worth its $149.95 price tag? Let's explore its features, pros, and cons to find out.
Super Lightweight and Compact
Backpackers.com gave the Helinox Chair Zero their top pick backpacking chair for all types of backpackers because of the innovation and design. One of the coolest features of the Helinox Chair Zero is how lightweight it is. At just over 1 lb it’s a featherweight. It’s made with high quality materials like aluminum alloy poles and durable polyester fabric. It also packs down into a small carry bag so it’s super portable and great for backpackers who are space and weight conscious with their gear. another time
1lb 2 oz, including the bag
13.8 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches
Weight capacity of 265 lbs
Easy to Assemble
After a long day of hiking, setting up camp can be daunting, but the Helinox Chair Zero makes it a breeze. This chair sets up in just one minute thanks to its intuitive design. The shock-corded poles and legs snap together effortlessly, and the chair fabric attaches with minimal effort. Disassembling is just as easy, allowing for quick packing and hitting the trail without hassle.
Comfort
Comfort is crucial after a day on the trail, and the Helinox Chair Zero delivers with its ergonomic design. The deep seat lets you sit back and relax, the high backrest provides lumbar support, and the breathable fabric keeps you cool in warm weather. While the seat height is lowered to 8.5" for weight reduction, it remains comfortable for most users. However, taller individuals might find the lower height noticeable.
Durability and Quality Construction
Built with precision, the Helinox Chair Zero is tough. The DAC aluminum pole construction is the perfect balance of strength and weight. The aluminum alloy frame is light and tough, the base of the chair. The Helinox Chair Zero is built to withstand the outdoors. The seat fabric is high quality ripstop polyester, tear and abrasion resistant. Reinforced stitching makes the whole thing more durable, so this chair will last through many adventures. I’ve used the Helinox Chair Zero on many trips and can attest this chair is backcountry built. A 5 year manufacturer’s warranty also backs this chair.
Final Thought
The Helinox Chair Zero is ideal for backpackers seeking lightweight, portable, and comfortable seating. Its ultra-light design, compact size, easy setup, durability, and comfort set it apart from other chairs. However, taller individuals may find the leg support lacking, and the price might be steep for some budgets. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision based on your needs. Overall, the Helinox Chair Zero is a reliable and popular choice for upgrading your outdoor experience. It’s my go-to chair for backpacking trips.
FAQ
Q: How much does the Helinox Chair Zero weigh? A: The chair weighs only 1.1 lbs, making it one of the lightest portable chairs available.
Q: What is the weight capacity of the Helinox Chair Zero? A: It can support up to 265 lbs, ensuring durability for most users.
Q: How easy is it to set up the Helinox Chair Zero? A: The chair is designed for quick and easy setup, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
Q: Can the Helinox Chair Zero fit into a backpack? A: Yes, it packs down very small, fitting easily into most backpacks, making it perfect for backpacking trips.
Q: Is the Helinox Chair Zero comfortable for long sitting sessions? A: Despite its minimalist design, it offers a comfortable seating experience for outdoor activities.