Interestingly, the added ounces come despite Helinox opting to use a 300-denier bluesign-certified recycled polyester, which is 50 percent lighter than the 600-denier used in the original Chair One. The added weight appears to come from chunkier mounting blocks and a second tensioning line that runs along the circumference of the seat. This simple addition does a superb job of distributing weight evenly across the frame, making it feel sturdier, despite the fabric being more breathable.
In addition to the use of recycled polyester, Helinox has also started to use lightweight aluminum poles, made from repurposed raw materials. This proprietary aluminum alloy is made using the scraps usually discarded during the manufacturing of traditional DAC tent poles.
But they’re not perfect. For starters, if you’re sitting on anything other than firm ground, the feet will sink in. Helinox knows this happens, which is why they offer a ground sheet ($35), which attaches to the bottom of the chair to keep its legs above ground, and Vibram rubber feet ($40), which also prevent sinking. Both are neat solutions, but both add weight, bulk, and expense. That said, if you’re not through-hiking, the rocking feet ($69), which turns the chair into a rocker, are almost worth it just for the disapproving looks from the fast-and-lite brigade.
A Lot of Alternatives
As I mentioned before, there are now countless imitators, but also some genuinely great and downright comfortable camping chairs. WIRED reviews operations manager Scott Gilbertson loves his Nemo Moonlite camp chair ($160), which packs a fraction smaller and weighs just 2 pounds, 2 ouces, and he was surprised by the quality of REI’s 1-pound Flextite Air Chair ($100). Decathlon’s Quechua MH500 folding camping chair is a sensational value at $60, but having compared them side-by-side at music festivals last summer, it’s not quite as stable, comfortable, or undeniably cool, as the premium-priced Helinox.
The compact design of Helinox chairs means it’s easy to sling in the car, backpack, or even tote and enjoy a comfortable, supportive seat wherever you end up. They’re great for festivals, picnics, hikes, and watching sports. My ultralight buddies have mocked me for carrying a Chair Zero on more than one bikepacking trip, but I’m the one laughing after 100 miles in the saddle. If you’re looking for a premium sitting experience from the makers of the original suspended camp chair, you won’t be disappointed.
Photograph: Chris Haslam
