Which is the Best Camp Chair? (Helinox Chair Zero vs. REI Flexlite Air vs. a Cheapo!)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 103

  • @BackcountryPilgrim
    @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Do you use a chair on trail? If so, which one and why???

    • @happyfuntimereviews5600
      @happyfuntimereviews5600 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I’m a bigger guy, 260lbs.
      The heavier chairs are pretty much the only choice for me.
      Even at ~2lbs, it’s weight worth carrying.
      Too old to be sitting on the ground.
      It’s not the ground that hurts, it’s the getting up and down that kills.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hear you!

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah I've used ebay and Facebook marketplace too. The backpacking gear flea market on Facebook is very good!

    • @jcmooselife
      @jcmooselife 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm 6'5" and 320 lbs, Kilos ultralight chair has held up great so far.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great!

  • @mobius9818
    @mobius9818 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Finally really great comparison! Thank you for that....wanted to know!

  • @chadsmith7075
    @chadsmith7075 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was also tired of looking at camp chairs, now you've really done it

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ha! Well I just got a new one that's not even available yet in case you get a second wind in a few weeks lol!

  • @ChristopherMarshburn
    @ChristopherMarshburn 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very timely. I’m a backcountry caretaker in the White Mountains of NH and needed a chair for my campsite. I shopped chairs and local outfitters and tried several. I settled on the Big Agnes Skyline UL. It weighs 28 oz but the extra weight is worth it because it sits higher off the ground than other chairs meaning my knees are almost parallel with my hips. Much easier to get out of and better for my back. It also packs very compactly.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The BA would have been next on my list had I not already had the cheapo haha. If I ever break it, that will be my first go-to. Let me know how it goes!

  • @restonthewind
    @restonthewind 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I use a cheapo Ozark Trail from Walmart, and it works well for me. At three pounds, it's not the lightest camping chair, but I don't backpack much, so weight isn't an issue. I carry it in my kayak and then maybe a quarter mile to a camp site. It's even cheaper now ($15) than when I bought it, but it's very durable. Ozark Trail also makes an "ultralight" chair for $30. It's a pound lighter and looks more like the REI Flexlight, so It might be wobbly.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Tough to beat for the price. :)

    • @restonthewind
      @restonthewind 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@BackcountryPilgrim It's practically disposable, but it's well made and durable. Great value for what it is.

  • @ynotjf
    @ynotjf ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice (and thorough) Review Doug. Chairs have gotten crazy expensive and I was happy to see a less expensive option beat-out those costly chairs. I went with the Big Agnes Big Six and I paid $$ for it, as an Adv.Moto guy I don’t mid the extra weight but do like the high back, build quality and stability of the Big Agnes.

  • @discopatrol.
    @discopatrol. 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good vid. I've been using the OneTigris chair for the last 1.5 years. If you don't mind carrying a 2 lb chair this one is great. Just over 2 lbs and can hold over 300 lbs. Fabric is thick and the chair is comfortable. I can lean back, side to side with no worries of tipping over. It has a dual bar to help with rigidity. And I believe it's still $40. If you want to shave a few ounces off, dump the stock carrying case and pick up the dyneema chair sack from Hilltop. It fits in just fine.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's a great price. If I ever wear mine out I'll look into that!

    • @WeatherChart
      @WeatherChart 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      After trying out all the various Flexlite models in store at my local REI, I randomly came across the OneTigris and ended up buying it. Could not be happier!
      I bought the high back model and am planning to buy the smaller standard model as well. Highly recommend!

  • @terryhikes
    @terryhikes 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Helinox has exclusive patent on the side to side support bar on the ultralight models. That’s why REI chair has the front to back design. The other chair you have is probably a patent violation knockoff, hence probably why no longer available. But it is a heavier style chair, so maybe not. Worth an investigation.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If that's the case, then nearly every camp chair I've seen on the market except the REI is a patent violation. I've seen the design on major brands too (like the Nemo Moon Lite). I'm not saying that's not true - and if it is, I hope Helinox is successful with litigation (e.g., www.outsidebusinessjournal.com/press-releases/helinox-the-leading-designer-of-portable-chairs-tables-cots-and-accessories-for-the-outdoors-announces-progress-on-its-ongoing-campaign-to-increase-awareness-and-prevent-infringement-of-its-patents-an/). However, I would think that patent involves a lot more than just the direction of the side bar. In any case, I discovered after making my review that many people have complained about the Helinox "arm pit stab," and the knockoffs I've tried don't have that problem, so it is not that I am looking to go cheap - it's that the cheaper chair was more comfortable. Maybe Helinox will copy that part of the knockoff design and make the perfect chair! :)

  • @davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker
    @davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Doug I ordered and ultimately returned the Helinox zero. I was concerned with the instability. I continue to have a chair on my mind. Take Care.

  • @jamespouillon434
    @jamespouillon434 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I prefer the geometry of the REI Flexlite Air to the Helinox ( I have both)
    I find the regular Flexlite even more comfortable but don’t want a 2 pound chair
    The REI chairs are 1/2 price on July 4th

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      It's funny how different people prefer different models - glad there are more than one! That's a great price!!!

  • @DarrenYee
    @DarrenYee 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great comparison Doug, I like the goldilocks reference. I went with the REI flexlite air chair a couple years ago because it was on sale. But I would never pay full price for one of these chairs. I too also started with a el cheapo chair and still use it today when not back packing. I was at Costco the other day and saw they carry a high back chair with a head rest for even more comfort, lol.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on! I wanted to love (or at least like) the Flexlite but it was just terribly uncomfortable for me. Glad yours worked for you!

    • @anujbhatia3337
      @anujbhatia3337 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same situation here. The REI Flexlite Air is on sale for $50 right now, so I picked one up. I also have a 2.5lb cheapo chair that's very comfortable. My take is that if the Flexlite Air can't give me comfort on a car camping trip, nothing else matters. Because if it can't deliver comfort after driving for a few hours, then it certainly won't sense when I'm tired from a day's hike.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good call, and good luck! That's a great deal!

  • @TheNypenfan
    @TheNypenfan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I ultimately decided to buy a $40 chair as well. I’m a weekend warrior and didn’t mind the extra pound since I have my base weight so low (11ish lbs most trips without the chair). In the rare occasion I get to do a trip with long miles for longer trips, I usually go as light as possible and don’t bring a chair anyways. For those I just bring a sit pad. So depends on what kind of trip I’m doing.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly! For the kinds of trips I bring a chair on the extra 14oz. is worth it!

  • @aaronchristian4259
    @aaronchristian4259 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’ve been going through this exact same decision process and have nearly arrived at the same conclusion, though in my case the existing is a Helinox Chair One. Glad to know I’m not alone in the hemming and hawing!

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh I can hem and haw with the best LOL! You could always get the zero and then put it on the One like John Kelley did ("Chair .5") LOL!

    • @aaronchristian4259
      @aaronchristian4259 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BackcountryPilgrim well I’ll be damned. I have all of them on hand now (thanks, REI Memorial Day sale!) …that’s a real viable option.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lol, let me know if it works!

  • @derekjaymendoza
    @derekjaymendoza ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video! By any chance, since then have you tried the Big Agnes UL Skyline? It's only 1.75 lbs. And larger than the Helinox. Just a thought.

  • @Anthony-mb2fb
    @Anthony-mb2fb ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I own the Helinox chair zero but it compress my hips too much… I love weight, stability, sit position, … but definitely feel to much pressure on my hips. Do you feel the same? At least compared to other chairs?

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      I haven't had that issue but these chairs definitely require certain body types for comfort and it doesn't take much to spoil them!

  • @reallyhappenings5597
    @reallyhappenings5597 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I own one such chair, the Helinox, which I bought for singular weight savings. I agree it's not very comfortable, but if I add a sit pad and especially if I set it up on a downslope, the angles are better. Otherwise I have to extend my legs out just to feel balanced. I'm glad to have it but not sure I'd recommend.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah these chairs have to cut everything they can for weight savings and end up fitting almost like shoes so they're hard to review for all people haha.

  • @ckgonzales6743
    @ckgonzales6743 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You can get the REI Flexlite Air right now 49.99 or the regular Flexlite for 34.99. REI has fantastic sales and return policies. I just picked up several for gifts and to try out myself.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hope it works for you!

    • @CharlesBlank
      @CharlesBlank 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm pretty light so the flexlite air is perfect. I picked it up during the sale. but my friend that is a bit heavier likes to sit in it when I stand up and he kind of pushes that chair to its limits.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That could be the issue as I am not light haha. ;)

    • @CharlesBlank
      @CharlesBlank 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@BackcountryPilgrim yup. I'm always glad to see multiple styles of a similar item on the market with slight variations. one chair might feel perfectly comfortable for one person. and another chair feels perfect for someone else. like you say even if everyone else likes one chair doesn't mean it will sit right with you. most people really like the way you can stretch your legs out easier in the helinox but I found the way I sit I kind of liked the flexlite air better. even though I already know what chair works for me I enjoyed watching this video. and since my friend weighs more than I do he can comfortably carry more weight than I can. in a way I lucked out by being comfortable in the lightest chair and also my friend lucked out since the chair that looks the best for him is the cheapest. great vid.

  • @makcatchem9614
    @makcatchem9614 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    You are absolutely right on your take. It is not worth the money for 1 lb

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If it was super comfortable maybe.... :)

    • @makcatchem9614
      @makcatchem9614 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@BackcountryPilgrim I have tested a few myself. Including Heli, And I can't see spending that price tag. Maybe if it came with more features such as an armrests or lumbar support adjustment or some kind of reclining adjustment or something. IDK but thanks for the video

  • @MtnWanderer-TieDye-
    @MtnWanderer-TieDye- 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have the Helinox zero and really love it. I don't carry it on backpacking trips that require a lower pack weight for longer mile days but it is perfect for shorter trips when I will spend more time at camp at the end of the day. I need some back support and leaning against a tree for longer periods of time just doesn't cut it. With all of that said, I mostly use it when I'm car camping and I find it very comfortable. I don't have the arm pit stab issue as others have mentioned but men tend to be broader across the shoulders and I can see how that would be problematic. It is a pricey chair but I was fortunate to find it on super clearance a couple years ago for about $80. That's still a lot of money but it has been worth it for me. If I had to replace it at the current price I very well may not. 😬

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah its a great chair, glad it works for you!

  • @kir11
    @kir11 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very informative! Thank you!

  • @lindsaykid9947
    @lindsaykid9947 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had no idea you could do such an extensive research on such a trivial subject. Great video though

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I don't consider any $100+ expenditure trivial haha.

    • @sillyganso
      @sillyganso 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      this is most of youtube videos nowadays, people are getting creative

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I try! :)

  • @ItsAStephanieB
    @ItsAStephanieB 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review! Thank you!!

  • @CalvinPuah
    @CalvinPuah 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Try a Helinox ground chair, and if you need it lighter, swap the Chair zero seat over. Stable+Light+comfortable. Only 1 downside for now.

  • @user-qp6vg9ho8u
    @user-qp6vg9ho8u ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Check out the Big Agnes UL chair

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah it looks good!

    • @TheNighthawk00
      @TheNighthawk00 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was just about to type the same thing.
      It's stable, it's comfortable, it's higher, it doesn't sink and it's the same price as the Helinox Zero.
      Only downside, it's a little heavier.

    • @YankeeWoodcraft
      @YankeeWoodcraft 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      LOL I just wrote a dissertation to Doug on the BGUL!

  • @Doc_Watson
    @Doc_Watson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like my Trekology chair, but I'm considering 'upgrading' to a high back chair for the 'comfort/luxury' trips.

    • @Doc_Watson
      @Doc_Watson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's the trekology yizi go model and I picked up the sand mat to go with it to keep me from sinking into the soft ground

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah it makes a huge difference! I hate not being able to lean back. :)

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh yeah, small chair feet do not like sand haha!

  • @Alienshark
    @Alienshark 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Best review

  • @spacecoyote6646
    @spacecoyote6646 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I already own a 16-ounce chair, so I didn't watch the video. But a 16oz chair is worth it. Both the money spent and the lightweight

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      Luxury item for sure but one I really find worth it!

  • @WesTheDeal
    @WesTheDeal ปีที่แล้ว +1

    👍👍👍

  • @MiscMitz
    @MiscMitz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    👍😎👍

  • @coachhannah2403
    @coachhannah2403 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Disagree on comfort. But I'm a lightweight.

  • @jaysonmoore5166
    @jaysonmoore5166 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As far as I can tell, the left to right support beam is part of Helinox's patent. The cheaper chairs are typically infringing on that patent. This is why REI has gone with a back to front support pole.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      Ah, interesting. Thank you!

    • @jaysonmoore5166
      @jaysonmoore5166 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No problem! I could be mistaken on the exact specifics, but it does state hubs on the right and left specifically in the patent. The hub mechanism isn't the same in the patent drawing though

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well China will steal it anyway. I'm actually trying to get rid of that crap but until I can find a USA made one like mine I'm kind of stuck.

  • @YankeeWoodcraft
    @YankeeWoodcraft 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You spelled "Big Agnes" wrong.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      LOL!

    • @YankeeWoodcraft
      @YankeeWoodcraft 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ​@@BackcountryPilgrim Great video Doug. You deserve far more subs than what you have not.
      Now. to elaborate on my smart aleck remark...
      A little background first: I hunt mostly and I've used a 3" foam hunting pad to prop myself up against a tree for hours (and I mean, like a typical 8 hour work shift). I could still do it, but no matter what shape one is in (mine just happens to be "round"), at the end of a 12 hour day, your body feels like it got run over by a truck carrying lead and the truck backed up to finish the job.
      I moved to carrying 2 pads (one for the back and one for the ground). And that helped, but in the end, I decided it was time to grow up and stop being cheap. I "invested"...notice that word there...in a legit hunting chair. It weighs 9lbs and that's still a folding chair, but it can easily handle my weight at 225lbs. I got the wide version of it. The regular version was about 7.5lbs (ultralighters clutch your pearls).
      It completely transformed my experience out there. On bad days, I'd call it after 6 hours or so and head back in, but with this La-Z-Boy of the woods, I could stay out there all day long comfortably. It typically costs around a hundred bucks, but I'm super cheap and patient and snagged one for $59. Long story short, it's 100% worth it for "me" in what "I" do to carry 9lbs of weight on my pack when my typical loadout is around 25-30lbs including the chair. It's a no-brainer now.
      What does that have to do with the price of tea in China and this video?
      Almost everything.
      See, when I turned my attention to camping chairs, I looked into the same ones you have here including looking hard at the Amazon knock-offs & generics. I'm a stats nerd too. I ran all the numbers and compared them. I decided that $100 was not a lot to spend for a comfortable chair.
      I took into account durability, the company's warranty & reputation, personal needs and budget. Weight? Well, if it makes you happy, it's not too heavy is my mantra these days. I about balance. While I respect ultralighters and learn a lot from them, they have different needs. Me? I want more smiles than miles, not more miles than smiles. I believe in compromising up until a point. Once misery introduces itself into the equation, that's when I start to buy stuff for "me" and not for the perceptions or opinions of others.
      I thoroughly appreciate the attention and care you put into your testing. Even with the limit of 3 brands, I'd say it's a pretty fair assessment of the industry's offerings in general.
      I went with the Big Agnes Skyline because at 1.9lbs, I felt it offered the best compromise of stability, compactness, set-up, build and weight. For "me" and my 225lbs, I don't need an ultralight chair, I need the next tier up, something that's built right and that can carry my weight. I've come to the stage of acceptance that I'm not a svelte 20-something hiker looking to conquer mountains on an arbitrary checklist.
      I just want to hunt and camp and not carry weight I don't need.
      I think ultralighting is finally going back to the cave of thru-hikers where it belongs. Again, I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with the practice or genre in any way, but the overwhelming majority of the 40,000,000 folks that camp (at least in America) don't need to save 5lbs on their backs when they're walking from a parking lot to a designated campground (let's keep it real here).
      I'd call myself a Lightweighter. For me, I can do a long weekend in 3 seasons conditions with a sub-20lb loadout and that's with VERY comfortable and SAFE gear and with no compromises. That means come what may, storms, injuries, wildlife encounters, etc..., I'm going to be alright out there [probably a lot to do with my survival training].
      If I missed it in your video, try a Big Agnes Skyline UL. Me and my big self love it. Again, I'm 5'9" at 225lbs. It's my definition of comfortable. I was stunned at how stable it was which was important for me too. I'm pretty sure the generics will knock it off like they've done with the other brands, but I don't know that they'll be around if the chair needs warranty service and that's where the risk comes in so again, that's why I "invest" in companies, not in gear. 😊
      If you've read down this far, thanks for hearing me out. You keep putting out the real-world reviews bud. 👍🏽

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That is quite the testimony! Thanks for taking the time to write this and if i get the chance I will check it out. Obviously since I stuck with my cheapo chair I am more in line with your thinking than the strict UL community (which, ironically, rarely carries chairs to begin with LOL). Thanks!

    • @YankeeWoodcraft
      @YankeeWoodcraft 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @untryPilgrim My friend, I ALSO picked up a folding hunting chair for $4 at a thrift store that I use on light days. LOL I am not beyond save big bucks! And thanks.

  • @zenoutdoors
    @zenoutdoors ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i would just mod the $30 chair to be lower weight

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm not sure what could be done, maybe drill some holes?

    • @zenoutdoors
      @zenoutdoors ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Shorten the legs put on carbon fiber feet maybe think about a lighter material for the seating or think about the trichology Yeezy light

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      Lot of work for a $30 chair haha. Cool ideas if I wasn't so lazy! :)

    • @yuegan1939
      @yuegan1939 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'd love to see a video if it's doable.

    • @samimurtomaki5534
      @samimurtomaki5534 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@zenoutdoorsShortening the legs cannot be goor for comfort or stability.

  • @dragonlady1831
    @dragonlady1831 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    No No No thier too low to getup , WE need height !

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      More height, more weight - but it would be nice. ;)

  • @jlr3636
    @jlr3636 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Let’s see - options - 1- sit on the ground or sit on a rock or maybe sit on a log. 2- spend a lot of money or spend a lot of money plus a bunch more. 3- carry extra weight or carry extra extra weight.
    Realization- they are all better than sitting on a rock
    Decision- get the REI, life’s a compromise.

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว

      Whatever works for ya! I am 100% hike your own hike. ;)

  • @coachhannah2403
    @coachhannah2403 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good comparison. Wish there were lighter options for us under 200 lbers (and more for the sub 150 crowd), but that is not how Capitalism works... 😢

    • @BackcountryPilgrim
      @BackcountryPilgrim  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, I'm not sure the weight limit drop works be super safe, even these are fairly unstable once they're unlevel or twisted. .