I just picked up a “used one time only” one of these for 49$. Looked and felt brand new. I’m 5’6 180lbs and it’s very comfortable for me since I’m a shorter dude. Easy to get in and out, doesn’t feel like I’ll tip over that easily, although I was using it on the flat ground of the store. I guess I’ll have to see how this holds up in the real world.
Got one and love it. Since I’m over 75 and still backpacking this chair is more a necessity than a luxury. To keep the back legs from sinking into soft soil set the chair’s bag under the back feet. It helps. Thanks for the review..
This really helps! I'm looking for a chair I can use for 'regular' camping and eating and playing cardgames at a table. Helinox might be a better bet when looking at the sitting position. Thanks Justin!
So I have the REI camp chair AND the helinox chair two....and the REI chair is a lot more prone to tipping over because of the design. The bar on the bottom runs from front to back instead of side to side like on the helinox chairs and in a real world application if the ground isn’t perfectly level and hard you are very likely to tip over in the REI chair. Not to mention the legs (feet) digging into the ground and the ground sheet from helinox not fitting the REI chair. Kind of a waste of money due to it’s needing a perfect situation for stabilization and use. I’d go with a helinox chair over the REI chairs every day of the week. Live and learn. 😃✌🏽
Ergonomically at being 6’4” I found that same issue when stretching my legs out that it was incredibly stiff under my hamstrings. It didn’t seem worth it to have it for awhile to see if it would soften up long term. Getting the Flexlite instead (Macro would be ultimate, but I feel I’m already stretching it weight wise 🤔) Thanks for the informative review
I'm going to try and soften it up under the hamstrings. I really want the flexlite air to be a viable chair option because it is awesome that it is lighter and less expensive than the Chair Zero! Being 6'4" must be tough for finding gear that works, I do not envy you!
Thanks for this review - good channel! I recently bought the Flexlite, not the Flexlite Air, to save some cash. Right now, REI has discounted the Flexite from $59.95 to $44.89, and the Flexite Air has been discounted from $99.95 to $74.89. Both are great deals, but the Flexlite weights 1 lb. 11 oz. (25 x 20 x 20; foldable 4.5 x 15) while the Flexlight Air weights 1.0 lb. (19 x 22 x 22; foldable 5 x 16). The construction materials are exactly the same (using REI's website info), but it's curious how the manufacturer shaved off a full 11 oz. from the Air, other than via the different dimensions? BTW, I recently tried out my Flexlite, and it works great; easy to set up and tear down, stows away small in its own bag, takes up minimal amount of room in my pannier.
Hey man! I think the Flexlight Air drops most of its weight with the chair material. I noticed it is made with a much thinner nylon fabric and also does not have as much reinforcement.
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks, Justin! So, although the same material is used (at least according to REI's website), perhaps a different cut of it or thickness is what contributes to the weight difference. That makes sense. Thanks, man, and have a good self-isolative weekend - this is getting challenging, eh?!
The digging in my legs is why I didn't pull the trigger on one of these. I was in REI and sat down like I would be at camp and it dug in instantly. If they fix this in the future I will grab one then
I think these chairs are pretty cool............but I still think its too much weight to pack out into the backcountry ....it's chair VS beers.... I'm by no means a lightweight hiker , but it is a comfort I can live without ..... for now lol . Great job on your review !!
@@JustinOutdoors I have reconsidered my opinion on this chair ...I can see how a chair like this would be very nice to have on a canoeing or kayaking trip ! A handy piece of gear indeed !
I’ve seen a bunch of reviews regarding longevity issues. Seems like the supporting poles break somewhat easily. Have you had any issues with it? Love the weight but don’t mind spending $20 more for a 5 year warranty. Love the videos!
I did a review of both of these the REI is not even remotely close to the Helinox zero in comfort. The departure angle is 20 degrees, which is 10 degrees more that the Helinox. The REI seems unfinished and the way the frame twist is so annoying. The fabric seems unfinished, like a diaper, unlike the Helinox which looks like a chair. I returned mine after the 20 min video, I would pay $50 for this chair and it works great for my kid, she liked it, but she's small
@@JustinOutdoors God help us backpackers if we ever lose Nalgene bottles as a unit of measurement. It's like how Noah had to build the ark based on cubits.
Helinox patented their leg position, so any knock off that uses that same position is infringing on their patents. REI isn't going to do that, obviously so they're stuck with what they got.
I just picked up a “used one time only” one of these for 49$. Looked and felt brand new. I’m 5’6 180lbs and it’s very comfortable for me since I’m a shorter dude. Easy to get in and out, doesn’t feel like I’ll tip over that easily, although I was using it on the flat ground of the store. I guess I’ll have to see how this holds up in the real world.
Got one and love it. Since I’m over 75 and still backpacking this chair is more a necessity than a luxury. To keep the back legs from sinking into soft soil set the chair’s bag under the back feet. It helps. Thanks for the review..
That front under thigh fabric is the most important comfort zone for me. Glad you brought that up!
On sale right now at rei for $69.89! I bought two. Thanks for the great review 🤙
On sale right now for $50!
The chair is cool and all, but when do we get a review on those purple shorts?
hahahahahaha !!!! YES
Yeah Justin, we want close-up detailed shots, a thrust test, and what they look like wet.
@@voodooyoulikeme LOL omfg i hope this happens
You guys are killing me. haha. Maybe it'll be a valentines day special.
I just picked one of these up for my 2020AT attempt. Thanks for the review👍
Good luck in 2020!
Thanks Justin👍
Justin, I just bought two of these chairs for my brother and me. Weight is a huge factor for me. I think this will fill the bill.
This really helps!
I'm looking for a chair I can use for 'regular' camping and eating and playing cardgames at a table. Helinox might be a better bet when looking at the sitting position. Thanks Justin!
I’m hoping that front edge of the seat stretches too. Seriously thinking about returning mine for the helionox
Tough choice, maybe soak it in water and then sit in it outside for a bit as it dries?
Excellent review, the good and the bad points , Thankyou.
So I have the REI camp chair AND the helinox chair two....and the REI chair is a lot more prone to tipping over because of the design. The bar on the bottom runs from front to back instead of side to side like on the helinox chairs and in a real world application if the ground isn’t perfectly level and hard you are very likely to tip over in the REI chair. Not to mention the legs (feet) digging into the ground and the ground sheet from helinox not fitting the REI chair. Kind of a waste of money due to it’s needing a perfect situation for stabilization and use. I’d go with a helinox chair over the REI chairs every day of the week. Live and learn. 😃✌🏽
Ergonomically at being 6’4” I found that same issue when stretching my legs out that it was incredibly stiff under my hamstrings. It didn’t seem worth it to have it for awhile to see if it would soften up long term. Getting the Flexlite instead (Macro would be ultimate, but I feel I’m already stretching it weight wise 🤔) Thanks for the informative review
I'm going to try and soften it up under the hamstrings. I really want the flexlite air to be a viable chair option because it is awesome that it is lighter and less expensive than the Chair Zero! Being 6'4" must be tough for finding gear that works, I do not envy you!
Justin Outdoors What are you going to use to soften it?
Thanks for this review - good channel! I recently bought the Flexlite, not the Flexlite Air, to save some cash. Right now, REI has discounted the Flexite from $59.95 to $44.89, and the Flexite Air has been discounted from $99.95 to $74.89. Both are great deals, but the Flexlite weights 1 lb. 11 oz. (25 x 20 x 20; foldable 4.5 x 15) while the Flexlight Air weights 1.0 lb. (19 x 22 x 22; foldable 5 x 16). The construction materials are exactly the same (using REI's website info), but it's curious how the manufacturer shaved off a full 11 oz. from the Air, other than via the different dimensions? BTW, I recently tried out my Flexlite, and it works great; easy to set up and tear down, stows away small in its own bag, takes up minimal amount of room in my pannier.
Hey man! I think the Flexlight Air drops most of its weight with the chair material. I noticed it is made with a much thinner nylon fabric and also does not have as much reinforcement.
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks, Justin! So, although the same material is used (at least according to REI's website), perhaps a different cut of it or thickness is what contributes to the weight difference. That makes sense. Thanks, man, and have a good self-isolative weekend - this is getting challenging, eh?!
The digging in my legs is why I didn't pull the trigger on one of these. I was in REI and sat down like I would be at camp and it dug in instantly. If they fix this in the future I will grab one then
Hopefully they do, because it is pretty annoying!
@@JustinOutdoors I mean I do have the chair zero. And the normal flexlite. Lol maybe I have a problem with gear.
@@jeremymolnar2114 We should probably start a support group!
I think these chairs are pretty cool............but I still think its too much weight to pack out into the backcountry ....it's chair VS beers.... I'm by no means a lightweight hiker , but it is a comfort I can live without ..... for now lol . Great job on your review !!
But think about how good that beer would taste while lounging back in a chair!
If you pack stronger beer, you can bring less 🤔😏 #themoreyouknow
@@voodooyoulikeme I've been known to take a flask with me.....
It's Good in the Woods Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of a snakebite. Furthermore, always carry a small snake.
@@JustinOutdoors I have reconsidered my opinion on this chair ...I can see how a chair like this would be very nice to have on a canoeing or kayaking trip ! A handy piece of gear indeed !
Weird because I figured the legs side to side would make it harder to lean back, but you're saying this makes it harder.
That's what I found, it was a little less stable that way!
I’ve seen a bunch of reviews regarding longevity issues. Seems like the supporting poles break somewhat easily. Have you had any issues with it? Love the weight but don’t mind spending $20 more for a 5 year warranty. Love the videos!
No issues so far but I will keep an eye out!
Hey Justin me Trey I’m looking forward to all the future videos
Hey Trey! I had to take a week off there because work/life have been so busy. Hoping to start getting out some more videos this month!
Ok Justin I can’t wait for the hygiene video
I did a review of both of these the REI is not even remotely close to the Helinox zero in comfort. The departure angle is 20 degrees, which is 10 degrees more that the Helinox. The REI seems unfinished and the way the frame twist is so annoying. The fabric seems unfinished, like a diaper, unlike the Helinox which looks like a chair. I returned mine after the 20 min video, I would pay $50 for this chair and it works great for my kid, she liked it, but she's small
Great video 😊🌲
Thanks!
How does it pack!?
like a 1.5L nalgene!
@@JustinOutdoors God help us backpackers if we ever lose Nalgene bottles as a unit of measurement. It's like how Noah had to build the ark based on cubits.
:-) Thank you for sharing*Just love your reviews*
😃😃😃😃😃
Man I want a chair but I have neck problems and need to sit upright. I think this and the chair zero are way to leaned back for me. :-(
So the Flexite needs to flex more? lol
Helinox patented their leg position, so any knock off that uses that same position is infringing on their patents. REI isn't going to do that, obviously so they're stuck with what they got.
My flexlite air is in landfill. REI does not support this product when parts break. Buyer beware.