This one is tough. I applaud this guy for thinking outside the box. The world needs more of it. I just don’t know who this is for. I feel like people who are super concerned with weight will just forgo a chair completely. Those who do want to take the weight penalty in favor of comfort will actually want a comfortable chair.
I really like this design because it provides a back rest without elevating you. This is good for, say, small hot tents, or tents with an awning that are low to the ground like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
I'd guess it's target market is for the people who already have sit pads in their backpacks. So it's more relaxing than just a sit pad, but not as big or heavy as a full chair. I can't really imagine using it by itself, but if I'm already carrying a sit pad as the back support of my backpack, I could see them combining together well
If that chair was considered Part One, I'd buy it right now. Part Two: would include a support system to sit off the ground. That way folks can pick and choose which one to use, part one or part one AND two. It will also help if Part 2 would be able to be used as a table, or a stool, without the part one. Good concept, now run with it.
The trekker chair kit by thermarest converts your sleeping pad into a chair like this, so you do get vetter comfort and a few inches off the ground (so some warmth, too)
More innovation in the space is always appreciated. I have a helinox ground chair which makes camp really comfortable for me. I feel like with this chair I would need a seat pad to keep my butt warm while sitting on the ground
This is similar to the 3 oz Qwikback chair sold on litesmith. Probably a little more robust, but from a design perspective very similar. The qwikback chair never really took off, and I think its a tough sell - the people who carry chairs to begin with are fundamentally prioritizing comfort over weight, so they're more likely to choose a chair that gives them a comfortable leg position. While the people who prioritize weight over comfort are more likely to not carry a chair at all. There's probably buyers for this, but I don't think its going to displace helinox. I don't see this as functionally too different than sitting on the ground and leaning against your pack that's leaned on a rock or tree.
That chair would make A LOT more sense if that had been shown IN the tent. I think thats where it shines. I dont think its a around the fire type of chair but it has its strengths.
I would call this a stadion chair. The legs are missing. So it kind of defies the purpose of an ultralight chair for some people. Particularly when you are a little older. You do not want to sit on the ground anymore. And if you add legs, the result is the Helinox chair.
This has been around for awhile. LiteSmith has one for 2.65oz and it's $70. Someone else also made one that used trekking poles instead of rods that are provided but it was heavier.
For 0,68 lbs you can buy a “zitterik” here in the Netherlands. It is basically an adjustable and padded back rest/sit pad. Way more versatile than the product mentioned here. Yes it’s larger to pack, but just put on a log to make a chair. It’s used and sold by boyscouts for €25,-.
I've tried the whole sitting-on-the-ground thing using a foam pad while leaning against our packs and It isn't for either me or my wife. After hiking all day, sitting on the ground sucks and it sucks even more if you're constantly having to get up and down... especially if you have stuff in your hands (like food). Trying to cook was fairly difficult too. Furthermore, If the ground is wet, muddy or cold it's really unpleasant. I also found that I'd always put my hand on the dirty ground in order to push myself while getting up. Not a problem if your hands are already dirty but if you want to keep your hands clean (for cooking and eating), getting up with sore/stiff legs is nearly impossible. I'll stick with my chair zero and the extra 10oz. Its definitely not perfect but there's something about being off the ground that just makes you feel a little more human.
@@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301 That stool has no back. I'll pass. We want something with a back. Yes the chair zero is expensive but so is 80% of backpacking stuff.
This is a pretty cool idea actually as someone who camps and works in IT closets. Sometimes you have to sit on the ground or floor and just being able to lean back a little makes a huge difference for comfort. I wouldn’t call it a chair but as I get older a sit pad with some back support sounds like a good idea.
Pretty nice design overall. I made my own "Jerry chair" years ago out of ripstop nylon. It uses my trekking poles to support the back, so there's no extra items to carry. It also has a sleeve in the bottom for a sit pad to give a little more cushion when sitting on the ground. The chair only adds 2oz to my pack. But what makes it so great is that I can bring my Stansport stool- which is only 16oz, and attach the chair to the stool via kam snaps, and it allows me to sit comfortably off the ground by extending the length of my trekking poles for the back support. I also built it so the back comes all the way up to my shoulders. It's way more comfortable than a Helinox, and essentially the same weight as a Helinox Zero when you account for the weight of the stool.
@@FranklinHicks-qs4gsthe original plan is locked behind hammockforums donation wall, but if you look up the mountainsmith slingback chair it's almost identical. It's super easy to make if you have a piece of ripstop and a sewing machine.
Kifaru came out with this exact same design of a chair like 10 years ago. I don’t think people liked them very much and they discontinued it but this is like pretty much an exact copy. On another note, I have a knafs knife and it is an amazing knife that I use every single day at work
There's a japanese company with their product called "FR-chair carbon field" which weighs roughly the same (maybe 1 oz more), has a similar design, an insulated seat and looks sturdier
The Antimatter chair is a novel idea but probably a deal breaker for older hikers who struggle to get up off the ground because of stiff knees. The weight and packable size are intriguing to me but for now, I will stick with my Helinox Chair Zero because it has legs. I live in the Pacific Northwet where sitting on squishy wet logs or ground can really put a damper (I do mean that literally) on a comfortable hiking experience. Dan, I do appreciate you bringing new hiking gear to our attention and I hope you will keep doing it for the hiking community! 😁👍
I just find it funny that at 10:00 that he is sitting in a chair. Not his chair, a different chair. I would think that if he liked it so much, he would be sitting in his own chair.
I like this! There is a lot to be said for sitting on the ground next to a small fire. You have pretty much solved the problems of most backrests like this: stability and ease of use. I have a folding rigid DIY I use all the time at my backyard fire pit, and on very short hikes where bulk and 18 oz is not an issue.
One of my chairs uses trekking poles, has a cushion, is height adjustable to support head and shoulders, won't fall over when you stand up, and is easy to make yourself. My other chair carries your gear and cuts your firewood.
I can see how it wouldn’t be for everyone, but I really love this idea! I have circulation issues in my legs and always carry an insulated pad anyway, so being able to stretch my legs out all the way like that would be really nice. Sure, I like the thought of being off the ground, but this honestly looks more comfortable than my Chair Zero or even my original Nemo Moonlite. I’ll for sure be buying one as soon as the side to side sway issue is worked out a bit better.
Best of luck to Shawn. A carbon structure backrest is quite innovative, you'll find some clients! But you guys should have shown its use inside a tent, it would have made that product shine.
Interesting concept. For me, personally, I wouldn't use it in lieu of a chair around the campfire. If I want that experience, I'd want to be off the ground. I even wish there was a higher chair available for the weight of the Helinox zero. And I think it's a bit complex of a set-up to just whip out and sit down for a quick break while hiking - I'd just use a sit pad. However, I do think I'd use it inside my tent for having morning coffee, for cooking in the vestibule, or for just playing games or otherwise killing time on a rainy day. That's where having a ground chair is a benefit. My only worry would be that the base (back fabric) of the chair displaced enough of the weight so I didn't have two carbon fiber poles driving into the floor of my tent. A suggestion for a future mod might be to make the seat and back support fabric double layers with an opening so you could insert a small inflatable pad or your wadded up jacket or something. It might also be interesting to create a way it could integrate with one of the small lightweight stools on the market today so you could offer back support. Would it be feasible to use DFC or Ultra as the fabric? I realize it would cost quite a bit more, but that might be attractive anyway to those looking to shed an extra ounce. I haven't sat in it, so I don't know whether the extra sideways mobility Dan and Emmet experienced would feel insecure or not. But it might be a plus when using inside a tent - you could easily twist around to grab things, especially while cooking.
I like this format. Giving small companies some screen time can really help. You honesty is key in videos like this. You should do more of these not just chairs!
This is like the thermorest chair. I use mine without the Thermorest pad inside. Super comfy, super light, but yeah you sit on the ground. Still it has it's place in our camping gear!
There is already a fabric version of a lounger that you can put your sleeping pad into. I think it is Sea to Summit. Very comfortable as you can also adjust the sides to bring up or down. lol. We are giving this guy so many ideas for Mark 2.
Thermarest makes a similar product, but it's designed to have your sleeping pad put in it so that you DO get cushion, off the cold ground, etc. It's about $50-70 depending on when you buy it, 13oz (so between this and the Chair Zero), but your comfort and warmth would be much higher.
I have the older version of the Thermarest pad chair from 17-18 years. I believe mine is 10oz. I haven’t used it in years since it was made for a thinner 1.5-2” thick pad. But I did enjoy using it back in the day.
Here's my feedback from the perspective of a camper, backpacker, and back-pain sufferer and floor-sitter: The Easton struts are UL, but the carry sack defeats the purpose of having them for a UL backpacker. There's kinda no point in having carbon fiber poles if the sack is going to weigh a bunch, if that makes sense. I could use a different sack, but I actually really like that idea- just not for backpacking or camping where I do not want to sit on the ground for long periods because of ticks and other bugs. When I saw the strap though, I said, "BEACH" and also thought of when I watched my cousin's kid's soccer practice. It's small enough to leave in the car. I just don't want to pay 90 bucks for a beach or soccer practice chair. So, I'm not sure backpackers are the right market, but if the poles were aluminum and the cost was 45 and marketed as a beach chair or to soccer moms or sports fans or something, it could do well there. A couple people said it would be nice if you're stuck in a tent. For air mattress users, they'd probably use the air mattress sling chair, but for those UL folks using a closed cell foam mat, YES. However, those people aren't going to want to use that sack, so they are going to have to spend more money to make or buy a UL DCF sack, and that's going to suck for them. SO, maybe 2 versions: soccer mom version with aluminum and the sack how it is, and UL version with carbon fiber and a much lighter stuff sack. However- if people are using closed cell foam because it is light, they may not want a chair, even if it's only 8 oz, but they may be using closed cell foam because it's a good budget option, in which case, they probably don't want to spend 90 bucks on a carbon fiber chair. So I think Dan is right about just using aluminum poles and cutting the price.
One thing that’s good about this thing is that it’s easier to get off the ground than it is to get off of a really low chair. This is because you can put your hands on the ground to help stand up. And tbh it’s not a bad idea as it’s tiny and allows you to sit down. That said $90 is way too much. The aluminium one is probably the move
2 recommendations, make different locking points for the back rest so u can change the pitch and have different widths. Ideally common sleeping pad widths so it can be used with them.
This reminds me of a smaller version of an aluminum ground lounger that I picked up on clearance years ago. The ground pad on it was about 5ft long and the pole system was more like a helinox. I think its about 2 pounds. I used to lounge on it in my smaller hot tent shelters to use as a low height chair and ground pad. Something like this could be useful for people with apnea or reflux who need to sleep slightly elevated in their tent.
This chair is great for those seeking lightest weight yet desire some comforts still. Winter camping with more time spent in the tent would be the perfect situation for this chair. Especially since one needs heavier equipment for the colder weather, this would compensate for that extra weight. However summer time hiking I like to be off the ground.
Hammock. Better sleep. More comfortable chair. Don't have to get up from the ground whether you're exiting your bed to pee or getting up from sitting where you were eating your dinner.
I love this different Idea. Lets think differently. A great start for those who hike. With imagination this can also be used in a tent or at home. I love the innivation.
Look my Helinox One is just under 2lbs and it keeps me at over 300lbs sitting comfortably off the ground. I'm for Ultralighters this product works great, but there's a level of comfort I am just not willing to give up. And my Helinox is part of that. All of that said. This is interesting product and would probably be great for Ultralight hikers.
Litesmith Quickback chair with similar design has been available for many years. It's lighter than this one, cheaper, and it's likely just as uncomfortable (i own Litesmith and rarely use it)
The entire purpose of a chair is to get your backside off the ground. This is not a chair, it's a backrest at most and that is easily replaced with a tree or rock which would be even comfier.
I could see myself carrying that in Florida, I sit down all the time on the sand and that support seems great... the price, a bit challenging, $50 seems about right
Hope this wasn't said elsewhere in the comments, but they should try to come up with a way that a set of trekking poles could be converted into this chair. Most poles come in segments anyway. The back of the chair could come from the top 3rd of a trekking pole and the cris-crossing support poles could come from the middle or bottom 3rd of a trekking pole. If carbon fiber is the main cost, seems like you could sell a chair AND a set of trekking poles for not that much more money. Plus you'd save weight on the redundancy of poles.
Something like this has been around for a long time - the Litesmith QwikBack™ UL Chair. Except that product weighs only 2.65 oz (75 g) or way less than HALF of this product.
hi Dan, living here in Luxembourg, miles away from the Grand Canyon and never yet managed to get there even though I worked for Amz. for 12 years in the UK and Europe. Came to the US a few times, mostly SEA but having left some years ago to get some more time to do the things I love can not see when I will get chance to walk the GC any time soon. Love the channel, haven't subscribed until recently (but this was to protect you as you are the cause of all these random bits of kit arriving on our doorstep and if my wife knew the spend was because of you she would have paid you a visit by now 🙂), If I get get to see the Canyon with the purchase of one of these knives it would be great and tide me over until i can see the real thing. Love the vibe on the channel, and likely your ora is what is going to get me back into trails and tents along with my other scuba diving passion.. very best, AP
There is a really cool piece of gear that Justin outdoors always uses, which is a better version of your improvised plastic lid for the toaks pot. It’s called THE PIKA LID, and it has some really cool features. Would be nice if you chaked it out and see if it’s worth buying. Thanks.
Love the idea but I would need some cushion for my booty after a long day on the trail sitting on the ground wouldn’t be ideal especially in snow or rainy ground conditions
It's not a chair, it's a back rest for when sitting on the floor, but that would be a near impossible marketing sell so I can see why he's gone with "on ground chair" but as someone who struggles with back ache I like this concept. Edit: As mentioned by others, this type of design is already out there by Field Record (Japan) and Litesmith, although the backrest looks very narrow on the Litesmith one.
Double material on the seat with a Velcro closer on the fold like a pocket that would be able to put your own clothes or blow up pillow for sitting comfort, would be better than sitting flat on the floor with that chair. Just an optional opinion.
Also there is a chair I do not see in the background and I know its not everyone's cup of tea but it is unique and fits this category the Grand Trunk Monarch picked mine up on sale for $69 great little Ultralite chair that does not break the bank.
Alite Monarch (now owned by Grand Trunk, but I have an old and a new one, and GT doesn't appear to have compromised the quality at all) is my favorite chair, and it seems to get ignored all the time.
I have a Big Agnus chair....not as light as the Helinox Chair Zero. Would i take it if i was on a 10 day trip. No Would I take it on a thru hike. No I take it on over-nights...great to have when you want a fire. Great when you don't REALLY care about weight. Where I see this fitting in is for those ultra-lighter's. Trying to go light and fast. Yes, at 8 oz its still weight...but image hiking in the rain on a thru hike. No longer just sitting in your tent uncomfortable for hours. You can break out this chair. Or even if you're on a 10 day trip...8oz isn't really that awful. It now provides people on longer hikes a way of sitting comfortably without breaking the bank ($90 is less than $150 that other chairs are) and its pretty compact. I can see adding something like this as a nice luxury item on longer hikes
Looks like it would work ok for a quick set up. Is light weight. If you don’t like carrying a chair I’ve seen similar using small tarp and trekking poles that work just as well
Maybe as a back rest in a small 1-2 person tent. But, even then would it be safe not to puncture my air mat? As a chair it's not a chair. It's also pretty expensive for what it is.
I like the idea of a "it's better than nothing" style chair for almost zero extra weight. But not for almost $100. I'd take a metal pole version for half the price.
I'd say it needs three things though they would add a little weight. It needs to be wider and the seating area needs padding and to be longer. I like the look of it though.
Integrating trekking poles instead of carbon fiber poles would drop the weight even more although u may not have trekking poles for your ultralight trekking pole tent. A good solution would be using a single trekking pole (maybe taken in half) for the chair and save the other for a single trekking pole tent.
A chair is a seat consisting of "one or more legs", a flat or slightly angled seat and a back-rest. I take a chair with, so i don't have to sit on the ground.
What I'd be interested in is if this can be used on top of an inflatable sleeping pad. I fear the carbon poles will put to much weight on one point and it might potentially pop. If it can be, it would be awesome to use inside a tent or under a low tarp, especially when sitting out bad weather.
I think this is a good idea. Need one with the inflation pad built in the bottom, or an inflation pad that you can purchase that will slide into a pouch if you want it. At $99 it is not a simple purchase. At $60 it would be a simple purchase.
Are you able to build in some type of foam seat like the Nemo sleeping pad as a pressure distribution seat? I’d imagine it wouldn’t add much weight and would increase comfort a fair amount.
I’ve seen similar products and applaud the idea but I don’t backpack in places with nice soft grass like Dan’s backyard. Maybe some people do? To solve the weight problem you’ve ignored the very purpose of bringing a chair to begin with, getting off the ground.
This one is tough. I applaud this guy for thinking outside the box. The world needs more of it. I just don’t know who this is for. I feel like people who are super concerned with weight will just forgo a chair completely. Those who do want to take the weight penalty in favor of comfort will actually want a comfortable chair.
I really like this design because it provides a back rest without elevating you. This is good for, say, small hot tents, or tents with an awning that are low to the ground like the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
@@Kymus looks like it may be quite rough on a superlight floor, since you're putting your weight on a couple of points.
in the uk, being able to sit up inside your tent in the rain on a long winter night is very, very nice
@@simon7719 usually just fold some foam under?
💯
This is an example of going to extreme to save a little weight. I'd carry and extra 8 oz all day to get off the ground with the chair zero.
You just can’t beat the chair zero
You need the ground sheet!! but yes thee best
Even if it’s not for everyone, it’s cool to have options.
I got similar one from Amazon, I use it for inside the tent in winter. Cheap but weighs about 500g
@frambo7 that does make sense then!! I switched to a msr frontrange in spring, so it big enough to use my chair inside the tent!
If I had the money I’d totally use this in my tent under my quilt to chill and watch a movie when it’s raining.
I didn’t even think about using it in a tent. That’s such a good idea
If it was adjustable I would have definitely been sold
That is a good use for it. So hard to try and rest comfortable upright in a tent on a sleep system to watch a video.
You going to poke some holes in your tent footprint or ground cloth?
This exactly what I was thinking, great for long nights in the tent winter camping. I'm curious how much this would press into the floor of my xmid.
It's not a chair, it's a backrest.
Exactly...made it lighter by taking the legs off, I'll haul the extra weight to get off the ground. Cool idea though.
I was going to say the exact same thing.
yeah, I don't need to bring anything with me if I want to sit on the ground
I'd guess it's target market is for the people who already have sit pads in their backpacks. So it's more relaxing than just a sit pad, but not as big or heavy as a full chair.
I can't really imagine using it by itself, but if I'm already carrying a sit pad as the back support of my backpack, I could see them combining together well
It’s a chair.
6:40 what I like most about this design is that it can be used inside a 1-2 person tent whereas that ain’t happening with the other chairs.
Helinox ground chair fits in a tent just fine and keeps you off the ground. Definitely not the lightest option they have but it’s a great design
@@eddiekane1202 came here to say pretty much exactly this!
@@fatbikejamie so glad I found it and it replaced my glassing pad. Long glassing sessions on the mountain are so much more tolerable
that's probably the only use for it
@@eddiekane1202 In what tent? Lol Definitely doesn’t work in my X mid.
This would be great for lawn concerts
No legs, not a chair. It's a seat pad with a back rest.
Not even a pad my guy! It’s just a piece of fabric between you and the ground
@MharkelBellacour yeah, very true 👍
@@MharkelBellacour I rather don’t have an integrated pad. That allows for more flexibility
If that chair was considered Part One, I'd buy it right now. Part Two: would include a support system to sit off the ground. That way folks can pick and choose which one to use, part one or part one AND two. It will also help if Part 2 would be able to be used as a table, or a stool, without the part one. Good concept, now run with it.
The trekker chair kit by thermarest converts your sleeping pad into a chair like this, so you do get vetter comfort and a few inches off the ground (so some warmth, too)
More innovation in the space is always appreciated. I have a helinox ground chair which makes camp really comfortable for me. I feel like with this chair I would need a seat pad to keep my butt warm while sitting on the ground
This is similar to the 3 oz Qwikback chair sold on litesmith. Probably a little more robust, but from a design perspective very similar. The qwikback chair never really took off, and I think its a tough sell - the people who carry chairs to begin with are fundamentally prioritizing comfort over weight, so they're more likely to choose a chair that gives them a comfortable leg position. While the people who prioritize weight over comfort are more likely to not carry a chair at all. There's probably buyers for this, but I don't think its going to displace helinox. I don't see this as functionally too different than sitting on the ground and leaning against your pack that's leaned on a rock or tree.
I also immediately thought of the Qwikback and Mountainsmith Sling Back when I saw this. Though this one looks more comfortable than the Qwikback.
That chair would make A LOT more sense if that had been shown IN the tent. I think thats where it shines. I dont think its a around the fire type of chair but it has its strengths.
"a lot"
I agree, but then how would this chair be any different than one of those backrests you can buy for your sleeping pad? Those weight less too.
@@RedSarGaming I'd say this "chair" IS a backrest. I'm not sure how it differs from those you are referring to.
@@RedSarGaming
It SEEMS like you can lean back in this more than those other versions.
Yeah and destroy your tent bottom
I would call this a stadion chair. The legs are missing. So it kind of defies the purpose of an ultralight chair for some people. Particularly when you are a little older. You do not want to sit on the ground anymore.
And if you add legs, the result is the Helinox chair.
Question: “How do you make the lightest backpacking chair?”
Answer: “Redefine ‘chair’.”
No way I'd use that chair. I'm too old to sit on the ground. I'd never be able to stand up again after a 15 mile day.
My immediate first thought - great idea but I want to sit off the ground and will gladly pay the weight penalty.
Interesting. What sleeping pad do you use that’s not on the ground?
Well, IT AINT FOR YOU.
YOU ARENT THE MAIN CHARACTER
Old conceited @ss
69 year old and my feelings too
This has been around for awhile. LiteSmith has one for 2.65oz and it's $70. Someone else also made one that used trekking poles instead of rods that are provided but it was heavier.
For 0,68 lbs you can buy a “zitterik” here in the Netherlands. It is basically an adjustable and padded back rest/sit pad. Way more versatile than the product mentioned here.
Yes it’s larger to pack, but just put on a log to make a chair.
It’s used and sold by boyscouts for €25,-.
As someone else from the Netherlands I say: dankjewel!
This indeed looks similar, might be on my wishlist soon.
@ graag gedaan, hier gaat hij echt overal bij mee.
I've tried the whole sitting-on-the-ground thing using a foam pad while leaning against our packs and It isn't for either me or my wife. After hiking all day, sitting on the ground sucks and it sucks even more if you're constantly having to get up and down... especially if you have stuff in your hands (like food). Trying to cook was fairly difficult too. Furthermore, If the ground is wet, muddy or cold it's really unpleasant. I also found that I'd always put my hand on the dirty ground in order to push myself while getting up. Not a problem if your hands are already dirty but if you want to keep your hands clean (for cooking and eating), getting up with sore/stiff legs is nearly impossible.
I'll stick with my chair zero and the extra 10oz. Its definitely not perfect but there's something about being off the ground that just makes you feel a little more human.
Not a chair and $90 you must be kidding ! Robens geographic stool is 260g $20 and your off ground at least
@@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301 That stool has no back. I'll pass. We want something with a back. Yes the chair zero is expensive but so is 80% of backpacking stuff.
3:48 when in the Army, we made seat backs like this all the time. We used sticks and canvas with 550 cord.
This is a pretty cool idea actually as someone who camps and works in IT closets. Sometimes you have to sit on the ground or floor and just being able to lean back a little makes a huge difference for comfort. I wouldn’t call it a chair but as I get older a sit pad with some back support sounds like a good idea.
Pretty nice design overall. I made my own "Jerry chair" years ago out of ripstop nylon. It uses my trekking poles to support the back, so there's no extra items to carry. It also has a sleeve in the bottom for a sit pad to give a little more cushion when sitting on the ground. The chair only adds 2oz to my pack. But what makes it so great is that I can bring my Stansport stool- which is only 16oz, and attach the chair to the stool via kam snaps, and it allows me to sit comfortably off the ground by extending the length of my trekking poles for the back support. I also built it so the back comes all the way up to my shoulders. It's way more comfortable than a Helinox, and essentially the same weight as a Helinox Zero when you account for the weight of the stool.
Fantastic. Share the plan's Stan!!!!
Better yet, patent that shiznit and TAKE MY MONEY
I made a sling chair like this but couldn't figure out how to get off the ground, connecting to a stool. KamSnaps! Awesome solution! TY!🎉
@@FranklinHicks-qs4gsthe original plan is locked behind hammockforums donation wall, but if you look up the mountainsmith slingback chair it's almost identical. It's super easy to make if you have a piece of ripstop and a sewing machine.
Kifaru came out with this exact same design of a chair like 10 years ago. I don’t think people liked them very much and they discontinued it but this is like pretty much an exact copy.
On another note, I have a knafs knife and it is an amazing knife that I use every single day at work
There's a japanese company with their product called "FR-chair carbon field" which weighs roughly the same (maybe 1 oz more), has a similar design, an insulated seat and looks sturdier
Shawn did a great job for ultralight backpackers. Not for everyone, but well designed chair. I’d love to try it.
It's not a chair. It's a backrest. And these already exist.
cool idea, but I need the elevation the others provide. It's neat for being inside a tent tho.
The Antimatter chair is a novel idea but probably a deal breaker for older hikers who struggle to get up off the ground because of stiff knees. The weight and packable size are intriguing to me but for now, I will stick with my Helinox Chair Zero because it has legs. I live in the Pacific Northwet where sitting on squishy wet logs or ground can really put a damper (I do mean that literally) on a comfortable hiking experience. Dan, I do appreciate you bringing new hiking gear to our attention and I hope you will keep doing it for the hiking community! 😁👍
I just find it funny that at 10:00 that he is sitting in a chair. Not his chair, a different chair. I would think that if he liked it so much, he would be sitting in his own chair.
He couldn’t sit in his chair because Dan was sitting in it
I like this! There is a lot to be said for sitting on the ground next to a small fire. You have pretty much solved the problems of most backrests like this: stability and ease of use. I have a folding rigid DIY I use all the time at my backyard fire pit, and on very short hikes where bulk and 18 oz is not an issue.
One of my chairs uses trekking poles, has a cushion, is height adjustable to support head and shoulders, won't fall over when you stand up, and is easy to make yourself. My other chair carries your gear and cuts your firewood.
I can see how it wouldn’t be for everyone, but I really love this idea! I have circulation issues in my legs and always carry an insulated pad anyway, so being able to stretch my legs out all the way like that would be really nice. Sure, I like the thought of being off the ground, but this honestly looks more comfortable than my Chair Zero or even my original Nemo Moonlite. I’ll for sure be buying one as soon as the side to side sway issue is worked out a bit better.
Best of luck to Shawn. A carbon structure backrest is quite innovative, you'll find some clients!
But you guys should have shown its use inside a tent, it would have made that product shine.
Interesting concept. For me, personally, I wouldn't use it in lieu of a chair around the campfire. If I want that experience, I'd want to be off the ground. I even wish there was a higher chair available for the weight of the Helinox zero. And I think it's a bit complex of a set-up to just whip out and sit down for a quick break while hiking - I'd just use a sit pad. However, I do think I'd use it inside my tent for having morning coffee, for cooking in the vestibule, or for just playing games or otherwise killing time on a rainy day. That's where having a ground chair is a benefit. My only worry would be that the base (back fabric) of the chair displaced enough of the weight so I didn't have two carbon fiber poles driving into the floor of my tent.
A suggestion for a future mod might be to make the seat and back support fabric double layers with an opening so you could insert a small inflatable pad or your wadded up jacket or something. It might also be interesting to create a way it could integrate with one of the small lightweight stools on the market today so you could offer back support.
Would it be feasible to use DFC or Ultra as the fabric? I realize it would cost quite a bit more, but that might be attractive anyway to those looking to shed an extra ounce.
I haven't sat in it, so I don't know whether the extra sideways mobility Dan and Emmet experienced would feel insecure or not. But it might be a plus when using inside a tent - you could easily twist around to grab things, especially while cooking.
I like this format. Giving small companies some screen time can really help. You honesty is key in videos like this. You should do more of these not just chairs!
This is like the thermorest chair. I use mine without the Thermorest pad inside. Super comfy, super light, but yeah you sit on the ground. Still it has it's place in our camping gear!
There is already a fabric version of a lounger that you can put your sleeping pad into. I think it is Sea to Summit. Very comfortable as you can also adjust the sides to bring up or down. lol. We are giving this guy so many ideas for Mark 2.
Thermarest makes a similar product, but it's designed to have your sleeping pad put in it so that you DO get cushion, off the cold ground, etc. It's about $50-70 depending on when you buy it, 13oz (so between this and the Chair Zero), but your comfort and warmth would be much higher.
It's called the Trekker chair kit, for people who are interested.
I have the older version of the Thermarest pad chair from 17-18 years. I believe mine is 10oz. I haven’t used it in years since it was made for a thinner 1.5-2” thick pad. But I did enjoy using it back in the day.
Trekker chair has been a game changer
Here's my feedback from the perspective of a camper, backpacker, and back-pain sufferer and floor-sitter:
The Easton struts are UL, but the carry sack defeats the purpose of having them for a UL backpacker. There's kinda no point in having carbon fiber poles if the sack is going to weigh a bunch, if that makes sense. I could use a different sack, but I actually really like that idea- just not for backpacking or camping where I do not want to sit on the ground for long periods because of ticks and other bugs. When I saw the strap though, I said, "BEACH" and also thought of when I watched my cousin's kid's soccer practice. It's small enough to leave in the car. I just don't want to pay 90 bucks for a beach or soccer practice chair. So, I'm not sure backpackers are the right market, but if the poles were aluminum and the cost was 45 and marketed as a beach chair or to soccer moms or sports fans or something, it could do well there. A couple people said it would be nice if you're stuck in a tent. For air mattress users, they'd probably use the air mattress sling chair, but for those UL folks using a closed cell foam mat, YES. However, those people aren't going to want to use that sack, so they are going to have to spend more money to make or buy a UL DCF sack, and that's going to suck for them.
SO, maybe 2 versions: soccer mom version with aluminum and the sack how it is, and UL version with carbon fiber and a much lighter stuff sack. However- if people are using closed cell foam because it is light, they may not want a chair, even if it's only 8 oz, but they may be using closed cell foam because it's a good budget option, in which case, they probably don't want to spend 90 bucks on a carbon fiber chair.
So I think Dan is right about just using aluminum poles and cutting the price.
I think it seems awesome!! You are saving $60 and a half a pound weight penalty!! I love it!!
This guy needs to make an alternate version and market it to hunters. Some variation of this design could be really good for turkey hunters.
Came here to say the same thing, first thing I thought of was turkey hunting.
Very interesting!!! I want to see the padded version for us “older” people…
I agree with some of the first comments, I want a chair I can sit in the tent. Nice idea... I am in.
One thing that’s good about this thing is that it’s easier to get off the ground than it is to get off of a really low chair. This is because you can put your hands on the ground to help stand up. And tbh it’s not a bad idea as it’s tiny and allows you to sit down. That said $90 is way too much. The aluminium one is probably the move
2 recommendations, make different locking points for the back rest so u can change the pitch and have different widths. Ideally common sleeping pad widths so it can be used with them.
This reminds me of a smaller version of an aluminum ground lounger that I picked up on clearance years ago. The ground pad on it was about 5ft long and the pole system was more like a helinox. I think its about 2 pounds. I used to lounge on it in my smaller hot tent shelters to use as a low height chair and ground pad.
Something like this could be useful for people with apnea or reflux who need to sleep slightly elevated in their tent.
This chair is great for those seeking lightest weight yet desire some comforts still. Winter camping with more time spent in the tent would be the perfect situation for this chair. Especially since one needs heavier equipment for the colder weather, this would compensate for that extra weight. However summer time hiking I like to be off the ground.
Hammock. Better sleep. More comfortable chair. Don't have to get up from the ground whether you're exiting your bed to pee or getting up from sitting where you were eating your dinner.
Doesn’t Litesmith already make this?
Something very close to this, yes
Not a chair, it's a backrest. Wait, I just thought of this, are you guys trolling us? This better be a joke. Can't wait for the inflatable chair next.
I like the idea of close to the ground, smoke from the fire won’t make me move every minute.
I could see setting this up in my tent and using it
Aside from back support it’s essentially a sitting pad
I love this different Idea. Lets think differently.
A great start for those who hike.
With imagination this can also be used in a tent or at home.
I love the innivation.
This would be a good backrest for when I’m watching a field while hunting deer and elk but backpacking I would rather have something with legs on it.
Look my Helinox One is just under 2lbs and it keeps me at over 300lbs sitting comfortably off the ground. I'm for Ultralighters this product works great, but there's a level of comfort I am just not willing to give up. And my Helinox is part of that. All of that said. This is interesting product and would probably be great for Ultralight hikers.
This combined with a Z Seat, which I’m already carrying would be nice combination. What I really am missing with just a Z Seat is the back rest.
This is a redesign of a product that has been in hiking. Good on him bringing his design to market. Greetings from Norway
I can see this taking OFF in Japan where backrests are super common for indoor lounging and kotatsu.
What about the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair? I love it.
Litesmith Quickback chair with similar design has been available for many years. It's lighter than this one, cheaper, and it's likely just as uncomfortable (i own Litesmith and rarely use it)
Would love an off ground version for a few more ounces
The entire purpose of a chair is to get your backside off the ground. This is not a chair, it's a backrest at most and that is easily replaced with a tree or rock which would be even comfier.
if it came with a removeable seat pad, or sleeve to add your own this would be pretty cool
I could see myself carrying that in Florida, I sit down all the time on the sand and that support seems great... the price, a bit challenging, $50 seems about right
Not sure if the price point of $90 matches the chair. I go my Helinox Zero on sale for another $10 more dollars and I'm off the ground.
Hope this wasn't said elsewhere in the comments, but they should try to come up with a way that a set of trekking poles could be converted into this chair. Most poles come in segments anyway. The back of the chair could come from the top 3rd of a trekking pole and the cris-crossing support poles could come from the middle or bottom 3rd of a trekking pole. If carbon fiber is the main cost, seems like you could sell a chair AND a set of trekking poles for not that much more money. Plus you'd save weight on the redundancy of poles.
A paradigm mentality shift? Floob a doob jib job jib
Didn’t realize sitting on the floor is considered a chair.
Something like this has been around for a long time - the Litesmith QwikBack™ UL Chair.
Except that product weighs only 2.65 oz (75 g) or way less than HALF of this product.
Exactly what I was thinking. I have the Litesmith chair. Have used it for several years.
Why does this feel like a Shark Tank episode? XD
hi Dan, living here in Luxembourg, miles away from the Grand Canyon and never yet managed to get there even though I worked for Amz. for 12 years in the UK and Europe. Came to the US a few times, mostly SEA but having left some years ago to get some more time to do the things I love can not see when I will get chance to walk the GC any time soon. Love the channel, haven't subscribed until recently (but this was to protect you as you are the cause of all these random bits of kit arriving on our doorstep and if my wife knew the spend was because of you she would have paid you a visit by now 🙂), If I get get to see the Canyon with the purchase of one of these knives it would be great and tide me over until i can see the real thing. Love the vibe on the channel, and likely your ora is what is going to get me back into trails and tents along with my other scuba diving passion.. very best, AP
There is a really cool piece of gear that Justin outdoors always uses, which is a better version of your improvised plastic lid for the toaks pot.
It’s called THE PIKA LID, and it has some really cool features. Would be nice if you chaked it out and see if it’s worth buying. Thanks.
Love the idea but I would need some cushion for my booty after a long day on the trail sitting on the ground wouldn’t be ideal especially in snow or rainy ground conditions
It's not a chair, it's a back rest for when sitting on the floor, but that would be a near impossible marketing sell so I can see why he's gone with "on ground chair" but as someone who struggles with back ache I like this concept.
Edit: As mentioned by others, this type of design is already out there by Field Record (Japan) and Litesmith, although the backrest looks very narrow on the Litesmith one.
Double material on the seat with a Velcro closer on the fold like a pocket that would be able to put your own clothes or blow up pillow for sitting comfort, would be better than sitting flat on the floor with that chair. Just an optional opinion.
Also there is a chair I do not see in the background and I know its not everyone's cup of tea but it is unique and fits this category the Grand Trunk Monarch picked mine up on sale for $69 great little Ultralite chair that does not break the bank.
Alite Monarch (now owned by Grand Trunk, but I have an old and a new one, and GT doesn't appear to have compromised the quality at all) is my favorite chair, and it seems to get ignored all the time.
That knife is SICK! I LOVE the 3D topo scales
I have a Big Agnus chair....not as light as the Helinox Chair Zero.
Would i take it if i was on a 10 day trip. No
Would I take it on a thru hike. No
I take it on over-nights...great to have when you want a fire. Great when you don't REALLY care about weight.
Where I see this fitting in is for those ultra-lighter's. Trying to go light and fast. Yes, at 8 oz its still weight...but image hiking in the rain on a thru hike. No longer just sitting in your tent uncomfortable for hours. You can break out this chair. Or even if you're on a 10 day trip...8oz isn't really that awful. It now provides people on longer hikes a way of sitting comfortably without breaking the bank ($90 is less than $150 that other chairs are) and its pretty compact.
I can see adding something like this as a nice luxury item on longer hikes
I don’t think the Nemo Moonlite will ever be beat. It’s worth every ounce.
Looks like it would work ok for a quick set up. Is light weight. If you don’t like carrying a chair I’ve seen similar using small tarp and trekking poles that work just as well
Maybe as a back rest in a small 1-2 person tent. But, even then would it be safe not to puncture my air mat? As a chair it's not a chair. It's also pretty expensive for what it is.
this would make a great seat for a paddleboard.
I like the idea of a "it's better than nothing" style chair for almost zero extra weight. But not for almost $100. I'd take a metal pole version for half the price.
Appreciate you using your channel to give interesting ideas some coverage. Thanks for all the great videos!
I'd say it needs three things though they would add a little weight. It needs to be wider and the seating area needs padding and to be longer. I like the look of it though.
Integrating trekking poles instead of carbon fiber poles would drop the weight even more although u may not have trekking poles for your ultralight trekking pole tent. A good solution would be using a single trekking pole (maybe taken in half) for the chair and save the other for a single trekking pole tent.
Make the top taller and flair it out. That might change it from being unsteady.
That's pretty great for a thru-hiker
A chair is a seat consisting of "one or more legs", a flat or slightly angled seat and a back-rest.
I take a chair with, so i don't have to sit on the ground.
What I'd be interested in is if this can be used on top of an inflatable sleeping pad. I fear the carbon poles will put to much weight on one point and it might potentially pop.
If it can be, it would be awesome to use inside a tent or under a low tarp, especially when sitting out bad weather.
I think this is a good idea. Need one with the inflation pad built in the bottom, or an inflation pad that you can purchase that will slide into a pouch if you want it. At $99 it is not a simple purchase. At $60 it would be a simple purchase.
I would use it when I'm cooking because then I'm closer to the ground and have better access to my stove.
Are you able to build in some type of foam seat like the Nemo sleeping pad as a pressure distribution seat? I’d imagine it wouldn’t add much weight and would increase comfort a fair amount.
If I'm gonna buy a camp chair, then I don't want to sit on the ground. I'll pass.
I think the chair is cool for when distance backpacking is a factor and can't carry a legged chair.
You should compare head to head with the Crazy Creek on ground chair.
I’ve seen similar products and applaud the idea but I don’t backpack in places with nice soft grass like Dan’s backyard. Maybe some people do? To solve the weight problem you’ve ignored the very purpose of bringing a chair to begin with, getting off the ground.
$90.00... don't think so... sit pad and a tree makes more sense.
Good idea - now make it 4 inches wider to add comfort and stability with very little weight.
Think i'd prefer to lean against a tree on a bin liner.
I'd like to see this compared against the same style chair where u use ur hiking poles as the back rest instead of tent poles
Mmmm no…I want to more easily get up and down on my seat, this is equivalent to sitting on the ground, hard no here.