I have had a Helinox Chair 1 for a little over a year and use it backpacking, canoe camping, and car camping. Is it worth the price? Yes! It is bomb proof! Worth the weight in a backpack just to not have to sit in the dirt or on a hard log. I also went with Helinox a year ago as a bigger dude pushing the 320lbs limit. 1 year later, I’m 90lbs lighter from all the time I’ve spent on the trail, the chair is even more comfy! Big thanks to Luke for being an inspiration to get me outside and change my life!
I have the updated Sportineer (sp?) version with pull tabs and pockets… 3 years of heavy use backpacking, camping and hunting and no real sign of any concerning wear! And if it breaks it’s not a prob to replace. That’s my 2 cents anyway :-)
Yeah mine will arrive tomorrow, the lower price, adjustable legs, loops for easier disassembly and the cupholder will be worth the little extra weight i guess
Oh yes I feel this comment! When I was a kid a large enough rock to sit on was a luxury and I was fine with sitting on the ground, these days I am not 100% sure I will be able to get up again if I try to sit on the ground lol
I've had my Helinox (Zero, I believe) with the ground sheet for probably the better part of 10 years. I'm 6'1", 240, and it has held up without any sign of wear. My livelihood depends on intellectual property, so whenever I can, I try to spend my dough on the original creator. $110 is a lot, so I don't fault anyone for opting for the knockoff. Btw, Luke, the Helinox does have a pocket--of sorts. See those two loops on either side of the carry bag? You loop those over the aluminum rods on the front of the seat before attaching it. Now you've got a nice big zippered pouch under the seat for storing stuff, plus you don't misplace the bag when it's time to pack it up!
I've had the Helinox chair One for well over a decade with almost daily use for approx. 7 years and it's still mint minus a little bit of fading. One of the best investments I've ever made for outdoor gear. Bought a second one recently.
I have a camp chair I bought from Walmart. Ozark trail which isn't known for quality but it works awesome. I think I paid 15-20 bucks for it and I have no complaints
I can chime in too, and say, Ozark Trail does provide sometimes! A buddy and I picked up a 10P tent by Ozark Trail a while back. We were shocked at how well it did.. We took it into N. Minnesota during October. Only had some small issues with condensation on the inside, no leaking or anything else though. Ozark Trail definitely pumps out half decent products for the price. Fair price for what you get
Yes. the OT model is fine if you're not worrying about weight. But, if weight is not a concern, you can probably use the more comfortable chair you've already had for 20 years. Andy you probably have 3 of them. :)
@@joemayer807 exactly, you arent carrying it on your back while ascending 4k feet in 2 hours. if you were, the weight would be an issue. I have 2 ozark trail chairs like the helinox. They stay in my truck. I carry the helinox zero backpacking.
I have Trekology's offering, been using it for nearly two years and it's still going well. It has less mesh than some of the even cheaper alternatives so you don't get as cold on cooler evenings. I have no issues with the quality at all. It does have the finger loops above the pole sleeves, in fact I think theirs was one of the first to add these, and it has the side pockets too. The leg poles are a bit thicker than a lot of other equivalents so it's a bit sturdier to sit on, cheaper ones I've tried are not as stable.
Have to agree here. I purchased mine last year about this time, with the sand pads, for about $53 a set. I ordered 3 and have no regrets. They work as well as my friends' more pricier chairs, but they do weigh a little more.
Been using the trekology for about 2 years myself, very much like it. Only thing I don’t like is that the chair design is really uncomfortable for sitting forward on, like at a desk. If you are sitting and lounging, they are completely awesome.
I do my best to avoid buying Chinese knock-off whenever I can. Like you said, Helinox has stayed the same, while all the knock-off brands kept adding features, that may seem like 'advancements.' Well, if you've spent exactly zero amount on R&D, and decided to just steal someone else's design, then the least you can do is to add some additional features at a lower price. I know for a fact that OneTigris didn't pay Helinox any royalty for 'borowing' their design, and can only imagine the same for the countless other Chinese brands on Amazon ripping off Helinox. Me, I'll always opt for the original on principle alone. I just can't condone theft.
When I originally wanted to buy a Helinox Swivel Chair I thought it expensive, so I came up with a cost benefit analysis calculation to determine the value to me! For clarity I will use the cost shown in the video title, which is $110. So, the chair is $110 and has a 5 year warranty, which works out at $22 for each year of that warranty, or $1:83 a month! I have absolute confidence that the Helinox gear will far outlive their excellent warranty period, making it cost even less than $1:83 a month! A Helinox Chair for $1:83 a month is phenomenal value, and they're known to still be working fine a decade on, which brings it to less than a dollar a month! So, I respectfully challenge that video title, because even if we use just the 5 year warranty period, that's only $22 a year, or $1:83 a month! Can anyone seriously claim that $1:83 a month for a genuine Helinox Chair is expensive? I think not, and I bought myself a Swivel Chair, and upon seeing the quality of the components, materials and build quality, I never again used that calculation for Helinox gear because it had established incontrovertible proof that these were truly outstanding value to me. I later bought a Cot One Convertible with High Leg Kit, afterwards a Speed Stool, then a medium Side Table and a tiny Storage Box. I have no connection to Helinox other than as an individual customer that bought and paid for my gear from European outdoor gear suppliers at their advertised website prices.
For a backpacker, the Helinox chair zero would probably be the best buy, depending on how much you do. But I think most of these are suitable for short hikes. For long hikes one of the folding sleep mats can double as a chair or the chair zero possibly.
I've had my Helinox for three seasons of heavy use, backpacking and car/van camping. It still looks brand new. I love the size of the carry bag and carry "golf ball" feet for soft ground use with the chair. Also, I love the external handles on the bag which makes carrying the chair on the outside of my pack easy by grimlocs attached to molle webbing. I paid closer to $120 when I bought mine and I'd pay it again today...I love Helinox products!
I can tell your one of those " Gotta Keep Up With the Jonses" kind of person. Got to have top name stuff, Oakley sun glasses,maytag washing machine,ect,ect.
@@spiderreed350 maybe she likes things to last? If it’s worth the money, I’m spending the extra. Buy once cry once. Btw I like Oakley sunglasses and I’m going on 6 years with the same pair
My Helinox Chair Zero broke within 1 year. The hole by the right leg, where you also have trouble finding the word for, was pierced by one of the legs you put in there. The hole simply wore out within that year. I use the chair every week. I got a replacement cloth due to warranty, but i was lucky since it only has one year warranty. Customer service was ok, but i don’t think that something like this should happen after 1 year for that price.
ive had one for about 4 seasons. ive burned a hole in it, several backpacking journeys, and this thing is near indestructible. its worth it. I have a cheaper version by another brand and ive noticed the materials stretch over time but not the helinox
I have two OneTigris chairs (thanks to your channel reviews, Luke!) and paid less than $100 for the pair. Super durable, love them. I take them on hiking and backpack trips.
We purchased our two Helinox Chair Ones in 2010 when they very first came onto the market in Australia and were totally unknown. In case you don’t know Helinox is an Australian company. In 2010 they were selling the two products they had out the back of their vehicle at outdoor shows. Purchasing these chairs was a leap of faith as they were totally new to the market and unlike anything else. Since 2010 our two chairs have been used countless times at festivals, outdoor events, picnics, during car travel and on motorcycle camping expeditions. Both chairs still look and perform as new with maybe a little sun bleaching and no other wear marks. I have two things to say here. 1. Don’t reward copyright rip off manufacturers who take somebody else’s design and go to a Chinese contact manufacturer and blatantly copy. 2. Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. I expect the two chairs we own to last longer than we will be capable of using them. On a cents per sit basis the Helinox has been way better value to us than the cheap chairs that many people I know buy and replace regularly.
Helinox is a Korean company. The parent company, DAC(Dongah Aluminum Co.) has been making aluminum poles since 1988 in Korea and they launched Helinox brand back in 2009. DAC still supplies their poles to lots major tent, outdoor stuff brands as well.
Another informative video. Thanks. Since my wife and I have a tandem recumbent trike with a trailer. I took some 1" PVC pipe and 1" PVC T's and made cross bars for the legs to rest in for less than $20 for both chairs. I used paracord to tie them together and the paracord goes over the cross bar to hold the pipes in place. Our Trekology camping chairs do not sink in sand or mud.
I gotta correct you on this one. Helinox's chair really does do something different from the other chairs you mentioned. Helinox chairs adopt DAC poles, which world-class tent makers such as Hilleberg employ in their tents. And Helinox has not insisted on only producing chairs with the same features for years as you said. There are products in the tactical line and, of course, the Chair Zero. While Chinese copycats could nearly imitate up to Chair One with cheap materials, the weight, stiffness, and flexibility of Chair Zero, with its unique performance of DAC poles, cannot be imitated with their low technology. Considering the investment in research and development costs for developing an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process (DAC has eliminated nitric and phosphoric acid from the Anodizing process of their aluminum poles) and for creating a lightweight folding chair for the first time, Helinox's products are not overpriced as you mentioned. It is more surprising that Chinese replica products that bluntly copied Helinox's design with cheap materials cost as much as $60.
Mine lasted all deployment and is still going strong. The cheaper chairs other guys brought ended up breaking or ripping. Definitely worth the money in my opinion
I purchased two of the REI branded, Flexlite chairs about five years ago. I've had no issues with wear, performance, or comfort. The REI chairs have a sewn-in, heavy-duty, nylon strap at each corner that makes assembling the chair much easier. REI also sold an underquilt for the chairs, which I purchased at the same time. These insulated liners attach to the back side of the seat and loop over the top and bottom attachments during assembly. Because of the close-fitting liners, the chairs keep you warm during cold weather. In my experience, during cold weather, my backside gets cold, and then my whole body becomes chilled. For me, this tends to increase body aches and soreness the next day. I can't say enough about being able to sit near a fire with both my front and back being warm. Unfortunately, it looks like REI has currently discontinued the underquilt for their Flexlite chairs. However, the Helinox website shows the seat warmer for $59.95, but theirs wraps over the chair seat rather than under it. Perhaps reviewing a seat underquilt would make a good Part 2?
It's not hard to justify at all, it's the original. Whether you want to give your money to the copycats or the original, that's up to you of course... With that said, when it comes to Helinox I would definitely go for the Chair Zero. It is the *ONLY* chair on the market that weighs 1 pound and retains the comfort of the original "Chair One". Nothing else comes close. So when it comes to backpacking, it's the only realistic option. I have both and the Chair One is the one I take with me on all day hikes and for car camping, fishing etc. When weight is a priority, I bring the Chair Zero. If you want to see "Advancing forward", you should check out the Chair Zero High Back which was launched just a few months ago. By far the lightest chair on the market in its category.
Luke, I literally watch every single one of your videos. I found your channel 1 year ago and since then I'm hooked. HIgh quality, top information, awesome "packaging" of every video. You are the best!
You also have to consider how much you will use it, the average person probably won't use it for camping and backpacking more than a handful of times over the year so there is that. I wouldn't pay $110 for one of those. Some people just have to have the most expensive thing tho, makes them feel good. :)
It’s the lightest backpacking chair that isn’t junk - it happens to be the most expensive. I don’t think people are buying them because they are the most expensive…..
Not just "aluminum" but proprietary DACs aluminium. As for pull tabs, as the chair gets broken in, assembly becomes much easier, not tabs required. I have had two since 2017. The best.
I opted for the Chair Zero, it’s lighter, great for backpacking and we keep them in the vehicle for whenever we might need it. Sure, I could have spent less but for lightest weight chair that’s well made, it was an easy choice for me. ✌🏼
Yes. There's really no place to slot the Chair One. At that weight, you're not carrying it in a pack so might as well get the heavier, cheaper models. But, if you're just carrying it in the car anyway, just go with the chairs you already have. They're more comfortable anyway. :) For this style of chair, I just tell folks to get the Zero, or don't get any at all unless they want a couple of the OT $20 ones to stash away in case of unexpected company while camping.
I've had two of the Helinox chairs since 2013. The ones I have are without the mesh fabric and have pockets (on each side). On 7th year of owning them, the plastic "feet" became brittle and broke off so I replaced them with some rubber caps but they didn't last. The bungie chords are also losing their elasticity, but this is easily replaced. I have the multicam version with a bonafide "multicam" label tab, hence Helinox surely has to pay Crye Precision which added to the cost. I paid about US$100 each ($150 Singapore dollars).
I have 2 Sportneer adjustable leg chairs I use for glassing while elk hunting. Thier Great! Customer service is great too! I accidentally cut a shock cord and they sent me a new frame. I only asked for the cord. No questions asked and promptly shipped at no cost. I'm impressed.
Love my Helinox Ground Zero, I bikepack so bulk and weight is a priority the Zero folds up really small. I am 6'3" and getting on a bit but with a little practice is quite easy to get in and out of it. There's nothing wrong with the cheaper copies but for quality and weight you can't beat a Ground Zero.
Thanks, Luke for doing the Helinox Chair One review. You seem to enjoy having that at your campsites to be able to sit on something that isn't hard, wet or soggy. I wouldn't pay $110 for a 2 lb. chair for backpacking but I DID pay $129.95 for the Helinox Chair Zero and am extremely happy with my purchase a year ago. I've taken it on several backpacking adventures with NO regrets! It will go with me everywhere because I have a bad back. Being able to take a one lb. chair into the high country is a life saver on my aching back. I'm no gram weenie but shaving off a lb. does make a difference for what I'm carrying.
After your video, I had to run out to my pack and see what I use. It is the helinox zero and is probably close to 10yrs old. Will say, it has gotten some hard use and still serves me well. In its case, I feel it was well worth the money. Only issue, is one hole in the seat due to campfire, and even that has not spread over time.
Not for backpacking, but I’ve been on the hunt for a chair. Manufacturers, are you reading this? My requirements: low to ground, high back, recline ability, relatively light and easy fold - not the tent pole puzzle type. I found one, ONE, on Amazon and it’s in route. We will see if it’s what I want. They only had a cinnamon color though which wouldn’t be my preference. I ordered the GCI Outdoor Low-Ride Reclining Camping Chair $40.
I went for the Helinox. It will last a long time after the price is forgotten, I hope! And I like to think that I promote development of new gear in the process.
I have 8 of the Sportneer. They work great. I keep one in my truck, one at work and then 6 that I take camping for my large family. They work with out issue. I have a couple of the old and new styles. I would personally rather spend $240 on 8 chairs I have and use, than the $880 on the Helinox. Yes the quality is a little less than the OneTigris and the Lelinox. But cost, specially this day in age, is a real factor to consider. Dont get me wrong, the looks of the other are nice. $$$$$ is always a major factor in any decision.
Helinox chair one is targeted for backpackers. Making stuff lighter costs so much more than you think. It is just not for you boss, especially not for your truck camping.
this is the first ive heard of the chair one. i have the helinox chair Zero which is basically the same thing but its 1 pound instead of 2, and its a little more expensive. obviously $130 lawn chair is absurd if its going to be used at work, at home or while vehicle camping. as the other guy said, these lightweight chairs are targeted at the lightweight backpacking crowd, the type of people who will spend $1,000 on a dyneema tarp/tent that looks like a weak plastic bag but its 1/5th the weight of a normal tent. other than for hiking, id just get any average $10 walmart lawnchair lol.
@@Beranicus yeah i agree for the chair one weight class, but the chair zero is just a bit over 1 pound rather than 2. i bought mine a few years ago and idk if there was a good full back support 1 pound chair that was a budget option.
Been using a Helinox Swivel for nearly a decade now and have had no issues. I did contact the company in the early days regarding some spare elastic and they sent it free of charge from Australia to UK. I still have it ready for use when (if) it breaks. The great thing about the swivel is I can do a 360 effortlessly which stops me getting a crick in my neck. Used it many hundreds of times. Wife had a G4Free and Adventure Ridge version of your reviewed chair, last year, they broke. She has bought G4free high back to replace them. I'm a Helinox fan and also have a cot. Wife refuses to let me spend the money on one for her.
We’ve owned our Helinox chairs since they were released in 2012. As you said at the time we were lugging steel standard folding camping chairs everywhere and the Helinox was a complete game changer. They were eye wateringly expensive then but they were light and had the weight carrying capacity. (I’m 120 kg) Never regretted spending the cash. We’ve used them in every festival, camping, hiking, beach going excursion we’ve had and they’ve never missed a beat. They still look and work as good now as when we bought them. The only thing that’s beginning to perish is the elastic cord holding the tubes. I’d agree with you about the downsides - they’re a bit tricky to stretch. They sink rapidly in soft ground (we have some squares of pvc that we use as a groundsheet.) They’re a touch low to the ground. I’d still buy the Helinoxes again now - just because they’ve been so good. Great review keep up the good work.
I got my Helinox One @ REI a few years back. It was only 59.78 (discontinued color). I have it set up inside for extra seating in whatever room it's needed. I've also taken it on several camping trips. It is VERY comfortable and always the chair that is taken first over the other camp chairs. I'm not sure I'd pay $110 for the One - I would probably shell out a little more and go for the Zero, but for the 59.78 I paid I would do it again no doubt.
I own one, the price stung...but I am very happy with it, the intended use is camping/backpacking, maybe a few hours of use. I battle tested it on black Friday and put over a day use on it. Not a bit of wear signs. TOUGH little sucker. It will hurt when you pay for it...but not when you sit down.
Just to shed some light on the small con you raised for Helinox, the reason why you experienced that higher difficulty when demonstrating the canvas removal, is because you're supposed to remove it from the base points first, instead of the backrest points. Great video nonetheless!
I’ve had the Chair One for a bit over two years and it still looks brand new. Got it with a gift card and REI 20% discount. But I wouldn’t mind paying full price for something that’s an original and top quality. I would highly recommend it.
I'm glad to see a honest review. Most reviews I see, say the Chair One weighs just over a pound. I've got 2 Aldi cheapo knockoffs. They weigh close to 5 pounds each if my estimate is correct.
I like the look of the Helinox but it's not worth twice as much than the others shown. I have no issue with the budget chair either but if I wanted more quality at a decent price, I would go with the One Tigris all day.
I literally just bought one of these types of chairs today and it's actually a little bit lighter than the helinox . In truth I wanted a chair zero but at almost $200 cad last time I checked, when you can even find them , I haven't been able to get one
Great review as always. I always look forward to watching them. I was wondering if you have ever made or thought about making an episode about the different materials used on tents, tarps, ect...? Kind of like you did with the different season tents. Keep up the good work.
That's a great idea for a video. There's a fair bit of info out there about each one, but it's hard to get a good feel for each one because they aren't really compared by someone as methodical and... well, trustworthy as Luke.
I think it's good to have a high end innovative option. Quality materials and builds have a place. I don't think this entirely fits that mold however. 60 dollar chair would serve 99% of people the same.
It is a pretty cool chair but not $110 cool. I've been rocking the same camping chair for 9 years that I paid $20 for at a Walmart out in Arkansas and it's been through hell and back! Not a tear or wobbly legs it's been rock solid...... And that's really the only thing I've ever bought from Walmart that worked lol.
bought the Helinox last year in a super sale and a ground sheet it's so nice when you set up camp that you can sit in a nice chair and the ground sheet I just always have in the chair pack plenty of room, and when you end up in a soft pine wood it's a life saver
I bought a helinox ground chair, its sturdy, and reliable. It helps alot with the sinking and shaves off some of the weight of the Helinox one while retaining the stability unlike the Helinox zero
I just got the Big Agnes Skyline UL and really like it. Though it’s a bit heavier (28 oz) it sit significantly higher off the ground and having your knees almost parallel with your hips is a game changer.
I've found that the cheaper chairs aren't quite as wide at the hip and also dig into my thighs more when seated. I have the high backed version now and it's superb.
Nice review. For those of us who aren't used to wearing the pocket-accessorized outdoor wear you use, I think the One-Tigris pocket is a brilliant spot for storing a phone or sunglasses when other options aren't available..
I love my Helinox Chair One. Had it since 2012 and still using it. Con is that the cord is not good when using the ball feet. The ball weighs down the cord and whenever I lift the chair, the poles didn’t stay put. My solution is the Helinox ground sheet. It works perfectly.
I went with the One Tigris high back version after your review of it. Couldnt be happier with it. I'm s big guy and push the weight limit and it has held up perfectly.
@pie in the eye slow yer roll, homie. I always watch the whole video, because I have questions and I give Luke a chance to address them. I've been a subscriber for years to TOGR, and I value Luke's opinions. But he doesn't always answer my specific questions. So, when he compares several choices, I look into it myself to see if there are even more options. So, yes, I did watch the while video before I commented. And like I posted, price is my number one concern. Not weight. Not everyone is worried about weight. Maybe, just maybe there's people out here that car camp, and think more about form and function over weight... Capiche?
There are videos on TH-cam where they compare the different $30 brand chairs. You might look for that to see which cheap brands stand out better than the others.
As soon as I clicked on the video I was like, man I wonder if he's reviewed the One Tigris chair, and well, there ya go.... I'v had great luck with One Tigris gear in other applications so decided to pick one up from Amazon who had a ten off coupon. Super happ to see it included in the review. Thank you!!
I use the ultralight Helinox Chair Zero (1 pound) for backpacking trips where I want more than a foam sit pad and can live with the added weight in my pack. I also have two of the One Tigris chairs (2.4 pounds) for picnic hikes with the wife. I've not had any problems with either brands quality or reliability although they both will posthole in the sand if you are not careful with your placement of their legs.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I have hip problems and am going through physical therapy, but walking and hiking every day will be an important part of my recovery. I need to add a portable chair to my backpack so I can sit anywhere if I absolutely need to take a break which does happen even on local one mile hikes. Many best of lists place Helinox as the best for tall guys, none mention OneTigris, and Sportneer showed up as a top seller on Amazon but I was unsure of the quality versus the Helinox. This video tells me for my uses, the Sportneer should be just fine saving me a lot of money(the Helinox is posting for 159$ non-sale price). I can buy myself and my wife a Sportneer for that! Thank you for the input it really helps a lot and we don't have a lot of money to spend in the first place!
Thanks for the honest review, and the comparisons! This is an excellent video! Luke--you did great. AS you presented options for all budgets and for all needs! I am impressed. I can reccommend this video to my friends when they are researching chairs--and they can make a decision about what to buy depending upon if this is for themselves or for our ministries at church and they need to buy in bulk to give away. Thank you very much!! Michelle Reed from Gresham Oregon USA
Being from Canada I have the Woods brand version. I have been using it heavily for almost 3 years and it's still going strong. The price was a bit steep. $100 Canadian. But it came with spare rubber feet and the square pad for the base so you don't sink in snow or sand.
I have two helinox chair two’s, love the long back, and one chair one for my son for a couple of years now, I love them, no problems of any kind. They are problem free, and maintenance free. Sturdy, love them. You may sink into the ground in a muddy environment tho, the legs are tiny compared to the weight that you can put on them. As Luke said, there are options for that.
Great video! I think if I was to actually buy a camp chair, I would have to go with the One Tigris. Good quality and half the price and now that I'm getting older "58" I might go ahead and buy it. For around 25 years now I've been using a bushcraft tripod chair. All it is, is a leather tripod set I made and I just simply cut and tie the legs to make me set.
i bought a sportneer chair with the adjustable legs after seeing you use it in the fahlraven emergency shelter episode.you werent testing it so i figured id give it a try.im 6FT 4 215LBS and i find it quite comfortable for the fifty bucks i spent on it
I barely use the one I have! I don’t find it very useful now that I have that Thermarest thing that turns my pad into a warm comfortable chair I can fall asleep in.
I just bought the chair zero large and it was 159. Pretty amazed on how easy it was to set up and break down, and it held me 260 pounds easily. Bought this for a bicycle tour I’m training for so Im getting lighter. This chair seems worth it.
I bought a Cascade Mountain Tech high back chair from Costco for $35. Love it. It was the biggest hit at our recent family reunion Camp trip. Great value
I love my chair zero. Mine weighs in at just over 1 lb with a custom bag. I will drop that weight somewhere else just to have this chair in my pack. Hiking and backpacking only. Good video as always.
I have the Helinox Sunset, and they are awesome and there Customer service is amazing. My great niece broke my chair at the last family outing, i called Helinox a couple weeks later, all my parts, Including extra parts were in my mailbox in less than a week. And i am a big guy, 290#, so i support Helinox
I really need a backpacking chair so your review was very timely for me personally. But then I also need a table for camping. My gosh! The choices out there!
If you need a camping table just get a table from Costco. They sell two different kinds of Lifetime tables in store that are around $40. Keep it simple.
For Older Hikers or car campers, chairs like this are well worth taking. Picnic benches don't work for longer than it takes to eat a meal. Which one to purchase is getting to be a difficult decision. I can afford the Helinox. But why overpay when OneTigris is a value choice? Then there is Trekology. How do I factor in a mesh or a solid back? I'm still waiting and researching this purchase.
Two points. 1. A pull tab requires stitching to attach and adds an extra point of failure and weakness, especially considering where you're placing it and how it will be abused by less than stellar thinkers. If the footprint of the attachment point of the pull tab is large enough to support the pressure applied from pulling and keep a 5 year warranty, then you're compressing the foam that's making the frame unnoticeable in your shoulders and legs. Just use it and it will gradually get looser. This isn't impossible, but I bet it'd add $10-$25 to the MSRP to reinforce a single corner to maintain quality, comfort and warranty for said pull tab, though maybe a cup holder/pocket could be incorporated if the reinforcement was on a leg corner. 2. If you use each of these equally, you'll spend more on the cheaper products, especially if you use them frequently within Helinox's warranty period. The stitching is going to fail on the cheaper products because they use cheaper thread, no matter the denier of seat material. OneTigris tricks the design by adding a 2nd horizontal bar which makes that plastic/polymer joint weaker, and that's probably cheaper material as well. I don't work for Helinox, but full disclosure I bought a Helinox Cot Max + Leg Extensions and a Chair One XL because as an athletic 250lb person I unfortunately destroy those cheap options very quickly. Go full cheap, and if you end up using it enough to break it then consider again my words, or just buy the best quality to save money and time. Don't go middle ground.
First, I bought Helinox One XL. It's excellent. Then, after watched you vdo, with a less amount of money. I've got 2 One tigris chair03. Really love the side pockets of One Tigris.
I have two Helinox chairs, regular and low. These are my only furniture. It's one thing to own a chair for years and have days of use. I have made my coffee in this chair Everyday for years!! 6',220lbs, outside 6 years. Get you a good chair!!
Got the sportsneer and it's held up through my first 2 short trips of the season and about 3 evenings fishing river banks, no complaints worth the 30 bucks
I bought a Helinox cafe chair. It’s amazing! I’d spend that much again no problem as it is well made. I wouldn’t need to get another for a very very long time. I suppose the cheap chair may not last- so in this situation you get what you pay for.
Hi Luke great video and thanks for sharing, I have the sportneer chair and use it all the time, camping, backpacking or just sitting around the fire in the back yard and I never have had any issues with it and it's still going strong it's a great chair, almost bought the Helinox chair about 7 years ago until I found the Sportneer chair glad I did back then I think I only paid like $28 from Amazon, Love it and would buy it again.
I have been using a FREE REI flexlite chair. It weighs 1 pound, 13 1/2 ounces in its stuff sack. I won it from a TH-cam page contest. Can't beat free! It works well and is light and compact enough to take on car camping and shorter backpacks. Thank you for the look and opinions on camp chairs.
I have had the sportneer one for two years now using it 3 times a week all year for my woodland camp "spot" (they do one with adjustable legs which are great for uneven woodland ground) and its been a fantastic companion on my motorcycle the only thing that has shown wear is the bag. I have just ordered another in plain black (incase they stop doing them ) Sometimes a bargain is a bargain.
As usual, a fair review. We've seen you use them and swing the nunchuck legs around putting them together. My time of days-long backpacking are behind me, but day-long hikes are still here. So, weight still plays a roll in that respect. For me, my use would primarily be car-camping or car-excursions where a quick comfortable chair is prized. Durability is also a key feature where, maybe, Helinox's history could be a purchasing tipping point in its favor.
We have two Chair zeros which I think are still a unique product, (500grams for a chair) although I always carry and use the sand mat to give extra stability (stops the legs spreading) and also the chair sinking on soft ground. The sand mat does have pull tabs and implementing this on the chair fabric would be a good idea.
The carry bag turns into a pocket if you put the seat or back poles through the side carry handle loops on the bag, then add the fabric of the seat to the frame.
I went for non of these. Mine did cost even 120 €. But: it has a high backrest, the option to velcro on a cushion for the neck. It has a recliner function. And it comes with a tripod seat (also foldable), and a little, removable side pouch. It is even heavier than the ones presented in the video. But as I wanted something for motorcycle camping, I am okay with my choice. Got it from amazon, I do have already other products from this brand. They are not cheap, but very well thought out IMO.
I scored the Helinox Chair Zero for $108 at REI during their anniversary sale that they have for members over Memorial Day weekend. I feel 108 is worth it for that chair, and If I were going to buy the Chair One at $110 I woulda felt a little ripped off. If you're considering the Chair One, consider spending an extra $20 and get the Chair Zero. It packs down significantly less than the Chair One, and weighs more than a pound less.
I have had a Helinox Chair 1 for a little over a year and use it backpacking, canoe camping, and car camping. Is it worth the price? Yes! It is bomb proof! Worth the weight in a backpack just to not have to sit in the dirt or on a hard log. I also went with Helinox a year ago as a bigger dude pushing the 320lbs limit. 1 year later, I’m 90lbs lighter from all the time I’ve spent on the trail, the chair is even more comfy! Big thanks to Luke for being an inspiration to get me outside and change my life!
I get it, but it's far from bomb proof 🙂
I have the updated Sportineer (sp?) version with pull tabs and pockets… 3 years of heavy use backpacking, camping and hunting and no real sign of any concerning wear! And if it breaks it’s not a prob to replace. That’s my 2 cents anyway :-)
I also have this newer version with the adjustable legs. Love it!!
We also have the sportneer two got $30 on Amazon 3 years old
I tried to buy one lately, and could not find the adjustable one anywhere
Yeah mine will arrive tomorrow, the lower price, adjustable legs, loops for easier disassembly and the cupholder will be worth the little extra weight i guess
As a kid I never saw the need for any sort of chair.
These days, with a few more seasons behind me, I’d bring a full-on recliner if I could!
Oh yes I feel this comment! When I was a kid a large enough rock to sit on was a luxury and I was fine with sitting on the ground, these days I am not 100% sure I will be able to get up again if I try to sit on the ground lol
Me either,I'll sit on a log.after all,it is camping, your not supposed to be that comfortable.
@@spiderreed350 HELP !! i fell down & can't get up !! 😫
I've had my Helinox (Zero, I believe) with the ground sheet for probably the better part of 10 years. I'm 6'1", 240, and it has held up without any sign of wear. My livelihood depends on intellectual property, so whenever I can, I try to spend my dough on the original creator. $110 is a lot, so I don't fault anyone for opting for the knockoff.
Btw, Luke, the Helinox does have a pocket--of sorts. See those two loops on either side of the carry bag? You loop those over the aluminum rods on the front of the seat before attaching it. Now you've got a nice big zippered pouch under the seat for storing stuff, plus you don't misplace the bag when it's time to pack it up!
I've had the Helinox chair One for well over a decade with almost daily use for approx. 7 years and it's still mint minus a little bit of fading. One of the best investments I've ever made for outdoor gear. Bought a second one recently.
I have a camp chair I bought from Walmart. Ozark trail which isn't known for quality but it works awesome. I think I paid 15-20 bucks for it and I have no complaints
I can chime in too, and say, Ozark Trail does provide sometimes!
A buddy and I picked up a 10P tent by Ozark Trail a while back.
We were shocked at how well it did.. We took it into N. Minnesota during October. Only had some small issues with condensation on the inside, no leaking or anything else though.
Ozark Trail definitely pumps out half decent products for the price. Fair price for what you get
@pie in the eye I use it for motorcycle camping and it works well. Especially for the price
Yes. the OT model is fine if you're not worrying about weight. But, if weight is not a concern, you can probably use the more comfortable chair you've already had for 20 years. Andy you probably have 3 of them. :)
@@joemayer807 exactly, you arent carrying it on your back while ascending 4k feet in 2 hours. if you were, the weight would be an issue. I have 2 ozark trail chairs like the helinox. They stay in my truck. I carry the helinox zero backpacking.
I have Trekology's offering, been using it for nearly two years and it's still going well. It has less mesh than some of the even cheaper alternatives so you don't get as cold on cooler evenings. I have no issues with the quality at all. It does have the finger loops above the pole sleeves, in fact I think theirs was one of the first to add these, and it has the side pockets too. The leg poles are a bit thicker than a lot of other equivalents so it's a bit sturdier to sit on, cheaper ones I've tried are not as stable.
Have to agree here. I purchased mine last year about this time, with the sand pads, for about $53 a set. I ordered 3 and have no regrets. They work as well as my friends' more pricier chairs, but they do weigh a little more.
Been using the trekology for about 2 years myself, very much like it. Only thing I don’t like is that the chair design is really uncomfortable for sitting forward on, like at a desk. If you are sitting and lounging, they are completely awesome.
But, only one corner has a use for the loop...
I have the Sportneer and have been using it for the last couple years. Works really well and is comfortable. Can't beat the price.
I do my best to avoid buying Chinese knock-off whenever I can. Like you said, Helinox has stayed the same, while all the knock-off brands kept adding features, that may seem like 'advancements.' Well, if you've spent exactly zero amount on R&D, and decided to just steal someone else's design, then the least you can do is to add some additional features at a lower price. I know for a fact that OneTigris didn't pay Helinox any royalty for 'borowing' their design, and can only imagine the same for the countless other Chinese brands on Amazon ripping off Helinox. Me, I'll always opt for the original on principle alone. I just can't condone theft.
When I originally wanted to buy a Helinox Swivel Chair I thought it expensive, so I came up with a cost benefit analysis calculation to determine the value to me!
For clarity I will use the cost shown in the video title, which is $110.
So, the chair is $110 and has a 5 year warranty, which works out at $22 for each year of that warranty, or $1:83 a month!
I have absolute confidence that the Helinox gear will far outlive their excellent warranty period, making it cost even less than $1:83 a month!
A Helinox Chair for $1:83 a month is phenomenal value, and they're known to still be working fine a decade on, which brings it to less than a dollar a month!
So, I respectfully challenge that video title, because even if we use just the 5 year warranty period, that's only $22 a year, or $1:83 a month!
Can anyone seriously claim that $1:83 a month for a genuine Helinox Chair is expensive?
I think not, and I bought myself a Swivel Chair, and upon seeing the quality of the components, materials and build quality, I never again used that calculation for Helinox gear because it had established incontrovertible proof that these were truly outstanding value to me.
I later bought a Cot One Convertible with High Leg Kit, afterwards a Speed Stool, then a medium Side Table and a tiny Storage Box.
I have no connection to Helinox other than as an individual customer that bought and paid for my gear from European outdoor gear suppliers at their advertised website prices.
I bought 5 Helinox Chair One since 2012 and still using it today. Worth the $99 per chair. Other cheap $40 chairs I had didn’t last long.
For a backpacker, the Helinox chair zero would probably be the best buy, depending on how much you do. But I think most of these are suitable for short hikes. For long hikes one of the folding sleep mats can double as a chair or the chair zero possibly.
I've had my Helinox for three seasons of heavy use, backpacking and car/van camping. It still looks brand new. I love the size of the carry bag and carry "golf ball" feet for soft ground use with the chair. Also, I love the external handles on the bag which makes carrying the chair on the outside of my pack easy by grimlocs attached to molle webbing. I paid closer to $120 when I bought mine and I'd pay it again today...I love Helinox products!
I can tell your one of those " Gotta Keep Up With the Jonses" kind of person. Got to have top name stuff, Oakley sun glasses,maytag washing machine,ect,ect.
Hell ya! Same here! Love them and I’d pay again
@@spiderreed350 maybe she likes things to last? If it’s worth the money, I’m spending the extra. Buy once cry once. Btw I like Oakley sunglasses and I’m going on 6 years with the same pair
@Ed Baumann ohh I agree. I’m not saying everything is worth the extra, but if it is, I’m spending the extra for quality that will last.
Can they handle 500+ pounds of weight crushing them into the ground?
My Helinox Chair Zero broke within 1 year. The hole by the right leg, where you also have trouble finding the word for, was pierced by one of the legs you put in there. The hole simply wore out within that year. I use the chair every week. I got a replacement cloth due to warranty, but i was lucky since it only has one year warranty. Customer service was ok, but i don’t think that something like this should happen after 1 year for that price.
ive had one for about 4 seasons. ive burned a hole in it, several backpacking journeys, and this thing is near indestructible. its worth it. I have a cheaper version by another brand and ive noticed the materials stretch over time but not the helinox
I purchased a Chair One years ago and have taken it with me on untold trips with no problems whatsoever.
I have two OneTigris chairs (thanks to your channel reviews, Luke!) and paid less than $100 for the pair. Super durable, love them. I take them on hiking and backpack trips.
We purchased our two Helinox Chair Ones in 2010 when they very first came onto the market in Australia and were totally unknown. In case you don’t know Helinox is an Australian company. In 2010 they were selling the two products they had out the back of their vehicle at outdoor shows. Purchasing these chairs was a leap of faith as they were totally new to the market and unlike anything else. Since 2010 our two chairs have been used countless times at festivals, outdoor events, picnics, during car travel and on motorcycle camping expeditions. Both chairs still look and perform as new with maybe a little sun bleaching and no other wear marks.
I have two things to say here.
1. Don’t reward copyright rip off manufacturers who take somebody else’s design and go to a Chinese contact manufacturer and blatantly copy.
2. Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. I expect the two chairs we own to last longer than we will be capable of using them. On a cents per sit basis the Helinox has been way better value to us than the cheap chairs that many people I know buy and replace regularly.
Helinox is a Korean company. The parent company, DAC(Dongah Aluminum Co.) has been making aluminum poles since 1988 in Korea and they launched Helinox brand back in 2009. DAC still supplies their poles to lots major tent, outdoor stuff brands as well.
Cheaper is best. Copyrights aren't my responsibility, my budget is though.
Richard, Helinox is a Korean company.FYI.
Another informative video. Thanks. Since my wife and I have a tandem recumbent trike with a trailer. I took some 1" PVC pipe and 1" PVC T's and made cross bars for the legs to rest in for less than $20 for both chairs. I used paracord to tie them together and the paracord goes over the cross bar to hold the pipes in place. Our Trekology camping chairs do not sink in sand or mud.
I gotta correct you on this one. Helinox's chair really does do something different from the other chairs you mentioned. Helinox chairs adopt DAC poles, which world-class tent makers such as Hilleberg employ in their tents. And Helinox has not insisted on only producing chairs with the same features for years as you said. There are products in the tactical line and, of course, the Chair Zero. While Chinese copycats could nearly imitate up to Chair One with cheap materials, the weight, stiffness, and flexibility of Chair Zero, with its unique performance of DAC poles, cannot be imitated with their low technology. Considering the investment in research and development costs for developing an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process (DAC has eliminated nitric and phosphoric acid from the Anodizing process of their aluminum poles) and for creating a lightweight folding chair for the first time, Helinox's products are not overpriced as you mentioned. It is more surprising that Chinese replica products that bluntly copied Helinox's design with cheap materials cost as much as $60.
I've had the helinox for years. Love it! It's criminal that the ground pad doesn't come with it, it's essential in most terrain.
Mine lasted all deployment and is still going strong. The cheaper chairs other guys brought ended up breaking or ripping. Definitely worth the money in my opinion
I purchased two of the REI branded, Flexlite chairs about five years ago. I've had no issues with wear, performance, or comfort. The REI chairs have a sewn-in, heavy-duty, nylon strap at each corner that makes assembling the chair much easier. REI also sold an underquilt for the chairs, which I purchased at the same time. These insulated liners attach to the back side of the seat and loop over the top and bottom attachments during assembly. Because of the close-fitting liners, the chairs keep you warm during cold weather. In my experience, during cold weather, my backside gets cold, and then my whole body becomes chilled. For me, this tends to increase body aches and soreness the next day. I can't say enough about being able to sit near a fire with both my front and back being warm. Unfortunately, it looks like REI has currently discontinued the underquilt for their Flexlite chairs. However, the Helinox website shows the seat warmer for $59.95, but theirs wraps over the chair seat rather than under it. Perhaps reviewing a seat underquilt would make a good Part 2?
It's not hard to justify at all, it's the original. Whether you want to give your money to the copycats or the original, that's up to you of course... With that said, when it comes to Helinox I would definitely go for the Chair Zero. It is the *ONLY* chair on the market that weighs 1 pound and retains the comfort of the original "Chair One". Nothing else comes close. So when it comes to backpacking, it's the only realistic option. I have both and the Chair One is the one I take with me on all day hikes and for car camping, fishing etc. When weight is a priority, I bring the Chair Zero. If you want to see "Advancing forward", you should check out the Chair Zero High Back which was launched just a few months ago. By far the lightest chair on the market in its category.
Luke, I literally watch every single one of your videos. I found your channel 1 year ago and since then I'm hooked. HIgh quality, top information, awesome "packaging" of every video. You are the best!
You also have to consider how much you will use it, the average person probably won't use it for camping and backpacking more than a handful of times over the year so there is that. I wouldn't pay $110 for one of those. Some people just have to have the most expensive thing tho, makes them feel good. :)
It’s the lightest backpacking chair that isn’t junk - it happens to be the most expensive. I don’t think people are buying them because they are the most expensive…..
Not just "aluminum" but proprietary DACs aluminium. As for pull tabs, as the chair gets broken in, assembly becomes much easier, not tabs required. I have had two since 2017. The best.
I opted for the Chair Zero, it’s lighter, great for backpacking and we keep them in the vehicle for whenever we might need it. Sure, I could have spent less but for lightest weight chair that’s well made, it was an easy choice for me. ✌🏼
Same here
Yes. There's really no place to slot the Chair One. At that weight, you're not carrying it in a pack so might as well get the heavier, cheaper models. But, if you're just carrying it in the car anyway, just go with the chairs you already have. They're more comfortable anyway. :) For this style of chair, I just tell folks to get the Zero, or don't get any at all unless they want a couple of the OT $20 ones to stash away in case of unexpected company while camping.
I went with the chair zero. Absolutely 100% worth it. On those longer adventures it's awesome to have that comfort.
Hello Justin. Thanks for the comment. I bought this chair yesterday for $109.95 so far looks Very nice products.
I've had two of the Helinox chairs since 2013. The ones I have are without the mesh fabric and have pockets (on each side). On 7th year of owning them, the plastic "feet" became brittle and broke off so I replaced them with some rubber caps but they didn't last. The bungie chords are also losing their elasticity, but this is easily replaced. I have the multicam version with a bonafide "multicam" label tab, hence Helinox surely has to pay Crye Precision which added to the cost. I paid about US$100 each ($150 Singapore dollars).
I have 2 Sportneer adjustable leg chairs I use for glassing while elk hunting. Thier Great! Customer service is great too! I accidentally cut a shock cord and they sent me a new frame. I only asked for the cord. No questions asked and promptly shipped at no cost. I'm impressed.
Love my Helinox Ground Zero, I bikepack so bulk and weight is a priority the Zero folds up really small. I am 6'3" and getting on a bit but with a little practice is quite easy to get in and out of it. There's nothing wrong with the cheaper copies but for quality and weight you can't beat a Ground Zero.
Thanks, Luke for doing the Helinox Chair One review. You seem to enjoy having that at your campsites to be able to sit on something that isn't hard, wet or soggy. I wouldn't pay $110 for a 2 lb. chair for backpacking but I DID pay $129.95 for the Helinox Chair Zero and am extremely happy with my purchase a year ago. I've taken it on several backpacking adventures with NO regrets! It will go with me everywhere because I have a bad back. Being able to take a one lb. chair into the high country is a life saver on my aching back. I'm no gram weenie but shaving off a lb. does make a difference for what I'm carrying.
After your video, I had to run out to my pack and see what I use. It is the helinox zero and is probably close to 10yrs old. Will say, it has gotten some hard use and still serves me well. In its case, I feel it was well worth the money. Only issue, is one hole in the seat due to campfire, and even that has not spread over time.
Not for backpacking, but I’ve been on the hunt for a chair. Manufacturers, are you reading this? My requirements: low to ground, high back, recline ability, relatively light and easy fold - not the tent pole puzzle type. I found one, ONE, on Amazon and it’s in route. We will see if it’s what I want. They only had a cinnamon color though which wouldn’t be my preference. I ordered the GCI Outdoor Low-Ride Reclining Camping Chair $40.
I went for the Helinox. It will last a long time after the price is forgotten, I hope! And I like to think that I promote development of new gear in the process.
I have 8 of the Sportneer. They work great. I keep one in my truck, one at work and then 6 that I take camping for my large family. They work with out issue. I have a couple of the old and new styles. I would personally rather spend $240 on 8 chairs I have and use, than the $880 on the Helinox. Yes the quality is a little less than the OneTigris and the Lelinox. But cost, specially this day in age, is a real factor to consider. Dont get me wrong, the looks of the other are nice. $$$$$ is always a major factor in any decision.
Helinox chair one is targeted for backpackers. Making stuff lighter costs so much more than you think. It is just not for you boss, especially not for your truck camping.
this is the first ive heard of the chair one. i have the helinox chair Zero which is basically the same thing but its 1 pound instead of 2, and its a little more expensive. obviously $130 lawn chair is absurd if its going to be used at work, at home or while vehicle camping. as the other guy said, these lightweight chairs are targeted at the lightweight backpacking crowd, the type of people who will spend $1,000 on a dyneema tarp/tent that looks like a weak plastic bag but its 1/5th the weight of a normal tent.
other than for hiking, id just get any average $10 walmart lawnchair lol.
@@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem thats exactly the point though, the cheap knockoffs dont weigh any more than the helinox version. So why pay more?
@@Beranicus yeah i agree for the chair one weight class, but the chair zero is just a bit over 1 pound rather than 2. i bought mine a few years ago and idk if there was a good full back support 1 pound chair that was a budget option.
Been using a Helinox Swivel for nearly a decade now and have had no issues. I did contact the company in the early days regarding some spare elastic and they sent it free of charge from Australia to UK. I still have it ready for use when (if) it breaks. The great thing about the swivel is I can do a 360 effortlessly which stops me getting a crick in my neck. Used it many hundreds of times. Wife had a G4Free and Adventure Ridge version of your reviewed chair, last year, they broke. She has bought G4free high back to replace them. I'm a Helinox fan and also have a cot. Wife refuses to let me spend the money on one for her.
Mine is similar to the Sporteneer but has a high back. I paid about $30 around 3 years ago and it is still working great. Cheers 🍻🇨🇦
You do have some high net worth viewers so I’m glad when you show products in all price ranges. Thank you!
We’ve owned our Helinox chairs since they were released in 2012. As you said at the time we were lugging steel standard folding camping chairs everywhere and the Helinox was a complete game changer.
They were eye wateringly expensive then but they were light and had the weight carrying capacity. (I’m 120 kg) Never regretted spending the cash.
We’ve used them in every festival, camping, hiking, beach going excursion we’ve had and they’ve never missed a beat. They still look and work as good now as when we bought them. The only thing that’s beginning to perish is the elastic cord holding the tubes.
I’d agree with you about the downsides - they’re a bit tricky to stretch. They sink rapidly in soft ground (we have some squares of pvc that we use as a groundsheet.) They’re a touch low to the ground.
I’d still buy the Helinoxes again now - just because they’ve been so good. Great review keep up the good work.
I just went out 2 weeks ago and picked up the chair zero. I absolutely love it. And I only spent $120 on it at REI.
I have been using the Helinox Chair One for several years on backpacking trips. No complaints.
I got my Helinox One @ REI a few years back. It was only 59.78 (discontinued color). I have it set up inside for extra seating in whatever room it's needed. I've also taken it on several camping trips. It is VERY comfortable and always the chair that is taken first over the other camp chairs. I'm not sure I'd pay $110 for the One - I would probably shell out a little more and go for the Zero, but for the 59.78 I paid I would do it again no doubt.
I own one, the price stung...but I am very happy with it, the intended use is camping/backpacking, maybe a few hours of use. I battle tested it on black Friday and put over a day use on it. Not a bit of wear signs. TOUGH little sucker. It will hurt when you pay for it...but not when you sit down.
We buy chairs like this for around 10 dollars here in Sweden. I've had two of them for over five years and they are still going strong.
Just to shed some light on the small con you raised for Helinox, the reason why you experienced that higher difficulty when demonstrating the canvas removal, is because you're supposed to remove it from the base points first, instead of the backrest points. Great video nonetheless!
Yeah, while watching that, I was thinking how he isn't following the diagrammed instructions that are printed right there on the chair itself.
Bingo
I’ve had the Chair One for a bit over two years and it still looks brand new. Got it with a gift card and REI 20% discount. But I wouldn’t mind paying full price for something that’s an original and top quality. I would highly recommend it.
I'm glad to see a honest review. Most reviews I see, say the Chair One weighs just over a pound. I've got 2 Aldi cheapo knockoffs. They weigh close to 5 pounds each if my estimate is correct.
They are talking about the One Zero, which is just over a pound. The One is 2.2lbs
I like the look of the Helinox but it's not worth twice as much than the others shown. I have no issue with the budget chair either but if I wanted more quality at a decent price, I would go with the One Tigris all day.
THANKS for sharing your experience!
Same here
I literally just bought one of these types of chairs today and it's actually a little bit lighter than the helinox . In truth I wanted a chair zero but at almost $200 cad last time I checked, when you can even find them , I haven't been able to get one
Great review as always. I always look forward to watching them. I was wondering if you have ever made or thought about making an episode about the different materials used on tents, tarps, ect...? Kind of like you did with the different season tents. Keep up the good work.
That's a great idea for a video.
There's a fair bit of info out there about each one, but it's hard to get a good feel for each one because they aren't really compared by someone as methodical and... well, trustworthy as Luke.
I think it's good to have a high end innovative option. Quality materials and builds have a place. I don't think this entirely fits that mold however. 60 dollar chair would serve 99% of people the same.
It is a pretty cool chair but not $110 cool. I've been rocking the same camping chair for 9 years that I paid $20 for at a Walmart out in Arkansas and it's been through hell and back! Not a tear or wobbly legs it's been rock solid...... And that's really the only thing I've ever bought from Walmart that worked lol.
bought the Helinox last year in a super sale and a ground sheet it's so nice when you set up camp that you can sit in a nice chair and the ground sheet I just always have in the chair pack plenty of room, and when you end up in a soft pine wood it's a life saver
I bought a helinox ground chair, its sturdy, and reliable. It helps alot with the sinking and shaves off some of the weight of the Helinox one while retaining the stability unlike the Helinox zero
I just got the Big Agnes Skyline UL and really like it. Though it’s a bit heavier (28 oz) it sit significantly higher off the ground and having your knees almost parallel with your hips is a game changer.
28 oz is lighter than 2 pounds
I've found that the cheaper chairs aren't quite as wide at the hip and also dig into my thighs more when seated.
I have the high backed version now and it's superb.
Nice review. For those of us who aren't used to wearing the pocket-accessorized outdoor wear you use, I think the One-Tigris pocket is a brilliant spot for storing a phone or sunglasses when other options aren't available..
I love my Helinox Chair One. Had it since 2012 and still using it. Con is that the cord is not good when using the ball feet. The ball weighs down the cord and whenever I lift the chair, the poles didn’t stay put. My solution is the Helinox ground sheet. It works perfectly.
Hey I love all your content! It really helped me when choosing a motorcycle camping tent!
I went with the One Tigris high back version after your review of it. Couldnt be happier with it. I'm s big guy and push the weight limit and it has held up perfectly.
Just looked on Amazon, and there's tons of similar chairs for $30 and less. Saving money is #1 priority for me
@pie in the eye slow yer roll, homie. I always watch the whole video, because I have questions and I give Luke a chance to address them. I've been a subscriber for years to TOGR, and I value Luke's opinions. But he doesn't always answer my specific questions. So, when he compares several choices, I look into it myself to see if there are even more options.
So, yes, I did watch the while video before I commented. And like I posted, price is my number one concern. Not weight. Not everyone is worried about weight. Maybe, just maybe there's people out here that car camp, and think more about form and function over weight...
Capiche?
There are videos on TH-cam where they compare the different $30 brand chairs. You might look for that to see which cheap brands stand out better than the others.
@@beeveedee9355 yeah, I'm aware...
As soon as I clicked on the video I was like, man I wonder if he's reviewed the One Tigris chair, and well, there ya go.... I'v had great luck with One Tigris gear in other applications so decided to pick one up from Amazon who had a ten off coupon. Super happ to see it included in the review. Thank you!!
OneTigris makes awesome gear in Earth colours for backpackers.
I use the ultralight Helinox Chair Zero (1 pound) for backpacking trips where I want more than a foam sit pad and can live with the added weight in my pack. I also have two of the One Tigris chairs (2.4 pounds) for picnic hikes with the wife. I've not had any problems with either brands quality or reliability although they both will posthole in the sand if you are not careful with your placement of their legs.
I just bring along some of those furniture sliders people use for the legs of the couch. They fit in the Chair Zero bag. :)
Thank you so much for doing this video. I have hip problems and am going through physical therapy, but walking and hiking every day will be an important part of my recovery. I need to add a portable chair to my backpack so I can sit anywhere if I absolutely need to take a break which does happen even on local one mile hikes. Many best of lists place Helinox as the best for tall guys, none mention OneTigris, and Sportneer showed up as a top seller on Amazon but I was unsure of the quality versus the Helinox. This video tells me for my uses, the Sportneer should be just fine saving me a lot of money(the Helinox is posting for 159$ non-sale price). I can buy myself and my wife a Sportneer for that! Thank you for the input it really helps a lot and we don't have a lot of money to spend in the first place!
I love my One Tigris High Back its perfect after a long hike. I paid like $70 but the high back was worth it for me.
Thanks for the honest review, and the comparisons! This is an excellent video! Luke--you did great. AS you presented options for all budgets and for all needs! I am impressed. I can reccommend this video to my friends when they are researching chairs--and they can make a decision about what to buy depending upon if this is for themselves or for our ministries at church and they need to buy in bulk to give away. Thank you very much!! Michelle Reed from Gresham Oregon USA
Being from Canada I have the Woods brand version. I have been using it heavily for almost 3 years and it's still going strong. The price was a bit steep. $100 Canadian. But it came with spare rubber feet and the square pad for the base so you don't sink in snow or sand.
I have two helinox chair two’s, love the long back, and one chair one for my son for a couple of years now, I love them, no problems of any kind. They are problem free, and maintenance free. Sturdy, love them. You may sink into the ground in a muddy environment tho, the legs are tiny compared to the weight that you can put on them. As Luke said, there are options for that.
I just bought one these. They're pretty nice. I've had a cheaper one (Ozark trail) for years. It's heavier and weaker.
Great video! I think if I was to actually buy a camp chair, I would have to go with the One Tigris. Good quality and half the price and now that I'm getting older "58" I might go ahead and buy it. For around 25 years now I've been using a bushcraft tripod chair. All it is, is a leather tripod set I made and I just simply cut and tie the legs to make me set.
i bought a sportneer chair with the adjustable legs after seeing you use it in the fahlraven emergency shelter episode.you werent testing it so i figured id give it a try.im 6FT 4 215LBS and i find it quite comfortable for the fifty bucks i spent on it
I barely use the one I have! I don’t find it very useful now that I have that Thermarest thing that turns my pad into a warm comfortable chair I can fall asleep in.
I just bought the chair zero large and it was 159. Pretty amazed on how easy it was to set up and break down, and it held me 260 pounds easily. Bought this for a bicycle tour I’m training for so Im getting lighter. This chair seems worth it.
I bought a Cascade Mountain Tech high back chair from Costco for $35. Love it. It was the biggest hit at our recent family reunion Camp trip. Great value
I love my chair zero. Mine weighs in at just over 1 lb with a custom bag. I will drop that weight somewhere else just to have this chair in my pack. Hiking and backpacking only. Good video as always.
I have the Helinox Sunset, and they are awesome and there Customer service is amazing. My great niece broke my chair at the last family outing, i called Helinox a couple weeks later, all my parts, Including extra parts were in my mailbox in less than a week. And i am a big guy, 290#, so i support Helinox
My wife and i have more expensive chairs for longevity. Id get the sportneers for my children that are to rough on things.
Outstanding presentation, Luke!
I really need a backpacking chair so your review was very timely for me personally. But then I also need a table for camping. My gosh! The choices out there!
If you need a camping table just get a table from Costco. They sell two different kinds of Lifetime tables in store that are around $40. Keep it simple.
For Older Hikers or car campers, chairs like this are well worth taking. Picnic benches don't work for longer than it takes to eat a meal. Which one to purchase is getting to be a difficult decision. I can afford the Helinox. But why overpay when OneTigris is a value choice? Then there is Trekology. How do I factor in a mesh or a solid back? I'm still waiting and researching this purchase.
Two points.
1. A pull tab requires stitching to attach and adds an extra point of failure and weakness, especially considering where you're placing it and how it will be abused by less than stellar thinkers. If the footprint of the attachment point of the pull tab is large enough to support the pressure applied from pulling and keep a 5 year warranty, then you're compressing the foam that's making the frame unnoticeable in your shoulders and legs. Just use it and it will gradually get looser. This isn't impossible, but I bet it'd add $10-$25 to the MSRP to reinforce a single corner to maintain quality, comfort and warranty for said pull tab, though maybe a cup holder/pocket could be incorporated if the reinforcement was on a leg corner.
2. If you use each of these equally, you'll spend more on the cheaper products, especially if you use them frequently within Helinox's warranty period. The stitching is going to fail on the cheaper products because they use cheaper thread, no matter the denier of seat material. OneTigris tricks the design by adding a 2nd horizontal bar which makes that plastic/polymer joint weaker, and that's probably cheaper material as well.
I don't work for Helinox, but full disclosure I bought a Helinox Cot Max + Leg Extensions and a Chair One XL because as an athletic 250lb person I unfortunately destroy those cheap options very quickly. Go full cheap, and if you end up using it enough to break it then consider again my words, or just buy the best quality to save money and time. Don't go middle ground.
First, I bought Helinox One XL. It's excellent. Then, after watched you vdo, with a less amount of money. I've got 2 One tigris chair03. Really love the side pockets of One Tigris.
I have two Helinox chairs, regular and low. These are my only furniture. It's one thing to own a chair for years and have days of use. I have made my coffee in this chair Everyday for years!! 6',220lbs, outside 6 years. Get you a good chair!!
Got the sportsneer and it's held up through my first 2 short trips of the season and about 3 evenings fishing river banks, no complaints worth the 30 bucks
I bought two of these, Walmart brand for $20 per, 4+ years ago and they’re still going SUPER STRONG.
I bought a Helinox cafe chair. It’s amazing! I’d spend that much again no problem as it is well made. I wouldn’t need to get another for a very very long time. I suppose the cheap chair may not last- so in this situation you get what you pay for.
Good Review! I just bought the Tigris One for $39.98....priced low on both Amazon and Walmart. I'm a big dude so need that extra weight capacity!
Hi Luke great video and thanks for sharing, I have the sportneer chair and use it all the time, camping, backpacking or just sitting around the fire in the back yard and I never have had any issues with it and it's still going strong it's a great chair, almost bought the Helinox chair about 7 years ago until I found the Sportneer chair glad I did back then I think I only paid like $28 from Amazon, Love it and would buy it again.
I have been using a FREE REI flexlite chair. It weighs 1 pound, 13 1/2 ounces in its stuff sack. I won it from a TH-cam page contest. Can't beat free! It works well and is light and compact enough to take on car camping and shorter backpacks. Thank you for the look and opinions on camp chairs.
I have had the sportneer one for two years now using it 3 times a week all year for my woodland camp "spot" (they do one with adjustable legs which are great for uneven woodland ground) and its been a fantastic companion on my motorcycle the only thing that has shown wear is the bag. I have just ordered another in plain black (incase they stop doing them ) Sometimes a bargain is a bargain.
As usual, a fair review. We've seen you use them and swing the nunchuck legs around putting them together. My time of days-long backpacking are behind me, but day-long hikes are still here. So, weight still plays a roll in that respect. For me, my use would primarily be car-camping or car-excursions where a quick comfortable chair is prized. Durability is also a key feature where, maybe, Helinox's history could be a purchasing tipping point in its favor.
We have two Chair zeros which I think are still a unique product, (500grams for a chair) although I always carry and use the sand mat to give extra stability (stops the legs spreading) and also the chair sinking on soft ground.
The sand mat does have pull tabs and implementing this on the chair fabric would be a good idea.
The carry bag turns into a pocket if you put the seat or back poles through the side carry handle loops on the bag, then add the fabric of the seat to the frame.
I went for non of these. Mine did cost even 120 €. But: it has a high backrest, the option to velcro on a cushion for the neck. It has a recliner function. And it comes with a tripod seat (also foldable), and a little, removable side pouch. It is even heavier than the ones presented in the video. But as I wanted something for motorcycle camping, I am okay with my choice. Got it from amazon, I do have already other products from this brand. They are not cheap, but very well thought out IMO.
I just bought the one Tigris chair from Amazon can’t wait till I get it Thursday
I have the OneTigris
And thanks !! I will stitch in my pull-loops for more comfort !!
I scored the Helinox Chair Zero for $108 at REI during their anniversary sale that they have for members over Memorial Day weekend. I feel 108 is worth it for that chair, and If I were going to buy the Chair One at $110 I woulda felt a little ripped off. If you're considering the Chair One, consider spending an extra $20 and get the Chair Zero. It packs down significantly less than the Chair One, and weighs more than a pound less.
110 used to be a chunk of change. Dinner with the wife used to be under $50. Now it's 75. I need to buy one of these before it goes up to $150