The BEST & WORST Chairs For Backpacking
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- At this point, if you're not carrying a chair on your backpacking trips, then what are you doing?! Ha! This video compares 5 of the most popular chairs for backpacking and goes through their pros/cons. Truly, the best and worst chairs for backpacking.
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Best chair for backpacking, best backpacking chair 2024, ultralight backpacking chair, hiking chair, helinox chair, best budget chair 2024, best budget backpacking chair
Skyline is def the most comfy one! If comfort at camp is priority I always grab the Skyline. But if multiday trip is on the agenda, where grams count i tend to lean to the Helinox.
I have the flexlite REI I got it on a sale for 60$. I feel like for that price, weight and performance that 60 bucks is a complete no brainer. I get your gripes with it but at the end of the day any chair under a pound and a half is going to be not very stout and it’s going to bend and move either way with a 200Lb rider. I also feel like chairs are really hard to review and rate because people’s body types are so different and one could style could fit one person so well and another so uncomfortable.
I could not do that chair even for 60! As I sat in it at the store and promptly fell over sideways…. And I figured if I can’t sit on it on a stable concrete floor then how successful would it be in the wild
Agree if you’re a UL backpacker and it’s between a rock or the 17oz Flexlite, the other heavier chairs aren’t an option.
@@lizzaangelis3308 I’m 215 close to the max on this and it supports me just fine. Great even for being the lightest of the group. And half the price…..
The REI chair fits the sand pad featured on the first chair too. Not the most comfortable chair but for less than half the price of a helinox I find it to be a no brainer
I'm 230 and the rei flexlite has never creeked or groaned under my weight, even when i am drunkenly stumbling around the campfire feeding it and plopping down into the chair, tipping over and plopping down again over and over 😂
I picked up two Chinese "chair zero" knockoffs for $50. Seating for both me and my hiking partner for less than your cheapest option, and they hold 250 pounds. As someone who deals with chronic pain from Connective Tissue Disorder, having the back support of a chair means I don't have to lay down immediately after a hike. Pain can make you useless, but I can cook from a seated position, and can rest enough sitting with back support to be able to tackle camp setup tasks. Disabling conditions don't care how old you are or how healthy you look, but those of us who have disabling conditions still benefit (I suspect even more than normal people) from nature exposure. It may not look the same as you active outdoorsy types, but even short strolls in the park have immense health benefits.
This! I have Rheumatoid but still get out there. I require more luxury items than some others and am limited to 8 miles or less for multiple day hikes- I need the chair, a pillow, extra comfy shoes etc! But it’s so beneficial to get out there!
The one problem I see, and so with most, is china. Our dependence on them has hurt our country economically and will continue to do so in the future. I don’t know where the chairs in this video were m. But… I’ll bet …China 😢
@@kmichaelp4508 helinox chairs are made in Korea and manufactured in Vietnam and don’t know if you know this or not but they are basically like china- slave labor and if you think they aren’t stealing the design and making their own cheap version think again. I challenge you to find All your gear from American made and manufactured gear- I’ll wait
@@sheilasunshine9173 , I think you subliminally got my message. Now I’ll wait 😊
@@kmichaelp4508I love how everyone points fingers at China when the US hasn't paid their working class livable wages for a decade or more.
Rocks, logs, and dirt have been my chairs while backpacking for the last 60 years. But dirt is dirty, logs are often wet (Oregon), and rocks are rarely comfortable. I picked up a Helinox Zero last week at a remainder price and will test it in a local wilderness area tonight. My suspicion is the Zero will come on short mileage hikes and be left alone at home on longer treks.
I'd hate to Hike for 60yrs and not improve my comfort on the trail especially into an older age. Always up for trying something new
Absolutely agree about the REI chair. The moment I sat in it in the store I knew it wasn’t gonna do it for me.
Owned the Moonlight Elite for about a week. I didn’t feel it in my quick sit at the store, but after bringing it home and testing it in my house…the hard plastic in the seat part dug into my thighs. Returned.
You’re spot on with the Chair Zero. I ended up with it cos I hadn’t sat in one in years. I got mine online for 112 usd shipped. But not the most comfortable/stable. Kinda wishing I would’ve got the Skyline. The weight was the deterrent.
I agree with you about the REI Flexlite Air. I got it on sale and took it on a weekend outing and returned it to REI when I got back home. Same reason you gave the seat is way too deep due to the design. I ended up getting the Heliox Zero, I don’t love it, but it’s way better than them the Flexlite Air
Great comparison, Devin! As others have stated, my reason for going with the REI chair was price/weight. I’m generally fine without a chair, but when I’m going to spend more time in camp I like to have a little luxury. For $60, the REI chair is more comfortable than the ground and under a pound (without the bag). Reasonable trade off. And I just heard about a sink-reduction hack to cut a slit into plastic golf balls for the feet of the chair.
I was definitely eying the Nemo elite chair with pro deal pricing, but I still wonder if it’s worth the weight and complexity compromise.
This video confirms that the comfort of many gears are subjective. I recently tried the Helinox, Nemo and REI chair in a REI store and found the REI chair to be the most stable and comfortable for me.
I've got the decathlon chair. Snagged it on sale for $25 a couple years ago and LOVE it! Even at its full price of $60 it is a fantastic chair. My only complaint is not a unique problem to the decathlon chair, rather it's a problem all of the chairs with skinny legs have. It sinks in soft ground. I actually just picked up a El cheapo backpacking chair at Aldi for $15 that includes a ground sheet. It just happens to fit the legs on my decathlon chair perfectly. Weight penalty of 3 oz is well worth it and now I've got a phenomenal chair that also doesn't sink.
I have two of these. Love them as well. But I needed one more for my bro in law and nephew. So our trip I’ll be trying the moonlite elite. If I don’t like it my nephews backpack I’ve been putting together will have an expensive chair. 😂
if you are talking bout the decathlon mh500 chair - they sell a ground sheet specially for this chair for only 8eur. I also have this chair, it is a bit heavy, about 1KG, but more comfy for my back and sitting position in general , better than a Big Agnes chair. The only good thing for Big Agnes chair is its hight, but not the sitting comfort (I tried both).
I just discovered the Skyline UL Stool and I love it! You get the same seat height as the UL Chair and the weight of the Chair Zero. It also packs down smaller and has a price of $99. I have the Nemo Moonlight Elite, too, and kept having problems with the corners popping off the frame.
I had the stool and I didn’t love it. I just want the back support to really kick back.
I love the skyline stool. Its not as comfy as the skyline or mica basin chairs but it's more comfortable than the helinox chairs and most other lightweight chairs Ive tried
I've been using the Get Out Gear Trekchair v2 and its amazing. Full head height, so I can lean my head back, at a weight of 22oz. Ive seen some reviews indicating that it can break, but those where pre-production v1 chairs, and all reviews I've seen of the v2 indicate no problems, and mine has worked without problems.
I'm a mid 70's hiker/camper on a semi fixed budget, so i don't have a lot of money to waste. I bought a Trekology Yizi Go a few years ago. 15-inch seat height, so easy on my bad knees to get out of after walking a few miles or more, holds 300 pounds, and is almost as comfortable as my Lazy Boy. It's a little heavier than yours, but i can handle that for the rest and comfort at night. I've actually dozed off in it it's so comfortable
If your home recliner is pretty close in comfort to your backpacking chair, you're in serious need of replacing the former.
@kenhiett5266 yeah, you're probably right. It's a lazy boy so I guess they are crap. That is why their warranty is so good. The point I was alluding to is my hiking chair Is very comfortable and allows me a very good degree of relaxation as does my recliner at home, a point which most readers seem to have understood without me pointing it out.
@@kokopelau6954 Have you tried an Ekornes Stressless recliner? If you buy one of those, you'll never go back to anything else, and you'll never compare it to your hiking chair.
Cheers
Ever tried an ekornes stressless recliner? You'll never go back to anything else, and you'll never compare it to your hiking chair.
Cheers
@kenhiett5266 again. I am not comparing it to my home recliner, just that it allows me a comfortable relaxation for my 77 year old joints and bones. Chairs are like opinions, everybody has their favorite. Doesn't make any one better or worse, just different except in the eye of the beholder; to smash a metaphor.
Great video. I have the Big Agnes Big 6 which I family camp and backpack with. It’s heavier but very comfortable. I’ve been trying to find a lighter chair that could replace the Big 6 on trips. I’ve tried all these in store multiple times. My next chair will be the Big Agnes Skyline UL. I’m 6ft and 200lbs and testing the other 1lb chairs made me feel like I was going backwards in overall quality of comfort vs weight.
I have only tried the Helios Chair Zero and the Big Agnes Skyline UL. Because of the height and comfort, the BA is my favorite. I am wiling to carry the extra weight for the comfort.
I own both the rei flexlite and now the chair zero and have tried the nemo elite. The chair zero is the most stable due to the horizontal bar under the seat. Also the fabric doesn’t stretch like the silnylon in the flexlite. Both of these features contribute to a less "floaty" feeling. The nemo elite pinches into my rib cage, I suspect because they are using slightly smaller tubing diameter to save weight and bulk. I'm only 155lbs, so imagine it would be worse on larger people. The Big agnes chair is a deal breaker because 11 extra ounces is way too much extra weight to carry for a chair. It all boils down to this: choose your compromise
Since you're adding in the Big Agnes Skylight UL at almost 2 lbs, I'd be interested in seeing you compare other chairs at that weight, like the Helinox Chair One.
Yes, I have the Chair one too, it sits a lot more stable and higher than Chair Zero. Also much more comfortable.
I love my Skyline UL! Well worth the little extra weight over the others for the added comfort. I have buddies that have both the helinox and the REI and they don't even come close to the comfort of the Skyline. Side note on the REI, my kids (11 and 13) have that chair and it's perfect for them.
I agree, my kids do like the Helinox and Flexlite.
I agree completely! Big Agness is so comfy. On shorter trips, I even backpack with my Big Agness Big 6 and it's totally worth the little bit of extra weight. I'm tired when I get to camp. I'm also 6'2" so the extra height is so beneficial.
The REI Flexlite Air is my favorite 1lb chair.
My Helinox Chair Zero sits in a bin in my basement.
They are completely different chairs with different angles.
We prefer different things.
Note: Trekology, on Amazon, makes a $15 chair footprint at 3 oz for soft ground that fits the REI chair.
I use the Trekology chair for concerts in the park since it weighs so much.
We have a pair of the Chair Zeros. They are comfortable for us, but. you're right, they do tend to sink in the soft dirt. Helinox does make a ground cover for the chair for 35.00, but now you're basically at the same price as the Nemo chair. We'll probably just buy the ground covers just to solve the problem. Nice review, thanks!
Use PVC t pieces to significantly help the chair zero, helped me a lot. I’ll find the vid that enlightened me …
th-cam.com/video/7MWVL8WVds0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QxHEfIOogmtq8j0W
We use the chair zeros and just machined lightweight feet to mimic the joey travel chair feet. The joey travel chairs are crazy comfortable but are 2lbs.
Would live to see you review or just talk about the high back versions of some of these chairs.....wanted the nemo so bad but the big agness is more comfortable
I have a Helinox Chair One, Chair Zero, and the REI Flexlite Air. I use the Chair One frame with the Chair Zero seat. Sits a bit higher than the Zero frame. I find that and the Flexlite Air fairly equal in comfort.
Thanks for this video. I have the flexlite and chair zero, but I've really turned to the Litesmith QuikBack UL at 2.65oz. I'll be the first to say that the QuikBack wont't be for everyone, but it works well for me with a decent sit-pad. For comfort trips I use the chair zero over the flexlite and generally agree with your comments on both of those. However, the flexlite usually goes on sale at 25% off twice a year, so for those who are more price sensitive who are really trying to go lighter weight, that may be the difference maker. Big Agnes looks great, but that weight is a deal-breaker. Both the flexlite and chair zero are overdue for a design update, so it'll be interesting to see what they do here.
Great vid! Haven't used the UL. To me, getting close to 2lbs is a bit too much to include. I personally am sticking with the Flexlite, I find it super comfy and the price point and weight is hard to beat.
I have a Nemo moonlight (non elite) that i picked up on sale. It was worth it in my opinion. So far, it has worked well for me.
Does the fact that I own 4 Helinox Chair Zeros mean anything? 3 of them are the normal chair zeros and 1 is with the higher back. I echo what you said about them sinking into the ground though. I have never experienced the Big Agnes chair. I may have to look into that. That small bend almost looks like it could fail.
I love my Skyline UL. It would still be nice to have a sand mat footprint. I found an aftermarket option that works but it's very tight side to side.
Just a random third party option?
Yeah, I just measured and got the closest one I could find on Amazon, I think. It was pretty cheap, but good quality.
Appreciate you video; well done. Wondering your take on the Get Out Gear Trekking pole chair?
My take:
1) at 6'7" all my stuff is big, a high back chair is almost a must
2) adjustable posture by adjusting pole height (not as easy as moonlight elite but available unlike most chairs), so lounge more or sit up for eating/prep/etc
3) decent weight 1.5lbs (1.5 with bag)
4) price is good (currently on sale for $99 or $149 (from ~$129/$199) with the carbon fiber poles and additional discounts for multiple purchase).
5) innovative, appreciate a US garage company trying to think outside the box
cons
1) would appreciate additional saved weight (chair zero high back is 1.5 with the poles); understand that additional weight savings will add to cost
2) would appreciate integrated ground sheet/storage bag - I made my own using youtube recommendations
3) problematic to use with a trekking pole tent if desired, tent is obviously flat when chair is used.
4) Pole limitations: don't use cheap aluminum poles....they bend at the tip; trust me 🤣. Company recommends against using aluminum poles, z-poles, and angled grips.
Note: original issue with their hubs was limited and addressed. I would assured by the company that all is well and they stand behind it.
I have the Get Out chair and have not enjoyed it. It felt really unstable to me and sat too low to the ground. I rarely carry trekking poles too, so it's less relevant to my personal hiking needs.
Great comparison video! I’m still okay with my Helinox but that Skyline has my interest. I’ll only carry a chair for shorter trips and would never consider packing out one for a thru-hike.
Makes complete sense. :)
At the end of the day, I just want something to sit in. I have the rei flex and it’s absolutely fine. I don’t need perfection, just functionality. Funny how backpacking chairs used to be taboo and now everybody’s a snob. CHEERS!
Rei flexlite is the best back for your buck, I love how it easily fits on my 12 liter day pack.
Great video, Devin. I have the Helinox Chair Zero and the Big Agnes Skyline UL chair. Both are comfortable, but I absolutely LOVE my BA Skyline chair! I tried the Nemo Moonlight Ultralight chair, but I ended up returning it.
* Nemo Moonlight *Elite*
Thanks! I had been using the Moonlight Elite much of this year to get time with it in the field and took my Skyline out this last weekend and it reaffirmed how much I love the skyline. It's so good!
I use the yizi lite seat panel and footprint with the rei frame. Fits perfectly, sits higher and love the yizi pocket.
@@Alex-and-Joker-Hikes oh I am totally trying this!
The skyline UL also has the highest weight capacity. I've seen a 300lbs person use one without an issue
A 300 pound backpacker??!!! As Crocodile Dundee would have said, “Naoww - THAT’S a backpacker!” 😏
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
@@jackvoss5841 lol
Yes! Very sturdy.
It’s funny how we have many different preferences and comfort points. I have the REI Flexlite Air. I am 6 ft and 185lbs. I think the flexlite air is by far the most comfortable backpacking chair in the sub-2lb class. But really the 1lb class because I begin struggling to justify carrying a chair when they get over 1lb.
For my body type and size, the Flexlite Air is as close to a 1lb lazy boy recliner I have found. I definitely prefer it over the Helinox Zero because to me it sits a few inches higher off the ground (I agree with you (too low is a pain to stand up out of) and I can lean back in a reclining position more. Plus I have bought three of them for $70 each on sale. Just my two cents…
Whatever happened to the chair sleeve that used your sleeping pad folded up to sit on the ground but have a backrest?
Definitely think Big Agnes has the best comfort to weight ratio. I'm interested in trying the new Nemo at some point, but not at that price.
My favorite backpacking chair is my z rest sleeping pad on the ground.
I did a video about the moonlight elite. I did mention the seat depth. It’s not a dealbreaker for me but it doesn’t offer much real estate for many I’m sure. Overall I love it. I hate the Helinox. It hurts my hips.
I've been fine using my bear canister with it's multiple uses.
Honestly I think that’s a great option if that’s in your pack.
Is that the copper spur HV UL2 in a brown color!?
Just a comment: the total package of moonlite elite is actually heavier than the chair zero by 4oz cus of the pad, but if you opt for a pad on the helinox which is 35$ extra it is now 1oz heavier than the moonlite and is now 5$ more total (185 vs 180)
The 1lb 2oz claim by moonlite is not technicaly true because they dont include case/pad
I recently picked up the blue version the the trekology chair. It's got a slightly larger pack size and roughly the same weight, but the chair sits wider allowing me to rest my arms in it and not on me or over the sides. My only gripe is when you move it certain ways it's not that stable. I also noticed the onetigris tent in the back. I personally use the Cosmitto 2.0 wolf grey for weekend trips. It's a little heavy for backpacking but love the performance(peak vents don't work that well though) and double for the way it looks.
Nice! Yeah I’m hoping the tent works out to be a good option.
I have an REI because the price, on sale, made it worth it. I’ll have to hate it and want another before I change. 1st chair I’ve had for backpacking. I’m more intrigued with the tent behind you. I have that tent, not that color. New color?
I agree te the BA UL is the most comfortable but it’s so hard to put together. There is no stretch I struggle getting the fourth corner on. For that reason I bought a hellinox. So much easier to set up. Any tips for the Big Agnes? Mine is a couple years old so maybe they have gotten better?
Excellent share
They don’t have the chair zero on their website anymore.
They also don’t have the Bay Agnes skyline UL on their website anymore. What’s going on?
One chair that never seems to get included is the Helinox Chair Zero High Back. It's significantly more comfortable than any other chair I've used, to include all of the chairs in this video except the Trekology which I haven't tried. It comes in at a pound and a half and is awesome.
Nice!
I couldn't do the high back zero. It was too upright for me. Granted I have really poor posture and so I naturally want to recline a little. Not enough recline on the high back.
REI chair with the sale, $50.
Listening to everyone cope and seethe, priceless.
Just my opinion. The chairs with seat height a few inches off the ground remind me of chairs for kindergartners. Having to squat and roll into or out of a chair is dumb. 3-4 extra ounces for legs long enough for a chair-seat height is worth it.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Fair comparison. I would take the Big Agnes chair in a heartbeat if it weighed less (closer to the helinox chair zero).
The helinox chair zero has been my go to for years and has done very well for me. I love that it weighs just a hair over a pound which i can afford in backpacking.
REI chai is t comfortable at all for me. I dont get it either.
I Do not recommend the Trekology chair. On my second backpacking trip the material ripped where it connects to the frame. They also have the rudest customer service of any manufacturer. They are a joke.
Avoid this chair and company.
I like the Chair Zero but usually don't use it much during trips. I guess I'm not a chair guy. Maybe I'll try a stool 😅
dont like any but the Nemo. i AGREE about the digging into the pit's . i dont like that. so i found a fix by something i was alrready carring so it is a win win for me. however i didnt know about the
Trekology !!! i would love to check it out... i like to b low !😊
thanks for the show n tell 😊
Weight penalty on big Agnes but definitely agree on pros. If I really care about 11 oz saving I take my helinox.
After doing a tyvek mod for a groundsheet on my gossamer the one I’m thinking of doing a similar for my helinox making 4 pockets on the corners to create a lightweight groundsheet/stuff sack similar to Nemo’s.
I’d be interested in seeing what that looks like and such. Super lightweight and probably strong enough if you can reinforce the corners well enough.
@@BackcountryExposure will do. I’ll reply back here and we can figure out how to exchange pics. Heck I might make as many as I can from a 3x5 sheet of tyvek 😀. Capitalism….never know where it might go.
th-cam.com/video/olAcyHHSizM/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Ah the rabbit hole of youtube
I want the skyline so much. No plastic, higher seat height, and a better construction of the poles.
I just tried out the helinox zero vs the moonlite elite due to the influencer chair war. I found the helinox was unstable and a little wobbly. The Moonlite didnt sell me either, so maybe its time I find the Skyline.
Maybe we can convince Durston to design a chair.
Influencer chair war, nice! ha ha ha
Budget options for heavier folks like myself:
Outdoor Vitals Solo Hammock $70 13.3oz 300lb capacity (If you hike in forests)
Grand Trunk Compass 360 Stool $70 16oz 330lb capacity
They don’t have the chair zero on their website anymore
Chair Zero, sinks into the ground, wobbly.
Also less comfortable than REI Flexlite
For $13CAD I'll stick with my 1.5lb Canadian tire stool. No back rest but nice tall height.
I have a no name $20.99, 1.3 pound chair from Amazon. It has no legs. It sits on a square frame. So no issue of sinking into the ground. The CON is, it sits VERY low to the ground. The PROS are, you can sit in your small one man tent and ride out a storm or read a book or watch a video in the evenings. Cook in comfort. It's basically a 2 pound camp chair with no legs so take the comfort rating from that. I also have a Crazy Creek 2.0. If I'm caring a heavier than usual load in my frameless pack 'll take this. I'll fold it [not roll] and slide it down the back of my pack. The struts on the back of the chair form a frame in my pack. The CONS, It sits VERY VERY low [lol] if you're sitting on the ground. The PROS, You have a chair anywhere. On a stump, a rock, a bench, a picnic table, and once again in your tent. It's insulated like a butt pad, 1.4 pounds. $50.
I feel like the REI is more comfortable than the helinox or Nemo elite. The Nemo non-elite is more comfortable. Wife feels the same way. We're tall though so maybe that's it. I'll stick with the REI though. Wanted to like the Nemo elite, it just digs into my upper back.
Nemo seems by far the best built.
If trichology and Big Agnes could only make a baby…. Chair that is combing the best of both. Height, mess back and pocket and maybe cut a few ounces would be awesome.
REI Flexlite at 17oz including bag weight and $60 on sale can’t be beat. I love Nemo Products but that 1lb 2oz weight that everyone keeps parroting is not accurate. It’s 1lb 6oz with the bag which puts it out of contention for a UL chair.
REI reduces the price of the Flexlite Air often. For $50, it is a winner. But yes, it sinks like a stone.
The older Helinox Ground Chair is much better than all these because it is more stable, less complicated and low weight.
Helinox Ground Chair solves this sinking problem out of the box! Why spending 100+ dollars on a chair which doesn't function as expected and requires addons? Which add cost and extra weight.
I just don't get it. Why every review is simply ignoring this model.
Switched to ground chair from Helinox One and more than happy with it.
I actually want to try the ground chair. I had the Alite Monarch for several years and loved that chair. Similar concept.
This chair review is not complete as there is no Decathlon MH500L chair in it. Heavier, but most comfortable.
I have the chair zero and it’s honestly pretty annoying. It’s a nice thing to have but if I’m on a long trip I just end up leaving the chair and sit on my bear canister
Nice video. I still like my chair. I call it “a rock”.
Excellent!
I can’t understand why no one ever talks about the Lacal Outdoor Equipment chair. I’ve seen them as cheap as $30, they’re far more stable than either the REI or Helinox, and they weigh barely over 1 lb. I’ve loved mind through two tough backpacking seasons and never had an issue - and I’m a hefty guy.
I bought it and returned it. They not only lied about the weight of the chair they also sent me a completely different chair from the advertised photos. The one in the photos had metal supports, the one I received were plastic. In the end it didn’t beat the $60 REI Flexlite chair (on-sale every 2-3 months) and REI’s return policy if it failed.
I’ve never heard of that brand.
Fatboy maked an inflatible chair that is on par with these ultralight chairs, but it's bigger, more comfortable, packs down smaller, costs less and floats on water. It baffles me why people don't hike with them.
So I had a major comment ready to go. Then i dropped my phone in the fire. 😢
Wait? Really?!
9.5 inches off the ground? Hummmmmmm. At 6 feet tall, 220 pounds, 72 years old and can’t get up and down in a somewhat higher? 🤣 Even at a young man, 6-2 and 210 pounds, 🙈🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hmm auto correct trekology
Who brings a chair backpacking in the first place!? That's called "glamping". Sheesh.
All of those are bottom gear. still can't believe why you would spend your money on this. I mean, the concept is awesome. but it's not a chair. You're always reclined, and at best it's a beach sitting device.
Everyone gets to make their own life choices... ha ha
Great comparison video! I’ll have to try the Big Agnes, thank you! So far I have been using the Helinox large version of the Zero which sits %50 higher than the helinox zero. I made a tyvek groundsheet with gorilla tape to reinforce the edges, weighing in at 30 grams (great TH-cam video shows how to make it). Together, the chair and the groundsheet are 664 grams. Super comfy.
I’ve sat in almost all of these chairs. Each chair I have tried has its plus and minuses. The Zero Chair is my favorite for cooking because it makes you sit up. The Nemo is the most adjustable. The Skyline is the most comfortable but heavy. I went with the REI Flexlite Air because weight is always a factor, and for my body type it allows me to sit how I want at camp. I would go sit in all of these before you make a final choice on a chair. The REI Flexlite is my favorite, but at 2 lbs I can justify carrying that for only an hour or two at camp a night. Good overview Devin!
Great breakdown!
Helinix makes a lightweight mat to use with the chair Zero. Been using that for almost a year and a half now and no more digging into the ground.
Nice dude! Sinking into the sand is the worst!
When I bought my REI Flexlite chair in 2014, the cross bar went perpendicular and in 2015 or 2016 they changed it to parallel like it is now...and that change made it uncomfortable.
I have the big agnes and have compared it to the chair zero and found it so much more comfortable. I am totally willing to have the small amount of extra weight for the comfort.
Oh and one more thing about the Chair Zero- you don’t experience all of what you said sitting on a stable flat surface (like in an REI). But in the real word…its flaws tend to expose themselves fairly quickly. I’m making a Tyvek groundsheet soon. But I might pick up a Skyline if I don’t get along with it after that.
Flexlite is great for me. I’m small 125 5’5” maybe that makes the difference
Interesting, i really wanted to buy the REI chair when it went on sale, but it was indeed very uncomfortable. i kept thinking, but will it be more comfortable than sitting on the ground after a long haul???? nope did not buy it
Rei chair isn’t uncomfortable for me and the price pairs with quality is worth the small downsides when it’s found on sale often
Good review as always.
I've heard the Nature Hike chair is nice.
Good job with your comparison video Devin 👍 I still don't use a chair, but it's tempting.
Join the club!!!
I sat in that damned reclining chair for a bit at REI and maybe it's better than sitting on a rock but not by enough for me to spend money on it
Chair zero white is currently $ 89
I’m older and at 250 lbs, it took me awhile to find a chair for me that collapsed compact and could support me. After quite a bit of searching I found a little known company called Kilosgear. They specialize in lightweight gear for “larger” customers. I got their high back chair and liked it so much, I bought the ottoman.It’s extremely comfortable. I could fall asleep in it. It’s not ultralight, but it is lightweight in addition to being able to collapse down to a packable size on a backpack.
Nice! I have a video on their grand peak chair coming out on Wednesday actually. 😊
Low slung Trekology chair - make a hole in it for a relaxing toilet chair?
Smart!
I had knee surgery and have to go as UL as possible. I bought the Chair Zero before the Nemo came to market, been very happy with it for what it is. Can't make a chair with much height and still have it weigh 17 oz. Its "comfortable enough", and much more comfortable than a rock or a bear canister. Buying the Big Agnes would mean removing something else from my pack, and I've already trimmed it to the bare necessities with the chair being my only real "luxury" item. Thanks for the reviews!
This video to me just highlights that different chairs fit different people differently. I love the comfort of the REI flex light way more than all the other chairs, except for the Big Agnes skyline UL (the stool is also almost as comfortable as the chair). To you the opposite. I own both the Helinox and REI and REI is much much more comfortable on the back and less “hip squeeze”.
Check out Ryan Jordan’s review for backpacking light
Interesting takes. For my body, the rei is really comfortable. Not as comfortable as a high back from other companies, but I tried the Nemo and the helinox, and the rei fits me much better. I get that it’s not quite as sturdy, but I never had an issue. I’ll have to try the hack of picking up the yizi footprint.
I have a cheap chair "iclimb" it has pop on feet for soft mud/sand. I paid $36 an love it.
Only a fool would not bring a chair.
I remember wanting a chair in the 1990s and nothing existed. That was comfortable.
A chair makes everything better. Especially when your old and have bad knees.