Helinox Chair Zero: The Perfect Backpacking Chair
When you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, you might trade your recliner and television for the open trails and a camping chair that’s as comfortable as it is lightweight. The Helinox Chair Zero offers the perfect blend of comfort and supportive design, providing a great solution for backpacking enthusiasts. Weighing in at only 18 ounces, this super-light camp chair can easily be packed for everything from beach days to camping trips under the stars. It’s packable, compact, and designed to keep your back comfortable, making it an essential for anyone looking to hit the outdoors without the added weight of heavier gear.
While the Helinox Chair Zero is one of the most comfortable in its category, its higher price tag may cause some to hesitate, especially when considering the competition. Despite being lighter than many other backpacking chairs, it doesn’t sacrifice too much on sturdiness or comfort. For those willing to invest in trimming those few extra ounces, it stands out as a top choice for those who prioritize comfort and portability. Whether you’re lounging around a campfire or taking a break during a long hike, the Chair Zero has proven to be the go-to chair for those seeking the ultimate in outdoor relaxation.
When I first pulled the Helinox Chair Zero out of its carrying bag, I was surprised at how lightweight and compact it was. I knew it was marketed as a portable option for backpacking, but seeing it in person made me realize just how easy it would be to carry on long trips. Unlike most camping chairs that simply unfold, the Chair Zero requires some assembly, which I wasn’t expecting. The setup looks like a jumble of tent poles, but once it’s put together, it starts to make sense, especially for the backpacking crowd. The size of the chair also caught my attention—it doesn’t have the high back like its slightly larger counterpart, the Helinox Chair Zero High-Back. This had me wondering how it would feel for extended sitting, especially during beach days or long camping trips.
Despite my initial curiosity about its comfort, the chair’s small size didn’t seem to compromise its ability to provide a comfortable seating experience. Once assembled, I felt it offered good support, though I was still unsure how it would fare over a longer period. The design, while compact, manages to deliver both comfort and support in a way that fits perfectly for short breaks during camping trips or relaxing on the beach.
Helinox Chair Zero: Lightweight and Packable
When you’re critiquing a camping chair, the intended use plays a key role. The Helinox Chair Zero is specifically designed as a backpacking chair, which means it’s built to prioritize weight and packable convenience over ultimate comfort. Weighing in at just one pound, it’s the lightest chair I’ve tested, making it an easy choice for anyone looking to reduce extra weight on their backpacking trips. The fact that it packs down smaller than most sleeping pads is nothing short of insane, proving how well it fits into tight spaces without taking up much room.
One of the best features of the Chair Zero is that it comes with a stuff sack, which makes it easy to repack after use. Unlike some other camping chairs, which can be tricky to get back into their bags, I found that the Chair Zero was simple to fit back into its sack without much effort. Whether you’re going on a long hike or need to make sure your gear stays light, this chair eliminates the burden of extra weight while maintaining practicality for those on the go.
Comfort
The Helinox Chair Zero is designed with comfort in mind, though it’s a bit different from your typical tailgating or beer holding chair. As an ultralight backpacking model, it sacrifices some comfort for packability and portability, but it still performs better than many heavier and more capacious models. During testing, it was highly ranked for its support, and many testers preferred this chair over larger options, thanks to its thoughtful design. One standout feature is the bum-pocket, which is shaped to hold your derriere comfortably and keep your lower back straight, not curled like some other chairs.
While this design works well for average-sized users, taller or wider individuals might find the narrow back too restrictive. The top corners could fold in and cause discomfort, especially around the armpits or shoulders. Additionally, the pressure on the hips during extended sitting sessions could be an issue for campers with wider bums. The set bottom is short, which has both pros and cons: while it prevents pressure on the thighs, it can cause a slight feeling of sliding forward. Thankfully, the slits in the chair provide some breathability, helping to reduce dirt and sand buildup, though it’s hard to say how much ventilation they truly offer.
Size and Weight
The Helinox Chair Zero is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 18 ounces, making it one of the lightest elevated chairs available. This makes it an excellent choice for backpackers who need to minimize weight without sacrificing comfort. When packed, it’s also one of the tiniest, easily fitting into the side pocket of most backpacking packs. To put it into perspective, it weighs about the same as half a liter of water, which shows just how compact and portable this chair really is.
Despite its lightness, the Chair Zero doesn’t compromise on durability. It’s made from sturdy rip-stop nylon, which is substantial and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of the outdoors. The reinforced corners provide added peace of mind when using it, while the molded plastic hubs give extra confidence that the chair will hold up through many trips.
Stability
The Helinox Chair Zero sits on the lower end of stability when compared to other tent-style chairs, but it’s still much better than many taco-style chairs that rely on body tension to maintain stability. It’s not unstable, and I’d still recommend it to my friends for its solid performance. During our plop tests, where we dropped into each chair with full force, we noticed the chair was strong but did sway a little. Because of this, we didn’t always feel completely comfortable leaning into its frame strength. This affected our stability score, but we didn’t experience any serious issues.
One thing to note is that it’s easy to tip over backward if you lean too far back on the rear legs, but the side to side stability is excellent. In fact, the chair stays in an upright position even when you lean forward to tend your camp stove on the ground in front of you. However, the small feet of the chair tend to sink into soft ground, unlike larger, less packable models. For the most relaxation, a hard, flat surface is recommended.
Ease of Use
Setting up the Helinox Chair Zero is almost as simple as following a bold arrow that says “THIS SIDE UP”. However, we did face a small issue because the logo is along one side of the chair material, not at the top, which caused us to attach the fabric upside down a couple of times. But overall, the setup is fairly dummy-proofed, especially with the picture and text directions on the chair. We appreciated that Helinox chose to rivet the pole hubs to the crossbar, which helps keep the poles in place as you set up the fabric onto the pole frame, making it smoother than many other tent-style chairs that require more force.
When it comes to packing, the stuff sack has a narrow opening, but as long as you roll the fabric around the poles neatly, it’s not too much of a challenge to get everything inside. We found that folding the fabric into thirds and then rolling it around the poles results in the least bulky package. However, to pack up small, the Chair Zero needs to be compact, which is why the short pole lengths leave you just 7 inches off the ground. This low position requires a deep squat to get in and out, which may be tough for those with knee issues or hip issues, but it works fine for young athletic types who can easily enjoy the chair’s comfort.
What Other Backpacking Chair Should You Consider?
If you’re impressed by the weight and comfort of the Helinox Chair Zero, but you’re looking for other options, there are several lightweight alternatives to consider. The REI Co-op Flexlite Air is lighter and cheaper than the Helinox Chair Zero, though it may not be as sturdy. For those who prefer something a bit different, the REI Co-op Trail Stool offers a simple, compact option. You might also check out the Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair Kit, or the Therm-a-Rest Z Seat, both of which are great for lightweight packing but offer different seating styles depending on your preference.
While these chairs are all lightweight, they come with trade-offs in terms of comfort and sturdiness compared to the Helinox Chair Zero. It’s worth weighing these options to see which one best suits your backpacking needs, whether it’s extra comfort or a bit more compactness in your pack.
Helinox Chair Zero: Drawbacks
The Helinox Chair Zero has a few drawbacks that are worth considering before you commit to it. First, the setup can feel a bit intimidating, though it’s not necessarily challenging. The poles have to be connected to the correct hub, and because all the pieces are connected, it’s hard to lose any poles, but it can still look like a jumble when you first pull it out. Once the poles are in place, you need to pull the fabric stretched over the frame, which can be a bit of a hassle compared to other camping chairs that simply unfold. On the other hand, tear down is a breeze and much easier than the setup.
Comfort is another area where the Chair Zero falls short for some people. It’s on the small side, and it feels like the chair is hugging your butt and hips, similar to sitting on a playground swing. Larger users may find the size uncomfortable. My husband likes using it for beach days and car camping because it’s so packable, but if weight isn’t an issue, I’d prefer a bigger, more comfortable chair for longer outings. That being said, for backpacking, the Helinox Chair Zero does its job well, as long as you’re okay with its more compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Helinox Chair Zero
1. How difficult is the setup for the Helinox Chair Zero?
The setup is a little intimidating at first, but it’s not too challenging once you get the hang of it. The poles have to be attached to the correct hub, and since the pieces are connected, you can’t lose any poles. It might look like a jumble when you first take it out, but once you get the fabric stretched over the frame, it’s pretty straightforward.
2. Is the Helinox Chair Zero comfortable for everyone?
The Chair Zero is on the small side and may not be the most comfortable for larger users. It hugs your butt and hips like a playground swing, which some may find cozy, but others might feel cramped. If you prefer a bigger, more comfortable chair, especially for longer sitting sessions, this may not be the best fit.
3. How easy is it to pack the Helinox Chair Zero?
The Chair Zero is incredibly packable, which makes it great for backpacking and beach days. The tear down process is a breeze, but packing it into the stuff sack can be a bit tricky due to the narrow opening. If you roll the fabric neatly around the poles, it should fit inside without too much of a challenge.
4. Is the Helinox Chair Zero good for larger individuals?
The Helinox Chair Zero may be uncomfortable for larger users due to its small size. It’s designed to be compact and lightweight, so it might not provide enough space for someone with a larger build to fully relax. However, it works well for those who prefer a smaller, more packable option and don’t mind a snug fit.
5. How does the Helinox Chair Zero compare to other camping chairs?
Compared to other camping chairs, the Helinox Chair Zero is more lightweight and packable, making it an excellent choice for backpacking. However, it’s not the most comfortable option for everyone, especially if you’re looking for more room or padding. It’s perfect for those who prioritize weight and portability, but if you’re planning a long, relaxed outing, you might want to consider a bigger chair for better comfort.
Conclusion
The Helinox Chair Zero is a top choice for backpacking and outdoor adventures where weight and packability are crucial. It stands out for being incredibly lightweight, compact, and easy to pack, making it a reliable companion for beach days, car camping, and backpacking trips. While the setup is simple enough, it might feel a bit intimidating at first due to the need to connect poles to the hubs and stretch the fabric over the frame. The chair is also more suitable for those who prefer a snug, small fit, but larger individuals may find it less comfortable.
If you’re willing to compromise on comfort for the sake of portability and lightness, the Helinox Chair Zero is a fantastic option. It’s not the most comfortable chair for extended sitting, but it excels in backpacking and lightweight camping scenarios. Whether you’re looking for a chair that packs down small or one that keeps your pack light, this chair delivers in a way few others do.
I like the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great posts.
What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other customers like its helped me. Good job.
obviously like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.