Helinox Chairs (Re) Review: The Best Camping Chairs

Interestingly, although Helinox chose to use 300 powder blues certified recycled polyester, it added ounces, 50% lighter than the 600-fans used on the original chair. The added weight appears to come from the longer mounting block and a second tension line extending along the circumference of the seat. This simple addition is done incredibly well, distributing weight evenly throughout the frame, and while the fabric is more breathable, it feels stronger.

In addition to using recycled polyester, Helinox has also begun using lightweight aluminum electrodes made from reused raw materials. This proprietary aluminum alloy is made of scrap materials that are usually discarded during the manufacturing process of traditional DAC tent poles.

But they are not perfect. For beginners, your feet sink if you sit on anything other than a firm ground. Helinox knows this happens, which is why they offer floor sheets ($35) ($35) that are attached to the bottom of the chair to keep the legs above the ground, while Vibram rubber feet ($40) also prevent sinking. Both are neat solutions, but both add weight, weight and expense. That said, if you’re not hiking, the rocking feet ($69) turn the chair into a rocker, almost worth it just because of the disapproving expression from the fast and Wright brigade.

Many alternatives

As I mentioned before, there are countless imitators now, but there are also some really great and downright comfortable camping chairs. Cable Review Operations Manager Scott Gilbertson loves his Nemo Moonlite Campground ($160), which is smaller and only 2 pounds, 2 pounds, 2 pounds, and he was surprised by the quality of the Rei 1 pound Flextite Air Taire ($100). The sensational value of the Decathlon’s Quechua MH500 folding camping chair is $60, but compared them side by side at the festival last summer, and its stability, comfort or undeniable is the premium fare Helinox.

The compact design of the Helinox chair means it’s easy to hang a sling in a car, backpack or even a tote bag, and you can enjoy a comfortable, supportive seat wherever you end up. They are perfect for festivals, picnics, hiking and watching sports. My ultralight partner laughed at me for carrying zero chairs on multiple bike trips, but I was smiling after 100 miles in the saddle. If you are looking for a quality sitting experience from the manufacturer of the original hanging camp chair, you won’t be disappointed.