Curiously, the added ounces come regardless of Helinox opting to make use of a 300-denier bluesign-certified recycled polyester, which is 50 % lighter than the 600-denier used within the authentic Chair One. The added weight seems to come back from chunkier mounting blocks and a second tensioning line that runs alongside the circumference of the seat. This easy addition does an excellent job of distributing weight evenly throughout the body, making it really feel sturdier, regardless of the material being extra breathable.
Along with the usage of recycled polyester, Helinox has additionally began to make use of light-weight aluminum poles, constituted of repurposed uncooked supplies. This proprietary aluminum alloy is made utilizing the scraps normally discarded through the manufacturing of conventional DAC tent poles.
However they’re not excellent. For starters, in case you’re sitting on something aside from agency floor, the toes will sink in. Helinox is aware of this occurs, which is why they provide a floor sheet ($35), which attaches to the underside of the chair to maintain its legs above floor, and Vibram rubber toes ($40), which additionally stop sinking. Each are neat options, however each add weight, bulk, and expense. That stated, in case you’re not through-hiking, the rocking toes ($69), which turns the chair right into a rocker, are virtually value it only for the disapproving seems to be from the fast-and-lite brigade.
A Lot of Alternate options
As I discussed earlier than, there are actually numerous imitators, but in addition some genuinely nice and downright comfy tenting chairs. WIRED evaluations operations supervisor Scott Gilbertson loves his Nemo Moonlite camp chair ($160), which packs a fraction smaller and weighs simply 2 kilos, 2 ouces, and he was shocked by the standard of REI’s 1-pound Flextite Air Chair ($100). Decathlon’s Quechua MH500 folding tenting chair is a sensational worth at $60, however having in contrast them side-by-side at music festivals final summer time, it’s not fairly as steady, comfy, or undeniably cool, because the premium-priced Helinox.
The compact design of Helinox chairs means it’s simple to sling within the automobile, backpack, and even tote and luxuriate in a cushty, supportive seat wherever you find yourself. They’re nice for festivals, picnics, hikes, and watching sports activities. My ultralight buddies have mocked me for carrying a Chair Zero on multiple bikepacking journey, however I’m the one laughing after 100 miles within the saddle. Should you’re searching for a premium sitting expertise from the makers of the unique suspended camp chair, you will not be dissatisfied.
{Photograph}: Chris Haslam
