The Helinox Chair One is a lightweight backpacking and camping chair for those seeking a solid and lightweight camp chair. It is designed to deliver outstanding strength, comfort, and support when the weight and size of your pack are a focus, making it a great backpacking, kayaking, or bike touring essential.
Weighing in at 31 ounces (34 ounces packed), the Chair One stuffs into a nice 4″ round x 14″ long bag for easy transport. At that weight and size, it’s not even among the lightest chairs the Helinox offers; their Chair Zero weighs about 40% less. You can save an ounce by leaving the included stuff sack at home, but let’s be honest. If you’re worried about saving an ounce, you’re not bringing a chair. In fact, you’re probably not reading this article.
Once assembled, the chair is rated to handle 320 pounds. Even though I weigh 189 pounds, the chair still felt solid when I used it. If you are setting up in softer soil and are worried about the chair’s feet sinking an optional ground sheet is available to distribute the weight. The ground sheet retails for $35.
The Helinox Chair One comes in 8 fun colors and retails for $99. They are available at helinox.com, REI and on Amazon.
Helinox Chair One Features & Specs
- Comfortable. Ergonomic design and reinforced corners hold and support.
- Portable. Compact, collapsible frame. Packs into a 14” x 4.5” x 4.5” full zip case that has a daisy chain and webbing handle.
- Lightweight yet strong. Weighs 2 lbs 2 oz when packed up and can hold up to 320 lbs when assembled.
- Advanced engineering. Green Anodized DAC aluminum alloy frame and proprietary nylon resin hubs merge strength with durability.
- Easy set-up. Shock-corded poles lock the frame into place.
- High-performance fabrics. bluesign®-certified and recycled 600D polyester is durable enough to withstand the elements. Mesh paneling provides ventilation and breathability.
| Height | 25.5 in65 cm | 4.5 in11 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Length | — | 14 in35.5 cm |
| Width | 20.5 in52.5 cm | 4.5 in11 cm |
| Depth | 20 in51 cm | — |
| Weight | 1 lb 15 oz893 g | 2 lb 2 oz965 g |
| Capacity | 320 lb145 kg | — |
Chair One Comfort
The Chair One is not your tailgating, beer-holding, or taking a nap kind of chair, but it was not intended for this. It is a small, lightweight backpacking model, so its comfort aligns with its intended use. If you have been pedaling all day or knocking off a section of the Appalachian Trail, then the Chair One will be a nice reward while enjoying dinner or mingling with friends. The Chair One sits about 9″ off the ground and measures about 20″ wide.
I am 6’2″ and weigh 189 lbs., so I fill out the chair. Finding a place for my arms can be a little awkward at times; I kind of need to keep them crossed or my hands on my lap. If I have a cup of coffee, a cocktail, or an electronic device (phone, tablet, laptop) in my hands, that naturally brings in my arms and ups the comfort level.
For me, 30 minutes was the maximum before I had to get up and stretch my legs. With some of their other chairs, such as the Heinox Sunset Chair, I can hang in for an hour or more before needing to stretch my legs.
Assembly & Set Up
It doesn’t get much easier. The frame pretty much assembles itself. It is 100% shock-corded, so everything is guaranteed to line up. The hardest part is stretching the pockets in the cover over the frame, which is not hard. Ensure the logo faces up and is on the back of the chair, not the seat. The chair does come with instructions that are lightly printed and hard to read, but if you have questions, you can watch this short video.
Helinox Chair One Versus Helinox Sunset Chair
So, my go-to chair for the last 12 months has been the Helinox Sunset chair. It is comfortable enough to last through an evening around the campfire, a 90-minute soccer game, or hanging out and firing off some emails on the laptop. I pretty much use it 3 hours a week in the field working. Will the Helinox Chair One replace this chair? For most circumstances, it will not! I do not need a lighter chair, and the Sunset offers a higher comfort level, but I can see where this chair would come in handy for many people. It is also a great chair for kids.
The Chair One, at $99.95, is also a great way to try Helinox! Helinox products are available at helinox.com, REI, and Amazon.
