Helinox Chair Elite
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Thomas C.'s Review of Helinox Chair Elite

Ultralight folks may shun this due to its 2# weight compared to nothing at all save a Z-Lite pad or a foot length of 16" Reflectix insulation as a "chair" in camp. I'm 70 years old, over 200#, and have used a Crazy Creek Hex 2 roll-up foam/carbon rod ground chair for a number of years... I want a chair for back support. I've eye'd the Helinox chairs - the Zero is lighter, but still "on the ground" enough to "roll out onto your hands" to get up unless you're very young; the Chair One is pretty much identical to this Elite, but for the One the mesh is at the back rather than the sides, otherwise the same specs/build; the others are just not for backpacking, too heavy and big.
Setup is a breeze, you can almost shake the rods into place. Putting on the fabric isn't difficult at all. Build design and quality of construction is top notch. Sitting down isn't a controlled fall, the chair is comfortable and stable, and no more "rolling out onto my hands to get up". It collapses as easily, and it does fit into the carry pouch without much fiddling.
The Elite is very likely a close-out sale with the Chair One as the new, preferred fabric design; price reflects that situation. Only Orange color, but you can see the chair past dusk. Yes, the legs will sink if the ground is soft - some use tennis balls to prevent that, but they do add bulk to your pack.
A note: I'd previously used Velcro straps to attach my Crazy Creek Hex 2 to the bottom of my pack; the Velcro LOVES the netting fabric of the carry case - I'll likely switch the strapping or swap the zip case out for a long, narrow stuff sack.
Pros:
  • Adequately light and compact for backpacking
  • Adequately comfortable and stable to get in, sit in, and get up from.
  • Adequately strong, good build, easy setup/takedown.
  • Great price for close-out model
Cons:
  • Legs can sink in soft ground, need a work-around like tennis ball or ground cloth (small, say, 2ft x 2ft of poly tarp).
Best Used for:
  • Car camping, Backpacking, any outdoor venue (4th, concerts, etc.)
Would Recommend: Yes
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