For over a decade, my trusty Helinox Chair 1 Tactical (in the awesome coyote brown!) has been my camping companion across mountains, forests, and beaches. The portability and comfort for its size were unbeatable. Plus, the lack of back netting (a design choice back then) meant pesky mosquitos couldn't sneak up on me in tropical climates.
It's truly a testament to Helinox's quality that after 12 years, it's still going strong. Sure, the plastic leg fittings have loosened a bit, and those leg stoppers? Lost a couple to the sand (and replaced them a couple of times). Scratched floors? My bad – gotta be mindful of those chair legs! The elastic bands that hold everything together have stretched too, but they're replaceable. This chair has seen the world and earned those wear marks!
But sometimes, a little upgrade is in order. Enter the Helinox Sunset Chair, my recent addition. Now, the question is: which Helinox chair is right for you? Let's dive into a comparison of four popular options:
Picking Your Perfect Camp Chair: A Helinox Showdown
Let's face it, after a long day of hiking or conquering that epic mountain view, your feet are screaming for a break. But nobody wants to just plop down on the ground, right? That's where a comfy camp chair comes in. But with Helinox offering a whole bunch of high-backed thrones, how do you pick the right one for your next outdoor adventure? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a breakdown of four popular Helinox high-backed chairs to help you find your perfect match.
Weight Weenie? Check the Scale:
Chair Zero Ultralight Highback: This featherweight champ weighs a measly 2.2 lbs (think: a bag of chips). Perfect for backpackers who like to travel light, but be prepared to trade some plushness for portability.
Chair Two Ultralight Highback: A tad heavier than the Zero at 2.7 lbs, but it offers a bit more back support for those who like a happy medium.
Sunset Chair: Clocking in at 3.25 lbs, this chair sacrifices some ultralight cred for a more comfortable experience. Think of it as the Goldilocks option – not too heavy, not too light.
Savanna High-Back: This chair prioritizes comfort and stability, tipping the scales at 4.2 lbs. More suited for car camping trips where weight isn't a major concern.
Price Point: How Much is Your Throne Worth?
Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Highback: Previously the top contender, the Chair Zero is now priced at a more competitive $180.01.
Helinox Chair Two Ultralight Highback: This budget-friendly option comes in at a cool $140.01, making it a great value for backpackers seeking comfort without breaking the bank.
Sunset Chair: This crowd favorite remains a steal at $170.02, offering a good balance of portability and comfort.
Helinox Savanna High-Back: Still the most affordable on the list, the Savanna High-Back offers the most luxurious experience for just $220.03.
Packing Tetris: How Small Does it Get?
Space is precious, especially when backpacking. Here's how these chairs fold up for easy storage:
Chair Zero Ultralight Highback: This champ packs down to a tiny 5 x 5 x 16 inches (when packed in the included stuff sack), making it disappear into your backpack or even a large pocket.
Chair Two Ultralight Highback: Impressively compact, packing down to 17.3 x 4.5 inches. Still larger than the Zero, but about the size of a standard water bottle. This makes it a great choice for space-conscious backpackers.
Sunset Chair: Folds down to a manageable 18.1 x 5.9 inches. Not the smallest, but still fits comfortably in most car trunks or camping gear bags.
Savanna High-Back: This one's the least compact, packing down to 20.9 x 6.3 inches. Think car camping, not backpacking.
Comfy Cozy or Lightweight Breezy?
Comfort is key! Here's a taste of what each chair offers:
Chair Zero Ultralight Highback: This chair is all about being light. It has a breathable mesh seat and back, but minimal padding. Perfect for a quick rest after conquering a trail.
Chair Two Ultralight Highback: Offers a bit more padding than the Zero, with a more contoured backrest for some lower back love. Ideal for those who want a balance between weight and comfort.
Sunset Chair: This chair boasts a generously padded seat and backrest, along with a reclining function for ultimate relaxation. Picture yourself lounging by the campfire with a drink in hand.
Savanna High-Back: The undisputed comfort king. Plush seat and backrest? Check. Ample headrest support? Check. This chair is for those who prioritize relaxation over shaving off every ounce.
Leg Length Lowdown: How High Do You Sit?
While weight, price, and packability are crucial factors, chair leg height can significantly impact your comfort. Here's a breakdown of how the Helinox high-backed chairs stack up in the leg length department:
Chair Zero Ultralight Highback and Chair Two Ultralight Highback: These chairs share the same leg height, offering a seat height of around 13.8 inches (35 cm) from the ground. This translates to a moderate knee bend for most average-height users. Backpackers will appreciate the lower center of gravity for better stability on uneven terrain.
Sunset Chair: This chair provides a bit more legroom with a seat height of approximately 15.7 inches (40 cm). This results in a less pronounced knee bend, offering a more relaxed sitting posture suitable for kicking back by the campfire.
Savanna High-Back: The king of comfort strikes again with the highest seat height of 17.7 inches (45 cm). This chair offers a near throne-like experience with minimal knee bend, ideal for those who prioritize lounging in supreme relaxation.
Built to Last: What's Under the Hood?
All Helinox chairs use top-notch materials to keep you comfy and supported for years to come:
DAC Aluminum Alloy Poles: Think of these as the strong, lightweight bones of the chair.
Fancy Fabrics: Breathable mesh for airflow (Chair Zero and Two), a balance of breathability and durability (Sunset Chair), and plush comfort (Savanna High-Back).
The Bottom Line:
Feature | ||||
Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.7 lbs | 3.25 lbs | 4.2 lbs |
Price | $180.01 | $140.01 | $170.02 | $220.03 |
Packed Size (L x W x H) | 5 x 5 x 16 in | 17.3 x 4.5 in | 18.1 x 5.9 in | 20.9 x 6.3 in |
Comfort | Minimal padding, breathable mesh | More padding than Zero, contoured backrest | Generously padded seat & backrest, reclining | Plush seat & backrest, headrest support, reclining |
Material | Breathable mesh | Breathable mesh | Balance of breathability & durability | Plush comfort fabric |
Best for:
Backpackers (ultralight): Chair Zero Ultralight Highback
Backpackers (budget-friendly): Chair Two Ultralight Highback
Balance of weight & comfort: Sunset Chair
Car camping (most comfort): Savanna High-Back
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