I've been meaning to address this. I bought one of those chairs and have been using it the last couple of years, but I don't have a fully matured opinion yet. It IS about the same height as the Chair-Zero and is about the same weight. And yes, it's a good deal cheaper, but my inclination is that the chair-zero is still the better chair - it feels like it will outlive the Flexlite by a good long time, but if $ is an important factor, the Flexlite wins hands down. I made a video on the subject, but it wasn't good enough to post - at that time, I was purely undecided.
Thanks for doing this video. I was going through the same pros/cons for the various chairs and your video has helped me make my decision. Helinox Zero it is, even if it is a bit more.
I have the Mayfly from years ago. Somehow the YT algorithm started giving me Helinox Chair Zero vids. Pulled the trigger at EverestGear for $85, no tax, free ship. Love it.
Nice review, unfortunately soft ground use doesn't seem to be a consideration. I own a Helinox Sunset Chair and a Ground Chair. I had to buy a ground sheet for the Sunset which adds bulk and inconvenience when using it on softer ground otherwise the feet start sinking. The same would apply to the Chair One, for me the Ground Chair square foot print spreads weight more preventing it sinking which is a big advantage over the other two and no added bulk of carrying and fitting a ground sheet.
Good review. I like the Chair Zero, but sooner or later the feet will sink into the ground and snap a leg. It happened to me twice. You really need to add the footprint or the ball feet for this not to happen, which adds weight. ..but I still prefer the Chair Zero.
A pro for me of the mayfly (now sold by grand trunk) not mentioned here is that because it is really built to just use the two back balls as contact points (the bar is optional) it is great to rock or lean back in.
Thank you for the review. Do you find that the legs in the Zero one get deep into the ground? Considering how pointy they are. I see some reviewers complaining about it.
I saw that one where the guy pushes the legs all the way down to the junction. I think that was a setup. I could see that 'maybe' being an issue in deep forest areas, but I hike in the Sierra Nevada. The ground is hard and compact or it's solid granite. Even in the softer dirt areas that I see, the rear legs might get buried an inch, but not more than that. Even subtracting that inch, this chair still offers MUCH higher clearance than the other two in this video.
Thanks for your comparison. I am thinking of which Helinox to buy right now. I like the idea of more height, particularly for eating - but we live near the beach and go there often too, and the Helinox Ground with it's cross bars I think is far less likely to sink into the sand. Since you posted this 5 years ago are you still happy with your choice of the Zero?
re chairs sinking in soft ground - that just isn't much of a problem in the tahoe area sierra where I do most of my backpacking. You can buy a device from helinox that creates are flat plane of the bottom 4 corners. I have since bought an REI chair that is a little taller and a little lighter that I've used recently. I'm not confident that it will last like the Chair Zero so I'm still keeping it too.
Thanks. Just ordered the zero. Was going to go for the One but its almost a kilo where the zero is a manageable 500 grams. $140 Aussie dollars I hope its worth it!
How do they compare for sinking into the ground? I've seen other videos where the Chair One and Chair Zero sink into the ground because of the small contact points. Then, you have to buy an extra piece to spread the force out, which is a separate thing to deal with and brings the weight up.
All true - not a factor for me since I hike in areas with lots of granite, but clearly if soft ground is an issue, the skinny legged chair zero will sink. Didn't I mention this?
I wish someone would make a chair that utilizes one or both of my trekking poles. Then we could shed another 1/2lb. Or a tent with a reinforced seat built into the vestibule. Either way we need to be able to transform existing materials we're already carrying into a different shape or mode of use.
Very good. I feel better informed about the choice I just made, Chair Zero. How is it working out for you? I will be using mine for the first time this weekend.
Just got back from using it in the field for the first time. It's everything that I hoped it would be. It changes everything. I can work on my stove from a seated position - lots of other things that THIS chair can do that the others cant
On our trip this past weekend , there were two notable items that got the thumbs up , the Zero chair and the camp water supply bag. The water supply bag made it easy for everyone, the chair was a big hit and like the bugs, I had to keep shewing people away from it.
I have the taller chair. I always cut 2 logs 4 foot long, lean them against a tree, put the chair in the middle and use them as handrails to get in and out of the chair. Ten minutes work makes life easier.
You can buy a ground sheet for the legs, which should stop the sinking from happening. Helinox make one, but you can buy cheaper ones on Amazon that will also work.
There are a few factors you do not consider here. 1. How do the chairs function on snow, sand or other soft ground? 2. Normally speaking, light weight camping tents do not have very high ceilings. Lets say it's stormy and raining one day and you want to sit in your chair inside your tent and read a book. How does that work with the Helinox Zero? How does it work with the other two?
IMHO, you'd need a pretty big tent. And you're not going to be on the ground. I'd bundle up some stuff in a sack and sit on that. I get what you mean though. Spending a couple of days in a tent can be a fatigue contest.
Is it going a chair attic.... Thanks for sharing I knew your community. You have a very interesting Channel look forward to hearing from you God bless Ken. My channels are how to channel just to let you know 🇱🇷
The REI Flexlite air is even lighter than the Zero, less than a pound, same height, sale for $70 right now and I heard that on July 4th it’ll be $50.
I've been meaning to address this. I bought one of those chairs and have been using it the last couple of years, but I don't have a fully matured opinion yet.
It IS about the same height as the Chair-Zero and is about the same weight. And yes, it's a good deal cheaper, but my inclination is that the chair-zero is still the better chair - it feels like it will outlive the Flexlite by a good long time, but if $ is an important factor, the Flexlite wins hands down.
I made a video on the subject, but it wasn't good enough to post - at that time, I was purely undecided.
I take a full size La-Z-Boy recliner. Yes they're a little heavy but my backpack trips are short.
Excellent review. This answers many questions and the sitting and eating observations were valuable.
Thanks for doing this video. I was going through the same pros/cons for the various chairs and your video has helped me make my decision. Helinox Zero it is, even if it is a bit more.
Never knew I needed Jolly Saruman for a backpacking review but this was helpful. Thanks.
I have the Mayfly from years ago. Somehow the YT algorithm started giving me Helinox Chair Zero vids. Pulled the trigger at EverestGear for $85, no tax, free ship. Love it.
Funny how sometimes youtube knows what you want before you do :-)
Great review! I work in an indoor store and we just got the Chair Zero and Chair one in stock so this has helped!!
Nice review, unfortunately soft ground use doesn't seem to be a consideration. I own a Helinox Sunset Chair and a Ground Chair. I had to buy a ground sheet for the Sunset which adds bulk and inconvenience when using it on softer ground otherwise the feet start sinking. The same would apply to the Chair One, for me the Ground Chair square foot print spreads weight more preventing it sinking which is a big advantage over the other two and no added bulk of carrying and fitting a ground sheet.
Just looking into buying one of the Helinox chairs. This vid has been really helpful. Cheers from the UK.
Good review.
I like the Chair Zero, but sooner or later the feet will sink into the ground and snap a leg. It happened to me twice. You really need to add the footprint or the ball feet for this not to happen, which adds weight. ..but I still prefer the Chair Zero.
Thanks for taking the time and sharing.
Appreciated !
Thanks a lot for your helpful review. You clearly help me to make my final choice on a backpacking chair.
Lol nice hair Kim.
A pro for me of the mayfly (now sold by grand trunk) not mentioned here is that because it is really built to just use the two back balls as contact points (the bar is optional) it is great to rock or lean back in.
Thank you for this review so I don't buy the wrong one.
Zero it is! Thanks, kind sir!
Its like Goldilocks. Which one is just right?
Really helpful. Thanks!
So sweet when you fell on the floor .... Aww xx
Since the others have flat cross bars and the zero has legs, do you find the legs sink? I wonder if it would benefit from foot pads.
Excellent review!!!!
Thank you for the review.
Do you find that the legs in the Zero one get deep into the ground? Considering how pointy they are. I see some reviewers complaining about it.
I saw that one where the guy pushes the legs all the way down to the junction. I think that was a setup. I could see that 'maybe' being an issue in deep forest areas, but I hike in the Sierra Nevada. The ground is hard and compact or it's solid granite. Even in the softer dirt areas that I see, the rear legs might get buried an inch, but not more than that. Even subtracting that inch, this chair still offers MUCH higher clearance than the other two in this video.
Flip open water bottle caps taped to the bottom of the legs fix that problem.
Thanks for your comparison. I am thinking of which Helinox to buy right now. I like the idea of more height, particularly for eating - but we live near the beach and go there often too, and the Helinox Ground with it's cross bars I think is far less likely to sink into the sand. Since you posted this 5 years ago are you still happy with your choice of the Zero?
re chairs sinking in soft ground - that just isn't much of a problem in the tahoe area sierra where I do most of my backpacking. You can buy a device from helinox that creates are flat plane of the bottom 4 corners. I have since bought an REI chair that is a little taller and a little lighter that I've used recently. I'm not confident that it will last like the Chair Zero so I'm still keeping it too.
There is a footprint for the Zero in order to prevent it from sinking
I am narrow in the hips and I find the chair zero is a little too neat. Hopefully it will stretch a little...
Thank you, good review.
Thanks. Just ordered the zero. Was going to go for the One but its almost a kilo where the zero is a manageable 500 grams. $140 Aussie dollars I hope its worth it!
Did you get the Zero? Happy with it?
Thank you for your review.
How do they compare for sinking into the ground? I've seen other videos where the Chair One and Chair Zero sink into the ground because of the small contact points. Then, you have to buy an extra piece to spread the force out, which is a separate thing to deal with and brings the weight up.
All true - not a factor for me since I hike in areas with lots of granite, but clearly if soft ground is an issue, the skinny legged chair zero will sink. Didn't I mention this?
Another great video! Thanks
I wish someone would make a chair that utilizes one or both of my trekking poles. Then we could shed another 1/2lb. Or a tent with a reinforced seat built into the vestibule. Either way we need to be able to transform existing materials we're already carrying into a different shape or mode of use.
So design it yourself
trailform.com
i think this is what you need
There is such a chair but you need skis and snow.
What state are you in that is a beautiful area looks like Canada maybe or Washington?
Cracking review!
Going to pick up a chair zero today! nice hat GO Sharks!
I LOVED that hat - lost it on the trail heading toward Lake of the Woods last fall. Damn!
Great review
Helinox Chair Zero is the Beyonce of backpacking chairs.
You are awesome man
Very good. I feel better informed about the choice I just made, Chair Zero.
How is it working out for you? I will be using mine for the first time this weekend.
Just got back from using it in the field for the first time. It's everything that I hoped it would be. It changes everything. I can work on my stove from a seated position - lots of other things that THIS chair can do that the others cant
On our trip this past weekend , there were two notable items that got the thumbs up , the Zero chair and the camp water supply bag.
The water supply bag made it easy for everyone, the chair was a big hit and like the bugs, I had to keep shewing people away from it.
I have the taller chair. I always cut 2 logs 4 foot long, lean them against a tree, put the chair in the middle and use them as handrails to get in and out of the chair. Ten minutes work makes life easier.
I wonder what an anonymous chair addict group meeting looks like. I guess they all have to sit on the floor.
Very good video. I found that the leg ends of the Ground Zero chair sink into soft ground and sand. I have to figure out a solution for that.
You can buy a ground sheet for the legs, which should stop the sinking from happening. Helinox make one, but you can buy cheaper ones on Amazon that will also work.
@@JamesV1 Thank you.
There are a few factors you do not consider here.
1. How do the chairs function on snow, sand or other soft ground?
2. Normally speaking, light weight camping tents do not have very high ceilings. Lets say it's stormy and raining one day and you want to sit in your chair inside your tent and read a book. How does that work with the Helinox Zero? How does it work with the other two?
IMHO, you'd need a pretty big tent. And you're not going to be on the ground. I'd bundle up some stuff in a sack and sit on that. I get what you mean though. Spending a couple of days in a tent can be a fatigue contest.
I sold the helinox zero for the ground chair. No regrets there
but how do you eat
hope to see ya out there some time...appreciate all you do thank you very much
hey, it could happen
hello train!
Nice
Zero worth every penny.
Go Sharks! #NextYear
Is it going a chair attic....
Thanks for sharing I knew your community. You have a very interesting Channel look forward to hearing from you God bless Ken.
My channels are how to channel just to let you know 🇱🇷
Nope. Many hours on all and the Heli Zero WILL definitely sink down into EVERYTHING but grass. Much wobblier too.
Helinox chairs are too low...