Helinox Chair Zero vs. REI Flex-Lite

[dotman]

Nope, have to use Photobucket vs direct load.

 

[SHTF]

They have the Alite Mantis on Massdrop right now also Massdrop: Bringing Enthusiasts Together 61$

 

[willidru]

I was at an REI yesterday and sat on all these chairs. While I don't have a strong opinion on the Helinox vs REI brands, I can say my several year old Helinox original is still perfect and has never let me down.

I took a good long sit in the Helinox Swivel Chair and was completely impressed with it. 100% as stable as my current chair and the swivel works flawlessly. I'm seriously considering it.

I did the exact same thing last week and had the same opinion. The height of the swivel seems ideal to glass with. Not ultra light, but I have some hunts that I don't have to hike more than a mile to glass. I know there is a considerable weight savings for the zero and the REI version, but are they comfortable enough for long glassing sessions. My guess is this is one of those deals where I get stuck buying both

 

[outdoor_matt]

I just bought a helinox chair one and plan on packing it in pretty far, at least a couple miles. For me I like to think the extra weight will be worth it, not just for glassing, but for relaxing around the fire. I know a lot of guys are oz counters, and I am certainly no expert, but whatever keeps me out there longer, and where I should be, is worth it. Does anyone else backpack a chair in miles for hunting? I'm curious as to if people think it is worth it or not.

 

[couesbitten]

Matt, longest trip that the girlfriend and I packed ours in was about 8 miles last year, but we took them on every trip after we got them. I'll admit I was a little skeptical, but for as small as they pack and for no more than they weigh, sitting in a chair beats the shit out of sitting on the ground, a log, or rock!

 

[dotman]

I did the exact same thing last week and had the same opinion. The height of the swivel seems ideal to glass with. Not ultra light, but I have some hunts that I don't have to hike more than a mile to glass. I know there is a considerable weight savings for the zero and the REI version, but are they comfortable enough for long glassing sessions. My guess is this is one of those deals where I get stuck buying both

I think the zero is worth it, anything is more comfortable then the ground

 

[outdoor_matt]

Matt, longest trip that the girlfriend and I packed ours in was about 8 miles last year, but we took them on every trip after we got them. I'll admit I was a little skeptical, but for as small as they pack and for no more than they weigh, sitting in a chair beats the shit out of sitting on the ground, a log, or rock!

Thanks for the tip! That's kind of what I was thinking but it's good to know other guys think the extra weight is worth it.

 

[fort fireman]

I bought my dad a helinox for xmas last year and he loves it. Yesterday I was at BJs which is like a Costco or sams club and they had a knock off brand for 24.99. It's a bit heavier than the helinox but at the end of the day I think a seat off the ground will. Exreally nice. It'll also be nice to sit in while on stand for deer.

 

[Yotekiller]

Whats everyone's opinions on a chair like these where you are up off the ground vs a field chair using trekking poles for a back support? I spent a lot of time in the tent last year and did a lot of glassing. It would have been nice to be able to sit down and lean back on something. I've never used any of them.

 

[JDZ]

Does anyone else backpack a chair in miles for hunting? I'm curious as to if people think it is worth it or not.

I have both the Chair One and the REI chair. I thought I would use one for glassing, but really haven't used it for that. But, having a chair with a back at the end of the day where I can eat my Mountain House is great. I consider myself an ounce-counter, but a chair is one thing I will bring for comfort. I used to bring a stool, but the chair is way better.

I like the Chair One better than the Flex Lite, but I'm interested in the Chair Zero if it would save me 14 oz.

 

[KJH]

I was able to find a similar chair for $14.99 at a local hardware store. It might be a little heavier, but the price is better.

Looking for info on the brand, I could only find it online at Walmart... here's what I'm talking about. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ancheer-...-Lightweight-and-Durable/175025329#about-item

 

[Johnboy]

I have the Helinox Chair One, and it weighs 2 lbs 1.6 oz (2.10 lbs) by my measurement (including carrying case). REI's website states the Helinox Ground Chair weigh as 1 lb 6.6 oz (1.41 lbs), which is about 11 oz lighter than the Chair One. Just food for thought for those looking to shed a little carrying weight.

 

[COlineman78]

Whats everyone's opinions on a chair like these where you are up off the ground vs a field chair using trekking poles for a back support? I spent a lot of time in the tent last year and did a lot of glassing. It would have been nice to be able to sit down and lean back on something. I've never used any of them.

I have both and prefer the field chair for a lot of situations while hunting for the lower profile, but the Helinox is much more comfortable around camp and is actually better for hunting when trying to do a ground blind setup in some underbrush. Where I hunt we have a lot of waist high sagebrush so a taller chair is perfect for those situations when trying to set up along a game trail or something and just have your head barely popping above the brush.

TLDR, I like both and carry both at times. They each have their benefits for certain situations.

 

[topher89]

Chair Zero for me. 10 oz. lighter and more than comfortable enough for me.

 

[Lionel Hutz]

"Nope, have to use Photobucket vs direct load. "
So I have to make an account at another site to use this one? That would not have occurred to me.

Sorry for posting a broken link. I didn't realize that others couldn't see it. It's too bad. They're funny pics.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Anyone seen a good deal on the chair zero lately?

 

[flyinsquirel]

On my scale:
Helinox - 17.3oz - no carry sack
REI - 25.2oz - no carry bag

Not a lot of difference between the 2 size wise. The bulk of the weight is in the frame as the fabric is within 1.5oz between the 2. The Helinox is about 2" lower, a little more upright and 1" narrower between the front pole supports.

Overall I think the REI is more comfortable, just a little.