The ultralight weight, compact design, and superb comfort of the Helinox Chair Zero make it a great choice for short backpacking trips, car camping, beach or park days, and so much more.
Weighing just over a pound, the Helinox Chair Zero packs down surprisingly small and is made from durable materials, offering specs unmatched by its competition. After some rigorous field testing of sitting around, we found the Chair Zero’s performance lived up to its reputation. While we wouldn’t typically pack a one pound chair for intense backpacking trips, this ultralight chair is our go-to for a range of casual trips. For those looking for an ultralight, portable, and versatile chair, the Helinox Chair Zero is an excellent option.
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Weight and packability are the key features we like most about Chair Zero. This chair weighs an impressive 1.1 pounds making it one of the lightest chairs on the market. It’s also super compact and portable. These are all great features for when packing space is limited or you don’t want to haul around bulky gear.
Easy Setup
Setting up the Chair Zero is a breeze. It involves a two-part process of securing the virtually self-assembling pole frame, then slipping on the seat. For those who want quick access to the chair, clip the stash pocket carabiner on your daypack or backpack or stash the chair inside your water bottle pocket.
Durable
The strength-to-weight ratio of the Chair Zero is unmatched. The rugged poles and tough ripstop polyester seat are designed to take a beating. Although small in dimensions, this seat can hold up to a surprising 265 lbs. It’s also worth mentioning the seat material offers flexibility without stretching out with repeated use.
Versatile
Weight and packability make the Chair Zero suitable for shorter backpacking trips, car camping, beach days, park visits, events, and more. We find it ideal for our casual trips as it frees up space for additional gear and isn’t too bulky to tote around.
The biggest drawback to the Chair Zero is the price. The $150 MSRP is high for someone who simply wants a no-frills portable chair. However, if weight, size, and versatility are a concern, you may still want to consider this chair.
Not suitable for taller individuals
Taller folks may find the shallow seat of Chair Zero to be uncomfortable and less supportive for their size. However, smaller individuals may find the chair to be quite comfy and just the right fit.
Not ideal for all day lounging
While the Chair Zero is comfortable for resting, the chair’s smaller seat and height will be less comfortable for all day lounging. For this we recommend a more standard camp chair, such as the REI Camp Xtra Chair.
Seat height can be an issue for some trips
For many trips, we find the 11-inch seat height of the Chair Zero is not an issue. However, when we’re sitting around a campfire with a large group of friends we prefer a more typical camp chair. The chair will also sink into soft ground diminishing the seat height at places like the beach.
Seat height can be an issue for some trips
We found the Chair Zero works great for backpacking trips with shorter miles and ample camp time. However, if we’re going to be on a more intense trip hiking over 10-miles per day, we prefer to take something lighter like a 2-ounce Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat.
Bottom Line
When it comes to chair weight, durability, and packability, the Helinox Chair Zero can’t be beat. It is one of the more expensive chairs on the market, but we find the tradeoff to be worth it. For those who desire a lightweight, compactless bulky, and versatile portable chair, we recommend the Chair Zero. While we typically wouldn’t bring it on a rigorous backpacking trip, backpackers who don’t mind sparing some extra weight and space will find this luxury item well worth packing.
