Helinox Chair Zero Camping Chair Review

Bottom Line

If your top priority is portability, the Helinox Chair Zero is king. It’s the only chair to make the cut on both our best camping chairs list as well as our best backpacking chairs list. The Chair Zero’s been a team fave for years because it’s versatile, comfy, and long-lasting. CleverHiker founder Dave Collins has used every version of this chair for over a decade – and hundreds of trips. Weighing just over a pound and packing to the size of a water bottle, it’s perfect for any time we need a small chair, like lawn concerts, beach trips and camping.

Don’t be fooled by its featherlight build and small size. The Chair Zero has a very high strength-to-weight ratio and boasts an impressive weight capacity of 265 pounds. It’s durable thanks to materials that resist sagging and warping even after hundreds of uses. Assembly is straightforward, too. This seat is constantly in our rotation because it’s handy for a wide range of activities, whether we’re in the suburbs or on a summit.

However, this design comes with trade-offs. It’s short – only 8.5 inches off the ground – so it’s not the best for taller folks or those with mobility concerns. It can be difficult to get back in the bag due to chunky reinforced hubs. It doesn’t have convenient features we see on other camping chairs like armrests, pockets, or cup holders. And this model is pricier than chairs many times its size and weight. But, if you’re looking for ultralight portability, solid durability, and reliable comfort for frontcountry or backcountry fun, the Chair Zero is the only chair you’ll need.

Comfort

The Helinox Chair Zero proves that portability doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. A bucket-style seat made of ripstop polyester is comfy against the skin and doesn’t sag, even after hundreds of hours. We appreciate the Chair Zero’s two strategic cutouts in the seat fabric that allows refreshing airflow on warm days. The chair’s 265-pound weight capacity makes it a versatile choice for most body shapes and sizes, although if you want a slightly higher and wider version – with a weight capacity of 320 pounds – consider the Helinox Chair Zero Large.

Senior Content Editor Ian Krammer loves the aluminum frame is has bit of give so it’s comfortable to sit in upright to eat or cook. But, we love chilling in this one, too. The slightly flexible frame and seat are low-to-the-ground, the perfect height to kick out our legs, put our hands behind our heads, and relax after long days of hiking or climbing.

This model’s near the bottom of our list, though, because it’s not comfy for everyone. To trim weight and bulk, it sacrifices standard features like armrests, a headrest and lumbar support. The shallow scoop-style seat and 8.5-inch height may be another drawback, especially if you’re a taller user or have mobility challenges. It can take a bit of effort to get in and out of the chair.

And, keep in mind the Chair Zero is foremost a backpacking chair. It’s a comfy, do-it-all choice for those who both camp and backpack – but it’s as minimalist as any chair on our list. If you’re mostly a car camper, you may want to consider a more traditional option that’s taller, wider, and more supportive.

Durability

Few chairs rival the Chair Zero’s absurdly high strength-to-weight ratio. Built with quality materials and great engineering, it holds a whopping 265 pounds. Burly plastic hubs lock the strong aluminum alloy poles in place, and rubber feet add stability and longevity on most terrain. Many years of testing, from rocky alpine lakes to gritty sandy deserts, shows the frame holds up well for hundreds – if not thousands – of setups and breakdowns.

The fabric goes the distance, too. Helinox uses 100D ripstop polyester that resists punctures and abrasions from clothes, rocks, and pokey plants. Pole pockets are thick and structured with reinforced stitching to ensure stress points hold firm. And the Chair Zero handles weather with ease. We’ve left it out in snow, pouring rain, and long hail storms, but it typically dries within an hour.

That said, the Chair Zero feels a bit flimsy. Don’t get us wrong – it’s very strong for such a lightweight design – but compared to camping chairs on our list that weigh up to a dozen times more, it’s limited. The fabric is strong, but not invincible. The 265-pound weight limit is excellent for a chair this size, but below the 300-pound average of most models on our list. We haven’t had to baby the Chair Zero, but featherlight, premium materials still require extra attention and care to avoid unnecessary wear.

Portability

​​The Helinox Chair Zero earns a perfect score from our team for portability. Weighing just 1 pound, 2 ounces, it’s built for carrying long distances. Whether you’re picnicking in the neighborhood park or hiking for a week in the backcountry, it packs down to the size of a water bottle. This one takes up very little space in our gear closet, trunk, and backpacks. The included carrying case is simple, with a secure drawstring closure for straightforward packing and unpacking. 

However, it takes a minute to pitch, and it’s not as easy to pack. Because of assembly steps, the Chair Zero takes longer to pitch compared to simple one-step camping chairs. We also find the bulky plastic hubs make make it a bit tough to fit back into the case. Still, the Chair Zero earns a perfect and the most portable model we tested.

Ease of Use

Few camping chairs combine simplicity and functionality as well as the Chair Zero. Setting it up is a breeze, so you can go from packed to perched in only 30 to 60 seconds. First, snap the aluminum poles together and plug them into the plastic hubs. Then, tuck each pole into the four coordinating pockets on the seat, and you’re ready to relax. Helinox includes a “This Way Up” logo with an arrow on the back of the chair to prevent confusion.

However, if you’re looking for a chair with lots of features, this is not it. There’s no storage pockets, cup holders, head rest, or armrests. As a result, we set everything on the ground or a nearby cooler – but this design won’t suit everyone. However, if you want a chair that straddles basic needs in both backcountry and the frontcountry, look no further. The Chair Zero’s streamlined profile and no-frills design may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Should You Buy The Helinox Chair Zero?

The Helinox Chair Zero is perfect for folks who want a portable and comfy seat for both backpacking and minimalist camping. It’s super light and pack small, so it’s a great choice for storing in a gear room, trunk, daypack or backpack without taking up much space. The chair’s solid frame supports up to 265 pounds, making it a good fit for most adults. It’s fairly fast to set up and offers a good respite for your backside when a log, rock, or the ground just won’t cut it.This Helinox model is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a seat that can go the distance without weighing them down.

However, we don’t recommend the Chair Zero if you’re a car camper, have mobility issues, or prefer taller seating options. Its low seat can be difficult to get in and out of, and it takes a bit longer to set up compared to one-step camping chairs. It doesn’t have most of the features of traditional camp chairs like pockets or arm rests or cup holders. And, this one is on the spendy side. That said, if you want the best of the best when it comes to a minimalist, quality, ultralight chair, the Helinox Chair Zero is worth every penny – and may be the tiny throne of your dreams.

What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?

The Helinox Chair Zero is the only ultralight chair on our best camping chairs guide, but you’ll find more like it on our guide to the best backpacking chairs. If you prefer a more traditional camping chair, consider these alternatives: 

ENO Lounger DL Review: The Lounger DL is a low-to-the-ground chair like the Chair Zero. This one is heavier and bulkier, but its hammock-style design is better for lounging, and the adjustable leg lengths provide a custom fit..

REI Skyward Review: The Skyward is a classic camping chair with a one-step setup and superior comfort. It’s heavier and bulkier, but it’s excellent for long sitting sessions and costs less than half of the Chair Zero.

Kelty Low Loveseat Review: If you want to stay low to the ground but want to share your seat, this is our fave two-seater. It weighs many times more – and packs way larger – than the Chair Zero but it’s super comfy and durable.