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Three Things To Know:
- Lightweight but Strong – Despite weighing roughly a kilo, the DAC aluminum frame supports up to 145kg and feels remarkably stable.
- Packs Down Small – It packs into a case about the size of a loaf of bread, making it ideal for backpacking or tight car boots.
- Recycled and Repairable – Made from recycled materials and designed to be repairable, it’s a more sustainable choice than many camping chairs.
Our rating:
Design and Portability
Comfort and Support
Durability and Materials
Check availability at Helinox.
For years, I refused to buy a camping chair. Sitting on the ground or using a blanket always seemed good enough, and I didn’t see the point in adding more bulk to my kit. (I felt the same about camping tables. A revelation I’ll save for another review.) But after hearing countless people rave about the Helinox Chair One, I finally gave in and tested the updated Chair One (re). Here’s what I thought.
Design and Portability
The design of the Helinox Chair One (re) is what really won me over. It’s minimalist, weighing roughly one kilo, but thoughtfully engineered and is an update on the original award winning Chair One, now featuring (re)Tension Design – adding a second tension line within the parameter of the chair to distribute weight around the frame.
Packs into a 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm full zip case that has a daisy chain and webbing handle, and can hold up to 145kg when assembled.
The legs swing out and click together almost like tent poles and the fabric of the chair just slots over them, taking seconds to set up, and the chair feels surprisingly stable for something so light. The pockets in the arms are also a nice touch.
Packed down, it’s about the size of a large water bottle, and it fits easily into my backpacking setup without adding unnecessary bulk. The carry case is sleek and doubles as storage for small essentials if needed. For lightweight trips where space is at a premium, this chair genuinely earns its place.
Comfort and Support
One of the reasons I’ve been hesitant about camping chairs in the past is that I’d only ever used really cheap ones. And while there’s nothing wrong with budget gear, I often found the design cut off circulation behind my knees, especially as someone with fairly short legs. My legs would go numb after just a short sit.
So I was genuinely surprised when the Helinox Chair One (RE), despite being so lightweight, turned out to be incredibly comfortable. The seat cradles you just right, and I had no issues with pressure points, even after long evenings by the campfire.
One small thing I noticed, again as someone around 5'4", is that when I first sat down, I wasn’t quite sure what to do with my arms. This upgraded design has a taller frame than the previous model, and my arms didn’t feel comfortable resting on the outside of the chair or tucked inside the fabric. But after a few uses, I found that sitting slightly higher up than I initially thought made all the difference. Once I adjusted, this chair really proved itself to be one of the most comfortable I’ve ever used while camping.
Durability and Materials
This updated chair is made with redesigned nylon resin hubs which makes this chair more stable than its predecessor, and the frame of the chair is made from repurposed aluminium scraps left on the factory floor, which would otherwise have been thrown away.
The Helinox Chair One (re) feels impressively solid for such a lightweight bit of kit. The DAC aluminum frame gives it a strong, stable structure that holds up well on a variety of surfaces, and the recycled polyester seat fabric feels tough enough to handle regular outdoor use. That said, it’s still a lightweight chair, so while I wouldn’t call it fragile, I do try to avoid dragging it over rough ground or overloading it. So far, it’s held up really well, with no visible wear or sagging, and I expect it to last through many more trips.
Value for Money
The Helinox Chair One (RE) isn’t cheap, especially compared to basic camping chairs, but you’re paying for quality, comfort, and durability in a genuinely portable package.
Sustainability
The seat fabric and the case are made from recycled polyester, helping reduce waste and reliance on virgin materials. Helinox also designs its chairs with repairability in mind.
Should You Buy It?
If you value comfort, packability, and durability in your camping setup, and you're willing to invest a bit more upfront, the Helinox Chair One (RE) is absolutely worth it.
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