After this last trip definitely interested in sitting on more than just my life jacket. Took a look at the Helinox chairs, but at $100 a pop that’s a little hard to swallow.

Two ideas.

1.) What about those old school aluminum bad boys? Maybe strap it to the packs? Especially if we just base on Caribou (out of Poplar, not E. Bearskin) that might not be too bad to portage in?
2.) Is there another camp chair you’d recommend at a fraction of a Helinox? We need 3 chairs (since I know MiniMN would want one too) but not interested at all in spending $300 either.

REI Flexlites frequently go on sale for ~$60.

Helinox chairs are only $70 at REI and you can get a Mini chair for $48. Otherwise look at the REI Flexlite chair or some have gotten the one from the Boy Scout catalog. Same weight holding capacity as the REI chair of 250 lbs. Boy Scout Chair

Before I went to Helinox, umbrella chairs with no armrests were my favorite. The trouble is that they are hard to find with no armrests. The armrests add too much weight and bulk. Search the big box stores or ebay. Sometimes they show up.

Wife and I use the REIs and one tripping buddy uses a Helinox. All with great success/satisfaction. Had three guys go with us last September. They didn't care for the idea of paying $70+ either, and went with what appeared identical to the REIs and paid $40-$50 each. None were abused, yet every one of them suffered at least a minor failure on trip #1. None will make it more than another trip or two. Wish I could recall a brand for you to avoid. Buyer beware.

...or, you could consider these.

I bought one of these
It seems to be very good quality. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's a Helinox without the brand written on it.

I did the eBay ones. My kids use them around the house. I bought two but will probably just take one this year.

Happy with REI Flex Lite. Certain colors go on sale once in a while. We nearly have the entire crew outfitted. Happy to be rid of those umbrella chairs.

We got these at the Boy Scout store. They have held up very well, I like the solid aluminum hub that holds the legs in place.

BSA Chair

REI Flexlite changed the frame orientation 90 degrees, personally I do not like it. Have 3 older Flexlites and like them, tried the new ones, old style rocks front to back like a rocking chair, new side to side. If looking for best deal the clone chairs listed are good.

Got a jar of spare pocket change building up for a new Helinox Sunset!

butthead

I used to buy the cheap bag chairs from Menards. They are fairly light and about $8 each. I'd only get a couple trips out of them. The only thing I really didn't like was they were awkward to portage. I upgraded to a flex light, and upgraded again to the helinox. Nothing wrong with the bag chairs!

Cool! Thanks for the ideas.

I have done tripod chairs, the folding canvas stools and I have to say the REI Flexlite chair is by far the best. Light weight, folds up small and has a back rest. I saw them for $50 around X-mas. That IMHO is a steal!

Buy then used from Piragis at the end of the season. Helinox chair is $60 used but not abused, only one season old. I think that's the chair one model, but this year the wife and I got the Helinox camp chair this year at Canoecopia, much nicer. I little bigger in the pack and a few more ounces but if I'm bringing it for comfort then that's what I want. The few extra inches of seat height and the slightly higher back are well worth it. You aren't getting any younger so buy the comfort and quality now and they can prop you up in when your gone.

Life is too short.. buy what you want

Helinox. . .you won't regret it!

I sat in the REI chairs and they just didn't feel the same (as comfy) as the Helinox. If you look around you can get hem at a discount. I would recommend two Crazy Creeks that you can use in the canoe as well as in camp and one Helinox this year and more later as you have the budget.

The helinox is on steapandcheap if you dont mind the colors offered....I just looked. There are a few decent deals on chairs on the site. Joey chair for $30.00 but they are 3#

Lindsey

I own a REI Flexlite chair and will have to agree with Butthead on the new style. The original style is a lot better.

the only real problem with a Flexlite, if your camping in an area that is sandy or dirt, the legs seem to sink into the earth. My first Flexlite did that and one of the end caps stayed in the earth when I pulled it out, took it back to REI and they replaced the chair (this was before they changed their return policy).

I have seen multiple ways to help prevent this, from tennis balls, some guy made his own web strapping that worked pretty good. I use furniture coasters, they work ok

If you can hold out until till spring, between your REI rebate, their spring sale, you can get one fairly cheap

Picked up my REI flex lite at their garage sale for $25. Nice piece of gear.

Watch campsaver and sierra trading for sale on helinox. Just picked one up for 47 a month ago.

Another vote for the REI flex. I use tennis balls on the feet when in soft areas.

quote Frenchy19: "Another vote for the REI flex. I use tennis balls on the feet when in soft areas."

Try those wiffle golf balls, the stiffer, white ones. Cut between 4 of the holes and they stay snug on the feet. Big enough that my 246#s doesn't sink them in the dirt, and small enough to fit in the bag.

I prefer the Camp Time Roll-Chair to all of the above. Usually less than $50. I have the Helinox (with the wiffle ball feet), but find it too low for my ageing butt. The taller Helinox Camp Chair is better, but way overpriced. Try the Roll-a-Chair --you might like it.

Helinox chairs are always on sale someplace. You should never have to pay more than $70 for one, often much less.

Used to bring the old style folding aluminum/web strap chairs and they were nice but no where near as comfortable as my sunset chair. We would put them in the bottom of the canoe and they would keep your packs up out of the water during travel. During a portage we would just wedge them into the bow or stern. Haven't seen one for sale in 20 yrs though!

quote Northwoodsman: "Helinox chairs are always on sale someplace. You should never have to pay more than $70 for one, often much less."

Yep, I've purchased a couple of the Helinox Chair One's for I think $58.00 each delivered, and avoiding sales tax......

OK no one put these up yet, camp time roll a chair, don't have link, not the smallest/compact, but super nice if you like the back feature they have. Add a canoe seat if you bring that, perfect for me.

Search for 'Backpacking Chair' on ebay. I have one of these: Unbranded Helinox

$28.59

Here is a side by side with the one I bought and a Helinox.





Get three for the price of one.

Definitely "old school" for me. I've been using the Coleman Rambler Stool so long, I've replaced the rubber feet at least twice. The link is to a Rambler II (I don't think my original Rambler is still in production ... but its lighter than the II.)

Since I drive a Prism, I lash the stool seat area (bottom of the "U") to the thwart behind the (tractor) seat, with the legs pointed forward on either side of (and under) the seat. The seat still goes back to almost the maximum rear position with it at that spot. The stool rides perfectly there on portages and still leaves the complete rear "hold" clear for gear storage.

I use my stool more for cooking than lounging, but when I want a comfortable back rest, I just take the padded canoe seat (with back) out of the Prism and fasten it to the Coleman Rambler ... viola, a back rest and extra seat padding.

I also find the larger feet helpful in that it doesn't tend to sink in anything other than reasonably soft ground.

After trying several other (more expensive) options, I've always gone back to the Rambler!

dd

Does anyone do the crazy creek style? Wondering if I need to purchase one that would double as a canoe seat and a camp seat, or if I don't even really need a canoe seat, or what.....

My preference: Seat

I would recommend avoiding the REI flexlite.

I bought one when it came out and I do like it but after trying the Helinox I really wish I would have spent the extra cash on it.

If buying again I would either go super cheap or premium depending on how much cash I had to burn at the moment.

I'm taller and the Helinox is more comfortable to me than the REI version.

quote agrippando: "Does anyone do the crazy creek style? Wondering if I need to purchase one that would double as a canoe seat and a camp seat, or if I don't even really need a canoe seat, or what....."

I use Crazy Creek style chairs and only in camp (not in the canoe). I put them inside the pack against the back for more padding and to keep dry.

You can sit on the ground, a rock slope or set up on the log bench. Cook on the stove will sitting in it. Eat your meal anywhere will sitting in it. I find it suits my needs and my tripping style.


John

quote IceColdGold: "Search for 'Backpacking Chair' on ebay. I have one of these: Unbranded Helinox

$28.59

Here is a side by side with the one I bought and a Helinox.





Get three for the price of one."

My understanding is the Helinox chairs use thicker aluminum and can support more weight than the copycat versions. You get what you pay for, and this may or not be an issue for some.

FWIW I like my REI flexlite in the new configuration. Have 2 of the old and one of the new version. Have sewn some grosgrain webbing to keep from sinking in soft ground.

Maybe I should buy up all of the REI Flex Lites from these unhappy folks. Two old design, two new design. Like 'em both. Our men's group is starting to collect them, and they are ordinarily a fussy bunch. Sinking in? Move it to a rock.

I like an inflatable thermarest or similar buttpad. Can use it anywhere, logs, rocks, stumps, etc. Very versatile.

My BSA chairs only made one trip and the aluminum hub was getting sloppy. It seemed like the aluminum they used was too soft and deformed easily. They did take them back without a problem though.

I bought a pair of unbranded helinox for my memorial weekend trip. To be honest it's one of the best knockoff item I got. It held up pretty well to abuse, I feel like you get what you pay for did not imply for my case. Give it a try!

I have one of the original Helinox chairs. Only complaint is it sits pretty low. For those that have the camp chair or the Sunset chair, how to you like them?

The Camp Chair sits about 1.5 inches higher than the Chair One.

quote Northwoodsman: "Helinox chairs are always on sale someplace. You should never have to pay more than $70 for one, often much less."

I've never seen a discount on a Helinox product for more than 20% after much searching.

quote wvevans: "The helinox is on steapandcheap if you dont mind the colors offered....I just looked. There are a few decent deals on chairs on the site. Joey chair for $30.00 but they are 3#"

Here's the link: http://www.steepandcheap.com/camping-chairs Pretty good selection there.

quote ockycamper: "I have one of the original Helinox chairs. Only complaint is it sits pretty low. For those that have the camp chair or the Sunset chair, how to you like them?"

The seat height was a concern for me also. The Sunset is a comfortable height, suitable for older folks. Since it doesn't have arms, if you need help getting up you grab one of the rear legs and push down against it---works quite well. Compared to the original Chair One, I find the Sunset quite a bit easier to get out of. Steep and Cheap has it for $120 right now: http://www.steepandcheap.com/camping-chairs

One thing to think about is the sitting position that suits you best---upright versus lounging back, plus whether you want a head rest. Helinoxes are loungers. A stadium seat is actually pretty comfortable because it supports your back and you can lean back a bit.

Regarding the price, to my way of thinking there are some items that make such a big difference in camp comfort that I'm willing to spend more on them, especially a chair and mattress. There are many cheap tents that do the job, but few cheap chairs that offer great comfort compared to a Helinox (unless it's a good Helinox knockoff). Our notion of "comfort" may be largely age and size dependent.

Since the two of us now base camp one or two portages in, we take a 4 person tent for each and i take the REI small chair for the tent. Just add light and comfort for reading is as good as it gets. We went shopping a couple of years ago and found a solid rocking chair on sale at REI ($65.00) for outside use. That item is not too big, but would not suggest it for a loop trip or moving each day. Is not really made for packing in canoe or easy portage, but is worth the extra trip for us at the portages to the basecamp.

you each bring a 4 man tent. . .for just two people?

On the rocker. . .is it the GCI rocker at REI? Does it fold up?

I noticed Helinox and Alps Mountaineering also offer rockers. The problem I would see based on sites we have had is finding a flat enough place free of rocks, etc to use them.

A chair thread on bwca.com wouldn't be complete without my recommendation for a Kermit chair. Heavy and expensive but they pack well and are very comfortable!

quote brux: " I would recommend two Crazy Creeks that you can use in the canoe as well as in camp and one Helinox this year and more later as you have the budget."

Borrowing (2) Crazy Creek Chairs and may pick up one Helinox, or REI Flexlite this week(end), and add to our stash over the next few years ;-)

quote sdebol: "A chair thread on bwca.com wouldn't be complete without my recommendation for a Kermit chair. Heavy and expensive but they pack well and are very comfortable!
"

Ahh, my favorite chair

I've come to like the Alite Monarch chair. Smaller/lighter than most at 10" x 2.5" packed and 19.7oz.

I kinda enjoy the 'lean back and balance on 2 legs' thing. Definately not everyone's cup of tea, though.

Once you go Kermit, you will NEVER go back! Nothing else comes close IMHO...

quote drnatus: "FWIW I like my REI flexlite in the new configuration. Have 2 of the old and one of the new version. Have sewn some grosgrain webbing to keep from sinking in soft ground. "

Could you post a pic of your webbing modification. Sounds like a good Idea.

$160 and 6 pounds? Almost twice what a Helinox Camp Chair is in cost and 3 times the weight.

quote MNDan: "Once you go Kermit, you will NEVER go back! Nothing else comes close IMHO..."

Its a good thing they sell parts. I'll never take Kermit camping again. Nothing like finding mid trip you lost a support

One more thumbs-up here for the Camp Time Roll a Chair. Camp Time Roll a Chair

apparently they make a few sizes/heights now as well.

Sometimes I also use a Crazy Creek-style seat which can strap to a canoe seat too. Brand I have is,...oh heck I forget..Pacific/Outdoor something?

Lindsey, I'm sure you saw but in case not... I just got a mailer yesterday for the REI Labor Day sale. Flex Lites will be on sale. If you can hold off on getting yours you may want to wait a few more days.

quote muddyfeet: "I've come to like the Alite Monarch chair. Smaller/lighter than most at 10" x 2.5" packed and 19.7oz.


I kinda enjoy the 'lean back and balance on 2 legs' thing. Definately not everyone's cup of tea, though.
"

Same here. It is light enough and small enough that I can bring it backpacking. Also, when balancing on 2 legs, I can mimic a rocking chair. Perfect.

A coffee sack 'wilderness chair'. Sewed mine with nylon oxford. Very light,very adjustable, and comfy. Best for basecamping because tou will need 3- 1.5" dia. X 6' poles and 1- 3' long. These aren't always easy to find from dead wood.....but usually not too hard to find. I devote a half hour though; and if you are moving every day it may not be worth it. Portaging the poles defeats the purpous usually.

Yep, another vote for CrazyCreek chairs. I have two Helinox chairs and a couple Crazy Creeks, some trips I bring one or the other, sometimes both. I'm a big guy and the Helinox chairs always feel a little small and wobbly to me, but yeah, it's nice at times to be up off the ground.

The Crazy Creeks are solid, adjustable, can be deployed anywhere, and are especially nice for back support (and butt cushioning) while sitting on logs around the fire grate. I also like them for sitting on rocks near the water's edge.

quote jfinn: "

quote agrippando: "Does anyone do the crazy creek style? Wondering if I need to purchase one that would double as a canoe seat and a camp seat, or if I don't even really need a canoe seat, or what....."

I use Crazy Creek style chairs and only in camp (not in the canoe). I put them inside the pack against the back for more padding and to keep dry.


You can sit on the ground, a rock slope or set up on the log bench. Cook on the stove will sitting in it. Eat your meal anywhere will sitting in it. I find it suits my needs and my tripping style.



John"

Helinoxes as others have pointed out are a great way to go. I've paid as little as 48 with free shipping on them in the winter. An average mark down price has generally run in the upper 50s to mid 60s for me. The crazy creeks are great stand-in options also as mentioned since you can use them in the canoe and at the camp site.

Lots of threads on chairs to choose from on this board and this is pretty much personal preference. How heavy - how big, and are you base camping or moving everyday, etc. This base camper prefers comfort over weight, and size. Those small camp chairs just aren't that comfortable to me. I like to relax, and lean back after a long day of paddling. Nothing better than a big comfortable chair I can take a nap in!!!!!
I go to a local box store and look for one with as much mesh as I can find. (mesh doesn't hold water if the chair is left out in the rain, and dries quicker, and is generally lighter)
I try to find one that isn't too heavy and has a decent arm strap. These basic chairs are easy to portage using their arm strap, and they take up little room in the canoe.

For me, I'll trade a little bit of weight for comfort!! On my last trip in June, I brought a $20.00 chair from Walmart. It was awesome! Not too heavy and very comfortable. Guys at my camp had these little camping chairs that they over paid for and weren't very comfortable. They were sitting in my chair any time that it wasn't being used!

My advice: sit in several chairs before you decide. Then look at comfort, weight, and portability.

Go to Piragis, buy Cliff's favorite chair. It's an aluminum folding chair with a backrest. It's just the right height.

It's very light weight, stable and fits inside your pack which also gives the pack some strength.

Made by Rothco

quote ockycamper: "I have one of the original Helinox chairs. Only complaint is it sits pretty low. For those that have the camp chair or the Sunset chair, how to you like them?"

I have the Sunset chair.
I'm 6'2" and there is just enough back for the head rest to be usable and not have my shoulders hit the frame. The other chairs are a little short for my preference.

If weight is really not an issue, check out "Stu's Favorite Chair" in BWJ! :)

quote HowardSprague: "If weight is really not an issue, check out "Stu's Favorite Chair" in BWJ! :)


"

a barka-lounger for the bwca!

I highly recommend the SlingLight chair. Straps nicely to the outside of the canoe pack and it's super comfy. However, know that you won't be doing much in it but sitting. The sling nature of it makes it difficult to cook while you're in it. It's damn comfy though.

(Crap, I just saw they are no longer selling them. Maybe ebay?)

sling light chair

quote AmarilloJim: "

quote ockycamper: "I have one of the original Helinox chairs. Only complaint is it sits pretty low. For those that have the camp chair or the Sunset chair, how to you like them?"

I have the Sunset chair.
I'm 6'2" and there is just enough back for the head rest to be usable and not have my shoulders hit the frame. The other chairs are a little short for my preference. "

the sunset chair is great I really like the size.



tony

quote muddyfeet: "I've come to like the Alite Monarch chair. Smaller/lighter than most at 10" x 2.5" packed and 19.7oz.
I kinda enjoy the 'lean back and balance on 2 legs' thing. Definately not everyone's cup of tea, though. "

+1
i have two of these (actually the alite mayfly) and really like them
except: there are times that i'd like to not be as low a rider
have been thinking of a way to raise these up some. a platform of sorts