Does anybody have a favorite lightweight packable chair? We will be doing more portaging this year than in years past.

Bonus points if it works well for big people. I’m 6’5” 230#

On the $$ side but I think worth it. Big Agnes Big Six
Very solid metal connections not the normally found molded vinyl/plastic, thick frame tubes, high seating position, 300 pound capacity. Bought mine when they first came out 4 or 5 years ago, still in regular use today.

butthead

I really like my Big Agnes chairs. I have the Skyline UL and Mica Basin models which are rated at 275 and 300 lbs. respectively and weigh 1 lb. 11 oz and 2 lb. 3 oz. They pack up really compact because it's all metal framing - no big plastic knuckle joints and I feel they are more solid/less wobble that ones that have that. They also have a Big 6 chair that is taller/wider at 3 lb. 3 oz. but still rated 300 lbs. Another comfort aspect is that they sit you up a bit more than the REI or Helinox models, which is very helpful when sitting and trying to cook, eat or on a rainy day, play cards in camp. No durability issues in the 5 years or so that I've had them.

pd

The Helinox chair zero. Packs down to the size of a Nalgene, holds about 265 lbs, and weighs just 17 oz. Easily has become my go-to camp chair.

I find Helinox Zero to be one of the lightest at 1.2lbs, but painfully tight for my frame (I'm 5.11 and 200lbs). Others say that Helinox One is more comfortable, it also weighs almost a pound more. Another issue with Helinox is its legs are not very steady on uneven terrain and easily sink in soft soil.
Chair Buddies (a UK toy) solve this issue at little extra weight. They fit in original Zero bag. I also find Helinox to be too high above the ground when a table or desk is needed. Prefer 2-3" clearance of Alite Mayfly, which is out of business, alas. Still have 3 or 4 of these chairs, which I use exclusively.

Can't recommend the G4free chairs enough. I got two off Amazon at least 8-10 years ago and they still do fine after at least a half dozen BWCA/Quetico trips along with being used year round for other local camping trips. I'm 6"1" / 235lbs and they're fine for me. Not something I'd use in my living room/man cave obviously, but for the price/weight/portability, they're my favorite.

If you look at them, specifically get the ones with the adjustable legs. I find them very useful for uneven surfaces (granite slabs).

Link attached... may or may not work.

https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Upgraded-Adjustable-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/B088M154ZH/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1MU02IIB9GUL1&keywords=g4free%2Bchair&qid=1648314300&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C70&sr=1-6&th=1

Barca: "https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Upgraded-Adjustable-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/B088M154ZH/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1MU02IIB9GUL1&keywords=g4free%2Bchair&qid=1648314300&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C70&sr=1-6&th=1"

Try the add a link. Makes life easier for everyone.

Barca's chair of choice

Get the best and buy once/cry once: Helinox Sunset chair.

+1 on the Helinox One. Sinking Legs can be annoying. But I usually, find a way to make it work.

Wharfrat63: "+1 on the Helinox One. Sinking Legs can be annoying. But I usually, find a way to make it work.
"

+1 Even tho it’s weighs more than the zero, I prefer it. My knees are arthritic and it is too hard getting out of the shorter chairs.

unshavenman: "Get the best and buy once/cry once: Helinox Sunset chair. "

Agreed.

Should have bought this one first.

Have both the Helinox Chair One and the Sunset. $$ but worth every penny.

EddyTurn: "Chair Buddies (a UK toy) solve this issue at little extra weight. They fit in original Zero bag. "

Those are cool! I always wonder though about Helinox: if you're going to charge $150 or $200 for a chair, shouldn't it have proper feet? Why am I messing around with wiffle balls after paying that price?

I have a Helinox Sunset chair . It wasn't all that comfortable until I lost 20 lbs---it was squeezing my sides but feels good now.

I've been curious to try Big Agnes chairs, especially the Big Six. I finally found one set up in a store the other day. I have to say that the Helinox Sunset is more comfortable. With the Big Six I found myself sliding down and forward.

A few years ago I did a chair review for a company that makes Helinox knock-off chairs. I used myself and another tester who was 6'1" and 250 lbs. The chairs we tested were the Helinox Sunset, a Moon Lence, and two of the manufacturer's chairs (small and large). A significant difference was the diameter of the legs---3/4" on the Helinox and 1/2" on the others. Only Helinox published the type of aluminum used (DAC TH72M). Another really important structural difference was the Helinox hub riveted to the cross piece versus the hubs on all the other chairs that were unattached and swiveled freely, making for a less stable chair. The width between the legs on the sides also made a big difference in the stability---16 3/4" on the Helinox and 12 3/4" on the others. For comfort, we found that a deeper seat pan holds you in the chair and supports your legs under your thighs (Sunset) while the shallow seat pan of the other chairs pitches you forward. It's easiest to get out of the Sunset chair because the seat is 15" high at the front.

I don't believe the weight capacity of any of these chairs. For one thing, a chair needs to be stable to hold your weight. There's no way a 2-lb chair with wobbly legs is going to support a 250-lb person safely, let alone 300 lbs. The Helinox chair felt 3 to 4 times more stable than the other chairs, even when we twisted side to side and rocked back and forth. In our test the Helinox won out for comfort, strength, and stability---but not price, obviously.

This review was before Big Agnes came out with chairs. I don't think any company has made a perfect chair yet. One thing I can say for sure is that it's worth the weight to carry a chair in your kayak or canoe. Three things have tripled my camping comfort in the last decade and they're all made by Helinox: a cot, a chair, and a table. We had none of these in the old days---we just figured camping was meant to be torture. I do hate Helinox prices though.

I’m very happy with my REI camp boss chair.

I have a Helinox Chair one. It’s light than the camp boss but not nearly as comfortable in my opinion.

I’m 6’3” and 230lbs. I’ve had good luck with the “Hit or Hike” brand chairs on Amazon. They are about $50 for the large size and are every bit as good as the Helinox chairs. I’ve had mine for several years and they have been on at least 5 BWCA trips. Very durable and comfortable.

BigDadE: "Does anybody have a favorite lightweight packable chair? We will be doing more portaging this year than in years past.

Bonus points if it works well for big people. I’m 6’5” 230#"

I like my Chair 0 a lot but I’m not as big as you. My son is 6’ and like his Chair 1.

I go with a Chair one since before 2015. at 5'10 230 lbs
Many Many days in the BWCA Summer and Winter.
26 days on the Kazan River in Canada.
26 Days on the Noatak river in Alaska
Week long trips on the Rio Grand, San Juan, Current and Yellowstone rivers.
Planning on using it for this summers Alaska adventure of more than 30 days
Get the flotation cloth to support in soft ground!
I took this photo- otherwise I would be in my Helinox chair.

Barca: "https://www.amazon.com/G4Free-Upgraded-Adjustable-Ultralight-Backpacking/dp/B088M154ZH/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1MU02IIB9GUL1&keywords=g4free%2Bchair&qid=1648314300&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C70&sr=1-6&th=1"

For the price - this looks pretty good. Bring the weight down by throwing out the extra leg segments, cut off the side pockets and leave the carry bag home. But then again, I like being on or really close to the ground and cutting all the weight I can. May or may not last as long as the best chairs, but it's also 1/4 of the cost.

I'll throw in a vote for the REI flexlite chair. Light and comfortable.

So far everyone has recommended a Helinox or some close variation. I have a few of those too and they are quite comfortable for relaxing around the campfire or stargazing. However for camp chores or cooking I prefer a more upright, higher off the ground chair. I have an old aluminum folding camp chair with a folding backrest and a nylon fabric seat that I picked up a garage sale years ago and it is my favorite chair. Although some might say it's not really packable, I have no problem strapping it to the outside of a pack and it weighs almost nothing. The chair fabric is mint green and the aluminum is not painted and has no branding. As far as I can tell it is identical to this chair from Coleman, other than the updated colors. Recommended, maybe not for everyone in the group, but as an alternative for certain tasks.

Coleman Woodsman II Chair

jlw034: "I'll throw in a vote for the REI flexlite chair. Light and comfortable."

I have to agree. It has some downfalls and limitations, but I will take it as my alternative to sitting on a log or a rock any day, even at 68 yo. Many chairs sit higher, may be more comfortable, have legs that you may not have to place as carefully, but nearly 100% of those are heavier, too, and I can't see hauling more weight than I already do for only a slight improvement in comfort. Chair, hammock, canoe, sleeping pad, or perfect rock... I can always move on to something else if my current position is getting tiresome.

(And, guys in our group have proven -- more than once -- that you CAN fall asleep in one...)

I like my Klimit Timberline. I think REI or Sierra has them on sale. Under three pounds. About $45.

speaking of chairs, does anyone have a hack for the chair sinking into the ground? I think I saw a picture once of someone putting golf balls on the tips of the chair legs to help with the sinking issue. Seems like that would work. Anyone have any other similar hacks?

Chair Buddies, as mentioned earlier, solve Helinox legs issue. I believe there's a list of compatible chairs on their web site.

EddyTurn: "Chair Buddies, as mentioned earlier, solve Helinox legs issue. I believe there's a list of compatible chairs on their web site."

Those look great in concept but it looks like they cost almost half of what my chair cost

Wharfrat63: "+1 on the Helinox One. Sinking Legs can be annoying. But I usually, find a way to make it work.
"

I own an REI version of this chair. It might even be a helinix
The sinking legs are not the chairs fault but a peril of the tiny legs which cannot be remedied for a camp chair.
I like mine and it's the only luxury I take with me except the Jameson which some might call essential.
Tom

jwmiller39: "

EddyTurn: "Chair Buddies, as mentioned earlier, solve Helinox legs issue. I believe there's a list of compatible chairs on their web site."

Those look great in concept but it looks like they cost almost half of what my chair cost"

It's true and in a decent universe it should be charged to Helinox account. I have an extra set of the Buddies and can mail it to you for some small fee. Send me a note if interested.

@tumblehome: it's quite possible to make a real camping chair that will work even off the pavement, as attested by Alite, now deceased, design.

I used the Flexlite last time and worked better than sitting on the ground. But it was small and tight for me. 6’ 200lbs. Also too low to the ground. Two of my traveling companions had the Campboss chairs and I had chair envy. I got a Helinox Chair 2 for my birthday and it’s MUCH more comfortable. The headrest and stuff sack pillow are a winner for me.It’s only about a pound more and with the amount of stuff the others bring, hardly noticeable. We’re hardcore double portagers..portagees (?) .

jwmiller39: "speaking of chairs, does anyone have a hack for the chair sinking into the ground? I think I saw a picture once of someone putting golf balls on the tips of the chair legs to help with the sinking issue. Seems like that would work. Anyone have any other similar hacks?"

I use wiffle balls.

Kermit: "The Helinox chair zero. Packs down to the size of a Nalgene, holds about 265 lbs, and weighs just 17 oz. Easily has become my go-to camp chair. "

That's what I use plenty big enough for me when I was 215lbs

Wharfrat63: "+1 on the Helinox One. Sinking Legs can be annoying. But I usually, find a way to make it work.
"

I bought the rocking chair accessory for my Chair 1 and am anxious to try it. A bit expensive though.

There's also a fitted ground skirt for beach applications that is much cheaper.

I googled Alite chairs and there seems to be a bunch. Here's one that would solve the leg sinking issue.

The Alite Mayfly chair is my preferred chair.

Kermit: "The Helinox chair zero. Packs down to the size of a Nalgene, holds about 265 lbs, and weighs just 17 oz. Easily has become my go-to camp chair. "

What I use

jwmiller39: "speaking of chairs, does anyone have a hack for the chair sinking into the ground? I think I saw a picture once of someone putting golf balls on the tips of the chair legs to help with the sinking issue. Seems like that would work. Anyone have any other similar hacks?"

try the practice golf balls that are like smaller wiffle balls. One bag of ten balls will do two chairs plus leftovers.

Helinox chair zero. Get the mesh ground cloth with it. It adds extra stability and structure.

Barca: "Can't recommend the G4free chairs enough. I got two off Amazon at least 8-10 years ago and they still do fine after at least a half dozen BWCA/Quetico trips along with being used year round for other local camping trips. I'm 6"1" / 235lbs and they're fine for me. Not something I'd use in my living room/man cave obviously, but for the price/weight/portability, they're my favorite.


If you look at them, specifically get the ones with the adjustable legs. I find them very useful for uneven surfaces (granite slabs).


Link attached... may or may not work.


"

I love my high back G4Free. Taller chair fits my six foot frame and I really like the foot pads.

I have only recently started using a chair. I always felt they weren’t needed. However, my wife wanted one, so we bought one. Some considerations were:
1) It should provide some comfort,
2) It should be reasonably light and packable,
3) It shouldn’t break the bank.

We eliminated the very low chairs on criteria #1. Didn’t want to have our legs stretched out or knees chest high when sitting.

We also eliminated stools on #1. If we were going to carry it, we might as well get some back support.

All the car camping chairs went on #2. However, we didn’t feel the need to go ultralight. I don’t own a toothbrush with the handle cut off to save weight.

Since I wasn’t convinced of the need to carry a chair since there so many nice rocks and logs to sit on in canoe country, we looked for something that would do a reasonable job without being excessively expensive. I bought my wife a Trekology Yi-Zi Go fixed height chair. It is comfortable, 2.1 lbs, packable and list price is under $40.

She liked it right away. She would let me try it. At first I was reluctant. However, I found it extremely handy to have a chair that I could put right next to the stove when cooking. Slowly, I got seduced by the chair. We now own two of them.

Argo: "

Wharfrat63: "+1 on the Helinox One. Sinking Legs can be annoying. But I usually, find a way to make it work.
"

I bought the rocking chair accessory for my Chair 1 and am anxious to try it. A bit expensive though.


There's also a fitted ground skirt for beach applications that is much cheaper."

Since this thread is back up I should report the rocking chair accessory was a big success for not only remedying that sinking feeling but also for relaxation.

Back to the issue of quality...I have a friend who is about 240 lbs and skimped on a cheap Amazon knock-off on our last Quetico trip together. The legs bent on him which caused anxiety every time he used the chair. This was a predictable outcome.

There's a difference between price and cost. Going cheap often ends up costing you more.

EddyTurn:
Chair Buddies (a UK toy) solve this issue at little extra weight. They fit in original Zero bag. I also find Helinox to be too high above the ground when a table or desk is needed. Prefer 2-3" clearance of Alite Mayfly, which is out of business, alas. Still have 3 or 4 of these chairs, which I use exclusively.
"

This is brilliant--do you use the regular or large for your helinox?

EddyTurn: "Prefer 2-3" clearance of Alite Mayfly, which is out of business, alas. Still have 3 or 4 of these chairs, which I use exclusively.
"

The Alite by Grand Trunk Mayfly chair is back in production.

Looks like Grand Trunk, never heard of them before, have brought back a few of the Alite designs. Thanks for the tip.

I am a lightweight camper…chairs are unnecessary but now I do bring one occasionally and it isn’t that bad to carry…



Helinox zero…there are others like the REI Flexlite air.

T

I use the Helinox Sunset, so nice after a long day...

That said, I was in Costco yesterday and they have a very similar (but with feet!) for around $30. I would buy that in a heartbeat if I didn't already have an investment in the Helinox. My kids use Helinox zeros.