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Bumstead
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STP had some screamin' deals on Alite chairs, both Mantis and Monarch models. I'm giving them a try this year. Oh, the blissful thought of having a back rest when lounging around camp!
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BnD
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Here's an interesting chair somewhat comparable to Helinox Sunset in dimensions and features. Minus $100 Chair
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HowardSprague
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quote mschi772: "quote Grandma L: " Thermarest Uno chair - -
Weights about 2 pounds and you sit about 6 inches off of the ground.
Interesting base - at least you would not sink the legs in the mud. "
I looked at the Thermarest page for that chair. They actually state the seat height is 8 in, but their video of the chairs in actual use shows the women's butts barely off of the ground almost touching the base disc. $90 to sit no higher than a $20-30 Crazy Creek chair? Nah. I worry that a heavier person either initially or eventually would find themselves literally sitting on the disc--that wouldn't be comfortable."
Hmm....yeah, i don't like the sound of sitting that low either, would just use a Crazy Creek/similar instead. Maybe on a beach it'd be ok.
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BigCurrent
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Here is a nice deal on a Chair One.
Chair One
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FLATLINER
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I love our Chair Ones, bought a couple a few years back. We do something like this: (Not my pic but you get the point.)
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.bwca.com%2Fb%2FBOJIBOB-050415-083736.JPG&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbwca.com%2Findex.cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Dforum.thread%26threadId%3D832392%26forumID%3D15%26confID%3D1&docid=K6jte9WArP6-rM&tbnid=x2CoyXVA2UbCrM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwjEt4a20vXSAhWILyYKHZfdCsAQMwglKAkwCQ..i&w=800&h=600&bih=795&biw=1368&q=Helinox%20pvc%20pipe&ved=0ahUKEwjEt4a20vXSAhWILyYKHZfdCsAQMwglKAkwCQ&iact=mrc&uact=8
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TominMpls
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I almost bought a Helinox Chair Zero with my dividend yesterday, they're really comfy and pack up small enough even for backpacking. But I decided a gravity filter was more important. A chair really is a crazy luxury, but I'll probably pick up a chair zero before summer.
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Thisismatthew
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quote Wables: "If you buy one of these various camp chairs, pick up some golf ball sized wifle balls. They keep the chair from sinking into the soft ground.
 "
This is wonderful, need to pick some of thee up ASAP!
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Thisismatthew
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+1
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Bonvicken
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quote Wables: "If you buy one of these various camp chairs, pick up some golf ball sized wifle balls. They keep the chair from sinking into the soft ground.
"
Get a Travelchair Joey and you won't have to mess with the wiffle balls. Rated for 300lb as well, which is a consideration for me...a bit more design margin.
Travelchair Joey on Amazon
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zski
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quote tnvol: "I love my Alite Mayfly, not for everyone as they sit low to the ground, but perfect for me since it allows me to sit under my hammock tarp when pitched low. Sierra Trading Post has them for 50 bucks right now too which is a steal."
i have a couple of these (on sale for 50 too) and like the chair a lot but would love it if it was just a couple inches taller.
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pswith5
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Hey Marty Maybe I will try to get one of my chairs to my brother. He goes to therapy somewhere near you a couple times a week. Perhaps I can get you try one before you buy. I have helinox 1 and a knock off. Pete (met you at old Chicago)
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HowardSprague
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Did anyone try out the new Thermarest Uno chair? The bottom is a sort of disc, so it doesn't sink into soft ground. Might be good on a gravel bar as well. I saw it in the Canoecopia guide, circled it, and then forgot to look for it at the show/never saw it. Looks like a good idea.
(Still like my Camp Time Roll a Chair though. Don't have to get down as low as with some other chairs, and the back support - despite its looks - really works.)
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tnvol
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I love my Alite Mayfly, not for everyone as they sit low to the ground, but perfect for me since it allows me to sit under my hammock tarp when pitched low. Sierra Trading Post has them for 50 bucks right now too which is a steal.
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Savage Voyageur
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Our group brings a few of those chair in a bag ones. They take up a bit more space but that is not a factor for us.
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sunnybear09
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Boonie doesn't use a chair so don't expect a response from him. :)
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TuscaroraBorealis
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 Helinox
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mgraber
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Helinox chair 1 or chair 0.
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bwcasolo
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rei flex for me, does the job.
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AmarilloJim
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Helinox Sunset chair for me
I like the higher back
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A1t2o
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I have a Helinox knockoff and I love it. It was only 20 some bucks and I got it on ebay. I know it isn't the greatest but now I know I like that chair and that armrests are not important for me. If mine takes a dump on me then I might splurge on the Helinox, but for what I use it for, the knockoff is plenty.
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ParkerMag
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Used to use the Flex Lites and we were perfectly pleased. Take Helinox swivel chairs now. They're especially nice while cooking and needing to move from task to task, like breading to fry pan, etc.
Helinox swivel chair
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schweady
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quote ParkerMag: "Used to use the Flex Lites and were perfectly pleased. Take Helinox swivel chairs now. They're especially nice while cooking and needing to move from task to task, like breading to fry pan, etc.
Helinox swivel chair "
A pound heavier than the original Flex Lite, tho.
And, as if the camp chair market was not crowded enough, I see that there is an oxymoronically-named REI Flex Lite Macro.
Added size and weight brings it in line with your Helinox swivel, at 2/3 the price. (Without the swivel, however... you have to turn your body yourself...) Description: "20% larger in all dimensions than the Flex Lite Chair with an increased weight capacity of 300 lbs."
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sdebol
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We bring Kermit chairs--heavy (but pack nice) and expensive but very comfortable!
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RackWrangler
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The short answer is yes, always bring a chair.
My first trip to the BW my group didn't take chairs. That was a bad idea. Back support is necessary for me/us, and after 3 days, I was cursing wooden benches. The next year I bought a steel Joey Chair by Travelchair on sale for $25. I liked it and so did everyone else, so my buddy bought the aluminum version. We used those for 3 years, then I saw one of the Helinox Sunset Chairs at Canoecopia. I'm a tall guy that isn't very flexible, so the added height of the Sunset Chair was fantastic, and it was basically the same weight as the steel Joey Chair. I've got an awesome wife that bought the Camp Chair for me for my birthday, so the Joey Chair is now used by my kids and friends.
I'm happy with the Joey Chair for the price. The materials are not as nice as the Helinox, but at 1/4 the cost it is what you would expect. After 5 years of abuse (my 220lbs flopping it on it, plus my kids jumping into it) the fabric on one of the corners finally failed. I was able to purchase a complete replacement seat from Travel Chair for $15. The replacement is better quality than the original, and is ripstop nylon versus the cotton blend that my original was. Joey Chair also has a better foot design than Helinox that stops it from sinking into soft ground.
The Helinox is better quality, both in materials and in stitching. I like it so much that it is always in my SUV and gets used all the time.
In terms of comfort while seated, they are comparable. I do like the higher backrest on the Sunset Chair, but is is not necessary. The taller seat height is the big selling point for me, and is well worth the minor amount of extra size/weight. If I needed/wanted another chair, I would not hesitate in buying either the Helinox or the aluminum version of the Joey Chair, depending on how much I had to spend at the time.
RW
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Grandma L
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Thermarest Uno chair - -
Weights about 2 pounds and you sit about 6 inches off of the ground.
Interesting base - at least you would not sink the legs in the mud.
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BuckFlicks
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I don't go canoeing without my
Crazy Creek canoe chair
This usually also passes for my camp seat, if I find I need back support - just plot it down on a stump or log and you're good to go. Usually, I am ok just sitting on a stump or log or rock, standing, or lying down without a back support. But we tend to paddle all day and not spend a lot of time lounging around in camp, so I don't find myself having to find comfortable seating. Having just spent the entire day sitting in a canoe, I find I prefer to stand or lie down or sit in a different position.
If I were going to be spending more time in camp, I'd definitely bring something more comfortable to spend more time sitting in.
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HowardSprague
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Camp Time Roll a Chair.
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arnesr
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quote arnesr: "I picked up a couple of Heli-type chairs at Sam's Club recently. The price seemed right, $25.
2.4 lbs. Planning to use them in June.
Lightweight Camp Chair "
My local Sams Club(Appleton) has the camo version of this chair for $10, clearing them out.
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zski
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i have a couple alite mayfly chairs from a few years ago when they were 50% off.
very comfortable but also too low to the ground in my opinion. Lashing a couple pieces of deadwood to the bottom rails puts the chair at just the right height. the rails are perfect for this. the added benefit is you don't have to look for something to put on the chair in case the wind kicks up and it flies off. many of these chairs are so light it doesn't take much.
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mgraber
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Helinox chair 1 or chair 0.
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bwcadan
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If you have plans to base camp, take one of the chairs mentioned for inside your tent and a rocker for outside use. The outside one is a bit heavy, so would not portage it over a mile or so total, but is worth an extra trip over the portages if needed.
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SevenofNine
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I use REI flex lite chairs. They do the job nicely.
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brux
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quote smokedwhitefish: "I've got a Helinox Chair One. I use it for camping and festivals. Definitely worth its weight, and it's cost, but you can usually find one on sale somewhere.
RM"
+1 I don't trip without it! I've tried a few different models/brands and the Chair One is by far the most comfortable for me.
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maxxbhp
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Halfway through my first trip, a chair with a back ranked right up there with cheeseburger and really cold beer. There are quite a few lightweight packable chairs available now. And of course a better version will come out right after you buy one, that's just the way things go.
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mvillasuso
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Anybody bother packing in a lightweight camp chair?
I've never done it, but I'd like to sit back and relax my back after a day of portaging and paddling. BACK SUPPORT is what it's all about. A camp stool would be useless to me (see: log).
What make/model do you prefer? Thanks!
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smokedwhitefish
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I've got a Helinox Chair One. I use it for camping and festivals. Definitely worth its weight, and it's cost, but you can usually find one on sale somewhere.
RM
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kbm
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found a cheap one on cyber Monday on amazon, a bit heavy, but for a 20 dollar pricepoint I couldn't say no. But hands down worth its weight in gold. I brought one 2 years ago, and this past year 2 other guys brought them. Now the whole crew has camping chairs. Extremely nice to have something to support your back after a day of paddling, as well as get you up off the ground and keep your bum warm
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schweady
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I absolutely love my REI Flex Lite but we have found that there are some older guys in the group for whom we allow bringing their bigger chairs... so they can get up again. :-)
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bwcadan
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REI flex for the inside of tent with rubber floor protectors like you would use in the kitchen. For around camp, we each (2) have a REI rocking chair which rocks within a frame so the rockers themselves never touch the ground. A bit bulky with added weight, but I am now more less required to base camp with long day trips permitted for a couple of days. The comfort these chairs are worth whatever you pay and the extra weight if you have the muscle to carry them around are worth it especially if you base camp within a 6 hour or so day one to camp location.
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OldFingers57
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Another one for Helinox Chair One. We have two of them. Got them two years ago on a special deal for the 12 days of Christmas at Backcountry for around $60. Pack down small and are lt wt. We have even carried them on backpacking trips.
We also have Krazy Creek canoe seats for in the canoe and use them around camp. Do double duty that way. Comfortable but you are down on the ground.
We have also used Thermarest pad seats. This was back when we used Thermarest pads to sleep on and then brought the chair kit along to put in the chair kit for padding. Similar to the Krazy Creek canoe seat chairs.
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mgraber
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Another vote for Chair One.
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walllee
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Chair one
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HighnDry
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This recent thread has some good information too. Am I a minority of one? thread
I'm a helinox one adherent as well. There are many options though and everyone has their favorite.
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Wables
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If you buy one of these various camp chairs, pick up some golf ball sized wifle balls. They keep the chair from sinking into the soft ground.
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mgraber
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Another vote for Chair One.
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andym
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Alite Monarch, it's a weird chair, your legs are the front two legs but it is very light and great back support. There are so many choices now that a trip to rei is useful to try a few out.
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Blatz
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Helinox are awesome Used one on my last solo trip
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hooky
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quote andym: "Alite Monarch, it's a weird chair, your legs are the front two legs but it is very light and great back support. There are so many choices now that a trip to rei is useful to try a few out. "
Love mine. You'd think it wouldn't be comfortable, but it's fantastic.
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unshavenman
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Chair One.
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Bannock
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I always take one. I do have a lighter weight one that has a triangle shaped seat and 3 legs. I believe it is sold as a "hunting" chair. However, I seldom take it. I nearly always take a cheap umbrella-type chair that you always see at Walmart or Menard's for about $8. Cheap = lightweight. Works great for me.
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Northwoodsman
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Another Chair One user. Also have the Helinox Camp Chair - a little higher off the ground and a taller back than the Chair One and much easier to get out of. Awaiting arrival of my new Walkstool. One of the guys in our group last fall brought a couple and I really liked them for doing things like cooking, and sorting through equipment, tackle, clothes etc. Also have the REI Flex-Lite table. Very handy and worth the weight. Might have to look into the new Chair Two or Chair Two Rocker.
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QueticoMike
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quote Wables: "If you buy one of these various camp chairs, pick up some golf ball sized wifle balls. They keep the chair from sinking into the soft ground.
"
Excellent idea!
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ParkerMag
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quote schweady: "quote ParkerMag: "Used to use the Flex Lites and were perfectly pleased. Take Helinox swivel chairs now. They're especially nice while cooking and needing to move from task to task, like breading to fry pan, etc.
Helinox swivel chair "
A pound heavier than the original Flex Lite, tho."
We still comfortably single portage, so I'll chalk them up as one of our few extravagances!
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WonderMonkey
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quote smokedwhitefish: "I've got a Helinox Chair One. I use it for camping and festivals. Definitely worth its weight, and it's cost, but you can usually find one on sale somewhere.
RM"
Nice, my BIL has one. I have the Chair Zero on order.
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WonderMonkey
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quote SevenofNine: "I use REI flex lite chairs. They do the job nicely.
"
My friend has one, nice chair.
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BasecampMom
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quote SevenofNine: "I use REI flex lite chairs. They do the job nicely.
"
+1
My coworkers had borrowed us Crazy Creek Chairs. They are pretty comfortable, and easily transportable. I did find when I went to stoke the fire, or grab my beverage, my chair "fell down" and I had to re-put it back up.
Ultimately,
I sat in the REI Flexlite and the helinox chairs at an REI store, and decided they were both equally comfortable, so I took the more comfortable price and got an REI Flexlite. I've been really happy with it so far.
I will say however if you're camping in the snow, or a sandy beach your flexlite and helinox will sink - so a crazy creek would be a better option in these two scenarios, otherwise, I absolutely love my Flex Lite.
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mapsguy1955
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Love the Helinox also.
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Lotw
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I have a couple ozark trail chairs from Wally World, super comfortable but a bit heavy. 
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cowdoc
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Got caught up in the Copia buying frenzy today and bought the Helinox Camp Chair and my son got the Chair Two. I had the Chair Zero in my hand....Really liked the small size and weight but opted for the big boy instead. I like it's height and taller back. Super comfy
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AdamXChicago
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Another Helinox user here.
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arnesr
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I picked up a couple of Heli-type chairs at Sam's Club recently. The price seemed right, $25.
2.4 lbs. Planning to use them in June.
Lightweight Camp Chair
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drewbsd
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I bought two of these chairs that are compared to the Helinox Chair. They are 1/2 the price and I love them. They seem very sturdy and well made. HREF="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y2A78T0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" TARGET="_blank">Camp Chair
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STT
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I have the chair one. It is nice. But so far as a back saver goes.... Last year we brought 4 of those parachute material hammocks. Wow, they are super comfortable and let me relax my back without being in the tent or laying on the ground. Plus they weigh next to nothing and pack down to the size of a softball. Take only minutes to set up. Was so impressed that it will be something we always bring in the future.
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CoachWalleye74
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I picked up a couple of these to try out on this year's trip.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Compact-Sport-Chair-Blue/46271779
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scat
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A chair is essential anymore. The last two trip I brought a regular lightweight lawn chair. It fits perfectly strapped on the back of my big pack and worked great. I'm going to in investigate my options for the future so this thread will come in handy. Have a trip to REI planned to check them out first hand.
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Justin L.
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You can buy an eBay knock-off of the Helinox chair 1 for less than $24. I have one and it has held up great. Search "camping chair" on eBay to find them. Looks exactly like the Helinox version to me.
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mjmkjun
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Helinox Chair One. Was so comfortable I wanted to take a nap in it but the lower back on it prohibited support for nodding head. I like the way it supported my sore/tired back muscles. I needed to get out of the chair to do some camp chores but I didn't want to get out of the chair, as I was too comfy.
Might have to invest in a Chair Two with the higher back.
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stevedug
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the helinox swivel chair is great
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mschi772
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quote Grandma L: " Thermarest Uno chair - -
Weights about 2 pounds and you sit about 6 inches off of the ground.
Interesting base - at least you would not sink the legs in the mud. "
I looked at the Thermarest page for that chair. They actually state the seat height is 8 in, but their video of the chairs in actual use shows the women's butts barely off of the ground almost touching the base disc. $90 to sit no higher than a $20-30 Crazy Creek chair? Nah. I worry that a heavier person either initially or eventually would find themselves literally sitting on the disc--that wouldn't be comfortable.
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24kGold
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Bump. Found this at Bass Pro of all places and it is really comfy. Lighter than other chairs I've taken and since the legs break apart and are shock corded, it folds into a fairly short bag. I'm anxious to try it out. It seems to be built well and is very stable. At 24 bucks I thought it was worth a try.
Terry
Here's the link if you're interested in the specs.
Ascend Odyssey camp chair
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MarshallPrime
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Or this seems to be a great choice, As seen in a post a little down this board...
I havnt used it yet, other than in the house and yard just to see, but seems great. Very similar to my FlexLite chair for 1/3 the cost. A little heavier (.7 lbs) but seem like a great, cheaper alternative.
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/light-weight-chair/prod20602415.ip?xid=plp:product:1:5
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movington
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quote A1t2o: "I have a Helinox knockoff and I love it. It was only 20 some bucks and I got it on ebay. I know it isn't the greatest but now I know I like that chair and that armrests are not important for me. If mine takes a dump on me then I might splurge on the Helinox, but for what I use it for, the knockoff is plenty."
I also just bought 2 of these on Ebay. $27.99 each. I also have the Helinox Chair One. Side by side, they are very similar. The weight is not given on the Ebay site, but they are maybe just slightly heavier then the Helinox. Very close in weight. I will be using them on a trip on a couple of weeks, so I'll see how they do. Ebay Chair
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