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scholar26 11.5K Views
Dec 23, 2025 1:26 AM

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Backpacking Chair (White)

$91

$140

35% off
& More + Free S&Hat REI
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Deal Details
REI has Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Backpacking Chair (White) for $90.89. Shipping is free.

REI also has Helinox Chair Zero Highback Ultralight Backpacking Chair (Grey or Black) for $123.39. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member scholar26 for finding this deal.

About this item (standard back):
  • Seat is 8.5 in. off the ground
  • Thanks to anodized DAC aluminum poles, Chair Zero is strong enough to support up to 265 lbs.
  • High-performance 100-denier aramid ripstop fabric is lightweight and abrasion-resistant
  • This high-tenacity fabric is strong and durable, preventing tears and holes from ripping further
  • Single shockcorded pole structure makes for easy setup
  • Compact size makes it easy to pack and carry
  • Stuff sack included
  • To sit above snow, sand, or muddy ground, pair it with the small Helinox Chair Groundsheet (not included), which secures to the feet and distributes weight to a larger surface

Editor's Notes

Written by johnny_miller | Staff
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by scholar26
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
REI has Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Backpacking Chair (White) for $90.89. Shipping is free.

REI also has Helinox Chair Zero Highback Ultralight Backpacking Chair (Grey or Black) for $123.39. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member scholar26 for finding this deal.

About this item (standard back):
  • Seat is 8.5 in. off the ground
  • Thanks to anodized DAC aluminum poles, Chair Zero is strong enough to support up to 265 lbs.
  • High-performance 100-denier aramid ripstop fabric is lightweight and abrasion-resistant
  • This high-tenacity fabric is strong and durable, preventing tears and holes from ripping further
  • Single shockcorded pole structure makes for easy setup
  • Compact size makes it easy to pack and carry
  • Stuff sack included
  • To sit above snow, sand, or muddy ground, pair it with the small Helinox Chair Groundsheet (not included), which secures to the feet and distributes weight to a larger surface

Editor's Notes

Written by johnny_miller | Staff
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by scholar26

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Top Comments

Community Reviews

The Chair Zero is a true ultralight backpacking chair, with its main appeal being a roughly 1 pound carry weight that matters on long hikes and multi day trips. It is praised for camp lounging, cooking, and eating, and the Helinox build is described as durable enough to last for years, with warranty support replacing a broken chair. The tradeoffs are its narrow seat, limited comfort for larger bodies, and a price that feels high next to cheaper Amazon lookalikes and other similar chairs. It makes the most sense when every ounce counts.

  • multi-day backpackers who want to cut carry weight because every ounce matters when you're hiking long stretches (and especially on 20+ mile or big elevation days).

  • people who already own or know Helinox and are shopping during REI sales because the community says it's a great deal specifically for Helinox users and the value is that it's a true ~1 lb backpacking chair.

  • campers on the John Muir Trail who want a comfortable spot for lounging, cooking, and eating because one commenter said it was very nice for camp use (even though it later broke and was replaced under warranty).

  • backcountry travelers who need a chair that can handle rough use because one user reported using the 1-lb chair with kids up to 225 lb adults and it never broke.

  • backpackers taking easier hikes with kids who want to elevate the experience because a commenter said having a set to sit on "completely elevated the experience."

  • car campers who don't carry gear far because commenters say to skip it entirely if you're not hauling the chair on your back (and that if you're car camping there's no reason to sit on 4 pegs and fabric).

  • buyers who are expecting a "worth $91" deal versus lookalikes because multiple commenters said the same chair (or very similar ones) can be found under different brands on Amazon for half or less.

  • larger people who need a wider seat because one commenter said these chairs are very narrow and not terribly comfortable for larger users (and that they and their spouse couldn't use theirs).

  • sporting-event users who need quick setup because one commenter said this type of chair is too complex and time-consuming to assemble for sporting events.

  • people who want a chair primarily for customer service support because one commenter argued the company's customer service is poor and that only good customer service would justify the price.

  • backpackers who don't actually need a super-light chair because commenters say if you don't need a super light chair, you should get another option instead of paying for the 1 lb model.

Common Questions (4)

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31 Comments

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Dec 23, 2025 4:37 PM
57 Comments
Joined Oct 2018
ThriftyVest329Dec 23, 2025 4:37 PM
57 Comments
Quote from b2.0 View quoted comment :
these are not meant for large people. my wife and I are not large, but these are very narrow and not terribly comfortable. if you have heart set on them though, I have two that I can't use.
ill take them! Now that im taking relatively easier hikes with the kids as they start their backpacking journey i could use something to sit on. My buddy brought a set to our last trip and they completely elevated the experience.
Dec 23, 2025 5:50 PM
143 Comments
Joined Dec 2011
tonyg13Dec 23, 2025 5:50 PM
143 Comments
Quote from coopscoop View quoted comment :
Link? Most of the off brand ones weigh double or more. Totally agree with other commenter (greysquirrel)- this is a backpacking chair - value is in fact that it weighs a pound.
so to confirm, because the other chair that looks and functions exactly like this one weighs 2 lbs instead of 1 lb, this one is worth more then double the price???
1
Dec 23, 2025 6:21 PM
188 Comments
Joined Jan 2015
RamonYDec 23, 2025 6:21 PM
188 Comments
Quote from tonyg13 View quoted comment :
so to confirm, because the other chair that looks and functions exactly like this one weighs 2 lbs instead of 1 lb, this one is worth more then double the price???
Right. It works the same way with tripods, for instance
Dec 23, 2025 6:39 PM
588 Comments
Joined Aug 2014
KonradenDec 23, 2025 6:39 PM
588 Comments
Quote from tonyg13 View quoted comment :
so to confirm, because the other chair that looks and functions exactly like this one weighs 2 lbs instead of 1 lb, this one is worth more then double the price???
A chair is an absolute luxury when backpacking. Carrying 36lbs instead of 35lbs to save $70 seems entirely reasonable. If every pound matters, why is anyone carrying that extra 1lb for a luxury item anyway?
Dec 23, 2025 6:59 PM
216 Comments
Joined May 2016
garycecsDec 23, 2025 6:59 PM
216 Comments
I got the REI version of this chair (flexlite air) that also weighs 1 lb. It is pretty much an essential piece of gear if you're over 30 and spend more than a night in the backcountry. I'd be all over this deal if I didn't already have 2.
Dec 23, 2025 7:12 PM
112 Comments
Joined Dec 2009
formeremployeeDec 23, 2025 7:12 PM
112 Comments
We use the REI Flexlite Air chairs, which are worth considering. They often go on sale for $70 (and even $50 a few years ago). At the same weight, we like them better than the helinox, but judging from the reviews, it's a very personal preference. We did break one once (plastic broke at the leg insertion joint), but the replacement has held up fine since. But I'm a big guy, and considering the helinox in case it's more durable, despite being less comfortable.

EDIT: Looks like someone else beat me to the recommendation.
Dec 23, 2025 8:07 PM
112 Comments
Joined Feb 2016
legendmlDec 23, 2025 8:07 PM
112 Comments
Beautiful! What are the chances I can keep a camping chair white, you think?

I'll add a deal watch for the black one though. I love that color blue on the poles.

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Dec 23, 2025 8:35 PM
115 Comments
Joined Dec 2013
taochaosDec 23, 2025 8:35 PM
115 Comments
Get the chinese knock offs on amazon, the customer service from this company is poor and good customer service is the only way I would justify this price. IMO still too heavy for backpacking.
Original Poster
Dec 23, 2025 8:44 PM
26 Comments
Joined Jun 2009
scholar26
Original Poster
Dec 23, 2025 8:44 PM
26 Comments
FWIW, the Chair Zero is studier and comes with a 5 year warranty in comparison to REI's 1 year warranty for the Flexlite. The comfort of each chair is dependent on the user though.

I find the Chair Zero more comfortable for sitting with legs splayed out, while the Flexlite is more comfortable for sitting upright. YMMV. Both will tip if too weight is improperly distributed. Highly recommend going in store to try them for yourself.
Dec 23, 2025 9:18 PM
349 Comments
Joined Jul 2006
davydaveDec 23, 2025 9:18 PM
349 Comments
Quote from kineticrob View quoted comment :


How to say 'I'm a car camper and don't carry my gear very far' without saying it.

This chair deal is worth it if you actually are a backpacker who carries your pack more than a few miles.

Budget chairs that look the same almost always weigh 2lbs. There's a few that weight 1.5lbs, but they're not 'half the price' and who knows on quality. Hike alot of weight over 20+ miles or up a couple thousand feet of elevation and you'll learn even ounces/grams can count. Most people who who hike their gear over long or difficult trails end up trying to cut weight and either ditch the chair or spend more for 1lb ones.
"ditch the chair" seems like what most would do, haven't ever hiked carrying a chair and a one pound chair would do nothing to convince me to start
1
Dec 23, 2025 9:50 PM
359 Comments
Joined Mar 2021
GreySquirrel365Dec 23, 2025 9:50 PM
359 Comments
Quote from tonyg13 View quoted comment :
so to confirm, because the other chair that looks and functions exactly like this one weighs 2 lbs instead of 1 lb, this one is worth more then double the price???
I know this is a bit of a tongue in cheek comment, but the answer is surprisingly absolutely yes. When you're backpacking, every pound you carry translates to extra fatigue, extra wear on your knees, less enjoyment. Some people dial back carry weight out of necessity for through-hiking (weeks to months of hiking continuously) or just to enjoy their weekend trips more and have more energy at camp.

There's a whole group of folks called ultralighters that aim to have their base load out (tent, backpack, sleeping bag+pad, etc) < 10 lbs. So a 1lb delta is 10% more carry-weight.
I spent close to $700 on a <2lb tent, saving maybe 1-2 lbs relative to a standard backpacking tent. So $50 or so to shave off 1lb here is in comparison a huge bargain.
Pro
Dec 23, 2025 10:16 PM
709 Comments
Joined Oct 2006
cathmandan
Pro
Dec 23, 2025 10:16 PM
709 Comments
Great chair, but can be had way cheaper on Amazon under no name brands.
2
Dec 23, 2025 11:16 PM
2.9K Comments
Joined Sep 2011
CrazyheavenDec 23, 2025 11:16 PM
2.9K Comments
Quote from GreySquirrel365 View quoted comment :
imo, the whole point of the Chair Zero is that it's one of the few chairs that weighs around 1 lb. If you're willing to carry a bit more weight, the generic ones on Amazon are way cheaper and imo more comfortable than the Chair Zero. I got Moon Lence chairs for ~$20 a pop used like-new and they weigh ~2lbs. I'm tempted to grab the Zero to shave off a pound but I only go backpacking 2-3 times a year.
If you're car camping, skip these entirely. If you're not hauling the chair on your back, there's no reason to sit on 4 pegs and a piece of fabric. If you're in the back country, these will feel like luxury, but compared to a legit chair, they're really not that great.
I tried the generic ones. Couldn't use them with my back. The original one was the only chair that worked for me. I bought mine over 10 years ago and it's still going strong.
Last edited by Crazyheaven December 24, 2025 at 08:44 PM.
Dec 24, 2025 5:20 PM
1.4K Comments
Joined Oct 2005
epenterprisesDec 24, 2025 5:20 PM
1.4K Comments
Quote from kineticrob View quoted comment :
How to say 'I'm a car camper and don't carry my gear very far' without saying it.

This chair deal is worth it if you actually are a backpacker who carries your pack more than a few miles.

Budget chairs that look the same almost always weigh 2lbs. There's a few that weight 1.5lbs, but they're not 'half the price' and who knows on quality. Hike alot of weight over 20+ miles or up a couple thousand feet of elevation and you'll learn even ounces/grams can count. Most people who who hike their gear over long or difficult trails end up trying to cut weight and either ditch the chair or spend more for 1lb ones.
I'm sorry but what happened to "ruffing it"?

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Dec 24, 2025 6:06 PM
64 Comments
Joined Oct 2012
kineticrobDec 24, 2025 6:06 PM
64 Comments
Quote from epenterprises View quoted comment :
I'm sorry but what happened to "ruffing it"?
Are you saying ditch a chair is not enough and there should somehow be negative chairs?

Or maybe still carry the chair but not use it to challenge yourself somehow?

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