Helinox Chair Zero Review & Frequently Asked Questions

Helinox Chair Zero Review

If you’re considering buying the Helinox Chair Zero, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’re going to do a full review of the chair, looking at what it offers, what’s good, what’s bad, and how it compares to Helinox chair zero alternatives.

Let’s dive in, shall we!

Helinox Chair Zero Perfect for Outdoor

If you enjoy camping, spending time outdoors with friends and family, or simply sitting back and relaxing in the evening after you’ve spent the last few hours hosting a BBQ party, you’re going to want a high-quality camping chair.

While there may be hundreds if not thousands of solid options to choose from on the market, one that has claimed legendary status is the Helinox Chair Zero.

This much-loved backpacking chair has been wonderfully designed to offer comfort, practicality, and ease of use to the user. 

However, just how good is it? With so much hype around Chair Zero, we think it’s time to take a much closer look. 

Who Are Helinox?

Before purchasing any product, it’s good to know the brand you’re buying from has a good reputation and can be trusted. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at Helinox. 

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair, Black
  • Ultralight, compact camping and backpacking chair weighs just 1.1 pounds and packs smaller than a bottle of water (measures 4 x 4 x 13.5 inches packed)
  • Lightweight, folding chair frame is constructed from advanced DAC aluminum alloy to provide maximum strength at a minimum weight; holds up to 265 pounds
  • Seat and carry sack are constructed from durable, lightweight ripstop polyester that resists harsh weather and UV rays; material is machine washable
  • Setup is fast with a single internal bungee cord that assembles poles; assembled chair measures 20.5W x 19D x 25H inches, seat height is 8.5 inches
  • Ideal for outdoor activities like camping, backpacking, hiking and biking where weight is critical; manufacturer's five-year warranty

Despite being a relatively new company that only started operating in 2009, Helinox has built a strong reputation for producing only the very best premium products.

Helinox’s main focus is on the packable furniture industry in which they currently dominate the market with their products.

Designing products that can be used around the home or anywhere else, the brand’s most popular products include portable chairs, tables, and cots.

As well as being super comfortable and durable, Helinox’s furniture is well-known for its stylish design and sleek appearance.

It’s virtually guaranteed that whoever buys from Helinox ends up happy with what they receive. 

An Overview Of Helinox’s Chair Zero

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair, Black

Now we know what to expect from Helinox, let us give you a quick overview of the Chair Zero before we take a much deeper look. 

When taking a look at Chair Zero, it isn’t hard to see why Helinox has such a big reputation.

Designed with portability, comfort, and versatility in mind, this chair is perfect for camping enthusiasts who seek a lightweight backpack chair that can easily be taken anywhere.

Offering plenty of comfort and support thanks to its high back, this chair only weighs 18 ounces. That includes the weight of the carry bag too.

It may not be the sturdiest or comfiest chair on the market, but as far as super-lightweight chairs go it takes some beating. 

Thanks to the foolproof setup, the impressive amount of features and accessories including cup holders, seat warmers and groundsheets, sleek design, and ease of use that also come with Chair Zero, we’d give this Helinox product a rating of 4.2 out of 5. 

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair, Black
  • Ultralight, compact camping and backpacking chair weighs just 1.1 pounds and packs smaller than a bottle of water (measures 4 x 4 x 13.5 inches packed)
  • Lightweight, folding chair frame is constructed from advanced DAC aluminum alloy to provide maximum strength at a minimum weight; holds up to 265 pounds
  • Seat and carry sack are constructed from durable, lightweight ripstop polyester that resists harsh weather and UV rays; material is machine washable
  • Setup is fast with a single internal bungee cord that assembles poles; assembled chair measures 20.5W x 19D x 25H inches, seat height is 8.5 inches
  • Ideal for outdoor activities like camping, backpacking, hiking and biking where weight is critical; manufacturer's five-year warranty

Specifications 

Here are some of the basic things you should know about Chair Zero.

  • Type – Foldable
  • Height – 11 inches
  • Weight – Helinox’s Chair Zero only weighs 18 ounces.
  • Weight Limit – This backpacking chair can easily hold up to 265 pounds.
  • Materials – Chair Zero is made out of Featherlite aluminum alloy and Ripstop polyester.
  • Warranty – 5 years

What We Love

The Helinox Chair Zero is easily one of the best camping chairs we have ever reviewed. This well-rounded product offers the user an extensive list of benefits and perks that not only make the chair more comfortable but also make it much more versatile and easier to use.

Below, you will find some of the things we like most about Chair Zero.

Helinox Chair Zero Weight Limit

For starters, this chair’s weight limit is fantastic. Capable of holding up to 265 lbs, the chair can be comfortably used by most people without any accidents or damage occurring. 

Thanks to a large weight limit, larger people can use the chair repeatedly without any tears or rips occurring. They can do so while remaining as comfortable as anyone else. 

Tests have been conducted to see how well the chair fairs when someone who weighs upwards of 200 lbs has used it and found that the chair was put under no stress whatsoever.

Helinox Chair Zero Ground Sheet

One awesome added bonus the Helinox Chair Zero chair comes with is a handy groundsheet. This groundsheet is something not many camping chairs come with, which is a shame because it is an excellent feature to have at our disposal. 

The Chair Zero groundsheet can be placed on the floor when the chair is being used on softer surfaces that make the chair sink. It gives the chair more float, preventing it from sinking as you sit. 

This is incredibly useful as it keeps you comfortable and ensures the chair can be used in other environments, for example at the beach.

Nice And Compact

The Helinox Chair Zero is capable of being packed right down, ready to be transported wherever you’re going next. Thanks to being super compact, this makes life much easier when packing your vehicle or carrying the chair to your next location. 

Easy To Assemble

Assembling this chair may seem quite daunting at first as you have a number of poles to connect together. However, putting the chair together couldn’t be any easier. 

In fact, putting the chair together is so easy that when you take it out of the bag, some of the poles might even click into place for you. 

What We Don’t Love

Like any camping chair, there is always going to be something you don’t like. Thankfully the number of things we don’t like about the Chair Zero is only minimal. 

You’ll find the things we don’t love about this Helinox chair below.

The Chair Zero Is Pricey

The one downside to Chair Zero is that it costs a lot more to buy than other models of portable chairs found on the market. In some circumstances, it is actually two times more expensive than other chairs.

We suppose that’s the price you have to pay for one of the best products in the industry.

Tilts Back Quite Easily

We weren’t too impressed with how easy it is to recline using the Helinox Chair Zero. When compared to other chairs, this one is much harder to recline and even tends to tilt backward if you lean back too far. 

We must be fair and say most backpacking chairs have this issue, but with Chair Zero, it was definitely more pronounced.

Helinox Chair Zero Review & FAQ

Features

While performance, comfort, and durability are arguably the most important thing when looking for a backpacking chair, one thing most people look out for first is the unique features the product comes with.

We are pleased to report that Helinox’s Chair Zero comes with plenty. In fact, compared to other models of chairs, it may well be the most feature-packed.

This is quite impressive when you consider the Helinox Chair Zero’s weight. 

In terms of accessories, the Chair Zero comes equipped with insulated seat warmers, detachable cup holders, and a carry pouch.

These are all handy as they make the user’s experience a lot easier and much more enjoyable. These are all features we expect from most backpacking chairs.

In terms of features this chair has that others don’t, the best has to be the groundsheet we mentioned above and the chair anchor that prevents the chair from blowing away. For us, these two features help to separate Helinox’s Chair Zero from other chairs on the market.

Comfort  

If we’re being totally honest, the Helinox Chair Zero isn’t the comfiest of backpacking chairs on the market. This is a shame because when it comes to everything else we would expect from a backpacking chair, the Chair Zero ticks a lot of boxes. 

Despite not being the comfiest of chairs, we must also say that the chair’s convenience and easy setup outweigh this slight negative.

When we say Chair Zero isn’t as comfortable, that in no way means the chair isn’t still perfectly comfortable enough. 

Thanks to the chair’s soft, yet sturdy Ripstop polyester seat and well-padded, insulated cushion, the chair still offers plenty of comfort for long periods of time.

You might just want to choose a different chair if ultimate comfort is what you’re looking for.

One reason we believe this chair isn’t as comfortable as others is because of how low it is to the floor. Only 11 inches tall, you’ll find your legs moving quite a lot as you try to find the comfiest position.

Durability 

In regards to durability, the Helinox Chair Zero performs well. Helinox has used Ripstop polyester to create the chair’s seat and Featherlite aluminum alloy to build its frame.

When we tested the chair, we found that this frame was perfectly strong enough and reliable enough to keep anybody up to 200 lbs in weight comfortable.

The design is also solid enough to withstand the pressures of time, giving the chair a much longer lifespan. 

The only downside we found with the durability of the chair is its pole inserts. The pole inserts on this chair aren’t reinforced. Chairs designed for heavier individuals usually have reinforced poles as it helps the chair hold up to more pressure. 

While this could be a potential problem, no failures have ever occurred during testing.

Setup 

On the whole, setting up the Chair Zero isn’t that much different from similar types of chairs on the market.

Like most backpacking chairs, the Helinox Chair Zero uses a pole and elastic shock-cord configuration that is super easy to set up. 

The only difference between this chair and others is that its central pole is neatly fixed to the brackets both the poles and legs slide into.

This is great because it prevents the legs from flopping during assembly, which is something that annoyingly happens when setting other models up.

The seat then slots nicely onto the chair’s frame. This bit does take some effort but no more than other types of chairs.

Another great touch Helinox has given us is a small arrow towards the rear of the seat. This small gesture lets you know exactly which way up the seat needs to go as you set the chair up.

Instructions

This is all you need to do to set up the chair:

  • Unpack your chair.
  • Connect the hubbed pole. Do this by snapping each piece into place.
  • Fit the seat onto the frame by placing it on the rubber ends of the chair.
  • Take a seat!

Packability 

Packing the chair up is somehow even easier than setting it up. The chair’s hubbed pole system conveniently keeps everything together in one place.

All you need to do is take it off the back of the chair, unlock the poles, wrap it up like a burrito, and finally place it in the carry bag provided.

This can be done in a matter of seconds, making it a much easier chair to use than others on the market. 

Helinox Chair Zero Alternatives (How Does It Compare)

Now you know more about the Helinox Chair Zero and what to expect, let’s take some time to compare it to alternatives that currently sit on the market. By doing this, you should get a much better idea of just how good the Chair Zero is and where it may lack in other areas.

Helinox Chair Zero Vs Chair One

Helinox Chair One Original Lightweight, Compact, Collapsible Camping Chair, Black/Burgundy

We’ll start by comparing the Helinox Chair Zero to another one of Helinox’s popular backpack chairs.

The Helinox Chair Zero and Helinox Chair One are both very good options, suiting anyone who seeks a lightweight, portable chair with good weight limits.

Both chairs feature Nylon 66 joining hubs and high-strength aluminum poles, but the Chair One is actually better suited to larger people.

Chair Zero has a weight limit of 265 lbs, whilst Chair One has a limit of 320 lbs. 

In terms of accessories, both chairs come with a groundsheet and detachable cups so they are quite similar on that front. 

Helinox Chair One Original Lightweight, Compact, Collapsible Camping Chair, Black/Burgundy
  • Lightweight, compact camping and backpacking chair packs smaller and weighs less than a bottle of wine
  • Chair frame is constructed from advanced proprietary aluminum alloy to provide maximum strength at a minimum weight; holds up to 320 pounds
  • Removable seat and zippered carrying case are made from durable, UV-resistant, 600-weave rip-stop polyester; material is machine washable
  • Setup is fast with a single internal bungee cord that assembles poles; assembled chair measures 21.5W x 20D x 25.5H inches, seat height is 10 inches
  • Ideal for travel and camping; weighs 2.10 pounds and measures 4 x 4.5 x 14 inches packed in included bag; manufacturer’s five-year warranty

Both chairs are also pretty similar in terms of design, with both having sleek appearances. The main difference between the two is their weight and height. The Chair Zero only weighs 18 ounces while the Chair One weighs 34 ounces.

On the other hand Chair One is 66 cm tall and Chair Zero is 64 cm. The Helinox Chair Zero’s high back is something that helps Chair Zero stay at a similar height to Chair One.

Overall, Chair Zero is a better choice if you want a backpacking chair that is super-lightweight, and easier to set up. The Chair One may actually beat Chair Zero though when it comes to comfort, durability, and weight capacity.

Helinox Chair Zero Vs Big Agnes Skyline

Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight Backpacking Chair, Black

The first thing we noticed when comparing these two backpacking chairs is their design. Though they both look pretty great, for us, the Helinox Chair Zero looks much better. Its design looks much sharper and stylish. 

Aside from that, both of these chairs aren’t too different. They both perform excellently, are sold at the same price point, and have a good weight limit. 

Having said that, there are still things both chairs offer that are better than the other. For example, the chair on the Big Agnes Skyline is much deeper than that on the Chair Zero.

As a result, the Big Agnes Skyline offers a lot more comfort. However, when it comes to ease of use, packability, and weight, the Chair Zero offers a lot more.

Big Agnes Skyline UL Ultralight Backpacking Chair, Black
  • The Champion Of Ultralight - For backpackers and campers who roll fast and light, the Skyline UL Chair weighs just over 1 lb, packs down remarkably small, and uses a patented frame for an unbeatable strength-to-weight ratio; It’s the best of all worlds
  • Say No To Plastic Hubs - While other chairs rely on flimsy poles and plastic hubs that wobble under your weight, Big Agnes’ patented hub-less frame is made entirely of heavy-duty aircraft aluminum; It packs smaller, weighs less, and provides a much sturdier seat that will support your weight for years of use
  • Revolution In Comfort - Pre-bent poles and a stronger frame allow for a deeper, wider seat than any other ultralight camping chair available; Fully shock corded, color-coded architecture makes setup easier than ever; No tools are required, and all pieces pull together in a flash
  • Backcountry Tough - Made with ultralight nylon ripstop for extra durability, paired with high-tenacity robic yarn that adds 25% - 30% more strength; Waterproof UTS coating withstands mountain weather; The Skyline UL Chair has a trail weight of 1lb 11oz, packed weight of 1lb 12oz, and packed size of 3.5" x 3.5" x 17"
  • Warranty Included - All Big Agnes products are 100% guaranteed against manufacturing or material defect; If one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, Big Agnes will help you find gear that fits your needs

The Helinox Chair Zero weighs almost 10 ounces less than the Big Agnes Skyline, making it even easier to carry. The Chair Zero is also much easier to set up, taking just 1 minute or less to get ready. Finally, Helinox’s chair is also much easier to pack away. 

Overall, the comfort the Big Agnes Skyline offers is great, but as a result of its weight and portability, the Helinox Chair Zero still wins.

Helinox Chair Zero Vs Rei Flex Lite Air

If there is a chair that might compete for a large chunk of Helinox’s market share, it might well be the Rei Flex Lite Air backpacking chair.

Sharing a lot of similarities with the Chair Zero including weight limit, height, design, color, and durability, this is one chair that gives the Chair Zero a run for its money.

Weighing 1.7 ounces less than the Helinox Chair Zero, the biggest advantage the Rei Flex Lite Air has is that it costs almost half the price. For that, you get a chair that offers similar levels of comfort, portability, and sturdiness. 

However, the reason this chair may not be as popular as the Chair Zero yet could be down to its wobbliness.

Due to the crossbeam positioning on the legs of the chair, it doesn’t feel quite as sturdy to sit on. The chair doesn’t come with a groundsheet either so it’s not like you can alter the sturdiness that easily either. 

We also found that the Helinox Chair Zero still offered better levels of portability. It folds down to a smaller size, therefore it is easier to store away in your backpack as you travel.

So, Is The Helinox Chair Zero The Best?

When comparing the Helinox Chair Zero to the other high-quality backpacking chairs on the market, we concluded that it is definitely one of, if not the best when it comes to offering portability, a high weight capacity, ease-of-use, and style. However, it isn’t one of the best in terms of comfort. 

Compared to other chairs, Chair Zero isn’t that comfortable. Other chairs offer a deeper seat and more height off the floor. This helps your legs stay comfortable and offers a comfier seat. Having said that, the chair on the Helinox is still comfortable.

Overall, it depends on what you’re looking for in your chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Helinox Chair Zero Review & FAQ

To finish off, we’d like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions for you. 

Are Helinox Chairs Worth It?

Yes, Helinox chairs are most definitely worth it. Helinox has a strong reputation for producing only the very best, high-quality lightweight backpacking chairs that suit a wide range of outdoor activities. 

Anyone searching for the most practical, easy-to-use chair should take a look at Helinox first. Most of their chairs are up there with the best and Chair Zero might just be the best, being very hard to beat.

Where Are Helinox Chairs Made?

Despite being based in San Francisco, Helinox is actually a Korean company that ships its products globally. They are currently working on developing a U.S based subsidiary called Helinox USA.

As a result of being a Korean company, Helinox’s chairs are made across Asia. The seats for their chairs are made in Korea, and the carry bags are made in Vietnam.

Where Can You Buy A Helinox Chair?

Helinox chairs are available on a wide range of websites and in some stores. The most popular places to buy Helinox chairs are Amazon.com and Helinox.com.

Which Helinox Chair Is The Lightest? 

If you’re looking for the lightest Helinox chair, you’ll want to have a look at the Speed Stool. The speed tool only weighs 1 lb. Alternatively, you could look at the Chair Zero as that only weighs 1 lb 2 oz. 

Is The Helinox Chair Zero The Best Backpacking Chair?

In our opinion, yes, the Helinox Chair Zero is the best backpacking chair.

While it may not offer the most amazing comfortability, when it comes down to ease of use, portability, and weight, it is far superior to other chairs on the market.

Conclusion

In this article, we have taken a close look at the Helinox Chair Zero. We have looked at everything it offers, and what it doesn’t offer, compared it to alternatives, and discussed Helinox in general.

When it comes to portability, lightweight design, durability, reliability, and practicality, Helinox’s Chair Zero sits right at the very top.

The only downside to the chair is that it doesn’t quite offer the best comfort. It would also be nicer if the chair sat higher off the floor so our legs could sit more comfortably.

Now that we’ve reviewed the Helinox Chair Zero, we hope we have given you the information you need to make your own decisions in terms of buying the best backpacking chair. 

We can assure you that you’ll be more than happy if you take a punt on the Helinox Chair Zero. 

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