The Helinox Chair One remains as one of the most popular camp chairs today, despite having launched way back in 2012. Truth be told, that’s a very long time and it only makes sense that the model may be due for an upgrade. That’s exactly what happens now with the Helinox Chair One (re).
Designed to be stronger, more stable, and more comfortable than the original, the new chair boasts updates in both materials and overall design that allow it to distribute weight much better while making getting in and out of the seat a much easier affair. Whether you like taking packable chairs for camping, relaxing at the beach, or just lounging in the backyard, this thing should make a perfect addition to your gear collection.
The Helinox Chair One (re) retains the packable design of the original, with the ability to collapse into a bundle measuring just 15.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 inches (length x width x depth). It’s lightweight, too, tipping the scales at just 2.5 pounds, so you can throw it in with the rest of your gear without adding too much heft. Touted to offer greater strength than the original, the chair is made from recycled aluminum poles that slot together into nylon resin hubs, which have been redesigned to ensure better stability on whatever surface you lay the chair down on.
The seat is now 30 percent taller than the previous version, so you don’t have to squat that far down to get into the chair. This should make it a lot easier to plop down and stand up even when your legs and knees are aching from a long hike during the day. They also added a second tension line within the perimeter of the chair, which, the outfit claims, effectively redistributes the weight around the frame, ensuring better balance and stability. That, of course, joints the shock-corded poles that lock the whole frame into place.
The Helinox Chair One (re) has a seat and backrest cut in durable 300D polyester, with mesh paneling at strategic points to provide ventilation and breathability. The fabric should be tear- and water-resistant, while being held together with durable stitching, so it should last you many years of use. While there’s still no cup holder or some other creature comforts (this is a barebones ultralight product, after all), it does get an integrated side pocket that you can use to stash some items nearby without having to get up off the chair. Other features include rubber feet, a zippered fabric case with a daisy chain connection, and the ability to support weights of up to 320 pounds, so even heavyweights can slip into this thing.
Along with the remade original chair, the outfit is also making a High-Back version with the same redesigned elements. That one packs down a little bigger (18 x 6 x 4.5 inches) and weighs a bit more (2.8 pounds), but should offer a little more comfort with its higher backrest.
The Helinox Chair One (re) is available now, priced at $119.95, with the high-back version retailing for $149.95.
