Field Test and Review
As an avid hiker, I’ve been the proud owner of the Helinox Chair One for over two years, and it’s become a staple in my pack for every hike. While some might argue that carrying a chair adds unnecessary weight, I can assure you that there’s nothing quite as soothing as reclining in your lightweight chair after a long day on the trail. It’s a game changer for both your body and soul.
Lightweight Yet Luxurious
When it comes to comfort during hiking and camping, I believe the extra weight is well worth it. The Helinox Ground Chair takes outdoor relaxation to a whole new level with its innovative design and remarkable portability. Weighing just 640 grams, it’s 320 grams lighter than the popular Chair One, and packs down to a fraction of the size of traditional camp chairs, making it incredibly easy to carry in your pack.
Easy Setup – Even for Beginners
At first glance, setting up the chair might seem daunting, but I’m pleased to report that it couldn’t be simpler. When you open the carry bag, the chair’s frame pops out automatically. The Helinox frame is designed as a single piece that breaks down much like tent poles, and once freed from its bag, it snaps into place effortlessly. You simply fit the poles into their respective sockets, and the frame is ready. The seat portion, made of mesh and fabric, attaches to the frame with four reinforced end pockets.
One feature I particularly appreciated in the Ground Chair over the Chair One is the solid fabric seat combined with mesh sides. This provides more warmth on the back compared to the Chair One, which has a mesh back and solid sides. With prior experience using the Chair One, I can set up the Ground Chair in under 20 seconds, making it perfect for quick stops on the trail.
Durability and Build Quality
The Helinox Ground Chair is made with the same ultra-durable alloy as the Chair One. It sits lower to the ground and has a more reclined design, which offers a relaxed seating position after a long day. The chair’s frame is connected with shock cords, ensuring quick and easy assembly each time.
- Ultralight weight
- Compact design
- Quick assembly
The seat fabric is robust, resisting snags, tears, and even sparks from a nearby campfire. The chair’s low profile and reclining design make it ideal for outdoor events, camping, and hiking, offering a comfortable place to rest even in rugged conditions.
How the Helinox Ground Chair Stacks Up
To be honest, I haven’t tested many other ground chairs, as I’ve always opted for what I consider the best for my needs. The Ground Chair is positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum, but for good reason. While other chairs may offer similar designs, the Ground Chair is by far the lightest and most portable—something every hiker can appreciate. While the weight difference may only be a few grams, those grams make all the difference when you’re counting every ounce in your pack.
Thanks to its low profile, the Helinox Ground Chair isn’t just great for hiking; it’s also perfect for camping and outdoor events. It brings me closer to my cooking and food prep surface (the ground), which adds to the convenience when setting up camp.
I keep both the Ground Chair and the Chair One in my car at all times, ready for when I’m not hiking. While I prefer the Chair One for camping due to its higher seating position, the Ground Chair is indispensable for hiking.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Helinox Ground Chair is an essential piece of gear for any hiker. Its combination of comfort, portability, and durability makes it a standout in the world of outdoor seating. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or enjoying a day at the park, this chair will keep you comfortable without weighing you down.
Purchase Directly from Helinox for $124 (RRP: $152)
Tech Specs
- Assembled Dimensions: 52 cm wide x 44 cm deep x 50 cm high
- Packed Dimensions: 30 cm long x 11 cm wide x 11 cm high
- Ground to Seat Base: Approx. 12 cm
- Weight: 615 grams (assembled), 640 grams (packed)
- Capacity: 120 kg
- Color: Black fabric with cyan blue frame and black tote bag
