Field Test – Helinox Ground Chair
For two years or more I have been the proud owner of the Helinox Chair One and always take them with me on every pack carry. While to some this may add unnecessary weight to your pack believe me, there is nothing more soothing to your body, feet and soul than to recline back in your lightweight chair at the end of a hard day on the trail.
Comfort while hiking and camping is worth a few grams as the Helinox Ground Chair takes outdoor comfort to a new level of lightweight portability.
With the Helinox Ground Chair, that’s all you’ll have to sacrifice for the most comfortable camp chair I have experienced. 320 grams lighter than even the famed Chair One, the Ground Chair weighs in at 640 grams (packed weight) and folds down to a fourth of the size of your standard camp chair, fitting into its own bag.
So, how easy is it to use?
At first glance, setting up the chair can look to be a daunting task. However I am pleased to report that it could not be simpler. When you open the bag, the various ‘limbs’ simply pop out in all directions. The Helinox frame is comprised of a single piece (though it breaks down much like folded tent poles) and once free of its carry bag, it pops into place nearly on its own. You simple fit the various poles into place and you have your framework in place. The mesh and fabric seat portion fits over the frame with four reinforced end pockets.
One feature I enjoyed about the Ground Chair over the Chair One is the solid fabric seat and mesh sides. I felt that the seat was warmer on my back than the Chair One which has a mesh back and solid sides.
Having used a Chair One before I already had experience in setting up the Helinox chairs. As such I’m happy to report I can easily set up the Helinox Ground Chair in around 20 seconds.
Durability
Ground Chair uses the same super-strong alloy as Chair One but sits lower to the ground and a little more reclined. The frame sections are linked with shock-cord for the same super simple and quick assembly.
- Ultralight weight
- Super compact
- Simple assembly
The Helinox durable seat fabric includes mesh panels to allow air flow for a very breathable chair. The fabric resists snags, tears, and even fire pit sparks nicely. The chair sits very low to the ground and leans fairly far back.
How the Helinox differs from other ground chair brands
To be completely honest I haven’t tried a lot of others on the market, preferring to always buy what I believe to be the best for my needs. The Ground Chair is at the higher end of the price range, so it’s worth noting the difference.
Construction of competing chairs is similar, as is quality in some cases. However, when comparing weight, and lets be honest, that’s what interest a hiker the most, the Ground Chair is by far the lightest. We’re only talking a few grams here, but for the keen hiker and other outdoors-enthusiasts, that few grams makes all the difference..
Due to its low stance, the Helinox has come in handy for me not only while hiking, but while camping and other outdoor events. I love the low position of the Ground Chair as it puts me closer to my food prep/cooking surface (the ground).
The ground chair (and chair one) are so handy we leave them in our car any time when we are not hiking.
In my opinion, Ground Chair is a must for every hiker. For camping and other events I prefer the Chair One simply because of the increased seat height.
Buy direct from Helinox for $124
RRP: $152
Tech Specs
Assembled: 52 cm wide x 44 cm deep x 50 cm high.
Packed: 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 weight)
Capacity: 120 kg.
Color: Black fabric with cyan blue frame and black tote bag.
Field Tested by
Darren Edwards > www.trailhiking.com.au
31 thoughts on “Helinox Ground Chair”
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Had a good look at your site today. Well done. It is easy to navigate and really informative. I learned much!
Thanks sis
Alison Telford mmmmmm
yes I have done the research .. I have lists to prove it.. i still can’t decide..
They are awesome Alison. Ground chair is great for overnight hikes as it gets you down low to your cooking equipment. Chair one is perfect for day hikes or base camping
I am no way affiliated with Helinox and I love my chair. I have used it cycling and bushwalking. Its heaps easy to strap to the side of the pack and goes up in 1 minute and provides comfort after a days walking. A tad $$ but if it lasts (which I reckon it can) its awesome.
Russell Andrews ?
That’s a pretty good argument.
I know ?
Love my Helinox chair ?
I ordered one online from Helinox on Sunday evening…it arrived this morning at 9.30am. That’s what I call service.
I’d love to hear some more reviews about the cot lite for overnight hikes
Hey Peta. I will see if I can get hold of one to field test
We just got back from a weekend of overnight hiking, the first for my other half so I was worried about keeping him comfortable so I hired two of these chairs. I have to say, these ground chairs were absolutely brilliant. Very light and extremely comfortable (two side by side with a sleeping bag around you is a great little huddle to keep warm). Other hikers at camp were derisive at first, but then they’d ask how much it weighed (~600g, impressed), then they’d ask to try it out while they ate their humble pie.
This chair will be in every kit I carry with me on multi day hikes from this day forward.
That’s so great to hear. I get the same reaction. My chair never leaves my pack.
Jodie Alexander was this the chair you were taking about?
Yes!!!!! My plan is to buy Ev two for his birthday and maybe he will share.!!!
Stephanie Brosnan great investment I say.
Amen. I say pffft to the unnecessary weight comment too.
Ian Stewart tag Heather Hogan
Never leave home without it.
Ben Schulz Ethan McDonald NZ thrones ✅
Iz what I was talking about!!
Brad Atkinson sitting comfortably over here in my chair one whilst Sammie Mac and Jamie MacLeod are running laps trying to inflate their unmentionable lounge couch… ???
Hmmmmm, why so comfy to rest the soles at the end of a days hike. ????
Pffft over rated. We’ll get some from Aldi on the cheap ? till then it’s the couch ?
Tania Cake! I’m keen on taking our chairs! Lol
Have you sat in it yet?
Sure have! Comfy 🙂
Trevor Evans this is cool and very light ?