Helinox camping chair.........

[VAT]

Part of my moto camping gear is a lightweight tripod chair and works ok. But, while shopping a small sporting goods store the manager pointed me towards the Helinox chair. It packs small (good thing) & a little heavier (not so good) than the tripod but, MAN! this thing is comfortable! It costs approx.$70. So, before I spend that kind of money I was wanting to find out from anyone that may have one...............How is it holding up / what's your thoughts on it? Thanks

 

[Chickengrease]

If you're going to spend that much, you might as well go all the way...

http://www.kermitchair.com/

I survive on a $12 tripod from Bass Pro, but the Kermit, made in Nashville, TN, looked like THE chair to have from the places I've been...

 

[arjayes]

I have a Helinox. Cost me $90 about 1.5 years ago so $70 is not bad. Great chair. Sits very low to the ground so a little awkward to get in and out of, but comfortable and surprisingly strong and stable. I'm about 210 lbs and it handles me easily. Clever design and very well made. Have only used it on a couple of car camping trips with the family but feels very durable. I bought it for solo bike camping but haven't done a trip yet.

As you may have already guessed, I highly recommend the Helinox!

 

[jdk2man]

http://www.rei.com/product/829239/rei-flex-lite-chair

small and light and comfortable

 

[tomatocity]

I have the Mantis Chair that used to be sold at REI and I like the fit very much. I also bought the newer REI chair because it sits higher and was less expensive. Tried both of them on separate camping trips and at home and could not get comfortable in the newer REI chair. It is too narrow and the back is not high enough. Could not stay comfortable when sitting round the campfire. I returned the newer REI chair. Spent the money+ on more camping gear and clothing at REI.

 

[bloodline]

I have to admit a bit of jealousy. I wish I had the space to carry a friggin' chair.

 

[arjayes]

The Mantis chair is still available:

http://www.campsaver.com/mantis-chair

Looks almost identical to the Helinox but more expensive and only rated for 250 lbs where the Helinox is rated for 320 lbs.

 

[snakebitten]

I'm with you bloodline. As much as I would love to have a sweet chair when I "get there", I already have burdened the Beast with everything SHE says we can't travel without.

And I'm not leaving behind the coffee pot.

 

[Higstatic]

My mate has one of these chairs and thinks it was money well spent. They are more expensive in the UK as well, costing about £80, so about $110

 

[terrysig]

http://www.rei.com/product/829239/rei-flex-lite-chair

small and light and comfortable

::026:: Big fan. Price is right but look for an REI sale and it gets even better.

 

[Torque6988]

I just order an REI flex lite chair. Should be here next week.

 

[terrysig]

You won't be disappointed.

Most complaints are about spindly legs sinking into the ground. Same with all of this type of chair. I carry (walmart) cheap plasit/rubber furniture cups just in case. They even fit in the bottom of the stuff sack. Hardly ever use them.

 

[tomatocity]

Bloodline and Snakebitten, what do you sit on while camping?

The Mantis chair measures 15" x 5" and does not weigh much. Looks like both of you are 2up riders so space is a major factor during travel. If you DON'T have the tight fitting OEM panniers you might be able to mount the Mantis chairs on the inside of the pannier rack.

 

[tomatocity]

The Mantis chair packs shorter than the newer REI chair. Reason being the 'longer legs' that seat you higher off the ground.

 

[sportsguy]

Duluth camp chair:

22", 33 oz., supports up to 495 lbs - lightens your wallet by $90 or so.

3 sizes available - 22", 26" and 30" heights.

 

[VAT]

Looks like the Helinox, REI, & the Mantis all are about the same design, weight, & averaging the around the same price. I might check out the REI this weekend. Thanks for the input.

 

[bloodline]

Bloodline and Snakebitten, what do you sit on while camping?

The Mantis chair measures 15" x 5" and does not weigh much. Looks like both of you are 2up riders so space is a major factor during travel. If you DON'T have the tight fitting OEM panniers you might be able to mount the Mantis chairs on the inside of the pannier rack.

Yes. I'm typically 2 up and there is no room for chairs.

That said, I spent many a day backpacking and camping with only what I could carry. No way in hell I would carry a chair on my back.

These days, it seems like most of our moto camping is at some sort of campground and there's plenty to sit on.

I just go find the guys with the bmws. They have all kinds of extra shit laying around and they want somebody to tell them how awesome it is. Last trip, one guy had a brand new rei chair just like the one in this thread. I sat my butt right there in it for quite a while. It was very nice.

 

[snakebitten]

Honestly, if I'm in a campground there will be a picnic table. KOA, State Parks, and even National Forest will often have something for me to take a load off.

But I don't underestimate the luxury of having a nice comfy perch with a backrest. I'm mulling. And I DO have that void between the right side pannier and the bike. ( Use to have a tool tube there. Lost it at the forks near Silverton. The start of Engineers Pass)

Regardless, I would have to find room for 2.

 

[Maxified]

If you're going to spend that much, you might as well go all the way...

http://www.kermitchair.com/

I survive on a $12 tripod from Bass Pro, but the Kermit, made in Nashville, TN, looked like THE chair to have from the places I've been...

The Kermit chair is mighty comfy. Might want to consider the leg extensions for best relaxation. They even have a wide-a$$ model if you call them. DAMHIK. ::008::

 

[ArkieTenere]

I just got 2 of the new Mayfly chairs... Like the Monarch but with a removable bar in the front. Very small and seem nice. Have not use in the field yet though...

http://www.gofastandlight.com/Alite-Mayfly-Chair-Blue/productinfo/TO-A-MAY%20%20BLUE/