Helinox’s Chair One is the ultralight sitting apparatus that made the company. It was – still is – an innovative, sturdy little portable pew that campers love. It came out over a decade ago, and although it’s still incredibly popular, the brand thought it was time for the Chair One to receive a facelift.
Enter the Chair One (re), the subject of this review. I call this a facelift as opposed to a new iteration because the Chair One (re) retains the majority of the features we came to like in the original and changes only a few, albeit important, aspects of the product.
Some address the ergonomics of the camping chair (admittedly, one of the most important camping accessories), others its sustainability. Overall, Chair One (re) is a refinement that looks beyond just functionality and offers campers a way to reduce their impact on nature, should they decide to upgrade.
As a huge fan of the Helinox Chair Zero, an even more compact trail throne for those who like to keep the weight of their backpack as low as humanly possible, reviewing the Chair One (re) sounded like a fun activity and not a chore, and after a month of testing, I can confirm that it’s just as good as I hoped it would be.
Helinox Chair One (re) review
Price and availability
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/ T3)
The Chair One (re) was launched in March and is available now directly from Helinox UK, Helinox US, and Helinox AU for a recommended price of £109.95/ $119.95/AU$179.99. It’s available in eight colourways, including the tested Flame Multi Block and Blackout versions.
Like most Helinox products, the Chair One (re) is priced at a premium level and is more expensive than the original Chair One (£89.95/ $99.95/ AU$149.99). You’ll have to pay the price for lightweight durability!
Specifications
Left: Helinox Chair One XL, right: Helinox Chair One (re)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/ T3)
- Weight: 1,020g/ 2.25 lb (assembled), 1,115g/ 2.46 lb (packed)
- Max load: 145kg / 320lb
- Size (assembled): 71 x 57 x 52cm / 28 x 22.5 x 20.5in
- Size (packed): 13.9 x 35 x 12cm / 5.5 x 15.5 x 4.5in
- Carry bag: Included
Design and materials
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/ T3)
The Chair One (re) builds on the qualities of the original Chair One by introducing a similar design that uses more sustainable materials. For instance, Helinox claims the frame is made from repurposed aluminium scraps left on the factory floor that would have otherwise been thrown away.
Furthermore, the recycled 300d polyester used as the main fabric is bluesign-certified. The frame and the main fabric make up the bulk of Chair One (re), which, at least to me, means that Healinox’s field chair is a lot more sustainable overall than its predecessor.
The nylon resin hubs were redesigned and are said to be more stable than before. The Chair One (re)’s frame uses the same proprietary DAC aluminium Helinox is famous for: it’s light and durable. It folds easily, too, thanks to the shock-corded poles that lock the frame into position with little to no effort.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/ T3)
It’s 28 inches tall, and most importantly, the seat is also higher at 10.5 inches, making it easier for taller people like me to sit and stand up. The seat is also somewhat wider and features a second tension line to better distribute the user’s weight. The brand added an integrated side pocket; however, there is no cup holder.
(Well, there is, but it’s an optional extra.)
The Chair One (re) is heavier than the Chair One but weighs only 1,020g/ 2.25 lb (the latter comes in at 1.93 lb/ 893g). Understandably, the new pew is heavier, considering it’s taller and wider than its predecessor. The maximum load stayed the same at 320lb/ 145kg.
Performance and comfort
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/ T3)
I took the Helinox Chair One (re) on multiple camping trips, from Somerset to the Peak District. I was sent two samples, so I shared them with people around me to gauge their reaction (I like getting my money’s worth and recruiting campers to do the testing for me).
The Chair One (re) comes in a small carry case with a handle. In the bag, you’ll find the aluminium frame and the seat fabric. The frame almost assembles itself, thanks to the shock-corded poles, and quite literally can be put together in a matter of seconds.
Then, you pop the tips of the frame into the reinforced corners of the seat fabric. The holes on the fabric feel a bit shallow, and you’ll have to pull the frame a bit for the tips to catch the designated holes, but once they are connected, you’re good to go.
I found the Chair One (re) comfortable to sit in despite my height (I’m 6’1”/ 185cm). I can just about squeeze myself into the Chair Zero, but the larger Chair One (re) with its taller stature and wider seat feels like a throne.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/ T3)
The integrated mesh pocket is a good idea, especially if you’re using the pew on wet ground. It’s big enough to hold your smartphone or other little bits that otherwise might slide onto the ground if you just drop them on the seat.
Speaking of wet ground, the legs of the Chair One (re) dig into soft ground, which is something I experienced while using the Chair Zero. It’s simple physics: your whole bodyweight is distributed among four of these thin legs, and if you place your bodyweight unevenly – which is highly likely – one of these will dig into the ground a lot more than others.
Helinox sells accessories, such as a Vibram Ball Feet set or the Ground Sheet, that alleviate this problem, but not only do they add to the already considerable cost of the chair, they also make the pew less portable as you have to carry them around separately. My favourite accessory is also one of the most expensive ones: the Rocking Feet that turns your Chair One (re) into a rocking chair!
Breaking the chair down is as easi as putting it up, and it’s equally as easy to put it back in the carry case.
Verdict
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/ T3)
The Helinox Chair One (re) ushers in big improvements in a subtle way. It looks and feels very similar to its predecessor but uses more sustainable materials and is more ergonomic than before. The extra space in the chair is welcome, although I’m sure the added cost and weight will deter some of the budget-conscious and hardcore UL folk.
Overall, you get what you pay for with the Chair One (re): a premium, sustainable and durable folding seat that will make all your camping friends green with envy.
As a final anecdote, I recently attended a multi-day trail running event (which I spectacularly failed), and what most people were interested in at the end of day one were the Helinox seats provided by the organisers. The brand has a strong reputation in outdoor circles, and the Chair One (re) certainly lives up to it.
Also consider
Nemo Moonlite Reclining Chair: Nemo’s Moonlite is a superb blend of comfort and packability. It features an adjustable reclining system, excellent back support, and durable materials. While heavier than ultralight chairs, it’s ideal for campers prioritising relaxation without going full car-camping mode. It packs small and feels luxurious after long days outdoors.
Helinox Chair Zero: Weighing just 1.1 lbs, the Helinox Chair Zero is the go-to for ultralight backpackers. It sacrifices some comfort and height compared to the Chair One (re), but it’s incredibly compact and quick to assemble. Perfect for thru-hikers, fastpackers, or anyone counting grams but still wanting a real seat at camp.
