Arguably the Greatest Ultralight Camp Chair Ever Made Just Got Its Lightest Edition Ever

In 2012, Helinox launched its first chair, the Chair One. Since then, the brand has been on the relentless pursuit of making that chair (or versions of it) stronger, lighter and better. When it first emerged, it was already among the lightest non-stool camp chairs ever made, and the brand has made leaps and bounds since then.

Now, the Seoul, South Korea-based outfit has hit another milestone with its Helinox Chair Zero LT, the lightest camping and backpacking chair the brand has ever offered.

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Helinox

Almost too light

Fans of the brand will recognize the shape of the Chair Zero LT, as it has a similar structure to most of the brand’s offerings, including the iconic Chair One. The frame is comprised of a series of poles with connectors and the bucket seat fits atop it.

However, the way this one is built and the materials used are what separate it from its brethren. Namely, the fabric for the seat itself is entirely new to this edition.

Helinox

The previous ultralight version of the Chair Zero, the L, utilizes a 100D aramid polyester ripstop. The total weight of that chair, including the bag it packs in, is 1 lb 6 oz — or 1.375 pounds.

The Chair Zero LT swaps that fabric for GhostGrid, a translucent monofilament grid ripstop that’s just as strong but even lighter, bringing the total weight packed down to just 1 lb 3 oz (or 1.1875 pounds) packed. Unpacked, it’s even lighter, at just 1 lb 2 oz (or 1.125 lbs).

When backpacking, every ounce counts, so a 3.0-ounce subtraction is a pretty big deal.

Helinox

Take a seat

Shaving off some weight, while a significant benefit, isn’t the only change that Helinox made with this new edition. It also comes with a new accessory that’s especially useful when sitting on unsteady terrain.

Alongside the frame, seat and bag, the Chair Zero LT also includes a lightweight X-strap stabilizer. This strap system attaches to the frame’s feet and increases the contact area with the ground, helping prevent the chair from sinking into the ground below, which is especially useful when camping on or near sand, grass, or even softer dirt.

Helinox

Despite that addition, the chair remains just as light as mentioned earlier when packed. And like its predecessors, it packs down to about the same size as a Nalgene water bottle, making packing it away a relatively simple prospect (with the right bag, you could even fit it in a water bottle pocket).

And yet, the chair still has an impressive overall capacity. When constructed, it can support up to 265 pounds. Whether you’re a backpacker, bikepacker, packrafter or any other kind of outdoor adventurer, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better non-stool ultralight camp chair than this one.

Helinox

Pricing and availability

The Helinox Chair Zero LT is now available on the brand’s site for $160 in either color. You can also get it on REI (where it shadow dropped before its official release) for the same price.

Helinox

Helinox Chair Zero LT

• $160 at REI
• $160 at Helinox

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