Helinox is known for its lightweight and portable chairs. Its Chair One has become ubiquitous at campsites and on overland trips and is the prime example of a product that’s often imitated but never duplicated.
While not the least expensive seating on the market, the brand is known for its thoughtful design and high quality. While it’s chairs are usually lightweight and fairly compact, the Helinox Speed Stool takes low weight and small, packable design to a new level making the stools great for those looking to save space.
Lightweight, Compact
Weighing a scant 0.91 lbs. (or 0.97 lbs. with included storage bag) and packing down to 17” x 3.5” x 3.5”, the Helinox Speed Stool is great for moto trips, compact campers, or for anyone wanting a quick, compact place to sit.
Setup only takes a matter of seconds. The ripstop fabric seat bottom is made from sturdy recycled 600D material (available in black or white), is captive on the legs and the leg poles, and are all connected with silicone shock straps (e.g. “bungees”) meaning setup and takedown is fast. Once set up, the stool is just 11” off the ground.
Admittedly, I’m not the most flexible person, but getting onto and off of the Speed Stool was easier than expected, but taller people (I’m 5’-7”) might find them too low. For a stool, it offered decent comfort. This isn’t a chair, so there’s no back.
The tradeoff with a stool is it’s compact, but you don’t get as much comfort as a full-blown chair—even if it’s a compact folding version. My wife, Mercedes, however, appreciated the no-back sitting experience. She had a recent back injury and the Speed Stool allowed her the chance to sit upright without issue.
Strong and Sturdy
The Speed Stool’s legs are made from blue anodized DAC aluminum and can hold up to 220 lbs. DAC is an alloy exclusive to Helinox which the company claims maximizes strength and reduces weight.
The legs are machined to go together easily and have rubber feet. The shock cords also help to keep things together when not in use, so you don’t worry about lost parts.
When not in use, the Speed Stool stows in a 50D nylon ripstop carry bag that easily fits on the side of a backpack, which is how we carried them during the 16-day, nine-country 2024 Baltic Sea Circle Rally in Europe.
We used the Speed Stools on several occasions during our European adventure. Whether it was morning coffee on Norway’s Loften Islands or sipping wine next to a Scandinavian river, they were sturdy on dirt, gravel, and grass, and provided a good place to plop down after a long day.
Premium Brand, Premium Price
Helinox is a premium brand and its products’ prices reflect that. The Speed Stool retails for $94.95 and includes a five-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
So, while this isn’t the cheapest place to rest your rump when traveling, it packs down small, feels sturdy, and is easy to travel with. If space and weight are at a premium for your next adventure, the Speed Stool is worth a look, so long as it’s in your budget.
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