Everyone loves a good camp chair. It must be comfortable, supportive, sturdy, as well as easy to assemble, disassemble, and stow.
I thought I finally had that with Helinox’s original Chair One. It took up relatively little space, was a cinch to put together and put away, and was sturdier than other similar foldable camp chairs on the market.
However, the company, known for its ingenuitive and stylish camp accessories, recently debuted a revised iteration: the Helinox Chair One (re). Would it push its way to the forefront of backpacking or overlanding camp chairs? Let’s look at it and how it stacks up to its predecessor.
Helinox Chair One (re) and Chair One Comparison
The Helinox Chair One (re) is slightly larger and heavier than the older Chair One, if you compare its packed dimensions and overall weight. When stowed, it’s 5.5 inches high x 15.5 inches long x 4.5 inches wide. The redesigned camp chair is 2.46 lbs. when packed or 2.25 lbs. when set up.
Both Chair One and the restyled Chair One (re) support a person up to 320 pounds. The older version had a mesh back, the latest version sports a solid back, mesh sides, as well as a new right-side pocket (perfect for your smartphone or keys).
Both chair types have proprietary DAC aluminum alloy, silicone shock cords, and rubber feet. However, the (re) model has larger, more stable rubber feet and bigger proprietary resin “hubs” vs. the original model.
Each chair (both kinds), showcase bluesign-certified and recycled polyester and bluesign-certified and recycled polyester mesh. Though the older iteration’s polyester was made from a beefier 600-denier material whereas the newest (re) chair type is constructed from only 300 denier.
Both storage bags are made from 300-denier ripstop polyester. Note: Fabrics with a high denier count tend to be more thick, sturdy, and durable. The new (re) model sports half the denier as its older model.
The Helinox Chair One (re) sits taller than the original and encompasses your body more than the other. The side pocket is handy for small trinkets, something the older model didn’t have.
It also features durable plastic pole housings, whereas the older iteration had reinforced fabric. The (re) pole system is larger in diameter, more robust, yet is equally as easy to disassemble and stow. Just when you thought the Helinox camp chair couldn’t get any sturdier—it just did.
Camp Chair (re) Impressions
When sitting in the new Helinox Chair One (re), I immediately feel its comfort and sturdiness, even more so than with its predecessor. This model adds a second tension line within the perimeter of the chair to distribute weight around the frame.
The sides of the (re) chair seem to be a bit higher than the original Chair One. Not a deal breaker but I felt the chair’s side more than the other first chair style. Getting in and out of the Helinox Chair One (re) was much easier as it’s higher off the ground and didn’t flex as much when your body shifts. The Chair One (re) is especially helpful if you have physical limitations or just want a seating position that’s a bit more upright and not as lounge-like.
Putting the new Helinox Chair One (re) away is a cinch. You grab the associated storage case by its looped handle, undo its sizable Velcro tab, and pull the zipper portion open. The soft case is as generous as the original style but has more structure. Thanks for not making it a tight fit! As long as you roll up your contents correctly, you’ll have no difficulty stowing it in its supplied bag.
The Helinox Chair One (re) comes in five traditional solid colors (no bright hues found there), but it has three multi-colored patterns, including a dark camouflage style and our tester, a colorful Mint Multi Block setup.
Overall Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a well-made, sturdy, and comfortable foldable camp chair, the Helinox Chair One (re) is worth considering. It’d be a great addition to your favorite overlanding or backpacking gear.
However, you’ll have to fork out $20 more for it as its price increased to $119.95 versus the original Chair One, stickered at $99.95. I’ve owned the original version for several years and have even flown overseas with it via camp excursions in Iceland and beyond.
The Helinox Chair One (re) is one big step above the rest, including its former model. Two thumbs up, especially since Helinox’s upgrades far exceed the cost increase in my opinion.
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