NEW Helinox Chair Zero High-Back vs Original

[@jamessage6167]

I just took the original version on the JMT. I am 60 years old, 6 foot / 100kgs with wide shoulders. The original felt a bit constrained when I tested it at home but on the trail it was perfect. I found that when I slumped down in the chair (moving my bum forward) after a long day on the trail the seat was perfect. I also found that the height of the back was perfect for easing my sore shoulder blades. The others I was hiking with also loved the comfort of the seat. Personally I would not carry the bigger and heavier high-back version. The reason I got the seat was to make putting and taking off footwear easier and more comfortable in the absence of a rock or log to sit on - particularly if my knees were a bit tight and sore. I loved having the chair when setting up and breaking camp as it gave me somewhere to put all the stuff from/for my pack next to my tent which was a real bonus.

[@duokun]

I tried out both in a store recently. I’m 5’7” and a bit broader and for me it was no comparison on comfort. The chair zero kept nearly falling over for me when I leaned back in it. The weight distribution on the high back and the beefier poles seemed to be much better. I’ll definitely be getting the high back.

[@Kakkoii_otoko]

I got both. The Zero is for hiking, and it is great for that. The high back stays in the car and is for tailgates, bbq, beach, etc. They are both good. I used to have some other types of cheap chairs and they were huge and heavy. I am glad to go smaller and lighter.

[@denise_hansen]

Nice comparison Justin… answered questions I wouldn’t have considered. I’m no longer curious about the high back and will now confidently continue on enjoying my original without second guessing it.

[@gcruishank9663]

I went for the Chair 2. Little higher seated height and higher back. Little more weight though but totally worth it for me. Being able to rest your head back is awesome. The optional padded insulating cover is amazing too when its chilly out.

[@earlwillis5958]

I just went moto camping this past weekend and took my high back knock off. Two of the other guys brought low backs, also knock offs. We are all larger guys and everyone agreed the high back was better. They both ordered high backs when we went to town for supplies so they would have them for the next trip.

[@BackpackingGearNut]

I have had my Char Zero High-Back since May and prefer it for anything less than 10 miles a day. I heard about using small whiffle balls over the feet to give the chairs more stability on soft ground. Wiffle balls might be better than tennis balls because they apparently have less than an ounce for 4. I'm gonna give this a try and see how it goes.

[@KENFEDOR22]

Sierra Madre sells a "slab" chair stabilizer for $30. Fits my Helinox Zero perfectly and it fits in the chair's bag too. I'd bet Helinox makes a similar solution.

[@markust8904]

I have both, I started way back when the Helinox first came out. For motorcycle camping i bought the Highback and find the highback more comfortable over all, being thinner not an issue, the weight and size of the highback is a bit bigger to pack. But I like to sit up more, the older Helinox true to your post is more of a lounger and is great too. Cost is still high but an investment I have had no problem with these chairs Helinox products are worth it.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Great review and thanks for the metric dimensions for those of us who moved on from the imperial system of measurement decades ago.

[@MeAndMyRoyalEnfield]

Need a chair that I can use to work on my laptop and was thinking the highback might provide more back support for that. I didn't see you assemble it. Can I leave the bottom legs off both models to use inside my tent? Traveling via motorcycle and currently use saddlebags inside my tent to get some back support.

[@TheBlakerunner]

Thanks for this terrific review . Really answered most of my questions. Only thing I’m curious about is how tall you are and how much do you weigh?

[@Algorythmfpv]

How did the high back break in? did it conform to your body more as the fabric stretched in? or does it have the same bit of sandwiching tightness after continuous use?

[@zacharylaschober]

After spending time trimming weigh to comfortably carry comfort, such as a chair or wider and thicker pad, have to be cautious about adding a few ounces here or there. Doesn’t seem an essential enough upgrade to add nearly half a pound (my zero weighs 16.3oz sans bag). Wish a company would reduce the back a little further as I scarcely recline in mine, make that hard to not bring.

[@ManivanAdventures]

You are the best at these reviews and comparisons, man. Always make my decisions much easier before buying. 🤙🏼

[@curvenut]

great review !!!!! question, is it really worth it to buy Helinox chair, I mean I can buy the same at 50$

[@JustinOutdoors]

I like the weight savings

[@ar110sp]

what good is a chair zero, you can lay it down and sit inside the tent... good for reading, eating, check phones... if outside is too cold or raining...

[@COYSMike]

Looks like you have a hole in the back rest of the original chair. Is that through wear and tear or has something specific happened to damage it?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Sparks from a fire

[@COYSMike]

@@JustinOutdoors Thanks :)

[@fancyhandle]

Covered everything I wanted to ask. Great video, Justin!

[@motorolas]

I have the Chair One and the Chair Zero. Had to warranty replace the Chair Zero frame, as one of the poles was damaged due to the fact the center pole does not pivot and thus caused one of the legs to bend. The Chair One center pole pivots and is not riveted only in one position. This is important on uneven terrain and when getting in and out and pivoting from the chair. I still take my Chair Zero on backpacking trips, as it's nearly half the weight, but if anyone wants to sit on in, I give folks a warning not to twist and turn when getting out of the chair, as the center pole rivets can break, or a leg can twist.

[@54goodwin16]

How about showing the folding process?

[@JakeVsFail]

How tall are you? I was hoping the high back would be tall enough to use as a headrest but that doesn't seem to be the case.

[@JustinOutdoors]

5'10. You'd probably need to be under 5ft to use the headrest for your head, unless you slouch down significantly. I have a dedicated review of the highback coming out this month where I show that exact scenario.

[@zippy5081]

Great chair’s and so welcomed after a long hike in the mountains. I use the Helinox ground chair it’s compact lightweight and doesn’t sink into the ground like the legged type chairs. I love the ground chair it’s very compact and easy to carry. The only gripe for some larger people they may find it difficult to get out of and a little tight to sit into. For me absolutely Awesome. Please! Understand these chairs are expensive for a reason I used my Helinox ground chair gor 2-years and it’s still like new and has become more comfy due to easing into shape like a pair of shoes and becoming more comfortable. These chairs are made of Quality materials and construction to be super lightweight and such a compact size this reflects the price. So, worth it, after 20-mile hike in the mountains. sit pads blow away in the wind when you sit up. Or, you forget them and walk away and leave sit pads behind. These chair’s keep you off the wet freezing ground and stop back pain ect. Sitting in these chairs on a mountain summit with a beer and steak after a long hike is so worth it. I have fallen a sleep at a 1000- meters on a mountain in my ground chair after nice food it’s so comfy…lol.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

As always, solid comparison and review

[@SunnyWu]

They also have the Helinox Sunset which is bigger, but it's heavier and bigger.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That is awesome! I don't see myself buying one anytime soon, but my wife may be interested...... I bet that is comfortable.

[@DrofJustice]

Good review. I have the original and have had trouble with the legs sinking into soft soil, finding myself toppled over. I’ve purchased the bottom mat to connect the legs and prevent this problem and it’s a win!!! It also fits into the original stuff sack.

[@Kinosec-10]

I bought the small one for car camping and hate it. A moderate breeze will send it blowing across the campground so I had to bungee cord it to something or I’d come back to camp and find it gone. Now it sits in the garage

[@_Tree_of_Life_]

I deliberately tip my chair backwards and sit on the floor, in the back of the chair, leaning my back up against the seat, super comfortable.

[@SAR_Chief]

Excellent review. I have broad shoulders, and this review covered this concern. Thank you. Chair zero og it is.

[@davidbayard]

I took a high back camping recently at 275 pounds and it was fine

[@daviddemmers130]

Hi Justin, i am wondering if you could review the new decathlon down jacket, this feels like the perfect item in the middle of their line-up with 800 fill down and only 440 grams. Its called the MT500 instead of the MT100 (aka THE down decathlon jacket that you speak highly of).

[@thisismylaine]

I’m new to all this and still looking to get my kit weight down. However I already have a chair and would defo look to get one of these in the future. Thanks for the comparison!!

[@KENFEDOR22]

I was in that same predicament for my first thru-hike (76 miles). I had an REI chair that weighs 2 lbs and opted to spend $100 for the Helinox to shave off 1 lb. So, $100 to shave off 1 lb. Worth it for me.

[@mshmslv]

this is super useful, thanks a lot for a detailed review!

[@matthewfurst1577]

Great gear review, as always thanks. Still debating on the highback. Own the ground chair now. Thanks again

[@violaineaudrey8841]

What a great straight to the point review, thanks a lot !

[@robs4516]

Informative yet concise, excellent review.

[@ericpatrick5542]

Nice Camping Chairs. I Love To Buy Three Each.

[@247noc2]

i wish you can make a review for Big Agnes Skyline UL Stool vs Naturehike YL12 Stool..

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

Great comparison, thanks for sharing and being awesome!

[@jhobbz45]

I like the REI backpacking chair. It feels harder to have fall down when you lean on it.

[@82300sd]

I wish someone or cottage company would just make a dyneema fabric replacement for the zero

[@82300sd]

@@spartan612 a dyneema tent costs $700, how could just the fabric for the chair cost $700?

[@mateobeans3787]

To save about 3oz...... 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@82300sd]

@@mateobeans3787 the fabric for the chair weighs 5 oz by itself, so if you can save 3 oz, a dyneema replacement would be 2 oz, a 60% decrease in the fabric weight...It's more for the novelty I guess

[@andycjohnston]

Yeah, they need to make a carbon fibre dyneema chair.... Chair Invisible. ($47,399)

[@lancescarborough1]

@@andycjohnston 🤣🤣🤣

[@zakkmiller8242]

You should review the Sportneer chair

[@tdiler12]

Wish all the surfaces I camp using my chair were like that old road grade you re on! I m tired of one leg constantly sinking unevenly so the chair collects dust @ home while I go on my hike.

[@bryce6682]

Would love to see a comparison to other chairs as well eg Nemo Moonlite etc.

[@jamesquinn6874]

Moonlight elite is trash. No comparison

[@DAMN55117]

a wash? come on Justin. I have a chair one that I got for a very good price and really enjoy it. I am considering the high back...for weight savings and a better match to how I like to sit at camp.

[@davidgeorge442]

Great video - as always! I know that “most comfortable” is subjective, but I’ve found the Nemo Moonlight chair to be the most comfortable for me by far. It allows me to sit more upright so I don’t have to crane my neck to hold my head up. BUT it is 2lbs 2oz vs 1lb 2oz with the Chair Zero. I’ll have to check out the High Back. Best thing to do is visit an REI and sit in a bunch for a while and see how they feel for you.

[@EricFleming231]

They should fix the feet sinking into the ground problem (without gouging us another $50)

[@nonservitium]

Onetigris has copies of these and are excellent for a fraction of the price

[@33sosa85]

those are above 2lbs lol ofc they are fraction of the price

[@alpineearth]

Hmmm bit goofy looking--the chair not you lol. I'll stick to mine for now with my big shoulders. Thanks for the great comparison.

[@dominikpanufnik8585]

I have the original Helinox highback and 1 of the bottom poles snapped. I just took the small piece off and still use it, just a little crooked but still comfortable. I weighed between 210 and 225 since owning the chair and did use it a ton since I had it at tree planting camp for 3 months. Happy regardless, would be nice of they re enforced it though.

[@lakorai2]

Helinox has a 5 year warranty and will replace the frame for free

[@dominikpanufnik8585]

@@lakorai2 Thanks for letting me know. I'll contact them!

[@VenusandMaiku]

Ohhh the only thing you missed out on is how big they are when they are collapsed.

[@joebuck4496]

The Savana is a high back.

[@DarrenGerbrandt]

Being broad-shouldered the narrowing of the highback is a deal breaker for me.

[@duokun]

I dunno, I’m broader shouldered but the high back felt a lot more comfortable to me than other chairs I sat in.

[@bertman4]

I know it's entered the vernacular but I believe it's not hee-lee-nox but hell-e-nox, as in helicopter. It's the same thing with Teva, which is teh-vah, not tee-vah, and Hoka oh-neh oh-neh, not one-one.

[@clarkedc7822]

Chair Zero L for the win

[@2laughandlaugh]

Pretty sure the REI chair is lighter than the Helinox by 2 oz.

[@82300sd]

REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair at $100 is not worth it, not as comfortable as the Zero and not as stable with the front to back leg configuration. I bought one from their memorial day sale at 50% off, that's worth it. I own both the Zero and Flexlite Air

[@chrisschell90]

rei chair is trash

[@JustinOutdoors]

I have a review of the Flexlite out (it's old) and the gist of it is that I did not find the Flexlite nearly as comfortable as the Chair Zero.

[@2laughandlaugh]

@@JustinOutdoors I think I remember that vid...thanks again for all the gear tips.

[@shawnr6117]

The flexlite is only sold by REI so it's not as widely available. I don't even know if they ship internationally

[@jnrfalcon]

Turn off auto focus when shooting video, or get a newer Sony please... I just had Lasik done, and I was like holly fk what is happening to my eyes...

[@JustinOutdoors]

Please send $6000 and I'll get it done!

[@johnnyfranzen6091]

Justi too much bla bla 👎👎👎👎🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮 vok yu

[@christophstoebich]

the blue is so ugly IMHO

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

My $20 Helinox clone from AE is the most comfortable, as it saved me $110-160 compared to these overpriced American brands. This gaves me the greatest comfort.

[@82300sd]

the $20 clone is also twice the weight, and the frame while being thicker and heavier is also more fragile. I bought a clone, and I bent the frame sitting on it. I'm not fat either, I weigh 160lbs. That's why I ended up just buying the Helinox in the end

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

@@82300sd I don't know which clone you have, but the one I have weighs the same as a Helinox Chair ONE (little less than a kilo). Additionally, you might have gotten a faulty one. I have 3 Fakeynox chairs from AE (for my two kids and me) and I weight the same as you (72kg). We have used and abused them to no end without a single issue. But hey, you can spend your well-earned money on Helinox if you want. Free country.

[@82300sd]

@@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker enjoy your AE chair, I guess when it does break, you can just buy more. Who needs a 5 year warranty from Helinox when you can just buy a $20 chair each year for 5 years?

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

@@82300sd The hardware is exactly the same chair as the Helinox Chair One. Only the fabric in the Helinox (both for the chair and the bag) is a little lighter. THAT'S WHY BOTH WEIGH ROUGHLY THE SAME, so stop slandering the Fakeynox. Helinox has ONLY 5 year warranty? For that price they should have a lifetime warranty. That would make economic sense for consumers. But US companies sold their soul to Wall Street and their jobs to China . That's why they have to charge $170 for the same bloody chair. For $170 you can feed a family for a month in many parts of the world. Outdoor gear should not be a luxury product.

[@LeanDreMPeters]

I’m gonna have to wait for a cheaper knock off version sorry…..

[@carlip]

The chinese knock off is 1/6 the price and only 8 oz more

[@KENFEDOR22]

not worth it on a thru hike.

[@cs5842]

That high back is shitty. Curves your back forces your position.

[@Jesse-xu6wx]

Try the new Chair Zero L. Hands down the best for a few more ounces.

[@gilbertjameses76]

83270 Vernon Crest