helinox chair one vs rei flex lite​ – Choose The Best

Today I will review between helinox chair one vs rei flex lite​. Two great choices are the Helinox Chair One and REI Flexlite. Both are easy to carry and set up. A lightweight backpacking chair matters. It gives you comfort and support fast. After a long hike, it feels great. A good backpacking chair is worth packing.

In this guide, we’ll help you choose. We’ll look at comfort, weight, and strength. We’ll also check how easy they are to build. Some hikers like a stable backpacking chair. Others care about height or speed.

Quick Comparison Table: helinox chair one vs rei flex lite​

Choosing between the Helinox Chair One and REI Flexlite feels tough. Both work great for backpackers. But which one fits your trip best? If you need the best backpacking chair, you care about comfort, weight, and strength. These two lightweight backpacking chairs check all the boxes.

Let’s break it down simply. This will help you choose fast.

The Helinox Chair One is strong and stable. It’s best if you want comfort and support. You can sit easy after a long hike.

The REI Flexlite is super light. It’s great if you count every ounce. But it feels lower and less steady.

Both are solid lightweight backpacking chair picks. Your choice depends on what you need most.

Next, let’s dive into comfort, design, and strength. This will help you know which one is best for your next trip!

Design & Build Quality

When it comes to a backpacking chair, design matters a lot. The right chair gives you comfort fast. A bad one feels like a balancing act. Both the helinox chair one vs rei flex lite​ are easy to pack. But their materials and build make a big difference.

Helinox Chair One: Strong, Stable, and Comfortable

• Strong & Sturdy: This lightweight backpacking chair uses strong aluminum poles. Plastic hubs add extra support here. It can hold up to 320 lbs weight easily.
• Seat Height: The seat is 14 inches high. You can sit down and stand easily.
• Compact & Packable: Shock-cord poles make setup simple. It folds small to fit your pack.
• Tested for Stability: It feels steady on rough ground. Great for lakeside views or campfires.

If you need support and lasting strength, choose Helinox Chair One. It feels safe and won’t let you down.

REI Flexlite Air Chair: Light, Minimal, and Compact

The REI Flexlite is perfect for cutting weight. It keeps things simple without losing all comfort.

• Featherlight Build: This chair weighs just 1 pound. Great for ultralight hikers on long trips.
• Different Leg Design: The legs sit more relaxed here. It can wobble on uneven ground though.
• Lower Weight Capacity: It holds up to 250 pounds. Not as strong as the Helinox Chair One.
• Durability Concerns: Fabric wears down faster here. Some report tears after heavy use.
• Packs Down Small: It folds tiny for easy carrying. But setup is a bit tricky sometimes.

If you want the lightest backpacking chair, pick the REI Flexlite. Just know it feels less stable outdoors.

Comfort & Stability

Picture this—you’ve hiked all day long. Your legs feel weak and tired now. All you want is a cozy seat. The last thing you need—a wobbly backpacking chair. Comfort and stability matter the most. Let’s compare Helinox Chair One and REI Flexlite now.

Helinox Chair One: Upright, Strong, and Supportive

• Supportive Seating: Want to sit tall and steady? The Helinox Chair One keeps you upright easily. It’s perfect for eating, writing, or talking.
• The 14-inch seat height helps a lot. You can sit down or stand easily.
• Stability Side to Side: Ever sit on a chair that wobbles? That won’t happen with this lightweight backpacking chair.
• Shock Cord & Plastic Hubs: The frame uses a smart shock cord. Plastic hubs give great balance and support. You stay steady—no tipping mid-s’more!

REI Flexlite: Light, Laid-Back, and Easy

• More of a Recliner Feel: The REI Flexlite feels lower and relaxed. At 11 inches high, it’s more for lounging around.
• Great for resting, not eating upright. It leans back more than Helinox Chair One.
• Wobblier Legs: The leg design is very different here. It feels less steady on rocky spots.
• Best for Short Breaks: This lightweight backpacking chair is perfect for quick stops. It packs easy but feels shaky sometimes.

Ease of Setup & Portability

Let’s be real—after a long hike, you want an easy chair. A lightweight backpacking chair should be simple to set up. The Helinox Chair One and REI Flexlite are both great, but one is easier than the other.

Helinox Chair One: Fast, Simple, and Sturdy

I’ve tried tricky chairs before, but not this one. The Helinox Chair One feels like a luxury backpacking chair without the hassle.

• Shock-cord poles snap into place fast.
• Plastic hubs keep everything stable.
• Packs small—about the size of a water bottle.
• So easy, you’ll relax while others struggle.

REI Flexlite: Ultralight but Takes Effort

If you need the lightest option, the REI Flexlite Air Chair is it. But setup is a bit tricky.

• Weighs just 1 lb—great for ultralight trips.
• Packs even smaller than the Helinox.
• But the rotating poles take some effort.
• Less stable on uneven ground.

I tried setting up the REI Flexlite after a cold hike. My hands were freezing, and the backpacking chair felt like a puzzle. But once it was up, I loved the weight savings.

Durability & Longevity

When you’re tired after hiking, you want an easy backpacking chair. Both the Helinox Chair One and REI Flexlite set up fast, but they do it differently. Here’s what I’ve learned on the trail.

Helinox Chair One: Simple & Stress-Free

The Helinox Chair One is super easy to set up.

• Shock-cord poles snap together in seconds.
• Plastic hubs keep everything strong and stable.
• Legs stay straight for better balance.
• Packs small in a carry bag.
• Toss it in your pack and go!

I’ve set this up with frozen fingers—no problem. When you’re exhausted, that simplicity matters.

REI Flexlite Air Chair: Ultralight but Tricky

The REI Flexlite Air Chair is the lightest option.

• Rotating poles make setup a bit tricky.
• Feels like solving a quick puzzle.
• Packs down tiny—perfect for saving space.
• Best for ultralight hikers who count ounces.
• Slides easily into any backpack.

If you want options, the Flexlite Air Stool is great too. It’s even smaller and perfect for quick rest stops.

Price & Value for Money

The Helinox Chair One and REI Flexlite offer different value. Here’s how they compare.

Helinox Chair One: Premium & Built to Last

If you want quality backpacking gear, the Helinox Chair One is worth it.

• Costs around $150 – A pricey backpacking chair.
• Super durable – Strong fabric, aluminum poles, and plastic hubs.
• Great resale value – Sell later for a good price.
• Solid warranty – Helinox offers great product support.
• Feels like a luxury – Perfect for comfort after hiking.

🏷️ Check Helinox Chair One Price on Amazon.

REI Flexlite: Budget Friendly Price

The REI Flexlite Air Chair is a great choice for saving money.

• Costs around $100 – Already cheaper than Helinox.
• Can drop to $70 – Look for REI sales and discounts.
• Lightweight but less durable – Fabric wears out faster.
• Great for new hikers – A solid first backpacking chair.

If you want a lightweight camping chair without spending too much, this is a great option.

🏷️ Check Rei Flex Lite Price on Amazon.

Conclusion – Which Chair Should You Choose?

I’ve tested backpacking chairs on muddy trails, rocky lakesides, and forest camps. Here’s what I’ve learned about the Helinox Chair One and REI Flexlite.

Choose the Helinox Chair One If

• You want a luxury backpacking chair with great comfort.
• Solid support—legs stay straight, no wobbling.
• Quick setup—shock cords snap together fast.
• Taller seat height (14 inches!) for better posture.
• Built to last—reinforced fabric handles wear and tear.

The Helinox Chair One feels like a real camping chair. After a long hike, sinking into it is pure bliss. It’s pricier, but the durability makes it worth it.

Pick the REI Flexlite If

• You need the lightest backpacking chair possible.
• Only 1 lb!—perfect for fastpacking or minimalist hikes.
• Folds super small, easy to pack.
• Great for quick rest stops at camp.
• More affordable but slightly less stable.

The REI Flexlite Air Chair is all about weight savings. It’s less stable and trickier to set up, but if you’re counting ounces, it’s a great pick.

FAQs: helinox chair one vs rei flex lite​

Md Sohel Rana

Hi, I’m Sohel Rana, an affiliate marketer with a passion for finding the perfect chair. I began researching chairs a few years ago to improve comfort during long hours of work. Now, I share my insights to help others choose the best chairs for their needs. Thanks for visiting.