A low, packable camp chair with a shock-corded aluminum frame and a fabric sling, packing into a 14 x 4.5 x 4.5 in bag. People pick it because it's comfortable for its weight and sets up in a minute. Helinox also sells a redesigned Chair One (re) with recycled materials; both are listed below.
Specs
- Original Chair One (Helinox): weight 1 lb 15 oz (893 g) assembled, 2 lb 2 oz (965 g) packed
- Assembled size: 25.5 in tall, 20.5 in wide, 20 in deep (65 x 52.5 x 51 cm)
- Packed size: 14 x 4.5 x 4.5 in (35.5 x 11 x 11 cm)
- Capacity: 320 lb (145 kg)
- Frame: DAC TH72M aluminum alloy with resin hubs; seat 600D polyester with mesh panels, bluesign certified
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $109.95 (Helinox, Oct 2026); colors black and coyote tan
- Chair One (re): 2 lb 7.4 oz packed / 2 lb 4 oz without case, about 15.4 x 5.3 x 4.7 in packed, 319 lb capacity, $139.95 (REI)
What reviewers say
GearJunkie reviewed the Chair One (re) in 2025 and kept it as its favorite chair for car camping and hanging out at camp. The reviewer liked the comfort, the stronger hubs, the slightly higher seat for getting up, and the side pocket. The trade-offs are weight compared to ultralight chairs like the Helinox Chair Zero, and four small feet that sink in soft sand. REI shoppers rate the (re) 4.9 of 5; complaints are rare, but one owner reported a cracked pole after a year and some miss a cup holder.
Good
- Comfortable for its packed size
- Fast setup with shock-corded poles
- Rated to 320 lb
- Five-year warranty
Not so good
- Heavier than ultralight backpacking chairs
- Legs sink in sand and soft ground
- Low seat (REI lists 9.5 in for the (re)); GearJunkie says the (re) sits a bit higher than the original
- No cup holder
Who it's for
Car campers, paddlers and backpackers who will carry about two pounds for a real seat at camp. Ultralight hikers counting every ounce should look at lighter chairs, and beach campers may want a sand foot.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.