ActiveOutdoorsCampingHelinox Chair Zero review: lean into comfortThis ultra-portable sitting apparatus from Helinox is the ultimate travel pew for UL backpackingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictWeighing just over half a kilo, the Helinox Chair Zero supports up to 120kg and assembles in 30 seconds. Ultra-compact and super comfy with a semi-reclining position, it’s perfect for ultralight backpackers. Durable, portable, and worth every penny – an absolute must-have for any adventure!Reasons to buy+Incredibly lightweight construction+Collapsible and comes with its carry bag+Comfortable, semi-recycling sitting position+Durable ripstop fabricReasons to avoid-People with mobility issues might find it hard to get in and out of the chairWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.

ActiveOutdoorsCampingHelinox Chair Zero review: lean into comfortThis ultra-portable sitting apparatus from Helinox is the ultimate travel pew for UL backpackingWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictWeighing just over half a kilo, the Helinox Chair Zero supports up to 120kg and assembles in 30 seconds. Ultra-compact and super comfy with a semi-reclining position, it’s perfect for ultralight backpackers. Durable, portable, and worth every penny – an absolute must-have for any adventure!Reasons to buy+Incredibly lightweight construction+Collapsible and comes with its carry bag+Comfortable, semi-recycling sitting position+Durable ripstop fabricReasons to avoid-People with mobility issues might find it hard to get in and out of the chairWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.

This ultra-portable sitting apparatus from Helinox is the ultimate travel pew for UL backpacking

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictWeighing just over half a kilo, the Helinox Chair Zero supports up to 120kg and assembles in 30 seconds. Ultra-compact and super comfy with a semi-reclining position, it’s perfect for ultralight backpackers. Durable, portable, and worth every penny – an absolute must-have for any adventure!Reasons to buy+Incredibly lightweight construction+Collapsible and comes with its carry bag+Comfortable, semi-recycling sitting position+Durable ripstop fabricReasons to avoid-People with mobility issues might find it hard to get in and out of the chair

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

T3 Platinum Award

Helinox Chair Zero review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

T3 VerdictWeighing just over half a kilo, the Helinox Chair Zero supports up to 120kg and assembles in 30 seconds. Ultra-compact and super comfy with a semi-reclining position, it’s perfect for ultralight backpackers. Durable, portable, and worth every penny – an absolute must-have for any adventure!Reasons to buy+Incredibly lightweight construction+Collapsible and comes with its carry bag+Comfortable, semi-recycling sitting position+Durable ripstop fabricReasons to avoid-People with mobility issues might find it hard to get in and out of the chair

T3 VerdictWeighing just over half a kilo, the Helinox Chair Zero supports up to 120kg and assembles in 30 seconds. Ultra-compact and super comfy with a semi-reclining position, it’s perfect for ultralight backpackers. Durable, portable, and worth every penny – an absolute must-have for any adventure!

T3 Verdict

Weighing just over half a kilo, the Helinox Chair Zero supports up to 120kg and assembles in 30 seconds. Ultra-compact and super comfy with a semi-reclining position, it’s perfect for ultralight backpackers. Durable, portable, and worth every penny – an absolute must-have for any adventure!

Reasons to buy+Incredibly lightweight construction+Collapsible and comes with its carry bag+Comfortable, semi-recycling sitting position+Durable ripstop fabricReasons to avoid-People with mobility issues might find it hard to get in and out of the chair

Reasons to buy+Incredibly lightweight construction+Collapsible and comes with its carry bag+Comfortable, semi-recycling sitting position+Durable ripstop fabric

Incredibly lightweight construction

Collapsible and comes with its carry bag

Comfortable, semi-recycling sitting position

Durable ripstop fabric

Reasons to avoid-People with mobility issues might find it hard to get in and out of the chair

People with mobility issues might find it hard to get in and out of the chair

Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.

Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.

Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and featuresPerformance and comfortVerdict

Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and featuresPerformance and comfortVerdict

Helinox Chair Zero deals

Low Stock$120.28View$139.95View$179.95View

Low Stock$120.28View

Low Stock

Low Stock

Low Stock

Low Stock

Low Stock

$120.28View

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight…

Walmart

$120.28View

$120.28

$120.28

$139.95View

$139.95View

Helinox Chair Zero

REI.com

$139.95View

$139.95

$139.95

$179.95View

$179.95View

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight…

Amazon

Prime

$179.95View

$179.95

$179.95

Show More Deals

Show More Deals

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

T3

All the adults around me were sitting in their upright camping chairs while I was lounging in my Helinox Chair Zero, nearly on the ground. Although there was a full-size portable pew available for me to sit in, I decided that from now on, I’d either sit on the Chair Zero or not sit at all.

Its design, like many other iconic products, is deceptively simple, yet it performs flawlessly, exceeding all expectations.

It’s way more expensive than your average pew, so it hasn’t got the mass appeal of some other camping chair. However, if you like to tinker with your gear and must have the best and most innovative camping equipment in your arsenal, the Helinox Chair Zero is a must.

Helinox Chair Zero review

Price and availability

The Helinox Chair Zero is available to buy now directly fromHelinox UK,Helinox USandHelinox AUfor a recommended price of £135/ $109.95/ AU$199.99. It comes in three colours: Black, White and Grey. I tested the White version.

The company sells a ton of different chairs, including high-back and mini versions of the Zero. We tested theHelinox Chair Twoa couple of years ago and gave it the maximum five stars. We’ve also compared the Chair Two with two other lightweight camping chairs here:Helinox Chair Two vs Nemo Moonlite vs Sitpack Campster II.

Specifications

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Helinox Chair Zero review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Design and features

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Helinox Chair Zero review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Without knowing anything about the chair and looking at the maximum load, you might think the Helinox Chair Zero is a pretty hefty camping accessory. Most affordable camping chairs have a maximum user weight limit of 100 kg/ 220 lbs, tops; the Chair Zero supports users up to 120kg of total weight.

However, not only does the Helinox chair weigh just a hair over half a kilo, but it’s also super compact and stoves away in its cinch bag in an instant.

The silicone shock cord runs through the hollow cavities of the proprietary DAC aluminium alloy frame, with proprietary resin hubs forming the cornerstones of the structure. The ends of the feet are covered with rubber caps to keep the debris out and provide extra traction on hard surfaces such as concrete.

Performance and comfort

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Helinox Chair Zero review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Then, you get the seat and check which side says ‘This side up’. You pop the cover on the frame accordingly, and voila, the chair is ready to go. From emptying the cinch bag to sitting on the Chair Zero shouldn’t take you longer than 30 seconds.

Once you are on it, you won’t ever want to leave. As mentioned in the intro, I was at a family camping session with plenty of normal camping chairs around. We have a couple of young teenagers with us, and I let them monkey around for a bit with the Chair Zero.

Once they got bored, I reclaimed my throne and sat in it. Sure, I was a bit lower down compared to others around the camping table, but it was worth it. The chair feels super comfortable, thanks to the semi-reclining seating position. You can kick your legs forward and really lean into the chair, which is an awesome feeling after a long day of hiking.

I’m around 80kg (176 lbs), so well below the maximum weight limit of the Chair Zero, and not once did I feel the chair would give in under me. Due to the compact frame factor, I imagine people with larger hips might find it difficult to sit on it, though, not to mention that it’s closer to the ground than a full-size chair, so you’d need some dexterity to get in and out of the chair.

Once you’re ready to pack the Chair Zero, it’s as simple as it was to assemble it. Remove the cover, pull the poles out of the resin block, and stuff it back in the bag. Unlike some backpacking tents, the Helinox Chair Zero fits into its cinch bag easily enough, as long as you fold the seat fabric properly.

Verdict

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

Helinox Chair Zero review

(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)

It’s hard not to talk about the Helinox Chair Zero in superlatives. It’s an exciting bit of gear that performs even better than expected. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, though. It costs a pretty penny, and due to the small factor, it won’t suit people with mobility issues and larger frames.

That said, it’s an absolutely essential accessory for UL backpackers and anyone who dreads carrying tons of equipment around when they go camping. Getting the Helinox Chair Zero can immediately slash the maximum weight of your kit and allow more space for other items in your car and backpack.

Sure, it costs more than your average camping chair, but it’s worth the money. Better still, it’ll last long as long as you store it properly when not in use. Speaking of that, you can use it for more than just camping; it’s perfect for situations when you are in a queue for hours (e.g. at festivals) or other situations where you might have to stand around for longer.

Long story short, the Helinox Chair Zero is a must-have for those who appreciate thoughtful design and impeccable execution. Simple as that.

Helinox Chair Zero: Price Comparison

Low Stock$120.28View$139.95View$149.95View$179.95View$179.95View

Low Stock$120.28View

Low Stock

Low Stock

Low Stock

Low Stock

Low Stock

$120.28View

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight…

Walmart

$120.28View

$120.28

$120.28

$139.95View

$139.95View

Helinox Chair Zero

REI.com

$139.95View

$139.95

$139.95

$149.95View

$149.95View

Helinox Chair Zero, Aluminum

DICK’S Sporting Goods

$149.95View

$149.95

$149.95

$179.95View

$179.95View

Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight…

Amazon

Prime

$179.95View

$179.95

$179.95

$179.95View

$179.95View

Helinox Chair Zero High Back

Backcountry.com

$179.95View

$179.95

$179.95

Show More Deals

Show More Deals

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

T3

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

A man doing concentration bicep curls in the gym

Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!

It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite

OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up

OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up

Samsung Galaxy S25 family leaked

There’s an amazing money-off deal on Samsung Galaxy S25 alreadyGet £50 / $50 off a new Samsung Galaxy S25 when you register your interest

Get £50 / $50 off a new Samsung Galaxy S25 when you register your interest