Summer motocamping is almost upon us, and I want a good camping chair that can pack into my duffel or saddlebags. After sitting in dozens of chairs currently on the market, including the Kermit, I made up my mind on the rod and hub style chair. Key factors were the small pack size over nearly every other type chair, the speed of setup and takedown, and also because they're pretty comfy. I could take a nap in either of these chairs. Both the FlexLite and the Helinox will fit into a saddlebag. In fact, you could put more than one in each bag.
Alite also makes the Mantis in the same style, it just seemed too dainty and a bit overpriced in my mind. In a nutshell, the Helinox is beefier and has a more ergonomic seat design than the FlexLite, so I leaned this way fairly quickly. The REI chair is basically a sling, the Helinox is sewn to provide conformation with your gluteus maximus which then provides somewhat more of a straight back. In both, you are still leaning back once settled in.
The Helinox weight rating is 320 pounds, FlexLite is 250 pounds. I'm a big guy, and need the extra 70 lbs capacity the Helinox offers.
A minor thing with camping gear that means a lot to me is the gear coming with a bag that I can easily pack the contents back into. I hate cramming and shoving tents, chairs, and other equipment into a bag that barely fits. The extra $0.10 saved in material makes a negative impression with me, especially since the struggle is always my last memory of the product. Torn bags and broken zippers are my usual outcome. The Helinox bag thankfully is slightly oversized making loading quick. The bag even comes with lashing loops sewn onto the side for nice secure tie-down points.
The Helinox generally sells for $89, the REI FlexLite lists at $69. REI has frequent discounts and rewards, meaning the FlexLite is frequently available even cheaper than list price. I learned there are many ways to discount the Helinox as well. One way I did not expect was through one of my wife's favorite department stores here in the US, Kohls. They send out more 20% and $5 off coupons than anyone I've ever seen. The Helinox is available on their site if you search for it, and you can apply the 20% and stack on cash off coupons and get this delivered below $70. Mine just arrived and after looking and sitting in it again, I may buy another for my wife.
Alite also makes the Mantis in the same style, it just seemed too dainty and a bit overpriced in my mind. In a nutshell, the Helinox is beefier and has a more ergonomic seat design than the FlexLite, so I leaned this way fairly quickly. The REI chair is basically a sling, the Helinox is sewn to provide conformation with your gluteus maximus which then provides somewhat more of a straight back. In both, you are still leaning back once settled in.
The Helinox weight rating is 320 pounds, FlexLite is 250 pounds. I'm a big guy, and need the extra 70 lbs capacity the Helinox offers.
A minor thing with camping gear that means a lot to me is the gear coming with a bag that I can easily pack the contents back into. I hate cramming and shoving tents, chairs, and other equipment into a bag that barely fits. The extra $0.10 saved in material makes a negative impression with me, especially since the struggle is always my last memory of the product. Torn bags and broken zippers are my usual outcome. The Helinox bag thankfully is slightly oversized making loading quick. The bag even comes with lashing loops sewn onto the side for nice secure tie-down points.
The Helinox generally sells for $89, the REI FlexLite lists at $69. REI has frequent discounts and rewards, meaning the FlexLite is frequently available even cheaper than list price. I learned there are many ways to discount the Helinox as well. One way I did not expect was through one of my wife's favorite department stores here in the US, Kohls. They send out more 20% and $5 off coupons than anyone I've ever seen. The Helinox is available on their site if you search for it, and you can apply the 20% and stack on cash off coupons and get this delivered below $70. Mine just arrived and after looking and sitting in it again, I may buy another for my wife.
