Advnture Verdict
A minimalist bucket chair that only takes up as much space as a bottle of water – ideal for dedicated wild campers and other fast-paced adventurers.
Pros
- +
Lightweight
- +
Super compact
- +
Free seat warmer
Cons
- -
Feet do sink on soft ground
- -
Relatively high RRP
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
First impressions
This bucket chair may look and feel like your standard comfortable camping chair, but the Helinox Chair Zero’s clever design weighs just 510g, and it packs down small enough to fit into a water-bottle pocket on the side of a pack, or into the main chamber of even a small hiking backpack.
- Explore all of the best camping chairs in our buying guide
- Power your camping gear with the best solar chargers
- Should I buy a camping chair? Why a good seat is an essential part of your kit
A portable mini pew for even the most lightweight of adventures in the great outdoors, this low chair still manages to feel very strong and solid. And it’s not just the way it looks either, it really is robust – it is made with ripstop polyester and aluminium poles, and can support up to 120kg.
•RRP: $120 (US) / £107 (UK)
•Weight: 510kg /1lb 2oz
•Size (WxDxH): 48 x 52 x 64cm / 18.5 x 20 x 25in
•Pack size: 35x10x10cm / 14x4x4in
•Capacity: 120kg/265lb
•Colours: Grey / black
•Compatibility: Perfect for backpacking and cycling adventures where space is at a premium
In the field
When you see the Helinox Chair Zero’s tiny pack size in the flesh, you’ll be astonished that it contains a comfortable chair, but inside is everything you need to assemble one: a do-it-yourself set of poles plus a square of tough material. It is fast and intuitive to set up the Helinox Chair Zero, and once erect this pocket-style chair is also surprisingly comfortable even though it’s so low to the ground. The bucket chair hugs your back nicely and supports most of your body even if you’re tall, although your neck will have to fend for itself. The Helinox Chair Zero also currently comes with a free removable padded seat warmer, which you can leave behind if space is at a premium and you’re counting every gram, but it definitely makes the minimalist seat way comfier and warmer if you do use it. The Chair Zero has a three-digit price tag, which makes it only a sensible choice if you’re a dedicated wild camper, hiker or bikepacker who values every inch of space on their adventures, but we’d argue it’s well worth it if you’re often exploring off the beaten track.
