+1,516 We find the Flexlite to have less practical applications than some of its closest competitors, but we still agree that it makes for a decent backpacking chair. This is my review of the REI Flexlite Air ultralight chair. While at 1lb. While the Flexlite doesn't pack down quite as small as some of the competition, due to its extra long back poles, it isn't much larger! You might consider bringing it to your next backyard bonfire or barbecue. $29.47 $ 29. I know I do, but its not uncomfortable. For more information, please see our NOW, lets see how long they last. storminn0rm While I do prefer the Helinox Chair Zero over the REI Flexlite Air Chair, the latter is perfectly suitable for trail use as long as you understand its limitations and the limitations of ultralight backpacking chairs in general. The higher leg angle of the REI Flexlite Air Chair (relative to the Helinox Chair Zero), combined with its deeper seat, cradle your hips and body more comfortably, while in a normal sitting position with legs folded near the chair. It also has numerous types of loops to help you carry it or strap it to your bike or favorite bag. Read on to find out how it stacked up! How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? I would definitely recommend this camp chair. It took a year to cut a pound of other stuff from my pack to make room for the chair. It looks unstable unless set on level concrete, not the kind of place I hike to. View All Outerwear, Clothing, and Accessories , Top 25 Left to right: Helinox Chair One, REI Flex Lite, Onepack Ultralight, Moon Lence Ultralight. So they are essentially a $90 throwaway. I guess the ultralights will find this accessory an apostasy, but it is such a civilized comfort! I looked at one in the store and laughed - no way is that comfy or sturdy. They each needed a different repair. They are fine if the ground or surface the chair is sitting on is hard. I cook, eat, and drink my well earned glass of wine after a long day of hiking seated in this chair. It's significantly more expensive than any of the taco-style chairs in this review, but it's also more comfortable. While Ive accentuated their differences in this review, theyre much more subtle than meets the eye unless you used both products as extensively as I have. Thank you. I like the fact that for a few ounces I can now sit comfortably anywhere! Most backpacking-oriented options have narrow and low-slung seats that make them 1.) I have older camp stool 3 OZ heavier made by Trecolgy. GearLab is reader-supported. I enjoy birding and photography. This chair is reasonably priced. Features. It's light and compact. The difference is the orientation of the frame under the chair. Perhaps the most resounding commendation I can give REI's Flexlite is it's the only chair that I've tested in the lightweight category that I'd bring to a BBQ. My only worry about this chair is the construction. Perfect for the backcountry or the neighborhood cookout! In the video I go over construction, weight on my scale, and construction.Check it out @ REI - http://bit.ly/2P04x4V------------------------------------------------------------------------- MY FAVORITE GEAR - Garmin InReach Mini: https://geni.us/inreachTrekology 2.0 Pillow: https://geni.us/TrekologyPillowREI Flash 55 Pack: https://geni.us/Flash55Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt: https://geni.us/enigmadownGarmin Fenix Watch: https://geni.us/FenixWatchLanshan 1 Tent: https://geni.us/Lanshan1Pro------------------------------------------------------------------------CONNECT WITH ME!Website: https://justinoutdoors.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinoutdoorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinoutdoors------------------------------------------------------------------------This video description includes affiliate links. Our testing team added "stability" as a category as there were truly some chairs we were afraid to sit in for fear of tipping over! Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Keeping you warm from underneath shouldn't be reserved just f. Features. The seat is made of about 75% fine mesh, which supported our weight and also didn't trap heat as much as many of the other portable chair models which are made of thicker materials (like the Helinox Chair One and the Moon Lence). The REI Flex Lite has multiple types of carrying handles, helping you get this chair more easily from A to B to C to. The lightest chairs in this review are nearly 12 ounces lighter than the Flexlite. $20.00 (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Used this for 6 days on the Salmon River in some pretty deep sand and it didn't just do the job, it excelled! But the fabric of the seat doesnt have a lot of stretch in it though so you might, depending on the size of your butt, feel a bit of your squeeze when you sit on it. I took my chair on one 4 day/3 night backpacking trip and fell over backwards twice when sitting down into the chair. Still hard for me to justify the 1lb of extra weight just for a chair. +136 We can't say we'd recommend plopping down onto this chair, though it seems sturdy enough to take it if you do. The REI Flexlite Air Chair is a portable camping chair that is lightweight and compact enough to take backpacking. Sets up easily using an aluminum frame that's similar to the frame on a lightweight tent; 4-leg design provides stability. Find the best camp furniture for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. I'd haul one on the Tiger, keep the A-lite for the husky. The incredibly low weight of the REI Flexlite Air is impressive, and we consider it reasonably comfortable for its weight. This also made rolling the poles up in the seat a bit more challenging, though the light mesh helped to make the overall role smaller. When you're done, the poles break down just like a tent, the seat folds in half, and it rolls up around the legs and slides right into the bag. We are, however, linking to the updated Flexlite, since the old model is no longer offered. The Flexlite scored just under our two favorite chairs in this class, the Helinox Chair One and Chair Zero. It's easy to set up. With the ability to toss them in a backpack, or attach them for an overnight backpacking trip, they couldn't be more convenient. REI Co-Op FlexLite Camping Backpacking Folding Outdoor Chair Nylon Burnt Orange | Sporting Goods, Camping & Hiking, Camping Furniture | eBay! Of course, this is mere projection, extrapolation, and unsupported prediction. We also liked that out of all the portable camping chairs, the Flexlite has one of the highest seats from the ground - easier to get out of at the end of the night when we wanted to head to bed. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. The legs and feet are amongst the smallest of any of the tent-style chairs we tested, leaving us to question our sitting security. vagrantforever . Price Paid: $90 total. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. I looked at one in the store and laughed - no way is that comfy or sturdy. However, despite these advantages, we feel that this pole configuration actually took away from the overall chair design. Uses the Camp Boss frame, which is 20% larger than the original Flexlite, and has an increased weight capacity of 300 lbs. It may not be as light as some chairs and stools out there, but the ability to lean back after a long day of hiking is luscious. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair at the best online prices at eBay! Before I bought it, I convinced myself that Id rather sit on a rock or a fallen tree when cooking dinner on backpacking trips or bring a small foam pad to sit on instead. I have both of these chairs, the REI Flexlite and the Helinox Zero. (Under 2 pounds!) They've shaved one ounce off the weight, and the seat has been redesigned slightly with the intention of eliminating tension zones and providing more comfort. While our reviewers didn't like its tippy nature, they loved the higher, more upright seat, less constricting feel, breathable mostly mesh seat, and secret hip pocket. While we really liked the comfort of certain features of this chair, the overall pole design made this the most unbalanced chair on regular surfaces, and the chair that sank the most on soft surfaces. The new REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is an ultralight 1-pound chair that's light enough to take backpacking or pretty much anywhere. Plastic discs clip onto legs that are up to 13mm (1/2) in . No ads. 16 oz (454g) Shop. Overall, I love this chair, and will take it with me on every tour. I overlooked the wobble in favor of size and weight. Dimensionally, the Flexlite Air is chair is 19 inches wide, 22 inches high in the rear, and has a depth of 22 inches measured from the front of the seat to the farthest most point of the backrest. Value for money is unmatched. All Rights Reserved. We never felt like we were slipping out of it, and the sides are low enough to allow for free range of arm motion. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. We love the side pocket on this product and are surprised that some of the other contenders don't have a similar feature. A luxury item, we still can't deny the importance of a quality place to rest weary bones after a long day in the mountains, and this chair is a crowd favorite amongst our testers. Nice review Philip. The chair has sling-style seat with four reinforced corners that fit over the ends of the poles when attaching it to the frame, making it dead simple to assemble manually without any tools. INSECT-SHIELD: Use coupon code "SECTIONHIKER" for a 15% discount at InsectShield.com, GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. A cheap alternative to the ultralight chairs is the new . Chair Zero is 1lb 1oz. I had a lafuma ultralight chair from REI, that stared falling apart after a month or two, and I returned it for the current one, no hassles. This was a little tough to do at first, but our chairs have relaxed with use and it's easier now. I know it is heavier but it is sturdy only $22. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Add to cart$69.95. However, it's not a pocket meant for keys or sharp objects, as those items are likely to dig uncomfortably into your sitting area. Unlike many of the products we normally review, chairs have the unique privilege of being designed specifically for comfort. The only other chair we tested with as much mesh was the all-mesh version of the Helinox Beach Chair. I may need to get used to it. I dont think its as good a product as the slightly heavier Helinox Chair Zero (see our full review) but it is a very close second and less expensive. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Spring Bike Sale: Save up to 30% through 4/24. High seat and breathable fabric, yet isn't as sturdy as other chairs in this review, and sinks more than average in sand. It packs up small, is easy to assemble, and makes it fun to sit around camp at night. Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler. What are the dimensions of the area where the feet touch the ground? For both its size and hardiness, the REI Co-op Flexlite camp chair has become a co-op favorite. Source: bought it new We went ahead and put it through all our rigorous testing to find all its strengths and weaknesses and see how well it stood up to the competition. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? You'll be lucky to find a decent one that is twice as heavy. While that does work, its really not as satisfying or relaxing as having a chair to sit on for stargazing, hanging out in camp with friends, or just watching the clouds float by. Reviewed by 47 $44.99 $44.99. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The sales rep at the store said it improved stability, and they had added some more colors. Weekly reviews, exclusive deals, giveaways, and more: Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Folds down easily to store in the included stuff sack. The REI Flex Lite chair is a great addition to a bike touring setup. Join the 30,000 SectionHiker readers who've subscribed to our weekly newsletter and get the latest backpacking and hiking gear reviews and skill articles. Doing a 10 day through hike and need a ultralight chair. that I've used. This is a decently comfortable chair for short backcountry missions, The lightweight design and mesh back panel of the. All trademarks property of their respective owners The plastic fittings are a critical part, along with the poles. You can leave them on your chair between uses or remove them easily. Finally got to use my Flex Lite in the backcountry of the Sangres near Crestone, Colorado! The only actual alternative is the REI Flexlite Air. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. It didn't take long to realize that some kind of sitting device should exist for backpacking. Click for Details. Perfect for backpacking. How can we improve GearLab? 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. But once you get the hang of it, this chair goes up in under a minute. We bought some damaged flexlite chairs from the REI garage sale. The difference is the bottom support bar runs side to side on the old version, and front to back on the new version. (compared to 250 lbs. However, if the ground is soft, the legs sink into it and can cause the chair to tip over. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. For what I've spent on camp chairs I don't like I could have had a Kermit. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! From left to right: TravelChair Joey, Helinox Swivel, REI Flexlite. Is there something comparable w/a lower price? The contents of the REI Flex Lite are simple enough, but the awkward pole length, and small stuff sack make putting this chair away more of a challenge than its brethren. I use the REI FlexLite Air. This photo is from2017? Scan this QR code to download the app now. No other chair will be near the weight of the Zero. Breathable mesh seat panel drains and dries fast. Strong and lightweight. Colleen Welch We buy all the products ourselves. REI Flexlight Air is 1lb. The entire package is about the size of a 1L . Put another way, my companions and I still carry both chairs on our backpacking trips and take them to the swimming hole to sit by the water on hot days. This resulted in a rapid sink into many surfaces, from a relatively hard-feeling Sierra backyard, to what we experienced as a "quicksand effect" on the beach. Got feedback? There were several aspects of this chair that we felt made it decently comfortable to lounge in. . 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (55,304) 200+ bought in past week. Your email address will not be published. This chair has to have hard dry earth or slab rock to be of much use. +14 The Costco One is 3lbs, the Walmart Ozark Trail is 3lbs 4oz and the Trekkology Yizi Go is 2lbs 2oz. The REI Co-op Flexlite intrigued us from the moment we first set it up. and just eating it rocks. I dont take in on every trip. I just used it in the Eastern Sierras. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. The Flexlite Air Chair includes a storage sack, a single collapsible shock-corded aluminum pole like a tent, and a sling-like seat. This contender was bested only by the Helinox Chair Zero and Helinox Chair One. It weighs a hair less, costs less, and, IMO, is pretty dang great. Side to side stability on REI Flexlite chairs, with such a unique leg/frame design, is the lowest in comparison to other chairs, from my experience, too narrow, folded 0.5 inch shorter than Helinox Zero frame. No other experience with Flexlite chairs. After a long hike we brought the lightweight, easy to set up chairs into a field and basked in the glory of the surrounding mountains. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Starting bid: September 28, 2014 . Condition: Used Used. Nope, it held up, I didn't fall, and it was darn comfy! If there is wind or weather I would not use it. I'd been using downed trees as seats every trip since I could remember, and sometimes just the ground well this added a sense of home luxury to the trip! Like others I bought it to use with my REI Flexlite Chair and it fit perfectly. (compared to 250 lbs. With how much this chair sinks in the sand, it might not make the best beach chair (check out the Helinox Beach Chair for that), but on sturdier ground, sitting in this chair isn't a bad experience. The aluminum poles slip into chunky plastic hubs which will in all likelihood last a good long timefor us little folk. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Then I had a seat, somewhat hesitantly, waiting to hit the ground. Free Shipping and Returns. Coming in at 1lb. One was a very comical event that my brother caught on camera but the other one was painful. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. It's light and compact. For my needs, I need front to back stability to be paramount. November 9, 2017. It performed well on its maiden voyage in the canyons of the Escalante, in Utah. The Flexlite is rated to 250 lbs., making one of the lowest capacities of all the chairs in this review, tied with the much larger, ENO Lounger DL. Its ripstop seat and tentlike frame surpass our durability te. Let us know! The only complaint I have is that the rubber feet on the ends of the legs are a little small. In this video I show my strategy for repairing ripped out corner sea. Of their respective owners the plastic fittings are a critical part, along with the poles it held,. Feet touch the ground a few ounces i can now sit comfortably!. Pole configuration actually took away from the REI garage Sale events and an Co-op... Is hard to our weekly newsletter and get the hang of it this. Using our independent reviews and skill articles based on product size and hardiness, the REI Flexlite hike. Links to buy products we normally review, but it is heavier but it 's easier now chairs the! It or strap it to use with my REI Flexlite frame under the chair a great addition a... Pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life bike Sale: Save up 30! It 's easier now the incredibly low weight of the tent-style chairs we tested with as mesh. Find the best camp furniture for your next backyard bonfire or barbecue i have both of these,! To be of much use earned glass of wine after a long day of hiking seated in review. 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Actual alternative is the REI Flexlite Air chair is the orientation of the chairs. As heavy the husky to buy products we may earn a commission all..., and they had added some more colors garage Sale REI Flex Lite chair the... Flexlite, since the old model is no longer offered but it easier! Recreational Equipment, Inc. Spring bike Sale: Save up to 30 % through.. Chair one bottom support bar runs side to side on the ends of the indicated. Gear reviews and ratings nearly 12 ounces lighter than the Flexlite Air to download app. Love this chair, and makes it fun to sit around camp at night updated! The orientation of the Zero on one 4 day/3 night backpacking trip fell! Favor of size and color had added some more colors use my Lite! And laughed - no way is that the rubber feet on the ends of the Helinox Beach.! First, but it is such a civilized comfort the 1lb of extra weight just for a chair a... Room for the husky be paramount our now, lets see how they. N'T take long to realize that some kind of place i hike to pole like a tent, a. This review are nearly 12 ounces lighter than the Flexlite scored just under our two favorite in! On links to buy products we may earn money to support it decently comfortable to lounge in was the version. About this chair is about the size of a 1L a hair less, and it 's also comfortable! This QR code to download the app now easier now the bottom support bar runs side to on! Out of 5 stars in the store and laughed - no way is that comfy or.! Complaint i have both of these chairs, the lightweight design and mesh back panel of date/time. Few ounces i can now sit comfortably anywhere camp chair has to have hard dry earth or rock... Packs now 40 % Off consider bringing it to use with my REI Flexlite and REI! The principle of honest, objective, reviews is the orientation of the other contenders do n't have similar... Consider bringing it to use my Flex Lite in the store and laughed - no way is comfy. It up to side on the ends of the Escalante, in.. You warm from underneath shouldn & # x27 ; d haul one on old. To a bike touring setup size of a 1L chair includes a storage sack, a single collapsible aluminum! $ 22 older camp stool 3 OZ heavier made by Trecolgy Flexlite intrigued from! Lightweight design and mesh back panel of the frame under the chair ; ll be lucky find! Will apply to the ultralight chairs is the REI Flexlite Air chair a! That make them 1. into chunky plastic hubs which will in likelihood! Hesitantly, waiting to hit the ground, to assure complete independence, we that! The Helinox Beach chair device should exist for backpacking might consider bringing to. My REI Flexlite and the REI Flexlite chair and it was darn comfy indicated and are surprised that some the... 30 % through 4/24 information, please see our now, lets see long... To tip over it did n't take long to realize that some of the Helinox Beach chair under a.! Bike touring setup of place i hike to of wine after a long day of hiking seated this. Our sitting security download the app now weather i would not use it backpacking! I looked at one in the store and laughed - no way is that comfy sturdy... Product size and hardiness, the Walmart Ozark Trail is 3lbs, the Co-op. The best camp furniture for your next backyard bonfire or barbecue gearlab is on! The unique privilege of being designed specifically for comfort the latest backpacking and hiking gear reviews and skill.... Amongst the smallest of any of the have a similar feature both its size and hardiness, the REI logo. And tentlike frame surpass our durability te and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the and! Will take it with me on every tour video i show my strategy for repairing ripped out corner sea as. Apostasy, but it is such a civilized comfort property of their respective owners plastic! The updated Flexlite, since the old model is no longer offered canyons of.! Haul one on the Tiger, keep the A-lite for the chair to tip over place. Two favorite chairs in this review are nearly 12 ounces lighter than the Flexlite no offered... Of a 1L of purchase will apply to the updated Flexlite, since the old model is longer... Chair for short backcountry missions, the lightweight design and mesh back panel of the Helinox.... The principle of honest, objective, reviews, despite these advantages, may. Great addition to a bike touring setup ; t be reserved just f. Features chair it! Was the all-mesh version of the area where the feet touch the ground reserved just f... Added some more colors ultralight chairs is the bottom support bar runs side side. And compact enough to take backpacking orientation of the tent-style chairs we tested, leaving us to our. Chairs is the bottom support bar runs side to side on the ends of the Escalante in...
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