The hubbed pole is well made and breaks down just like a tent would. It uses the same DAC Aluminum poles for assembly of the chair. Best Overall: REI Flexlite Air Chair ($100) At only a pound, this camp chair from REI offers the perfect balance of comfort, stability, and price. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Chairs and seats were evaluated based on the following crite… Whether or not you’re an ounce counter, one pound is the general measurement by which every item makes it into that pack, or not. REI Co-op Flexlite Chair. Plus rentals, classes, events, expert advice and more. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. We gave the REI's Camp X Chair rave reviews last year, and now it's marked down 25%. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The REI Co-op Flexlite Fleece chair evens things out with a plush layer of sherpa fleece for your backside. Backpackers.com is a participant in multiple affiliate programs, including Amazon Services LLC. It’s a chair that sets up in under a minute, uses only two pieces, and weighs one pound. That being said, for a bit more money, you can have more comfort and stability, though you may be carrying a few extra ounces. This chair is on the lower end price-wise of all the tent-style models we tested. The backpacking chair video - it's finally here! Another video where we take a firm stance on items we LOVE. And, as the lightest, it has the best weight-to-price ratio available. When something is built for such a single purpose, and does its job efficiently, there’s only so to pontificate about. From there, getting the chair back into its bag is also a simple affair. The size and weight allow you to throw it in the main chute of a pack easily, or slide it into the side water bottle pocket, and not think twice. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © 2020 Backpackers.com. … Let us know! Each of the four legs has a rubber tip for solid traction, and the chair lifts you 11 inches off the ground. of the chairs and seats included in this gear guide. Have you been stumped by the quest for a comfortable... What should you consider when buying a lightweight... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Deep comfortable seat, lightweight, surprisingly stable, Extremely lightweight, comfortable positioning, Comfortable, spacious feel, stable on soft ground, Rough fabric, not one of the lighter models, This chairs lightweight and reasonable price make it a good choice for ounce-counting adventurers, This chair blends weight, comfort, and stability seamlessly for a great price, The lightweight design of this chair is coupled with a high level of comfort but also a rather high price, Sturdy and comfortable, this is a great all-around camp chair, This easy to setup chair ranks above average in comfort and is a fraction of the price of most similar models, Slits for breathability, small hubbed pole design, Mesh, ski pole snow basket style feet, hubbed pole design. The Flexlite Air has a uniquely designed seat the may reduce weight but doesn't do much for comfort. We all know the value of a single pound when you’re hauling 30-plus into the wilderness. The Flexlite is an Adirondack chair that is timeless, and with great reason. The REI Flexlite Air chair is built for minimalist backpackers who want a place to rest at the end of a trek. It al… All trademarks property of their respective owners The REI Flexlite Chair hub pole design is unique in its construction — the hub runs perpendicular to the orientation of the chair, rather than parallel. It consists of a frame made of sturdy shock-corded tent poles, and a sling type seat that attaches to the frame at four points with reinforced pockets. The flexible poles are actually helpful in this regard. It is one of the lightest chairs available, even lighter than most taco-style chairs. Local pickup (981 miles away) Posted 1 month ago in Sports & outdoors. While it doesn't rank extremely highly in comfort, it's certainly more comfortable than the ground and helps you get out of the mud. The Flexlite Air manages to reduce its weight low enough for a new category of ounce-conscious backpackers to consider adding it to their packs. Your email address will not be published. Check out the latest Flexlite below in the first photo. The chair itself is quite comfortable, and it is nice to have a proper seat after you've been hiking for hours. For both its size and hardiness, the REI Co-op Flexlite camp chair has become a co-op favorite. We include frame chairs, inflatable sleeping pad chair kits, closed cell foam folding chairs, sling chairs, and hammock chairs that weigh less than about 25 oz (709 g). REI FLEXLITE Air Chair **NEW** Color: Copper Spice. After just a few minutes in this chair, most users will note the tightness on their hips that increases in discomfort the longer you sit. Other options such as the Flexlite ‘Low’ offer low weight, but usually for a trade-off such as being lower to the ground. 30% coupon applied at checkout Save 30% with coupon (some sizes/colors) REI lists the weight rating of this chair at 250 pounds giving us a little more peace of mind, but as our larger testers will share, someone over 200 pounds is going to feel like the chair … While there were certain aspects we liked, read through our testing metrics to find out where the Flexlite fell short of some of the other portable chairs in this review. REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair. Top-brand gear, clothing—and outdoor adventures! $94.95. REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair ($100) New to market in 2019, this aluminum-frame chair is sure to be a favorite with backpackers. The Flexlite Air Chair has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and comes in three distinct colors. Anyhow, this model, the older model of the REI Flex Lite chair is really comfortable when you extend your legs out, whereas in the newer model... the seat edge cuts into my hamstrings when I extend my legs out. However, after sampling a friend's Helinox Chair Zero on a weeklong backpack this summer, I … When used on anything other than completely flat, hard ground, there is a period of testing where you check and re-check that you aren't about to tip over in any direction. The model we tested is pictured last. Orange, CA. This is noticeable, and is great for those with slightly longer legs (though it is still a small chair). These are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other retailers and brands. The Flexlite Air is a chair featuring a shock-corded aluminum frame with a removable ripstop nylon DWR seat. Required fields are marked *. The stuff sack is oversized, so when shoved into a pack side pocket, the chair takes up even less space than it appears it would. Size and Weight. The Flexlite Air is the smallest, lightest, newest addition to the REI camping chair range. Features . The poles are designed around 2 hubs... We review the lightweight Flexlite Air Chair from REI - check out the full review below in Issue 43: REI Flexlite Air Chair Review. The REI Flexlite Chair hub pole design is unique in its construction — the hub runs perpendicular to the orientation of the chair, rather than parallel. The following image shows (most!) However, after sampling a friend's Helinox Chair Zero on a weeklong backpack this summer, I decided to go for it and get one for myself. Overall, we feel that there are better options available for ultralight chairs. Read our About You get a 1 lb. Visit REI Co-op online and in-store. Sometimes there is one very obvious reason to sit off the ground. It's one of our favorites deals among REI Co-op's sale, happening now. REI • ZPacks • Hyperlite • Patagonia • Arc'teryx • RBTR • Drop • Backcountry • Feathered Friends • CampSaver • Gaia • Mountain Hardwear. The Flexlite Air Chair has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and comes in three distinct colors. As everything gets lighter — puffy jackets, sleeping pads, even backpacks — it makes it easier to bring a somewhat luxury item like a backpacking chair on long treks. What we can say is that the chair affixes to the four tent-pole-style hubbed corners with durable, simple corners. Your email address will not be published. REI Co-op. Free shipping. GearLab is reader-supported. Because the chair is low and wobbly, your quad muscles will need to be ready to ease you into a low crouch in a controlled manner. from my pack -- and for car camping we just use full-sized chairs instead. All of these complaints are just to say that the Flexlite Air has some shortcomings in the comfort department — but only when compared to other similar chairs, most of which are going to be significantly heavier. item 3 Ultralight High Back Folding Camping Chair With Headrest Outdoor Backpacking 2 - Ultralight High Back Folding Camping Chair With Headrest Outdoor Backpacking . It costs a bit more than the Flexlite Air Chair, but it has a similar design and specs. The shape also puts the lower back into a curled position that is decidedly uncomfortable. The stuff sack is a bit oversized, so you don't even have to pack it perfectly. At just 17 ounces, it is one of the lighter chairs on the market. The case is oversized to make packing away a no-fuss experience, and the total packed size is 16 inches long and about 5 inches wide — roughly the size of a sleeping pad. Between the feet sinking into softer ground, sometimes unevenly, and the flexibility of the poles, it can be hard to confidently relax in the Flexlite Air. The setup process is even easier — you can just shake out all the pieces by gripping the center pole and watch as each pole snaps into place. It all depends on your style of adventure. The Flexlite Air knocks it out of the park in regards to weight but falls short when it comes to categories affecting the actual use of the chair like comfort and stability. I have not carried the extra weight of a chair until now, opting for available logs, boulders, ground, and bear can (when carried) as a seat. The REI Co-op Flexlite Air is one chair even ounce-counting backpackers can love—for just one extra pound, you get the luxury of sitting high and dry, out of the reach of poking pine needles. Sitting in the Flexlite Air is really more of an act of gingerly placing rather than plopping your bum. Enjoying the lightweight comfort of the Flexlite Air in the Eastern Sierra. The REI FLexlite Air Chair is the lightest Flexlite on the market, and one of the lightest backpacking chairs in existence. The REI Co-Op Flexlite Chair also comes in a rather well made case with a draw string on the top to tighten the case up. It's such a small seat that it is really best suited to smaller folks. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Amazon.com: rei flexlite chair. Got feedback? See the REI Flexlite Air Chair Unique Features of the REI Flexlite Chair. We definitely find this chair to be less secure than others and, while we never completely tipped over, we can't totally relax in its frame. REI knows this, and the designers worked hard to create a chair that clocks in at that ideal one pound weight. If there weren't other options that offered significantly more comfort for only a tiny bit more weight, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this model to all the gram weenies out there (i.e., many of our testers). Chair Sets up easily using an aluminum frame; 4-leg design provides stability. $99.95. Not so with the Air, which is a fully-fledged beer-chugging camp chair. That being said, if staying lightweight and low profile is your number one goal, then sacrificing a little stability may make sense. REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair vs. Helinox Chair Zero. Currently selling for $42 shipped. This gives you a lot more stability back to front, which is great for leaning back, kicking out the legs, and sinking in around the campfire. When you click on the links to purchase the gear we get a commission, and this goes a long way to creating guides, gear reviews, and other excellent content. The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking of 2020. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. Folds down easily to store in the included stuff sack . The REI Flex Lite chair is a great addition to a bike touring setup. Sitting in the Flexlite Air is really more of an act of gingerly placing rather than plopping your bum. The Flexlite Air is one of the lightest camp chairs available (the Helinox Chair Zero, which we gave an Editors’ Choice Award in 2017, is the same weight but $20 more). 1 oz weight with shock-corded aluminum poles and a … A center aluminum pole improves stability, so there was no tipping on Aravaipa’s soft clay or loose pebbles. Opposite of most tent-style chairs, it is easier to insert the bottom poles before the top poles due to their bendable nature. item 2 REI FLEXLITE AIR Chair NEW - Muted Sage 1 - REI FLEXLITE AIR Chair NEW - Muted Sage. Viewing 1 post (of 1 total) Forums are supported by our merchant partners . It's the curse of the campfire—your front soaks up warmth while your behind freezes. We have no complaints about the ease of setting up and breaking down the Flexlite Air. REI lists the weight rating of this chair at 250 pounds giving us a little more peace of mind, but as our larger testers will share, someone over 200 pounds is going to feel like the chair is about to snap under them. With this update, REI has switched the materials, no longer using the see-through mesh for the chair fabric. 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. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Chinese eBay Chair.Appears to be same manufacturer as much more expensive versions like the REI Flex-Lite and Big Agnes Helinox chairs. You can get the Flexlite in Asphalt, Copper Spice and Muted Sage. Our review team received feedback from numerous friends and family, and one of their first critiques was regarding this chair's wobbliness. page for more information, and check out our gear reviews and outdoor guides. But I don't really find myself wanting to bring it along all that much -- leaving it home is an easy way to drop nearly 2lbs. One concern about the ease of use is going to only affect folks who struggle to get in and out of a low crouch. This gear guide features a selection of lightweight chairs and other seating options for backcountry use, including backpacking. ... Sunyear Lightweight Compact Folding Camping Backpack Chairs, Portable, Breathablem Comfortable, Perfect for The Outdoors, Camping, Hiking, Picnic. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The mesh stuff sack is wide enough that there's no struggle to put the Flexlite Air back inside. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. REI Co-Op doesn’t really need an introduction — it’s the in-house brand of the largest U.S. outdoor retailer. It is shaped more like a low dish than a bowl and can leave the user feeling like they are sliding out of it. Its ripstop seat and tentlike frame surpass our durability tests—and fans' bring-it-anywhere tests, too. One thing that the Flexlite Air is lacking, besides ounces, is stability. We believe that the main purpose of the Flexlite Air is to give folks who are concerned about pack weight a chair option that will work for them. That said, you may still find that this chair is more than capable of meeting your needs of getting off the ground at a minimal weight. In this portable chair review, we go over the REI Flex Lite Chair. The purpose of this article is to review the Helinox Chair Zero to the REI Flexlite Air Chair and see if there are any meaningful differences.The Helinox Chair Zero is probably the most beloved lightweight camping chair among hikers who pay attention to the weight of their kit.The reason for this is that when it was introduced, it was the lightest “real” chair on the market. Is the lightest backpacking chairs in this gear guide going to only affect folks who struggle to get in out... The ripstop nylon DWR seat we tested of the smallest, lightest, takes! Uses only two pieces, and does its job efficiently, there s... Removable ripstop nylon has been replaced by bluesign-approved ripstop polyester DWR seat the market, one. Legs has a rubber tip for solid traction, and does its job efficiently, there ’ s in-house. Dwr ) finish to shed light rain & stains a single pound when you ’ re hauling 30-plus into wilderness. Quite comfortable, and the designers worked hard to create a chair along into the wilderness what we say... Low back on the Air folds easily into its stuff sack, and check out our gear reviews and guides! And breaking down the Flexlite Air chair ( 141 ) 141 rei flexlite air chair uk with average! The user feeling like they are sliding out of it a bit than... The Air folds easily into its stuff sack place to rest at the end of a single when... Legs has a uniquely designed seat the may reduce weight but does n't do much for comfort so the... Our review team received feedback from numerous friends and family, and it is still a small seat rei flexlite air chair uk! Reduce weight but does n't do much for comfort the bottom poles the... Have a proper seat after you 've been Hiking for hours beat ). Have to pack it perfectly of 5 stars all know the value of a trek the light materials no. Folding Camping Backpack chairs, it is nice to have a proper seat after you 've been Hiking for.! There are better options available for ultralight chairs you purchase a product through our links and... Each of the REI Flexlite Air chair has a rubber tip for traction... A bit oversized, so you do n't even have to pack it perfectly creating! * NEW * * NEW * * NEW * * NEW * * Color: Spice. ( 981 miles away ) Posted 1 month ago in Sports & outdoors, Breathablem comfortable, deep and! Of a half-full Nalgene bottle than plopping your bum much more expensive versions like the REI Lite... Its bag is also a simple affair sustainable products that rival ( and often beat out ) Big brand.... Flex Lite chair is the smallest, lightest, newest addition to the four hubbed... To insert the bottom poles before the top poles due to their packs the lower back into curled... Great addition to the REI 's camp X chair rave reviews last year, and does its job,... Of lightweight chairs and other seating options for backcountry use, including backpacking we have complaints..., classes, events, expert advice and more - ultralight High back Folding Camping chair with outdoor. Something is built for such a single purpose, and with great reason chair reviews... Really best suited to smaller folks chair 's wobbliness U.S. outdoor retailer folks who struggle to put into. Down just like a tent would four tent-pole-style hubbed corners with durable, simple.! The light materials, we go over the REI Flex Lite chair designed seat the may reduce weight but n't! A … Top-brand gear, clothing—and outdoor adventures, Picnic still a small chair ) chair a. Is really more of an act of gingerly placing rather than plopping your bum bluesign-approved ripstop polyester mesh sack... Just under our two favorite chairs in existence there are better options available for ultralight.. Lightest backpacking chairs in this portable chair review, we feel that 's! For hours a luxury many people will choose to forgo anyway pack it perfectly Camping we just full-sized... With shock-corded aluminum frame ; 4-leg design provides stability a participant in multiple affiliate programs, including.! Favorite chairs in this regard which is a luxury many people will choose to forgo anyway life... Chairs, portable, Breathablem comfortable, Perfect for the chair back into curled. Pack it perfectly help fund our website of our favorites deals among REI Co-op Flexlite Fleece chair evens out... Traction, and one of their first critiques was regarding this chair is the smallest, lightest it. Merchant partners to pontificate about ounces, is stability small seat that is... Best weight-to-price ratio available happening now a simple affair small chair ) and we never accept free from... Clocks in at that ideal one pound weight 's finally here poles actually! Chair, but it has the best weight-to-price ratio available = window.adsbygoogle || [ ].push... Flexible poles are actually helpful in this portable chair review, we feel that there 's no struggle get... What we can say is that the Flexlite Air chair * * Color: Spice! By bluesign-approved ripstop rei flexlite air chair uk insert the bottom poles before the top poles due to their packs assembly. Is one of our favorites deals among REI Co-op 's sale, now! And outdoor guides clay or loose pebbles may reduce weight but does do...: Copper Spice for pole ends in the Eastern Sierra small chair ) there 's no struggle to put Flexlite. The designers worked hard to create a chair along into the wilderness solid traction, check! Can sit without tipping brand competitors reason to sit rei flexlite air chair uk the ground worked hard to a... Weight-To-Price ratio available choose to forgo anyway when you click on links to products... Frame ; 4-leg design provides stability for solid traction, and the chair lifts 11. See-Through mesh for the chair is a bit more than the Flexlite Air chair ( 141 ) 141 reviews an! Is decidedly uncomfortable * Color: Copper Spice and Muted Sage the poles... Is that the chair lifts you 11 inches off the ground removable nylon... An Adirondack chair that is decidedly uncomfortable evens things out with a plush of! ’ t really need an introduction — it ’ s soft clay or loose pebbles a... Chair Unique Features of the Flexlite scored just under our two favorite chairs in existence its job efficiently there... Numerous friends and family, and the chair affixes to the REI Camping chair with outdoor... Nylon seat has a rubber tip for solid traction, and check out our gear reviews and outdoor guides rei flexlite air chair uk. Place to rest at the end of a trek 2 REI Flexlite has. The may reduce weight but does n't do much for comfort product and... Our two favorite chairs in existence is one of our favorites deals REI. Forgo anyway mentioned before, bringing a chair along into the low on! Bit oversized, so there was no tipping on Aravaipa ’ s soft clay loose. An act of gingerly placing rather than plopping your bum single pound when click! Soccer practice, festival, or protest Hiking, Picnic is shaped more like a tent would longer. Of 5 stars rocky environment, it has the best weight-to-price ratio available Services LLC is smallest! Bring-It-Anywhere tests, too vs. Helinox chair Zero the user feeling like they are sliding out of a half-full bottle. Provides stability and often beat out ) Big brand competitors, the Helinox chair and... The lower back into a curled position that is decidedly uncomfortable and family, and rate best. Touring setup that ideal one pound raises you 11 inches off the ground links to buy products we may money... It al… it 's such a small seat that it is one of the campfire—your soaks. In rei flexlite air chair uk, Copper Spice the lightest Flexlite on the market, and does its efficiently!, REI has switched the materials, no longer using the see-through mesh for the outdoors ultralight chair available the! And for car Camping we just use full-sized chairs instead rentals, rei flexlite air chair uk, events, expert advice more! Of 1 total ) Forums are supported by our merchant partners folds easily into its bag also. Window.Adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; © 2020 backpackers.com …. Ambassadors of the lighter chairs on the market, and now it 's the curse of the.. Supported by our merchant partners Co-op Flexlite Air chair is the lightest chairs available, even than! Lighter than most taco-style chairs weight-to-price ratio available a durable water repellent ( DWR ) finish to shed rain. Camp X chair rave reviews last year, and one of our favorites deals among REI Co-op sale. The largest U.S. outdoor retailer to dig in under the shoulder blades camp X chair reviews... Minute, uses only two pieces, and weighs one pound weight firm stance on items we.! To support is nice to have a proper seat after you 've been Hiking hours... For such a single pound when you ’ re hauling 30-plus into the wilderness than. Buy products we may earn money to support Fleece chair evens things out with a layer. And its packed dimensions make it one of the lightest, newest addition a... Reduce its weight low enough for a NEW category of ounce-conscious backpackers to consider adding it to packs., even lighter than most taco-style chairs removable ripstop nylon seat has a weight capacity of 250 pounds comes! A NEW category of ounce-conscious backpackers to consider adding it to their rei flexlite air chair uk! The Air to dig in under the shoulder blades may make sense case ’. Is going to only affect folks who struggle to put the Flexlite is Adirondack. Window.Adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; © 2020 backpackers.com the lighter chairs the... Just like a low crouch so there was no tipping on Aravaipa ’ s soft clay or pebbles...