Gear featured in this video: Helinox Chair Zero: geni.us/LR2hUH Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60: geni.us/xubzokG Xero Z-Trek Sandals: geni.us/WRe9a Teva Sandals: geni.us/nPRI Backnife: (no longer available) Gerber Knife: geni.us/UtknD28

I came to this same conclusion independently too. I went down the ultralight path hardcore, but very quickly realized I'm perfectly happy carrying 25 lbs....so I would load up my 10-15 lb pack with beer, steak, a chair, pot/pan...etc. That was the best backpacking I have ever done. You'll be more comfortable buying ultralight stuff, but only because it allows you to bring your more comfortable, heavy stuff too.

So normally I was a "don't bring a chair guy." But I read an article from a thruhiker, he has the triple crown, and many other long thruhikes. He made a very valid point. What is your focus when you backpack? Is it to hike the miles? Is it camping focus? Are you a bird watcher (birding for those who are)? Etc. So he explained you need to pack for what you plan on doing. If you are camping focused, you may hike for 2 or 3 hours and spend 21-22 hours at a camp site. Sitting on a log, or the ground will be super uncomfortable and you won't enjoy the time. So it's okay to bring comfort items, like a chair. Having a chair will make the experience more enjoyable. You don't want to suffer. If you are hiking 12-14 hours. A chair isn't necessary. You will only be eating and sleeping. So pack for what you are focusing on. After I read his article, my mindset changed instantly. Since I'm a weekend warrior. I don't need to go UL. Plus we enjoy the camping part, so I've decided to bring a chair, and it's been worth it. Some comfort items isn't a bad thing.

Man the first time I went backpacking with a chair, I knew I could never go back. Having one *substantially* increases my enjoyment of the trip. Just being able to relax all my muscles without having to still use my core and/or back to prop myself up on a log or the ground, it meant I was more relaxed, more able to recover, more in the moment. I was just so much happier to be there. Maybe some people don't need any of that, but I learned I definitely do.

Awesome video! Never yet, while trudging up an incline of some rugged mountain in the back country, have I cursed myself for having my Helinox chair in my pack! Some items are just worth the weight. I'm always cheerful when I get to camp and happily remember my chair is in my pack. The chair also has many uses. In addition to a comfortable seat, I use it to sort my gear and keep it off the ground while setting up camp and packing up to leave, hang some wet socks or outer layers to dry, and it keeps my pack off the ground while I sleep. Worth every ounce. I chuckled at the "tough-guy" comment...so spot on!

As an older backpacker, I bought as much lightweight gear as possible, but reluctantly took a helinox chair once. Game changer! The comfort from that one pound is so great. Being off the ground st trail stops for meals or just relaxing in camp was a game changer for me! It’s SO worth carrying!

I’m with you on this one 100%! I turning 50 this year and there’s no bloody way I’m paddling and portaging all day without something nice to sit on when I get to camp. Every milligram of weight in my chair is worth carrying! I go light on other equipment (stove, pots,etc.) just so that I can splurge on some comfort items (chair, pillow, etc.)

You're post popped up at exactly the right time for me. I'm planning a 4-day bikepacking trip where every ounce (including water) counts and have been having an existential crisis as to whether I'm getting old and "need" more comforts or whether a chair is somehow "cheating." Thank you, I'm ordering the dang chair 😁

A chair is also much more comfortable when cooking on the ground. It's also useful when you stop for lunch and don't have to sit on wet ground or thorns.

Agree 100%. A chair is a must on my trips. It all boils down to, what is your purpose when you’re in the woods? Mine is to enjoy the outdoors and a chair definitely increases that. Thanks for sharing.

Good rest is so important on these hikes, especially when you're not in your early 20s. My luxury items will always be a good sleeping pad and a chair to sit on.

I'm a motorcycle traveller, so weight was not a huge issue but size was. I tried all the camping stores for these ultralight hiking chairs, but they were all not very comfortable for my size and all over 200 Australian dollars. Then I found a traditional fold out chair but with ultra short legs at kmart for 8 bucks. Super comfy and packs up small and for 8 bucks I can go through 20 of them and still would have not spent as much for a hiking chair

The Helinox Chair One is an actual game-changer when I am camping on my bicycle tours. Its weight is worth EVERY gram. SO very comfortable. Not sure whether I would carry it on a backpacking hike, but at 63 years old I have grown out of the life of chasing up a log or rock to sit around the campfire. This change actually happened over 20 years ago now, but after 12 years of using a Coghlans 3-legged fishing stool, the Helinox was even MORE of a revelation. As for sandals.... the only sensible choice is the Keen Nelson. These sandals are so tough and stub-free that they could potentially even replace the Tevas as well as your hiking shoes.

I came to this same conclusion while hiking with Boy Scouts at mount philmont. I had bought a relatively light backpacking chair at the time that weighed about 1.5lbs. While weighing gear I did have a relatively heavy back at about 40lbs, and because of this the camp guides recommended I leave my chair at basecamp to help keep my pack lighter for the 10 days we would be out hiking. Now I get where they were coming from but another friend did bring a chair, and he was the envy of the group for the whole 10 days out with multiple people asking to borrow it for just a few minutes. I was frustrated each time we made camp for the night because to cut a mere 1.5lbs from my pack weight I now spent hours sitting on hard rocks, logs, or as the video says on the ground instead of on a comfy chair and I doubt I would have suffered much more from the 1.5 lbs. I think its definitely worth taking a chair, especially if its around 1lb and packs down relatively small.

I got a mix of lightweight and traditional gear for my first trip and I really hesitated about a chair, but I was so glad I got it! As a first time backpacker in my mid 30s, it's worth it!

I'm 100% with you on the chair. The comfort of using it far outweighs the discomfort of carrying it. And I'd never head out into the woods without a good knife.

Love my Zero! I had a hiker comment "That's dumb weight." when he saw me lounging at a shelter. The following morning, as he saw me sitting in my chair and enjoying an amazing view with a steaming cup of coffee, he came up to me and said, "I was just sitting on a stump having breakfast when I saw you chillin' with your coffee. Not dumb at all. You sold me on it." I needed to pick up a set of "feet" for it as I am not a fan of finding rocks so I don't sink in - a few more ounces of well worth it weight! And as an added bonus, it doubles as a pack stand underneath my hammock!

I was the same way, until last year. I found one of those chairs like yours. I absolutely love it. No more muddy butt, and the cold ground is no longer an issue. Get the chair and save yourselves some discomfort.

I love my Helinox Zero. There is nothing more satisfying than eating my trail lunch while resting my back in that little chair. The extra 17 oz is imperceptible on my back while hiking, but makes life in camp infinitely better. That little chair is worth its weight in gold!

You are so right on carrying a chair , I’m 67 and carried my helinox chair hiking the A T and glad I give up the weight for the comfort , it was well worth it !!!!

My chair and tea brewing setup became the focal point of my kit. It pushed me to get to that beautiful vista and relax as a reward for the journey. Also, if you can find one anymore, SOG made a knife called the Flash I. 34g, 1.2oz auto, 2 1/4” blade that’s a dream to hold. Been my edc knife for about a decade, highly recommended.

The seat enhances recovery = Recovery enhances the benefits of getting out into nature in the first place - i took it a step further and got a NEMO STARGAZER . NOT that I’d recommend it for dedicated hiking missions BUT for the camp site OH HOW SWEET IT IS !! for wet crossing shoe alternatives i highly recommend these SKINNER shoe-socks = expensive but tuff and nimble - would def be a winning review episode for your channel

I'm with you on this one. I've got the Helinix zero, which I find particularly good when hammock wild camping. It's particularly useful for older guys like me, with a history of low back problems (prolapsed disc in the past). I find you DO need the mat with it to stop the legs sinking in the ground. I can carry the weight ok, but I can't get comfortable in camp without the chair, unless I lie flat out on my mat or lie in the hammock. I only want to do this when I need sleep. Shoulder season and winter means more time in camp and I don't want to spend too much time sitting uncomfortably on the floor or lying on my mat.

Fantastic video which was well thought out. Thank you! I have both a Helinox and a Zseat and have gone back and forth on my past hikes. Having a chair to lean back-on while tossing back a drink is a game changer. That said, I also love the simplicity of tossing down a pad. On the shoes, I brought camp shoes on my first hike but go without now. River crossings will be taken with my shoes unless it's a simple/safe one. This also means I'm forgoing a little comfort, but hasn't made a significant difference (yet).

I love this video! I love my Helinox zero chair. Another use I enjoy it for is sitting and enjoying some of the awe inspiring sights we hike to. I hiked to a gorgeous waterfall last week. I took the

I'm wholeheartedly with you on most points. I went through an ultra light backpacking phase which was kind of fun. I got my packweight down to ridiculously low weights and sacrificed comfort. Now I found the middle ground Between lightweight and comfort. I have what I considered to be a few luxury items that I always bring. One is a chair. As 1 comment said it's a matter of comfort and fatigue if I'm trying To sit on the log and use my core muscles around camp. As far as the sandals are concerned, I have a pair of xero sandals iI use them for backpacking not just around camp. I love the feel of the ground Underneath My feet and I find they are comfortable for me. Matter of preference I suppose. As far as walking across creeks and so forth I just wear trail runners and my shoes dry out quickly. And while it might seem strange I carry a decent size knife because I use it on occasion but more I guess as a safety measure Against predators or humans. I would add the last luxury I Item I carry is a foldable saw. I find that I can gather wood and cut it up And get a fire started quickly. My packweight is now in the 20 something pound range and I am quite comfortable. Enjoyed the video and you made some great points

For me it depends on the trip. How far will I be hiking each day vs how much tine will I spend in camp? If I’m hiking long miles and only spend time in camp cooking and sleeping, I’ll leave the chair. If I’m camping in beautiful destinations and want to spend time there hanging out, I definitely bring it.

Best defense for taking a chair I have ever heard! Been backpacking for 15 yrs. Always learning. Just came across your videos. Only a couple in and you've got yourself a new sub. Thanks!

Good list. I don't backpack but I do camp ultralight off of my dirt bike, and a small foldable tube chair like you have is an absolute must. It just makes the experience between setting up camp and going to sleep so much more enjoyable.

The chair is the one the first things to go in my backpack when camping. Helps my back and keeps me off the ground when taking long nightlapse sessions. The comfort it brings is so much worth it for the weight added.

At 6'3" I always use a large Thermarest. When the chair kits first came out I bought one and am on my second one now. The weight is acceptable given the superior relaxation station it creates. Nothing beats a comfy chair on a mini island on a high mountain pass creek deep into a trek above the Kootenai River in the Canadian Rockies. Read Old Man and the Sea in one sitting that day. It is a priority item on any wilderness trek.

I have the nemo moonlite chair that's a little under 2lbs. I love it and will forever bring a chair with me while in the backcountry. Mats or blow up mats on the floor isn't the same. I can definitely feel it on my knees after a few days of sitting on the floor.the extra weight is def worth it!

Love my chair! Sometimes I don't even go camping - I just take my chair and a little alcohol stove and go for a day. The chair is one of my favourite items to help me relax. If I was to just sit in nature without a chair, it would not be long before I felt agitated, like I needed to something - the chair removes this completely. It makes my purpose; to relax. And it allows me to stop in any location, spots i would not consider without a chair. There is something psychological about the chair also - I do all my hiking and camping solo. I can get agitated around people, if there where other walkers stopping near me, I would soon move on. But with a chair, it feels more like I am at home, that they are in my space, rather than I am in theirs.

I'm in agreement with you on the chair and being comfortable. I started hiking in the 70s in the Sierras. Everything was heavy when I started. Yes I use some ultra light gear but I still roll out with 45 to 50 lbs when I go on long distance hikes. I prefer to comfortable in camp. I carried a 100lb pack in the army so cutting that in half was great. Sitting in a chair is worth it to me. I use a bigger sleeping pad also and it was one of the best decisions I've made. It's worth the extra weight so I don't roll off my pad. 51 years old and still going strong. Hike on!

Yup! Resting the back is huge! Before the chair, I could only take sitting on the ground or on a log for so long; I’d just want to go lay down in my tent. I’ve got the REI 1 pounder. It goes on every hike.

Thank you, you have significantly improved my camping trips and even shorter walks

Great video! On the knife front, I suggest packing a few *single edge* razor blades-the ones that are rectangular in shape. I work in a physics lab and use them all the time as they are (by definition but seriously) razor sharp, dirt cheap, and surprisingly ergonomic (seriously). For those concerned with lightness, they weigh next to nothing and typically come individually wrapped in paper making them always clean and useable in place of a far heavier razor with a handle. As someone who has used these razors to cut perfect 300 micron hexagons out of metal for experiments, they are far more ergonomic and useful than you might think. Tip: hold onto used blades to use for applications like pencil sharpening or wood shaving.

When I was younger I was fine with using a piece of foam pad to sit on. As I am older (56) I enjoy my camp chair more. Same with my sleep pad. Closed cell vs. air. Of course there is also the factor of terrain and distance on what I carry. If I am doing 2 or 3 days, I go more comfort. If I'm doing a 6 day AT section hike I will leave the chair at home.

For me, being able to sit *and* have backsupport is a godsend when backpack camping. So, chair, yes. I've recently acquired a Thermarest Trekker Chair which at 11.5oz w/out the bag leverages the inflatable sleeping pad (for me, Thermarest NeoAir XL) to create a very comfy arrangement -- I flip it over so the long side is against my back and it is a dream come true. However, I've also developed a repertoire of chair-making on-site skillls which starts with the premise "use what's there" -- bushcrafting. Re: stream crossings... sometimes you have no choice but get wet, but first I'll go out of my way to avoid a deep crossing, or specifically, taking my shoes and socks and liners off which is a pain IMO. Often I do carry an UL pair of sandals similar to yours, but mostly for camp shoes in fair weather. Thanks, good video

Same here on the helinox chair zero. I was introduced to comfortable sitting at camp and had to get one myself after that. There have been camps with great rocks and stumps to sit on, but it's never a guarantee. Having a stable back support for the evening just helps me feel great for the next day.

Thank you for your video! Like your points a lot. I’m definitely planning on investing in the chair and tevas too for my upcoming trip!

I'm leaving on a trip today and was debating on the chair. Unfortunately I don't have a helinox (would love one though!) so my chair will cost me 2 lbs. But I still think it might be worth adding to my 21 lb (with water and food) pack for this 3 night trip. #takeaseat ! 🤣 Great video!

I agree about the knife, I'm more likely to injure myself with one of those razor blade cutters than a proper knife with decent handle. Much more control/security. I see your point with the chair but not for me. If camping with a hammock I get an even better chair as part of your shelter system (no extra bulk). 😁

I always take my Chair Zero when I'm backpacking or wild camping...Wouldn't leave home without it, however, I used to use the Helinox ground sheet on it all the time to keep it from sinking into soft ground, which added another 160g (5.64oz) to the weight, but now I use a much lighter alternative, which I could make myself for very little cost...Two PVC "load spreader tubes", one that clips on between the back legs and one between the front legs. These are made from black 20mm OD x 2mm wall PVC electrical conduit (in the US you will probably only have access to an imperial sized PVC conduit, like 3/4" OD (19mm OD) being the nearest to 20mm), but 20mm is ideal. These are drilled at regular intervals all round with 34 x 10mm holes to reduce their weight. And a further two 13.5mm (0.531") holes are drilled about 1/2" in from each end to take the legs. To enable them to clip onto the legs you first have to remove the rubber feet on the end of the legs...This takes 30g (1.05oz) off the weight of the Chair Zero...Reducing the weight to 464g (16.36oz). The two tubes together weigh 88g (3.10oz), so minus the weight of the feet, they only add 58g (2.04oz) to the weight of the chair zero, instead of adding 160g, saving 102g (about 3.6oz). flic.kr/p/2m5Th6Q The lightest outdoor shoes for crossing waterways I know of are Jackshibo Water Shoes from Aliexpress. I have a pair in Euro size 43 (UK 9.5), which together only weigh 62g (2.18oz)! They double as ultralight camp shoes/slippers, and as they are designed for the water they dry very quickly. As they slide on your feet like normal shoes they protect your feet from direct contact with rocks and stones, and the best bit is they only cost $4.68 a pair including tax and free postage! I rarely have a use for a knife on the trail either, but after adding up the weight of carrying separate ultralight tweezers and scissors, and my Svord Peasants Knife Mini, I quickly realised I could save a lot of weight by just taking a Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife instead, which also has scissors, tweezers and even a toothpick. It weighs less than 22g (0.77oz).

I too love my Helinox Zero chair... being comfortable whilst cooking, eating and relaxing really aids my recovery after a long days walking. I also use it in my tent, i flip it over and sit on the backrest and lean back against the seat- again keeping me comfortable whilst changing, reading etc. It's an essential piece of kit for me.

My foam pad doubles as foot insulation in my hammock. If I'm stopping for just a few minutes, the pad is fine. If I'm stopping long enough to set up a chair, then it's long enough to set up a hammock.

I have a cheap version of that chair and love it a lot! It is def a comfort item, but the morale it offers is priceless. I don't foresee myself ever striving for ultralite..anything. Stay safe.

Gotta grab a vine and swing in on this conversation. First, chairs suck! They are big, bulky, require setup time, and need a flat surface. Try using a Thermarest Z Lite Pad (1/2 Pad) - 7.2oz. The half pad works great as a seat, a nap pad, a yoga pad, a wind break for your stove or even a wedge to use under your sleeping pad to level out an uneven tent site. It’s easy to use and very light weight. Probably one of the most versatile pieces of gear. Love it! Second, it’s a must for me to have camp shoes to change into at the end of a long day of hiking. I love my Birkenstock Barbados Eva Sandals - 9.2oz (Total weight for a pair of size 13) combined with some Darn Tough wool socks. My feet can breath, the shoes are very light weight, and when I’m boulder scrambling they hold amazingly well to the rock. Oh and they work great on water crossings protecting my feet. Love them!

You convinced me, I’m sold. I’m going to buy one. I used a small foam pad, it was okay but not the most comfortable. I always wanted a chair and what you described with the pros and cons, it’s worth it. I can easily shave off a pound elsewhere.

Steven, getting passionate about the chair! Lol! But I'm totally with you... The comfort is worth it for me! #takeaseat

Just to add to the chorus in favor of the chair: I started packing an ultralight chair on my multi-day trips when I turned 50. If the idea is to enjoy yourself and not have an aching back from resting, then the chair was a game-changer. All my luxury items are related to resting and sleeping. With a good supportive backpack, I don't mind or even notice the weight during the day.

You are spot on with this analysis , and I too came to this conclusion on my own.

I have both a chair and a Nemo Chipper (similar to the ZSeat). I use the Chipper to sit on and stretch in the evening and put under my head when I sleep. I struggled with the weight of the Chair, but ultimately decided it is worth it. My camp shoes are Crocs Kaydee slides. They're 4.8oz for a women's size 6. Because they're slides, they're not the best for water crossings, but I have lightweight Chacos that I can use if I know water crossings are going to be likely.

Yes definitely agree with your stance on the chair. As another viewer commented, as you get older ( I am 65) the comfort outweighs the weight. I have the same chair and some days its even a stretch to get in and out of it but once in its relaxing over a sit pad. Depending on the hike I have extended same thinking and used Thermarest cot under a tarp. Comfort at expense of some weight. If I was 25 I would think differently I'm sure.

I tried the helinox and some other chairs at REI a few days ago and man, they actually caused me a quite a bit of back pain. I took my thermarest z seat on a two night trip and worked quite fine sitting on a stump or on the ground. For the cost of these things I rather buy a few more z seats and stay old school. By the way I'm 59 and have some beat up joints over the years. Sadly the chairs ain't going to work for me 😕

thanks you saved me with the sandal thing, i apreciate your arguments

I have a chair Like the one at 1:38. Uses whatever sleeping pad you carried, it;s just some nylon and 4 fiberlgass rod/ stays. Very lightweight. But the lumbar support at camp make it a critical item. If they make a lighter chair than that I can see how it might be too skimpy or uncomfortable, but a chair at camp is a whole new world.

I know it's a huge amount of weight compared to either camping knife, but I always take my kukri with me backpacking. It has such incredible utility, that it's worth the weight. You can skin game with it, shave wood, chop logs, remove brush, etc.

Everyone should carry a pocket knife capable of minor bushcraft chores (batoning wood) in case things go really bad and you're in survival mode. The weight of a 3 inch blade won't make a difference in the long run.

Glad to see the chair getting so much love. Bought two of the Helinox Chair One for canoe tripping about five years ago. Then I bought the lighter Chair zero for hiking and bikepacking. You better believe my butt appreciates the comfort of a chair after 8 hours peddling my a** off in the saddle.

100% agree with all 3! Tevas are my go to around camp shoe and stream crossing go-to and I love that I can strap through to my pack without an extra carabiner to hook them. I am so chair positive that I have a 2.8lb high back chair I lug, but I bought my son the flexlight air as his first backpacking chair. I always leave the house with my kershaw Ken onion for EDC and it’s what’s in my pocket on the trail too. I wouldn’t mess around with “ultralight” knives.

Packed a chair one time. After that one time, I packed it every time.

I'm glad I saw this video. I would not have considered a chair an integral part of an ultralight setup, but you make a very compelling argument.

Its nice to see someone else make all the smart choices I made. I started off ultralight as hell and decided quick it wasn't worth the loss of comfort. I get criticised on my chair, My water shoes, my cutlery My throw down and my hydration bladder lol and my choice of tent. All things people end up being envious of. I figured out quick that I'd rather be comfortable after a long walk at the campsite where you still end up spending a lot of time than worry about an extra KG on my back. Which with the weight I'm carrying really is nothing. I've seen people get up soaked because of the daft tent they used just to save 400g. My tent might weight just under 1200g but it wont get condensation. It's spacious and will survive bad weather. Well worth it. My water shoes meaning I can take my boots off after a long trek. Can even go play in the water with my feet fully covered. Just for an extra 240g. And then return to my nice comfy chair with my fully sized towel watching everyone else be miserable at this point. What for 550g. There are some things that are jsut well worth a little bit extra weight. Especially decent knife and tools. Who wants to slash themselves open with a camping blade ffs. For the saving of what? Maybe 50g to 100g?

Just bought a Helinox. Used it this past weekend and love it.

I just came back from 5 days backpack … I was wondering whether I should bring chair to reduce weight … but I’m extremely happy that I brought it! I was so relaxed during my hike and cocking was so easy. Thanks for the campaign :)

100% agree, at a hut recently the most used gear were some old chairs that could go outside. It’s on my wish list now!

I started packing a chair last year after a couple decades of trips. Night and day. Love your point about the weight in oz vs the "weight" in back pain. When I was young, I could sleep on the ground and sit up without support. These days....

Needed this video. Thanks.

Great video! I have that Helinox chair and it is more comfortable that you'd expect. Besides, it weighs, indeed, not much. I love your down-to-earth approach to hiking. No BS, just facts

Excellent points made.. I'd like to try those chairs!

I have never tried using a completely ultralight style kit, but I see a lot of value in reducing the weight of the big pieces of gear I use most. I only do longer trips when I’m canoeing. My family’s preowned Souris River Kevlar canoe is so worth it for the ability to easily move the canoe around when it’s on land, we don’t feel like we’re going to injure ourselves when we lift it. I can walk a portage with our canoe if I need to without help. I always bring a chair, because being comfortable is important to me. I have one of the knockoff brand ultralight folding sling chairs that has an aluminum tent pole with shock-cord and aluminum hub style design, it’s comfy. I balance that out by bringing a kitchen that would make Samwise Gamgee from LOTR proud and bringing a really comfortable sleep system. I can see some future purchases, if I win the lottery🙄, being a very light but spacious tent, a good quality camping quilt, and an exped long wide thick and lightweight sleeping mat.

I am not an ultralight guy, but you convinced me I need a backpacking chair. I LOVED your rebuke of the "tough guy" argument. Bravo.

Great review and thank you!!!!!!

I use a Crazy Creek Helix, and besides working as a chair, I find it very useful for hauling my paintings when I go on watercolor painting hikes. The folding style protects the larger paper from damage and dirt and I can just thread it under the straps on the back of the pack.

I chose my pack based on this premise - yes, I could have bought a lighter pack, but the pack I did buy was far more comfortable to wear than the other packs I considered. It's not ultralight, but it fits my body very well and keeps the weight positioned where I need it to most comfortably carry the load.

Well put. That's all I need to know regarding bringing a chair.

I love your take and appreciate your candor. 👍🏼

Thank you for the sandals review. I was considering the purchase, although they look very flimsy, just because I thought my Tevas were too heavy. Well looks like I will be saving my money to put toward lighter weight gear in a different category.

Totally agree! Carried the REI chair on the 84 mile STS in PA last summer. Well worth it hardly noticed it. Well worth the little extra and made camp so much more comfortable and relaxing.

For good lightweight knives I really like Opinel knives. No.8 - ~42g for a 8cm blade No.6 - ~26g for a 7cm blade The No.8 is very comfortable in my hands as someone with larger hands, but the No.6 is manageable as well.

100% with you on the Helinox Zero, took mine on the Rae Lakes Loop this Summer, and that wonderful piece of kit will go on EVERY SINGLE HIKE I make from here on out.

The more I listen to your reviews, the more I realize we think alike. The thick wide sleeping pad with premium pillow, down quilt as opposed to bag, xero sandals that are not comfortable, and the use of a light weight chair. You're right - that's all there is to it! I used to use a sub 1 lb Crazy Creek chair that rolled up and used a Thermarest pad inserted into it which made up the back and the seat. It had straps that adjusted to how much you wanted to lean back or sit up. It works great with the Thermarest, but 1- they don't make it anymore and 2- my new thick Nemo Tensor Wide insulated sleeping pad doesn't fit it. I just spent a week in the Sawtooth mountain backcountry in Idaho. All the Ponderosa Pine trees have sap running down them which ruins your clothes and your pack if you try and use those trees as a back rest. And it's tough to pretend that the sharp granite rock is good for "chairs". It's too hot to go anywhere within 6 hours of Kansas City now, but in a month I'm buying a Helinox Zero- and then your t-shirt!. Thank you for the time you put into your videos. Great job. Come up to the Ozarks and we'll hike one day. - Jake

Such a quality video and channel, subscribed !

Just reaching out to thank you for your reviews. This is from our trip to Switzerland and chairs make everything better. We got the umbrella too and had a blast. I get this hiking think now is hard sometimes miserable and it hurts but once you see the views it pays off again thank you.

Re Tevas - totally agree! Recently injured my foot and couldn't wear my hiking footwear... but my Tevas were fine to wear. Hiked 2 days including >10 river crossings. and came home happy.

I'm a backpacking noob. After watching a bunch of your videos I decided a chair was right for me. Super glad I did. Makes the camping part so much more enjoyable.

Love it! First hike with younger brother - sit on pad. Miserable. Second hike, carrying chair. Very comfortable in camp. Also love the flip flops in camp, too.

I'm getting back into camping and backpacking recently, and my REI Flexlite Dreamer is a non-negotiable item, even if it is an extra THREE pounds. Having a comfortable chair I can sit back in and catch a nap at camp is super important to my enjoyment of the outdoors, and at the end of the day that's the whole point!

These ultralight chairs are definitely on my buy list. The overall size is more important to me than the weight and I think small comforts like that are extremely worth it

Dude, you need to get some skinners for water crossings. They are not cushioned, but they are super secure, and they offer more protection from cuts and scrapes. Super light and easy pack. Besides backpacking they are amazing for kayaking and paddle boarding. I flip them inside out to dry faster and use them as camp shoes. I'm personally not sure if a chair is worth it. I typically always camp in forested areas and so often their is a downed log available to sit on. If its there I usually don't bother setting up the chair. I've been thinking for those who want to keep it simple using a bear can and a Nunatak Bears Ears pack sounds like a killer combo. You get a chair and you don't have to worry about hanging your food. It's really easy to pack you pack and you food is always easy to get at lunch without having to pre-portion your lunch out of the pack. You also don't have to change your setup at all where bear cans are required, because you are already using one. As for the knife, don't let people on the internet tell you what kind of knife you want. I like the Leatherman Style CS personally for the sturdy scissors and blade plus tweezers. Just use what you like. Opinel offers a range of sizes at a good weight with comfortable handle and lockable blade. So many good options out there.

I just brought my chair to a camp in the San Bernardino Mountains on the pct, so glad I did well worth the weight I absolutely hate having to sit on the floor when I set up camp.

At last a channel that make sense without all this exaggeration about weight making fool choices. Bests regards from a Venezuelan follower!

God yes on the chair. I picked an UL version up at REI, and it's one piece I don't hike without. Something about sitting in your chair sipping a tea and watching the sun rise is perfect.

Love the videos my friend I'm totally a subscriber now

Couldn't agree more -- and I carry a Helinox Chair One XL. At 54oz it's a lot more of a commitment to carry, but I'm older and have a really large frame (think NFL lineman-sized) and sitting comfortably can, for me, make or break a stop on the trail or when camping. It's comfortable, easy, and it takes my weekend loadout from 22lbs to 25lbs, either one of which is a rounding error for what I can comfortably carry. I start feeling it at around 35lbs, so the chair wasn't even a debate for me. I like being comfortable, especially around a campfire or a shore, and these chairs are a great means of being comfortable. Thanks for the video, it's an important topic!

You my friend are 100% on point in all three of these.

I have the same chair. 1 pound is absolutely worth having a chair with a back on it. Go on a trip where all the others have a chair, lounging around the fire, and you are stuck uncomfortably on a log or the ground, with no good back support. You will quickly envy those with chairs. You can even use it to keep your pack off the ground in the vestibule too.

I'm really enjoying your straight-forward content. I went on a "shave off a few pounds" quest on my last Philmont trek. Managed to cut out three pounds. My smart-water bottles were garbage compared to a Nalgene, and to your point, my butt-pad was terrible compared to the chairs the rest of the crew used. I found myself trading cherished Honey Stingers for chair time, just to rest my back. Our packs average 40 pounds already, so I'm going to work hard on losing body weight instead of worrying about pack weight.

About three years ago I saw one of these small folding chairs like the one in your vid. Put I'm cheap and the one I bought is 3.5lb. And I bring it every time. The quality of living with resting, cooking, carving, any camp activity were you sit is worth it every time.