I’m not a minimalist and while I believe in the value of lightweight backpacking gear, there’s something to be said for bringing a few creature comforts along on my trips once in a while. There are times when you want to be like Andrew Skurka’s “ultimate hiker” and times when you want to be the “ultimate camping hiker”, if you follow my drift.While sitting on the ground builds character, it does get a bit old when the ground is cold and the nights are long, something I picked up this year from congenial hammockers who like to put out a guest chair so friends can stop by for a visit at group hangs. It’s also nice to have a chair when I camp alone, so I can sit up and read more comfortably, something I have trouble with when lying down.There are two kinds of camping chairs available today: portable chairs which weigh between 1-3 pounds and are intended for car camping, and lightweight chair kits designed for backpacking that incorporate an inflatable sleeping pad to create a simple camp chair, so you can sit upright.
Some old-school chair kits are still available, like those from Crazy Creek, that don’t require a sleeping pad, but they’re pretty heavy, weighing well over a pound. If you’re trying to keep your gear weight as low as possible and you already sleep with an inflatable sleeping pad, you’re best bet is to use one of the lightweight chair kits from Big Agnes or Therm-a-Rest listed above which weigh less than 8 ounces.These chair kits work with 20″ and 25″ sleeping pads that have a mummy or rectangular shape, regardless of manufacturer in case you have an inflatable pad that’s not made by Big Agnes or Therm-a-Rest.For two years or more I have been the proud owner of the Helinox Chair One and always take them with me on every pack carry. While to some this may add unnecessary weight to your pack believe me, there is nothing more soothing to your body, feet and soul than to recline back in your lightweight chair at the end of a hard day on the trail. Comfort while hiking and camping is worth a few grams as the Helinox Ground Chair takes outdoor comfort to a new level of lightweight portability.
With the Helinox Ground Chair, that’s all you’ll have to sacrifice for the most comfortable camp chair I have experienced. 320 grams lighter than even the famed Chair One, the Ground Chair weighs in at 640 grams (packed weight) and folds down to a fourth of the size of your standard camp chair, fitting into its own bag. At first glance, setting up the chair can look to be a daunting task. However I am pleased to report that it could not be simpler. When you open the bag, the various ‘limbs’ simply pop out in all directions. The Helinox frame is comprised of a single piece (though it breaks down much like folded tent poles) and once free of its carry bag, it pops into place nearly on its own. You simple fit the various poles into place and you have your framework in place. The mesh and fabric seat portion fits over the frame with four reinforced end pockets. One feature I enjoyed about the Ground Chair over the Chair One is the solid fabric seat and mesh sides.
I felt that the seat was warmer on my back than the Chair One which has a mesh back and solid sides. Having used a Chair One before I already had experience in setting up the Helinox chairs. As such I’m happy to report I can easily set up the Helinox Ground Chair in around 20 seconds. Ground Chair uses the same super-strong alloy as Chair One but sits lower to the ground and a little more reclined. The frame sections are linked with shock-cord for the same super simple and quick assembly. The Helinox durable seat fabric includes mesh panels to allow air flow for a very breathable chair. The fabric resists snags, tears, and even fire pit sparks nicely. The chair sits very low to the ground and leans fairly far back. To be completely honest I haven’t tried a lot of others on the market, preferring to always buy what I believe to be the best for my needs. The Ground Chair is at the higher end of the price range, so it’s worth noting the difference. Construction of competing chairs is similar, as is quality in some cases.
However, when comparing weight, and lets be honest, that’s what interest a hiker the most, the Ground Chair is by far the lightest. We’re only talking a few grams here, but for the keen hiker and other outdoors-enthusiasts, that few grams makes all the difference.. Due to its low stance, the Helinox has come in handy for me not only while hiking, but while camping and other outdoor events. I love the low position of the Ground Chair as it puts me closer to my food prep/cooking surface (the ground). The ground chair (and chair one) are so handy we leave them in our car any time when we are not hiking. In my opinion, Ground Chair is a must for every hiker. For camping and other events I prefer the Chair One simply because of the increased seat height. Assembled: 52 cm wide x 44 cm deep x 50 cm high. Packed: 30 cm long x 11 cm wide x 11 cm high. Ground to seat base: Approx. 12 cm Weight: 615 grams (assembled), 640 grams (packed weight) Color: Black fabric with cyan blue frame and black tote bag.
As with all things, there is a continuum of backpacking styles. On the one side you have the ultralight backpackers. They carry as little as they can, usually with the intention of covering more miles. On the far other side, you have the luxury backpackers who are willing to suffer through carrying a super heavy pack, knowing that once they get to camp, the effort will have been worth it. Well, wouldn’t it be cool if you could combine the two? In the last few years, some really cool gear has hit the market that now make luxury attainable without breaking the back. In this article, I’m going to point out a few of my favorite luxuries items. In order to be on the list, they either have significantly increase comfort without adding much weight, or they have to significantly decrease weight of existing products without decreasing comfort. #1 Helinox Chair One and Ground Chair I think the single piece of gear that has added more camp luxury for me is the Helinox Chair one.
We initially started carrying one when my wife was nursing my oldest child (now 3). It was such a hit, that we rarely go anywhere without one now. Our little boy loves it too. Helinox Chair One – 2.1lb weight, 320b capacity. Helinox Ground Chair – 1.4lb weight, 264lb capacity. #2 – Helinox Cot Lite What would you give to sleep comfortably on the rockiest ground? I have never used a cot while backpacking, but that’s because there hasn’t been a good, lightweight option available until recently. For those that have a bad back or are sick of not sleeping well in the backcountry, the Helinox Cot Lite might be for you. Helinox Cot Lite – 2.6lb, 265lb capacity. #3 – Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent Light A light in your tent that is only for your tent? Doesn’t a headlamp work for that? Yes, a headlamp works fine, but this big agnes light spreads the not-too-bright light out across the whole tent to allow the users to see everything in the whole tent without anyone being blinded by a headlamp.
This light kit is a string of LED lights that can be attached to the top of your tent from one end to the other. Is it a necessity? And it only weighs a few ounces. Big Agnes mtnGLO Tent Light Accessory Kit – $39.95 #3 – Nemo Helio Shower There are very few things I don’t like about spending lengthy amounts of time in the backcountry. About the only thing I can think of is the inconvenience of staying clean. Many companies have offered shower conversion kits for large water bags. The drawbacks to these options are that you have to hang them high (really high if you’re tall) in order to get any water flow, especially when washing your hair or head. It’s not a huge deal if the right tree is close by, but that isn’t always the case. A few years ago, Nemo came out with the Helio Pressure Shower as an alternative that, in my opinion, is much better. The helio shower is definitely a more convenient option, though it is heavier than the shower conversion kits.
With the Nemo Helio Pressure Shower, you fill the reservoir with water and set it in the sun for a few hours. When the water is warm, pump up the reservoir with air to pressurize the system. Then, spray with the nozzle. The hose is over seven feet long in order to reach the heads of the tallest users. No tree or heavy lifting is required. I’m sure there are many of you out there that think carrying a shower into the backcountry is a little absurd. I definitely agree that it’s unnecessary weight and a quick bath in a stream works just fine. But, the shower is more convenient and can be used not only for showering, but also for kitchen chores or spraying off dirty body parts before climbing into the tent. Of course, when you start talking about activities other than backpacking, that’s where the shower really shines. Spray sand off after surfing or SUPing at the beach, spray yourself or dog off after a muddy mountain bike ride, etc. And this is a perfect car camping accessory kitchen and bath chores.
#4 – Goal Zero Switch 10 Multi-tool kit Some people head into the backcountry to get away from the technological life we all live. Others take the technology with them to help enrich the backcountry experience. If you are the latter, then Goal Zero is your brand. Goal Zero offers a variety of solar charger and battery kits to recharge your phone, GPS, Cameras, tablets, etc. The Goal Zero Switch 10 Multi-tool kits is one of the my favorite GZero items because of its versatility. This USB charger also works as a flashlight or a fan when your tent is a little too warm or muggy. Pair it with the Nomad 7 solar panel and you don’t have to worry about bringing extra batteries. Freeze-dried backpacking food is not a new item. In fact, it’s been around for decades. But, the food has gotten much tastier over the last five years or so. Among the growing selection of meals are a few dessert options. Mountain House is our most popular brand of freeze-dried food.
Their dessert options include Raspberry Crumble, Cheesecake Bites, Apple Crisp, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Neapolitan Ice Cream. Other brands, such as Backpacker’s Pantry and Alpine Aire, have additional options like cobblers and pies available. For some people a Snickers is good enough for an after-dinner snack. But, I must say, on a cold night, warm apple crisp or cobbler really hit the spot. #6 – Nemo Tango Solo and Tango Duo Do you wish your mummy bag wasn’t so mummy-like? Do you wish that your backcountry sleep experience was a little more like your home sleep experience? Take a look at the Nemo Tango Solo and Tango Duo sleep systems. They are essentially a pad with a lightweight bed sheet over it and a cozy, ultralight down comforter than snaps on top. The foot is a highly water-resistant fabric so that your bag doesn’t get wet and your feet get cold. Not only is this system ultra-comfortable, it also weighs less than most high-end sleeping bags of similar warmth.
Gone are the days when you have to stuff your clothes in a stuff sack to use as a pillow. I mean, you’re still welcome to do that if you’d like, but with such a large selection of ultralight pillows, why would you? Maybe tradition, I guess. There are tons of great pillows on the market. I’ll point out a few that I’ve used. These aren’t necessarily better than the others on the market, they are simply the ones that I’ve had experience with and know they’re pretty decent. My experience is that the Nemo Fillo (Orange one) is more comfortable than the Marmot Strato because of a layer of memory foam, but the Marmot pillow is ridiculously small and lightweight. Lay a fleece jacket or merino shirt over the Strato pillow and it is still quite comfy. Every year we are impressed by the new and innovative luxuries for the backpacking market. I’m sure there are many that I’ve missed. I will try to point out other cool new luxury items in subsequent posts.