Okay so I’ve been digging into the new Helinox Chair One (re) situation, and I need to give it a proper write-up because Helinox didn’t just release one updated chair — they released two. There’s the standard Chair One (re) and the new Chair One High-Back (re), and depending on what kind of camper you are, the choice between them is actually worth thinking about.
I haven’t had a chance to haul either of these out on the trail yet (spring cannot come fast enough — Mailbox is still buried in snow and I am dying over here), but I’ve gone through everything Helinox put out on these and I’m genuinely excited. Let me break it all down.
The Big News: What Changed
Both chairs are built around a completely new design philosophy Helinox is calling (re)Tension Design. Here’s the nerdy part — and call me a nerd if you want, but this is actually cool. The original Chair One, which came out back in 2012, was designed by literally flipping tent architecture upside down. Instead of a tension line overhead holding up a tent structure, the tension line runs under you, supporting your weight. That’s what made it so light and packable while still being usable as an actual chair.
The (re) versions take that concept further by adding a second tension line within the perimeter of the chair. So instead of all your weight funneling straight down through one line, it gets distributed around the frame. The result is a more comfortable sit and a more stable feel — which, after a long day on the trail, is exactly what I want when I finally get to just sit down and stare at trees for a while. 🌲
Both versions also feature:
- Redesigned nylon resin hubs for better stability
- Frame that’s 30% taller than the original Chair One (huge deal for getting in and out)
- Repurposed aluminum in the frame — made from scrap shavings left on the factory floor, processed back into usable alloy by DAC. Not just a marketing claim, it’s a legit manufacturing process they developed specifically for these chairs
- bluesign®-certified recycled 300D polyester fabric with mesh panels for ventilation
- Integrated side pocket (finally!!!)
- New TPU molded corner pockets for extra durability and easier setup
- Shock-corded poles for fast, intuitive assembly
- 320 lb capacity
- 5-year warranty
So What’s the Difference Between the Two?
Simple version: the High-Back (re) adds a taller backrest that gives you shoulder and upper back support. The standard (re) cuts off lower, more like a traditional camp chair back. You pay $30 more for the high-back, it’s a little heavier, and it packs slightly larger. Here’s how they stack up:
| Chair One (re) | Chair One High-Back (re) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.95 | $169.95 |
| Assembled Height | 28 in | 35 in |
| Assembled Width | 22.5 in | 22.5 in |
| Assembled Depth | 20.5 in | 26 in |
| Packed Size | 15.5″ x 5.5″ x 4.5″ | 18″ x 6″ x 4.5″ |
| Packed Weight | 2 lbs 7.5 oz | 2 lbs 13 oz |
| Capacity | 320 lbs | 320 lbs |
| Back Support | Standard | Full shoulder & upper back |
| Colors Available | 10 | 10 |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re a backpacker counting every ounce, the standard Chair One (re) at 2 lbs 7.5 oz is the move. It’s lighter, packs smaller, and at $139.95 leaves a little more budget for, I don’t know, snacks.
If you’re car camping, doing base camp setups, or you have any kind of lower back or shoulder situation going on — or you just like actually relaxing in camp instead of perching — the High-Back (re) at $169.95 is worth the extra weight and cost. That extra 7 inches of assembled height on the back makes a real difference for long evenings around the fire.
Personally? I HATE being cold and uncomfortable in camp 🥶 and I already spend enough miles hunched over a trekking pole. The high-back is calling my name. But I could also see throwing the standard in my pack for a Wonderland Trail trip where every ounce matters. I’m genuinely torn. What do you think — are you a standard or high-back person?
A Note on the Original Chair One
Worth mentioning: Helinox isn’t retiring the original Chair One. It’s staying in the lineup at $99.95, so if budget is the primary concern and you just need a solid, proven ultralight camp chair, that’s still a perfectly good option. But if you’re buying new and the price difference is workable, the (re) versions are the upgrade I’d go for. The comfort improvement from the dual tension system sounds genuinely noticeable, not just marketing fluff.
You can also find the standard Chair One (re) at REI if you want to shop there.
Has anyone gotten to sit in one of these yet? I’d love to know how the new tension system actually feels in the field before I pull the trigger on which version to get. Drop a comment! ⛺️🥾
