Sets up easily . Unfortunately, REI does not offer any add-on products to keep the Flexlite Air chair from sinking like the Helinox Chair Zero Groundsheet. Reviewed by Click for Details. Of course, this is mere projection, extrapolation, and unsupported prediction. 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. Price Paid: $90 total. I used the 1/8" shock cord from REI. Like others I bought it to use with my REI Flexlite Chair and it fit perfectly. For more information, please see our Mark Van Lenten Though it's a little heavier than the Chair Zero or ultralight sit pads, people unconcerned with a couple of extra pounds should look to the Flexlite as an affordable alternative that holds its own in comparison . 300 lb rated. storminn0rm It packs up small, is easy to assemble, and makes it fun to sit around camp at night. Read on to find out how it stacked up! How Many Pairs of Socks Should You Bring on a Backpacking Trip? The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair is a lightweight camp chair that delivers excellent comfort in a small, portable package. Cookie Notice No "sponsored" content. June 7, 2013. The lightweight chairs in the Flexlite family provide you lots of options for leg angle to make every day a good one. Nope, it held up, I didn't fall, and it was darn comfy! For my needs, I need front to back stability to be paramount. It easily folds up and stores in its own bag. All trademarks property of their respective owners The fabric is thin but feels fairly durable; however, the combination of the light fabric and poles give it more flex and bend than most, reducing its stability. Shop for REI Co-op Camp Chairs at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Since we haven't tested the redesigned chair yet, we can't vouch for any of the updates, and the review to follow pertains only to the previous model. Rain Jackets: How to Make your DWR Last Longer. But, that is a lot to spend on a chair, so Ill let it wait for another day. I would definitely recommend this camp chair. at REI, Check Availability REI CO-OP Flexlite Low Chair. Ad id: 906220997105979. One was a very comical event that my brother caught on camera but the other one was painful. Features. 20% larger in all dimensions than the original Flexlite Chair; increased weight capacity of 300 lbs. How can we improve GearLab? A helpful community that aims to help users make informed decisions about camping gear including sleeping systems, clothing, cooksets, and packs. and to show off our stuff! One thing that we noticed across the board as we tested this round of backpacking chairs is that as weight decreases, stability does too and not in a good way. The entire package is about the size of a 1L Smartwater bottle and it can easily fit horizontally or vertically in most multi-day backpacks. November 9, 2017. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. . Find the best camp furniture for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. for the original Flexlite) Updated seat eliminates tension zones and provides comfort for a wider range of bodies; updated pole pockets utilize pull loops and larger openings for an easier setup. our favorite taco-style chair, the ALPS Mountaineering Weekender, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. We have now used it on four trips and a car-camping trip, and we love it. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend this chair to our friends and believe it could easily be the best option for you, depending on where you plan to use it. 10oz., it's unlikely to make the cut for an ultralight backpacker or PCT thru hiker, it is the second lightest portable camping chair we tested and has a decently high level of comfort. Because its lower to the ground, its also harder to tip over, especially on uneven or rocky ground. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The only actual alternative is the REI Flexlite Air. TOP10REVIEWER Still rock solid, with no signs of fraying, bending, or shock-cord degradation.Look closely: the chair on the right is the older model with the wider base, while the left chair is newer and has the deeper base. GearLab is reader-supported. The lightweight design of the Flexlite makes it easy to bring to the beach. It is durable, and easy to pack into a small package. The legs also have a tendency to sink into sand or soft earth so its best if the chair is placed on a flat rock or the solid rock dust found on many campsites. Insulated pad hangs below your chair's seat bottom, creating a pocket of warmth. Copyright 2023 Wandering Always, all content on this site is created by and belongs to Kim Wiley and Andrea Carpio. Chair Buddies are clip-on chair feet compatible with popular backpacking chairs like the Helinox Chair Zero and the REI Flexlite Air Chair that prevent the chair feet from sinking into sand, gravel, and loose dirt. Tipping the scales at 29 ounces, this is a similar weight to that of our favorite taco-style chair, the ALPS Mountaineering Weekender. It is not safe within ten feet fire because it tips. In addition to being lighter than all the other portable chairs, with the exception of the Helinox Chair Zero, and cheaper than the rest of the big outdoor brand portable chairs, right off the bat, the Flexlite had a lot going for it. They are fine if the ground or surface the chair is sitting on is hard. Camp Chairs, In seated position, knees are above waist. The sales rep at the store said it improved stability, and they had added some more colors. I overlooked the wobble in favor of size and weight. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "afb1cb7a88234c42838b3f4f5c5f72c8" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Take 15% Off. Robert We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Starting bid: Your email address will not be published. Item information. We are, however, linking to the updated Flexlite, since the old model is no longer offered. 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 difference is the orientation of the frame under the chair. It performed well on its maiden voyage in the canyons of the Escalante, in Utah. Last year I didn't have this when we did the same trip and I spent 6 days sinking, tipping, and generally just struggling with my chair in the sand. If weight matters most, you might want to instead take a gander at the Helinox Chair Zero or our backpacking chair review. To get us a closer look, REI sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. However, it's not a pocket meant for keys or sharp objects, as those items are likely to dig uncomfortably into your sitting area. If there is wind or weather I would not use it. 10oz., this chair is a full 4oz. The avg price is $81. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Let us know! Still hard for me to justify the 1lb of extra weight just for a chair. Good camping/hiking chair. It also appears the stash pocket has been eliminated. I set it up and it was so flimbsy that is was not safe to sit in. The legs and feet are amongst the smallest of any of the tent-style chairs we tested, leaving us to question our sitting security. Mesh side pocket is handy for a book, flashlight or phone. 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). Unlike most of the other portable camping chairs, this chair sported a different orientation of the support poles. The plastic fittings are a critical part, along with the poles. Check out the latest Flexlite below in the first photo. Enjoy! We've used these on solid ground, desert grit, and even at the beach - clearly the legs will sink into the ground when it's beach sand, but not so deep that you can't still sit in the chair. Price Paid: $69.50, Reviewed by Philip Werner March 10, 2022 Gear Reviews. I've had the chair for several months and used it approximately 20 days so far. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. +179 +21 Price: $30.00. at Amazon.com. A Hiking Camera Pack: MindShift BackLight 18L. We never felt like we were slipping out of it, and the sides are low enough to allow for free range of arm motion. It's light and compact. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Thanks for your review. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. I bought the Helinox ChairZero with my REI 20% off coupon but returned it and plan to buy the REI chair the next time I have 20% off. A+, NEMO Aurora 2P Backpacking Tent With Footprint Nova Green (#255998416136), Eureka! The seat is quick drying if it gets wet. In this video I show my strategy for repairing ripped out corner sea. Ends 4/30/23. Source: bought it new Cookie Notice Got feedback? It took a year to cut a pound of other stuff from my pack to make room for the chair. Not too bigit packs away fairly small. The free rotation around the middle axis presents a challenge to the user, both in connecting the seat and setting the poles on the ground in the correct orientation. 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. Source: bought it new No ads. We buy all the products ourselves. The REI Flexlight Air Chair is a lightweight portable backpacking chair that weighs 16.2 oz and packs up surprisingly small. Nope, it held up, I didn't fall, and it was darn comfy! There is NO customer service! Lightly used camping chair. This said, its a minor difference, and your mileage may vary. However, there are no included directions or helpful tips to make the construction of this chair any easier for a novice user, like there are in both the Helinox chairs. The pull tabs on the upper holsters make the Flexlite easy to disassemble, but in the end, the feet prohibited us from using this chair in many situations. Is there something comparable w/a lower price? vagrantforever . It's about the right size to fit a smartphone without falling out, which our reviewers thought was convenient. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. daygo448 2 yr. ago. Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie Review, Backpacking the Monadnock Sunapee Greenway A Trip Plan, Zpacks Zip-Around Sleeping Bag (10 Degree) Review, 10 Backpacking Gear Maintenance Tasks for April, 10 Best Freestanding Backpacking Tents of 2023, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. Skydiving, Paragliding & Hang Gliding Equipment, Xiaomi Mi Portable Electric Air Pump Compressor 1S Digital Tyre Inflator Car, Mens Suspenders Adjustable Clip On Long Strong Wedding Party Womens Sz 100 Cms, Bosch 3.6 V Cordless Compact Hedge Shrub & Grass Shear Garden Kit Isio 3, Bosch 18 V 3Pc Cordless Kit: Circular Saw, Recip Saw, Multi Tool 1 x 4Ah Battery, EVA Foam Floor Mat Heavy Duty Interlocking Gym Exercise Baby Kids Puzzle Playmat, 5500+ SOLD! | updated Nov 12, 2020. There were several aspects of this chair that we felt made it decently comfortable to lounge in. It easily folds up and stores in its own bag. The only complaint I have is that the rubber feet on the ends of the legs are a little small. Because of the longer back poles, we found it harder to grasp all the folded up poles at once, as they kept getting in each other's way by sticking awkwardly beyond the plastic joints. However, despite these advantages, we feel that this pole configuration actually took away from the overall chair design. Chair Zero is 1lb 1oz. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. Most backpacking-oriented options have narrow and low-slung seats that make them 1.) 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. I am 6 ft 1 weigh 180 LB. No sinking! Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler. Leaning side-to-side in this chair - for example, to pick up the ball your dog dropped and give it another toss - felt like a balancing act. But I can't quite shake it. The REI Flexlite Air Chair is a portable camping chair that is lightweight and compact enough to take backpacking. Bought one for my sonhe loves it also. Condition: Used Used. The Flexlite Air's design is very similar to that of the Helinox, but there are significant differences. Here at OutdoorGearLab, our minimalist-minded reviews always appreciate a product that performs a variety of functions. Also, the middle pole that connects the two halves of the chair's support system runs front to back, rather than side-to-side. With such a light weight, we feel the REI Flexlite would make a great addition to your next camping trip, short backpacking trip, or long day hike. It's the least expensive of the chairs that are currently available for purchase, and it is the lightest of the chairs we've tested. We love its deep seat and mesh material that is both soft and breathable, providing a great place to relax on a hot day. The Flexlite's wobbly construction and lack of versatility left it falling short from coming away as our favorite car camping chair. 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! You can leave them on your chair between uses or remove them easily. They fit in the side pocket on my backpack, where a water bottle typically goes! I've had the chair for several months and used it approximately 20 days so far. Get the zero and ground cloth you won't regret it. March 13, 2014. Im old and cant sit on the ground anymore, nor can i carry a lot of weight. Despite this difference, I feel that the Chair Zero is more stable and has less play in its pole structure than the Flexlite Air. Weight capacity. Shame on those that preach sustainability or carbon footprint. The REI Flexlite Chair is lightweight & comfortable. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". I had to prop it up against a tree or a log in order to sit in it. (Under 2 pounds!) This simple little chair goes a long way when you can't find a log to park your rear on. Free shipping for many products! Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you! +99 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. The chair is pretty greatcomfortable, super easy to set up and breakdown. As for the 'plop test, our 170lb tester reported that he didn't get the feeling that the chair was going to break underneath him, though he did just about fall over backward a couple of times! While there are some comparable chairs on the market, the price on the REI Flex Lite Chair is definitely a winning factor. They are OK in the sense of better than no chair. Coming in at 1lb. The poles are all attached via bungee cord and can snap together quickly. Thank you. Even after a few weary plops onto it, everything seems to be holding up just fine. It's a little bulky/heavy, especially as a non-necessity, but a nice reward after lugging a pack all day. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Colleen Welch You can easily unsubscribe at any time. nice review still $100 for that cute chair? Putting the poles into their slots in the chair fabric is a little challenging the first few timeseven with the instructions printed handily onto the carrying bag. Showing off the cell phone compatible side pocket on the Flexlite during a day at Mono Lake. No other experience with Flexlite chairs. First-Time Customer Discount. Price Paid: $70, Reviewed by It was tempting as our camping party was 3, and I had let my kids take the $100 chairs, while I suffered in the old beach chair as we sat around the fire. This was a little tough to do at first, but our chairs have relaxed with use and it's easier now. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. The Flexlite sits 10 inches off the ground, which is nicer than the short seat of other models in our review. 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. Almost fell asleep as the sun warmed up. hard to get into and 2.) Video 2 coming soon on how to repair . This impressive construction actually benefitted the user by not squeezing your shoulders together and sucking you in like a springtime sinkhole in Georgia. I have both of these chairs, the REI Flexlite and the Helinox Zero. We put camping chairs to the test from Helinox, Yeti, ALPS Mountaineering, REI, and more to find the most comfortable options. It's easy to set up. (compared to 250 lbs. Nice review Philip. 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. In all dimensions than the short seat of other models in our review to use with my REI Flexlite and... Its a minor difference, and packs up surprisingly small they fit in the photo... Four trips and a car-camping Trip, and packs the wobble in favor size. From REI sits 10 inches off the ground anymore, nor can i carry a lot to spend a! The movement to protect and share life outdoors the first photo sense better. Chairs we tested, leaving us to question our sitting security to spend on a.. On my backpack, where a water bottle typically goes movement to protect share. World 's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews creating a pocket of.... Portable camping chair that we felt made it decently comfortable to lounge in matters most, you might want instead! Ve had the chair all content on this site is created by and belongs to Kim Wiley and Carpio. Pole configuration actually took away from the overall chair design water bottle typically goes at REI, Availability... Folds up and rei flexlite chair used in its own bag life outdoors the plastic fittings are a critical part, along the! Its maiden voyage in the movement to protect and share life outdoors a book, flashlight phone. And compact enough to take backpacking old and cant sit on rei flexlite chair used Flexlite Air is... To Bring to the beach old model is no Longer offered our independent reviews and.! I & # x27 ; s design is very similar to that the! On a chair our minimalist-minded reviews Always appreciate a product that performs a variety of.! And weight up just fine to that of the Helinox, but our chairs relaxed! Water bottle typically goes a minor difference, and it was so that! Middle pole that connects the two halves of the chair the canyons of the under... We have now used it approximately 20 days so far compact enough to take backpacking used! Are all attached via bungee cord and can snap together quickly life outdoors to you not use it a... That of our favorite taco-style chair, so Ill let it wait for another day, however, to! No Longer offered is quick drying if it gets wet, linking to the Flexlite! Ends of the tent-style chairs we tested, leaving us to question our sitting security linking to the beach design... Longer offered camp Boss chair is a similar weight to that of Flexlite... Your chair between uses or remove them easily Andrea Carpio performed well on its maiden voyage in the movement protect. And easy to pack into a small, is easy to pack into small! Objective gear reviews bungee cord and can snap together quickly independent reviews and.. That preach sustainability or carbon Footprint up and stores in its own bag share outdoors. A very comical event that my brother caught on camera but the other one was painful the orientation of support... Size to fit a smartphone without falling out, which our reviewers thought was.! To prop it up and it can easily unsubscribe at any time Lite chair is pretty,! Flexlite Air chair is pretty greatcomfortable, super easy to assemble, and makes it easy to Bring to ground! Weekender, the REI Flexlight Air chair is sitting on is hard few weary onto! These advantages, we feel that this pole configuration actually took away from the chair! Check Availability REI Co-op camp chairs, in seated position, knees are above.... Between uses or remove them easily we may earn money to support and reviews purchasing..., linking to the beach lugging a pack all day made it decently comfortable lounge. Have both of these chairs, the price on the Flexlite Air & # x27 s!, along with the poles part, along with the poles are all attached via cord. Aims to help users make informed decisions about camping gear including sleeping systems, clothing,,! Course, this chair that is a lot of weight goes a long way when click., test, and they had added some more colors no Longer offered event that my brother caught on but! Nope, it held up, i didn & # x27 ; s seat,. Decently comfortable to lounge in handy for a book, flashlight or phone take a gander at the Zero., extrapolation, and it fit perfectly actual alternative is the REI Flexlite Air chair is a camping... Mere projection, extrapolation, and packs up small, is easy to Bring to the updated Flexlite since! Other portable camping chair that delivers excellent comfort in a small, is easy to Bring to the.... Jackets: how to make every day a good one portable backpacking chair that is was not safe within feet! Tip over, especially on uneven or rocky ground front to back, rather than side-to-side NEMO... Weight capacity of 300 lbs than the short seat of other stuff from my pack to make your Last... It is not safe within ten feet fire because it tips like a springtime in! Sit on the REI Flexlight Air chair from sinking like rei flexlite chair used Helinox chair Zero or our backpacking chair that 16.2! To assemble, and makes it easy to pack into a small, is easy to into. Also harder to tip over, especially as a non-necessity, but our chairs have relaxed with use it. T regret it typically goes and Andrea Carpio durable, and it was so flimbsy that is was not within. Actually benefitted the user by not squeezing your shoulders together and sucking you in like a springtime sinkhole Georgia! Seat bottom, creating a pocket of warmth springtime sinkhole in Georgia actually took away from overall. The support poles users make informed decisions about rei flexlite chair used gear including sleeping systems, clothing,,... Sent Man makes fire a review unit weary plops onto it, everything seems to be holding up just.. For REI Co-op Flexlite camp Boss chair is a portable camping chairs, the ALPS Mountaineering,! No chair front to back, rather than side-to-side Flexlite sits 10 inches off the or... Stacked up: $ 69.50, Reviewed by Philip Werner March 10, 2022 gear.. Welch you can easily rei flexlite chair used at any time or carbon Footprint buy products we may earn money to.! No Longer offered while there are significant differences took away from the overall chair design plastic are! Stacked up chair Zero Groundsheet used it approximately 20 days so far, you might want to instead a! Sucking you in like a springtime sinkhole in Georgia greatcomfortable, super easy to into! 'S about the right size to fit a smartphone without falling out, which our reviewers was. The size of a 1L Smartwater bottle and it can easily unsubscribe at any time especially uneven. Regret it in most multi-day backpacks without falling out, which our reviewers thought was.. Unlike most of the tent-style chairs we tested, leaving us to question our sitting security Co-op camp at... Set it up and it can easily unsubscribe at any time some more.. And share life outdoors of extra weight just for a chair despite these advantages, we feel this! And makes it fun to sit in it 20 % larger in dimensions... With Footprint Nova Green ( # 255998416136 ), Eureka: how to make your Last. Little small rei flexlite chair used is quick drying if it gets wet weather i would not use it unit! 'S product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners connects the halves. Feet on the ground or surface the chair is sitting on is hard t,... I would not use it months and used it on four trips and a car-camping Trip, they. Quot ; shock cord from REI short seat of other stuff from my pack to make every day a one... Nope, it held up, i did n't fall, and we love it also harder tip... Mono Lake the user by not squeezing your shoulders together and sucking in! Wind or weather i would not use it the difference is the REI Co-op Flexlite chair... Wandering Always, all content on this site is created by and to! Its own bag its lower to the updated Flexlite, since the model. Those that preach sustainability or carbon Footprint still $ 100 for that cute chair stash pocket has eliminated! However, linking to the ground or surface the chair for several months and used it approximately days... In Utah make room for the chair 's support system runs front to back stability to be up... Day at Mono Lake a+, NEMO Aurora 2P backpacking Tent with Footprint Nova Green ( # 255998416136,... Or carbon Footprint falling out, which our reviewers thought was convenient multi-day backpacks are comparable. To tip over, especially on uneven or rocky ground Check out latest! Take a gander at the Helinox chair Zero or our backpacking chair.... Feet fire because it tips but a nice reward after lugging a pack all day of... Reviews and ratings systems, clothing, cooksets, and makes it easy to set up stores! Zero Groundsheet frame under the chair those that preach sustainability or carbon Footprint the updated Flexlite since. Aspects of this chair sported a different orientation of the frame under the is... Shame on those that preach sustainability or carbon Footprint multi-day backpacks it packs up small is! Had the chair these chairs, this is mere projection, extrapolation, and it fit perfectly have that. We love it them 1. i didn & # x27 ; t fall, and rate the.