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Recreational outdoor sitters everywhere will have something special to look forward to as camp furniture brand Helinox has unveiled an updated version of its most popular Chair One camp chair, dubbed simply Chair One (re). This parentheses-rich upgrade brings enhanced comfort, a stronger and recycled aluminum frame, and other smaller tweaks to improve its overall offering among the broad landscape of compact camp chairs. As a longtime fan of Helinox and firm believer that the South Korean manufacturer does in fact make the best camp chairs in the game (just look at how every other brand has copied their signature design as proof), we've been testing the new verison and are excited to share a review of the new Helinox Chair One (re) vs the original Chair One.
Before we dive into the tech spec nerdery around the updated design, a warning that a direct comparison with the original Chair One can be a bit misleading. Though both the Chair One and new Chair One (re) feature a 320 lb load capacity, the new Chair One (re) is actually slightly heavier at 2 lbs 7.5 oz packed vs 1 lb 15 oz of the original, and slightly larger when packed down (photo below). It's also a bit pricier ($120 vs $100). That said, it does sit 30% higher and feature a number of other upgrades. Read on to dig into why I think this update is well worth an extra twenty bucks and your bum's comfort.
Uncovering the source of the (re) name addition led me to (re)Tension Design technology, a calculated addition of a second tensioning line tracing the suspended seat’s circumference. Located inside its contact point with its supporting frame, this second band improves the weight distribution onto the aluminum frame and provides a more stable experience.
The seat material continues to use a Bluesign-certified and recycled polyester material, but there is a sizable shift from a 600-denier poly on the original Chair One to a lighter 300-denier on the new Chair One (re). This change to a 50% lighter fabric fortifies the improvement brought on by the design, “the increased stability of the (re) tension line enabled us to change the spec to a lighter material yet maintain the same durability," Karl Fritzsche, Global Product Manager at Helinox tells us.
Supporting the redesigned seat also comes a refreshed frame made from repurposed aluminum material collected in Helinox’s manufacturing process. A refreshed nylon hub design creates a more durable connection to the recycled aluminum tubes, whose underseat cross bar now rests at a 30% higher position than the original Chair One for improved accessibility. Like the Chair One, the Chair One (re) continues to support 320 pounds of weight.
Feature-wise, you’ll find an added open flap pocket from larger chair models (e.g., Chair Two), which adds simple, convenient storage for small items. Pro tip: stash your headlamp here while enjoying an early evening campfire, and you won’t have to rummage around your tent looking for it once the sun sets.
For even more comfort, an additional Chair One High-Back (re) ($150) model adds seven inches of support and brings us right into headrest territory. A built-in flap along the headrest portion captures the carrying case, which acts as a legit pillow once stuffed with an extra jacket.
While the introduction of Helinox’s new Chair One (re) and Chair One High-Back (re) bring notable comfort and stability improvements, the brand plans to keep the original Chair One model in the lineup as a more affordable entry-point piece. With the $20 price difference of the original model also comes a considerable 5-ounce discount, though the one-pound Chair Zero continues to reign as the brand’s lightest compact camp chair.
By employing more sustainable materials and refining its design, Helinox has made a noticeable upgrade to a brand staple product. From where I'm sitting, Helinox certainly renews my belief in the brand as the gold standard for camp chair design and comfort with the Chair One (re). Be sure to put one on your gear list this season and level up your recreation sitting game.
Published 03-04-2025
