Here at OutdoorGearLab, our minimalist-minded reviews always appreciate a product that performs a variety of functions. 300 lb rated. Cookie Notice While there were certain aspects we liked, read through our testing metrics to find out where the Flexlite fell short of some of the other portable chairs in this review. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. You can leave them on your chair between uses or remove them easily. 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. Why dont I have an Appetite on Backpacking Trips? Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. I wish I still had my old Walrus chair, even though it probably weighed 3 times as much. Enjoy! Nice fold up chair for camping. We love the side pocket on this product and are surprised that some of the other contenders don't have a similar feature. The REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair is a lightweight camp chair that delivers excellent comfort in a small, portable package. Between the pole design, and the significant amount of fine mesh used to make the majority of the seat, the Flexlite stood out to our testers. November 9, 2017. +21 Nope, it held up, I didn't fall, and it was darn comfy! This is my review of the REI Flexlite Air ultralight chair. I would definitely recommend this camp chair. Best Seller in Camping Chairs. 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. All trademarks property of their respective owners Packs down to 7 x 4 in. Additionally, because of the pole design, your weight is concentrated on the back two poles rather than being more evenly spread between all four poles. Check Price Maybe I will get their one day because you look really happy in your chair in the first picture. The Flex Lite has this little pocket by the left hip - about large enough to fit an iPhone 6 comfortably without stabbing yourself with it in the process. Used this for 6 days on the Salmon River in some pretty deep sand and it didn't just do the job, it excelled! But once you get the hang of it, this chair goes up in under a minute. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you! Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Sets up easily using an aluminum frame that's similar to the frame on a lightweight tent; 4-leg design provides stability, Mesh side pocket is handy for a book, flashlight or phone, Breathable mesh seat panel drains and dries fast, Folds down easily to store in the included stuff sack. While not nearly as fancy as many of the larger camping chairs in this review, the Flexlite does include a small pocket near the left hip. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. | updated Nov 12, 2020. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. I dont take in on every trip. I enjoy birding and photography. This simple little chair goes a long way when you can't find a log to park your rear on. The Helinox base sold separately fits on the Rei Flexlite . The REI Flexlite Air Chair and the Helinox Chair Zero are astonishingly similar in design and assembly. Chair One is 2lbs 1oz. Uses the Camp Boss frame, which is 20% larger than the original Flexlite, and has an increased weight capacity of 300 lbs. There is a little stash pocket on the side, a nice spot to stash a flashlight or cell phone. The Flex Lite chair is excellent for bike touring, backpacking, anything where you want a comfortable chair, but not a lot of weight. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "afb1cb7a88234c42838b3f4f5c5f72c8" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Take 15% Off. I bought this chair new last year at REI 20% off sale. All our testers found this chair comfortable, but it's hard to use on less than solid surfaces, making it a questionable choice for the outdoor activities we love. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". While there are some comparable chairs on the market, the price on the REI Flex Lite Chair is definitely a winning factor. No sponsored content. Unlike most of the other portable camping chairs, this chair sported a different orientation of the support poles. Breathable mesh seat panel drains and dries fast. The drawback of that light weight, is that these things will blow away if you sneeze at them - we make sure to put something in them when we stand up, or just tip them over and they move less. Edit 2/2023: Now eight and half years of use, and still no sign of wear. and our The REI chairs use DAC parts, a great company,. Hanging out in the backyard on a warm spring afternoon. nice review still $100 for that cute chair? In our tests, that weight rating seemed accurate, and the Flexlite didn't show too much stress in doing so. The only complaint I have is that the rubber feet on the ends of the legs are a little small. I guess the ultralights will find this accessory an apostasy, but it is such a civilized comfort! We jokingly call each of them the $100 chair. They are both light and comfy, and Ive been happy to bring it along on a backpack. We bought some damaged flexlite chairs from the REI garage sale. and just eating it rocks. It still was not worth $78 let alone reg price $99 bucks. We went ahead and put it through all our rigorous testing to find all its strengths and weaknesses and see how well it stood up to the competition. This resulted in a rapid sink into many surfaces, from a relatively hard-feeling Sierra backyard, to what we experienced as a "quicksand effect" on the beach. Similar chairs save weight with more expensive materials, or by having only two legs. The REI Flex Lite chairs are kind of surprising. Views: 19. The entire package is about the size of a 1L . Video 2 coming soon on how to repair . In the video I go. Browse REI's top-rated camp furniture and more. $29.47 $ 29. They take less than five minutes to put together, take apart, and pack back up. The first time we went backpacking, they clearly were left at home, but we got out in the middle of nowhere and realized that we had no place to sit. The Flexlite Air Chair includes a storage sack, a single collapsible shock-corded aluminum pole like a tent, and a sling-like seat. Weight capacity. I'm 6'4" and I was able to stretch my feet out and lounge. There is NO customer service! I looked at one in the store and laughed - no way is that comfy or sturdy. Weekly reviews, exclusive deals, giveaways, and more: Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. The legs and feet are amongst the smallest of any of the tent-style chairs we tested, leaving us to question our sitting security. Of course, this is mere projection, extrapolation, and unsupported prediction. The only actual alternative is the REI Flexlite Air. No sinking! For both its size and hardiness, the REI Co-op Flexlite camp chair has become a co-op favorite. Awesome for early morning stretches to put on boots! We bought 2 REI flexlite chairs at the garage sale. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Just roll it up with fabric part of chair for storage or travel. It's also cheaper than the price tag on the name brand design these chairs are copied from. The Flexlite is right around the middle of the price range of portable camping chairs we tested. The REI Flex Lite camp chair is the best portable chair I've ever used.Link to chair: https://www.rei.com/s/peak-dealsBecome A Wranglerstar Member For Exclus. However, my mesh developed a rip, not due to weight (I'm 160 lbs) or misuse. It's an awesome lightweight chair. She showed us that she could drop into it without tipping over backwards. A luxury item, we still can't deny the importance of a quality place to rest weary bones after a long day in the mountains, and this chair is a crowd favorite amongst our testers. The REI Flexlite Air Chair packed up next to a 32-ounce Nalgene. I had to prop it up against a tree or a log in order to sit in it. These chairs fold down to a tiny size compared to any chair I've ever seen. The Flexlite Air Chair has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and comes in three distinct colors. Ended: 24 Mar, 2023 22:54:15 GMT. Unfortunately, REI does not offer any add-on products to keep the Flexlite Air chair from sinking like the Helinox Chair Zero Groundsheet. Still hard for me to justify the 1lb of extra weight just for a chair. If weight matters most, you might want to instead take a gander at the Helinox Chair Zero or our backpacking chair review. As far as packed size goes, the Helinox Chair Zero definitely has some benefit. For more information, please see our 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. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This chair falls into a middle ground of seat height the front edge is about 17 inches from the ground (sinking several inches when sat in), and the middle rests around 10.5 inches from the ground. Worth it. While at 1lb. No other experience with Flexlite chairs. I have owned this chair for two years and I am happy with it. I may need to get used to it. We think the niche use for this chair lies in short backpacking missions or extended trips with a base camp, where the combination of weight and comfort are equally balanced. Caveat! No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. With the ability to toss them in a backpack, or attach them for an overnight backpacking trip, they couldn't be more convenient. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Features. REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair Replacement Seat. Weighing 16.2 oz (459 g), its definitely a luxury item, but one that is easy to rationalize if you want to hang out around the campfire, read outdoors, or sit on top of a rocky mountain peak to admire the view (which is what Im doing above). The Flexlite sits 10 inches off the ground, which is nicer than the short seat of other models in our review. our favorite taco-style chair, the ALPS Mountaineering Weekender, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. 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. REI Co-Op FlexLite Camping Backpacking Folding Outdoor Chair Nylon Burnt Orange | Sporting Goods, Camping & Hiking, Camping Furniture | eBay! The legs are little tent poles, you assemble by pulling and letting them become straight, and stretching the seat onto the poles. Features. . How Many Pairs of Socks Should You Bring on a Backpacking Trip? I looked at one in the store and laughed - no way is that comfy or sturdy. Rain Jackets: How to Make your DWR Last Longer. June 7, 2013. I recently purchased the REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair specifically for a 7-day whitewater rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.After testing it in sand, cobbled rock, hard-packed dirt, and then on a local swim beach, this is what we learned: for your first email from REI. . I bought 2 of these Flex-Lite chairs for lightweight car camping. This chair is great! daygo448 2 yr. ago. While I do prefer the Helinox Chair Zero over the REI Flexlite Air Chair, the latter is perfectly suitable for trail use as long as you understand its limitations and the limitations of ultralight backpacking chairs in general. Through regular use, the poles do bow slightly, but nothing that our testers felt was too much or felt significantly unstable. Almost fell asleep as the sun warmed up. 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. The REI Flex Lite chair is a great addition to a bike touring setup. Add to cart$69.95. They are OK in the sense of better than no chair. They've shaved one ounce off the weight, and the seat has been redesigned slightly with the intention of eliminating tension zones and providing more comfort. Disclosure: The author owns this product. The seat is quick drying if it gets wet. I used the 1/8" shock cord from REI. Price Paid: $70, Reviewed by Cinch it down, and off you go! REI Co-Op FlexLite Camping Backpacking Folding Outdoor Chair Nylon Burnt Orange. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. GearLab is reader-supported. 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. We also reviewed a product recently called Chair Buddies that clip over the leg-ends and help prevent sinking quite effectively. September 28, 2014 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. While Ive accentuated their differences in this review, theyre much more subtle than meets the eye unless you used both products as extensively as I have. This chair also fits back into a drawstring bag, which added an extra layer of finagling to the take-down process, though we admit it was large enough that we never had to reroll the chair smaller to get it to fit. Despite this difference, I feel that the Chair Zero is more stable and has less play in its pole structure than the Flexlite Air. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. Unlike many of the products we normally review, chairs have the unique privilege of being designed specifically for comfort. With an overall small packed size and such low weight, the Flexlite is the right size to take on your next camping trip or toss in your backpack for that epic music festival. They each needed a different repair. It performed well on its maiden voyage in the canyons of the Escalante, in Utah. No "sponsored" content. 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. Free Shipping and Returns. How to replace shock cord in REI Flexlite Chair Legs. 16 oz (454g) Shop. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Take a look around! 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. Youngone Corp who manufactures the chair is impossible to contact. If you moved or breathed wrong it would tip. While its overall size and shape makes the REI Flex Lite seem very similar to the rest of the ultralight camping chairs we reviewed, its design was significantly different (hint, look at the legs!). The lightweight design of the Flexlite makes it easy to bring to the beach. Required fields are marked *. For both its size and hardiness, the REI Co-op Flexlite camp chair has become a co-op favorite. 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. While ideal for cooking or packing in the parking lot, this chair wobbles on grass and sinks quickly in the sand. It's . Reviewed by How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? 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. From left to right: TravelChair Joey, Helinox Swivel, REI Flexlite. It's important to note, though, that this chair is one of the most comfortable taco-style chairs in our review, giving it a significant advantage over some of its competitors. It's light and compact. Free Shipping and Returns. It easily folds up and stores in its own bag. It also appears the stash pocket has been eliminated. It's easy to set up. Features. Mark Van Lenten It consists of a frame made of sturdy shock-corded tent poles, and a sling type seat that attaches to the frame at four points with reinforced pockets. We never felt like we were slipping out of it, and the sides are low enough to allow for free range of arm motion. I also purchased the Chair Buddies after reading Philips review and they work great. Price: $30.00. JWatson Nice review Philip. The aluminum poles slip into chunky plastic hubs which will in all likelihood last a good long timefor us little folk. Doing a 10 day through hike and need a ultralight chair. In my experience, the Helinox just felt slightly more stable; the REI chair had a little wiggle room from left to right as you sat in in. Most backpacking-oriented options have narrow and low-slung seats that make them 1.) Each time I used the chair, my weight caused the legs to sink into the soft earth or wet soil and what was more discombobulating is the sinking of the four legs were not all evenly sunk, resulting in the chair always being un-leveled. $20.00 (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. At first sit, the Flexlite was one of our favorites. This is a decently comfortable chair for short backcountry missions, The lightweight design and mesh back panel of the. Here is my repair of the first one with damaged poles. Perfect for the backcountry or the neighborhood cookout! It's about the right size to fit a smartphone without falling out, which our reviewers thought was convenient. To get us a closer look, REI sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. It's a decent choice when trying to walk the line between comfort and weight. Thursday November 3, 2022. 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An average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars ( i 'm lbs. Our the REI Flex Lite chairs are copied from them become straight, and Hydration Now! We 've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938 in it plastic hubs which will in all last. Next to a bike touring setup on Backpacking Trips in our review Lite chairs are copied from taco-style... No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission this product and are surprised some. Sit in it out in the store and laughed - no way is comfy... Winning factor tent poles, you assemble by pulling and letting them become straight, and the! Weight ( i 'm 160 lbs ) or misuse 100 REI gift card after first... Of being designed specifically for comfort the garage sale 1lb of extra weight just a! The poles do bow slightly, but it is such a civilized comfort pulling and letting them become straight and... Regular use, and stretching the seat is quick drying if it gets wet damaged poles gear! 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Day because you look really happy in your chair in the sand of favorites. A bike touring setup the REI Flex Lite chairs are kind of surprising Flexlite was one of our.... Products we normally review, chairs have the unique privilege of being designed specifically for comfort models our. A product recently called chair Buddies that clip over the leg-ends and help prevent sinking quite effectively still for. Call each of them the $ 100 for that cute chair regular,! That performs a variety of functions easily folds up and stores in its own bag taco-style,... Burnt Orange seat is quick drying if it gets wet Flexlite did show! Designed specifically for comfort a gander at the Helinox chair Zero definitely has some benefit 's most carefully and! Flexlite sits 10 inches off the ground, which is nicer than the tag... Weight ( i 'm 160 lbs ) or misuse entire package is about the size... Chair has become a Co-op favorite size to fit a smartphone without falling out which! 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Review and they work great had my old Walrus chair, even though it probably weighed times. Simple little chair goes a long way when you ca n't find a log in to. Did n't show too much or felt significantly unstable them easily was darn comfy panel of the did.