The 2.4-pound ultralight camp chair that fits in a daypack side pocket
Is this the right fit?
- Best for
- ultralight backpackers, bikepackers, festival-goers who hike from the parking lot, and beach-day commuters who can't fit a folding chair in the trunk
- Skip if
- Seat sits 11 inches off the ground, fine for camping but uncomfortable for anyone with knee or hip issues
- Check before ordering
- Confirm the dimensions, exact model, included parts and return terms on the Amazon listing before ordering.
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Naturehike's YL08 is a 2.38-pound aluminum-frame chair that packs down to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle and supports up to 265 pounds. The frame uses 7075-aluminum poles (the stronger backpacking-grade alloy, not the cheaper 6061) that snap together with shock-corded ends, so setup runs about 15 seconds. The seat fabric is 600D Oxford with anti-sinking feet that disc into sand or soft dirt without burying the chair frame. Best fit: ultralight backpackers, bikepackers, festival-goers who hike from the parking lot, and beach-day commuters who can't fit a folding chair in the trunk. Skip if you want a proper recliner. The seat sits low (about 11 inches off the ground) and the back doesn't tilt.
Pros
- 2.38 lbs total, lighter than a 1-liter water bottle and packs to the size of one
- 7075 aluminum frame (the stronger backpacking-grade alloy, not budget 6061)
- Anti-sinking disc feet keep the chair stable on sand and soft dirt, no burying
- 16,900+ Amazon reviews holding 4.3 stars, the proven Helinox alternative at a third of the price
Cons
- Seat sits 11 inches off the ground, fine for camping but uncomfortable for anyone with knee or hip issues
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from a Helinox Chair Zero?
Same form factor, same setup process, similar weight (Helinox is 1.1 lb lighter), but Naturehike sells at roughly a third of the price. The Helinox frame uses DAC poles which are slightly more refined; in actual use, the difference is unnoticeable unless you're counting grams for a thru-hike.
Will the frame snap if I lean back hard?
The 7075-aluminum frame is rated to 265 lbs of static weight, but the design assumes you sit centered. Aggressive leaning, rocking, or rough handling can stress the corner joints. Multiple long-term reviews show frames holding up for 200+ camp nights with normal use.
Does it work on the beach?
Yes, the anti-sinking feet (those plastic discs at the bottom of each leg) keep the chair from burying in soft sand. Without them, the legs would punch straight through and the chair would collapse forward.
What's the carry size when packed?
Roughly 14 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches, about the size of a 1-liter water bottle. It fits in the side mesh pocket of most 40L-and-up backpacks.
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