Source: bought it new Most backpacking-oriented options have narrow and low-slung seats that make them 1.) Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. Nope, it held up, I didn't fall, and it was darn comfy! When you're done, the poles break down just like a tent, the seat folds in half, and it rolls up around the legs and slides right into the bag. We like theREI Flexlite a lot, but had a hard time finding the exact right application for it. The REI Flex Lite chairs are kind of surprising. 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. Here is my repair of the first one with damaged poles. in A cheap alternative to the ultralight chairs is the new . I bought it so I can get off the groung to relax by a fire and eat. Even after a few weary plops onto it, everything seems to be holding up just fine. While there are some comparable chairs on the market, the price on the REI Flex Lite Chair is definitely a winning factor. Get the zero and ground cloth you won't regret it. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. March 13, 2014. Before I bought it, I convinced myself that Id rather sit on a rock or a fallen tree when cooking dinner on backpacking trips or bring a small foam pad to sit on instead. 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. It's also cheaper than the price tag on the name brand design these chairs are copied from. High seat and breathable fabric, yet isn't as sturdy as other chairs in this review, and sinks more than average in sand. We bought 2 REI flexlite chairs at the garage sale. 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. 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 REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer is an interesting camping chair that combines elements of hammocking, rocking, and lounging. Ripstop nylon shell is lightweight, durable and dries quickly; elastic corners fit securely over seat edge. The seat is small, the back is low, and the pocket for . The poles are all attached via bungee cord and can snap together quickly. Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler. Though not the smallest packed portable camping chair, the Flex Lite was the second lightest in this review! But I can't quite shake it. Our testing team added "stability" as a category as there were truly some chairs we were afraid to sit in for fear of tipping over! It's easy to set up. Its dead simple to set up or pack away. Side to side stability on REI Flexlite chairs, with such a unique leg/frame design, is the lowest in comparison to other chairs, from my experience, too narrow, folded 0.5 inch shorter than Helinox Zero frame. I know it is heavier but it is sturdy only $22. No sinking! Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews. Required fields are marked *. However, despite these advantages, we feel that this pole configuration actually took away from the overall chair design. And talk about easy set p, but I am a little worried about the shock cord going slack at some point but probably won't happen for years to come. The only other chair we tested with as much mesh was the all-mesh version of the Helinox Beach Chair. But it just doesn't feel monstrously durable. But after a few tries, the whole thing slips together with ease. Unlike most of the other portable camping chairs, this chair sported a different orientation of the support poles. The REI Flexlite Air Chair is best used on solid surfaces like rock so it doesn't sink into the ground. The avg price is $81. It is not safe within ten feet fire because it tips. This is a keeper! Activate an email alert and buy or sell for the best market price Works well in car camping too, useful if space is at a premium such as in a smaller vehicle. June 3, 2018 +14 How to replace shock cord in REI Flexlite Chair Legs. Free shipping for many products! 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. Gear Review: REI Co-Op Flexlite Chair Underquilt. We had two major complaints about the comfort of the Flexlite - the stability was, well, not very stable and it sank farther into the sand than any of the other portable camping chairs we tested. +99 Another difference I noticed is that the front of the REI Flexlite seat cuts into my legs. 1-48 of 115 results for "rei flexlite chair" Results. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. All trademarks property of their respective owners Join once, enjoy forever. 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 . Packs down to 7 x 4 in. This chair is great! 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. While we really liked the comfort of certain features of this chair, the overall pole design made this the most unbalanced chair on regular surfaces, and the chair that sank the most on soft surfaces. I've had the chair for several months and used it approximately 20 days so far. I dont think its as good a product as the slightly heavier Helinox Chair Zero (see our full review) but it is a very close second and less expensive. Plastic discs clip onto legs that are up to 13mm (1/2) in . This is a decently comfortable chair for short backcountry missions, The lightweight design and mesh back panel of the. So they are essentially a $90 throwaway. The REI Co-op Flexlite intrigued us from the moment we first set it up. Value for money is unmatched. If you moved or breathed wrong it would tip. Mark Van Lenten 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. This said, its a minor difference, and your mileage may vary. Its ripstop seat and tentlike frame surpass our durability testsand fans' bring-it-anywhere tests, too. 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. We have always used those big "bag chairs" that were a hit in the 2000's for camping seating. vagrantforever . Trailspace's community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top camp chairs. 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. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? The legs and feet are amongst the smallest of any of the tent-style chairs we tested, leaving us to question our sitting security. REIs frame goes front to back, the Helinox one goes side to side. Then I had a seat, somewhat hesitantly, waiting to hit the ground. A great companion for a hot summer day at the Buttermilks. The Flexlite is a worthy option for people who like the idea of a backpacking chair but can't justify spending hundreds of dollars on something that has such limited application. 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. I've had the chair for several months and used it approximately 20 days so far. One solution is to cut holes inpractice golf balls (looks like a wiffle ball) and fit them over the leg-ends. Another Orange County Pelagic Birding Trip! Add to cart$69.95. The REI Co-op Flexlite intrigued us from the moment we first set it up. Let us know! Insulated pad hangs below your chair's seat bottom, creating a pocket of warmth. There is NO customer service or even an email. In the video I go. Almost fell asleep as the sun warmed up. Not too bigit packs away fairly small. 8/17/2022: Compare 24 prices of used Rei flexlite chair from all sites. Finally got to use my Flex Lite in the backcountry of the Sangres near Crestone, Colorado! The REI Flex Lite has multiple types of carrying handles, helping you get this chair more easily from A to B to C to. (Left to right: Helinox Chair Zero, Helinox Chair One, Moon Lence Ultralite, REI Flex Lite, Onepack Ultralight). Cookie Notice Reviewed by It weighs a hair less, costs less, and, IMO, is pretty dang great. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. I am going to sell it before this spring hiking season. REI's Flexlite Air Chair is a decent option, especially for folks who want to save a few dollars. The chair has sling-style seat with four reinforced corners that fit over the ends of the poles when attaching it to the frame, making it dead simple to assemble manually without any tools. June 7, 2013. The REI Flexlite Air Chair is a portable camping chair that is lightweight and compact enough to take backpacking. It easily folds up and stores in its own bag. Chair .5 is 1lb 8oz and this one is 1lb 5oz. Everyone's got their luxury item (or two, or three) and one of ours is the REI Co-op Flexlite . 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. We'll send you a few emails every week. They are great, comfortable and heavy, huge. However, if the ground is soft, the legs sink into it and can cause the chair to tip over. Despite this difference, I feel that the Chair Zero is more stable and has less play in its pole structure than the Flexlite Air. How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? The lightweight chairs in the Flexlite family provide you lots of options for leg angle to make every day a good one. Features. 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. You might consider bringing it to your next backyard bonfire or barbecue. Its ripstop seat and tentlike frame surpass our durability te. Good camping/hiking chair. Love the REI flexlite. Would love a 1 lb chair, the Helinox seems to b le best in class, but also $150. The Flexlite Air Chair includes a storage sack, a single collapsible shock-corded aluminum pole like a tent, and a sling-like seat. OUTDOOR-RESEARCH: 20% off all full-priced rain jackets, pants, and hats with Coupon Code "APRILSHOWERS". Reproduction without permission is prohibited. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. 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. Unfortunately, REI does not offer any add-on products to keep the Flexlite Air chair from sinking like the Helinox Chair Zero Groundsheet. While ideal for cooking or packing in the parking lot, this chair wobbles on grass and sinks quickly in the sand. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. This chair has to have hard dry earth or slab rock to be of much use. 20% larger in all dimensions than the original Flexlite Chair; increased weight capacity of 300 lbs. It still was not worth $78 let alone reg price $99 bucks. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Condition: Used Used. I like both chairs. Price Paid: $90 total. The legs were quick to pop off the ground and destabilize the user. The plastic fittings are a critical part, along with the poles. November 9, 2017. +1,516 I bought this chair new last year at REI 20% off sale. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. I am 6 ft 1 weigh 180 LB. We can't say we'd recommend plopping down onto this chair, though it seems sturdy enough to take it if you do. Features. Also, the middle pole that connects the two halves of the chair's support system runs front to back, rather than side-to-side. For my needs, I need front to back stability to be paramount. $20.00 (2) 2 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. While our reviewers didn't like its tippy nature, they loved the higher, more upright seat, less constricting feel, breathable mostly mesh seat, and secret hip pocket. As far as the Flexlite goes, we only enjoyed this chair until we put it on an uneven surface. No ads. We put camping chairs to the test from Helinox, Yeti, ALPS Mountaineering, REI, and more to find the most comfortable options. You can leave them on your chair between uses or remove them easily. It didn't take long to realize that some kind of sitting device should exist for backpacking. They are fine if the ground or surface the chair is sitting on is hard. In all, it's great to be off the ground. We buy all the products ourselves. Unlike many of the products we normally review, chairs have the unique privilege of being designed specifically for comfort. 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. Ultimately chose the REI on price ($20 less) and comfort with REI products. The Flexlite sits 10 inches off the ground, which is nicer than the short seat of other models in our review. After testing in the store, I decided that having four legs and not having to hold myself steady was well worth the extra weight, as was the money saved on basic aluminum over titanium or other strange alloys. An email class, but had a seat, somewhat hesitantly, waiting to hit the ground and the. Be off the ground and destabilize the user one, Moon Lence Ultralite, REI Flex Lite in Flexlite... Tag on the market, the whole thing slips together with ease is. Pad hangs below your chair & quot ; REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer is interesting! System runs front to back stability to be of much use and lounging in a alternative... 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