@@ItsGoodintheWoodsHi! Great video! Subscribed to your channel. I bought such a chair yesterday. Please write the diameter of tennis balls? And the thickness of the tarp? If you can link to these balls
Smart! I bought the chair today and convinced the sales person to sell me the screen on a floor sample just like the one you made. Helinox isn’t selling more screens so making your own is brilliant. I am in Seoul.
My hack is to first remove the feet from the bottom of the legs...This saves 30g (1.05oz) off the weight of the chair, then I fit my two PVC "load spreader tubes" or LST's...One between the back legs and one between the front legs. They are drilled with many 6mm (1/4") holes at regular intervals in each to make them lighter. The two tubes together weigh 85g (2.99oz) but because the chair is now 30g lighter without the feet, they only add 55g (1.94g) to the weight of the chair zero, not 85g. I did not think of the idea but I have developed them to a much higher standard than the originals. I am now using a pair made with my unique coaxial design...The smaller front tube (21.5mm OD) stores away inside the larger back tube (25mm OD), for more compact storage. They simply slide together and roll away inside the chair when I put it away. They offer far more surface area than any type of ball-on-foot hack, they are lighter and cleaner than a groundsheet and rocks and stones don't damage them. The UPVC tubing is ultra cheap to buy, it's tough, easy to clean, completely water/rot/decay proof and the tubes can be easily made at home. I store my Chair Zero inside a Wild Sky Gear DCF draw string storage bag/pouch which weighs 6g (0.21oz)...So the total weight of my Chair Zero, including load spreader tubes and storage bag is 556g (19.62oz). flic.kr/p/2m5Th6Q
That is a really cool hack! Thank you for sharing. My chair weighs 21oz. you have me beat in the weight department! My groundsheet also doubles as the case. Still going strong. I do want to make a lighter one because mine is made from a heavy duty tarp. But it just wont fail! I think with lighter material ( perhaps tyvek) and a bit more clever approach to taping it up, I could drop a few oz. When I made this ground sheet I just threw it together quickly to see if it would work....it does. LOL Thanks again for sharing your hack. That is clever
@@coachhannah2403 The REI Air Chair is not as stable as the Chair Zero so I wouldn't want one, but it does have something that could make the Chair Zero even lighter...The fabric seat of the REI is made of Nylon, so it's quite a bit lighter than the Polyester fabric seat used on the Chair Zero, but, the Chair Zero has a lighter frame than the REI...So a couple of years ago I came up with an idea...Why not fit the lighter fabric seat from the REI onto the lighter frame of Chair Zero and bingo, you would have the lightest folding camp chair in the world by some margin! The only thing that stopped me trying it is having to buy an REI just to act as a donor for the fabric seat...That would make it a very expensive fabric seat, but hey, if it saves another 80-100g off the weight of the chair zero it would surely be money well spent! The other issue is, I don't actually know for sure that the REI fabric seat would fit the Chair Zero...Does anyone on here have both and can confirm if the REI fabric seat fits onto the Chair Zero frame? It would be much appreciated if someone could do this and report the result back here.
@@coachhannah2403 Damn...Only just seen your reply after already buying a used REI from someone in the States. I'm getting it sent via stackry as the postage cost the seller wanted to ship it to the UK was insane.
I really appreciate that. Thank you very much. UA-cam is not about money for me. Meeting likeminded people, networking and sharing ideas. Thats what it's all about here.
With the tarp foot method, you could store items on it by your tent, use it as a kneeling mat, lay out items on it to pack ( if you do not have a tent floor or tenant is not up yet etc). Dyneema cloth, perhaps HMG will come out with a chair and mat combined!
I made a sand “floor” for my chair zero this spring out of a tyvek postal envelope and some duct tape. Doesn’t look as nice as yours, and mine definitely doesn’t tuck in on itself like yours which is very cool. But I was looking to buy the sand attachment one day and just couldn’t justify the cost. I looked around my gear room and on the floor were several of the postal envelopes. About 15 min later, I had a base for my chair! Great minds think alike!
Nice DIY work! That is a good idea. Yes, the cost of the accessories after spending $119 on the chair is too much. I see they sell vibram balls to put on the feet...for $30-$40 ! Now the chair is $160. Thats nuts when a tennis ball or plastic golf ball will do. The tyvek is a good idea. I might need to get some of that and try it. Thanks for stopping by !
My hack: Two safety belts from the scrap yard stitched across with the ends sewn to pockets. But for that you'll need a heavy duty sewing machine capable of stitching through the material.
I removed the legs entirely from my Helinox zero chair and it now weighs 14 oz. I can sit it on the ground and it doesn't sink or on my pad or on my hiking shoes or boots or something around camp if I want to be higher off the ground. I can lean the chair against my pack or my hiking poles to keep it from falling over. Lots of options. The best part is it is 4 oz. lighter and can now justify bringing it more often.
I actually just bought a much less expensive one the other day,and it came with very large add on feet for soft ground. It's great,and you really don't need to spend much money at all. Mine was around $27.00 with the add on feet.
Awesome video. I love the hacks. For some of use disabled folks that chair is extremely hard to get out of as its so low to the ground. I find that splitting a log and putting both pieces under the legs (or flat rocks or even a mound of dirt) adds enough height to make it usable.
Thanks! Another benefit of the groundsheet-which is 60 bucks canadian! Is that you can stick a rock in it to weigh because the chair does tend to blow in the wind. I used a dollar store car sunscreen. Got two out of it. It wont last as long bur it's a quick thing to whip up before a trip. I havent managed to get it perfect enough to use as the case but it still fits in the stuff sack. A chair is my luxury item...so another ounce is worth it for me.
When looking to buy the Helinox Swivel Chair, and recoiling at the price, I came up with a very simple cost benefit analysis! Your chair cost $120 and has a 5 year warranty. $120 over the 5 year warranty period comes out at $24 a year, which is $2 a month! Given the excellent design, very high quality materials, manufacturing and construction, I have no doubt that Helinox gear will still be working well long after the warranty period has expired! So, although the initial outlay may appear high, the benefits of enjoying such beautifully made, very high quality gear for many years at $2 a month is an absolutely fantastic bargain! The quality of my swivel chair greatly exceeded my expectations and I then (after saving up, and waiting for sales or discounts) bought the Helinox Cot One High Leg Kit, and later the Cot One itself, and much later the Stool and (actually an hour ago) the Storage Box XS. I found that using this cost benefit calculation on expensive things makes me appreciate making that one time payment rather than thinking it painful. That apart, thank you for your helpful advice on improving the chair feet inexpensively. These things increase the knowledge base for those of us that like to discover improvements that work and are affordable. Subscribed.
I have been kicking the Tyvec box design in my head for the past 18 months and just today I found some scrap Tyvec by which to build it tomorrow. But making it double as the case - that is clever. Thanks for that idea and the comparative demo. Happy trails.
You can make it just a tad lighter making it like I made the two for mine and my sons chair zero spring of 2019 right after I bought them. Instead of making a tub make some triangles for the corners and sew them into place. Not sure what ours weigh but they are indeed awesome
That ground sheet of yours seams really smart of you!! I purchased mine for som years ago but I can imagine both will do as good as mine on deep snow. To put some stones or sand on the sheet prevent it from sailing away in the wind.
Thank you! I have used this in snow many times now. It has seen its fair share of sandy beaches as well! I like to store a few of my beers in it. That does a pretty good job of keeping it where it should be. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it
Awesome, ground sheet for Chair Zero. I actually have the Helinox ground sheet. Bulky, heavy and hard to wrap up with chair. I am going to use your design and build a more functional ground sheet / bag! Thank you.
The practice golf ball hack worked great!! Had a couple of hours of torrential rain backpacking last week and my chair did not sink. Thanks for posting this.
At first I was like "Wait, I think I HAVE seen this before". Then I realized it was still you from your follow up vid. lol Great recommendations! Look forward to trying it.
Cool idea with golf practice balls. I might try that one. My camp chair hack is I use reflectix to insulate from underneath. For winter/fall camping. I put it together just using duct tape. I wish I could post a pic it turned out pretty cool. Anyway keep up the great content
I saw on Trail Medic's video he used 1/2" pvc T joints. He drilled holes all over them to make them lighter and attached 2 with a thin string that was fed through the base bar of the chair for each side and made sure they were tight enough not to fall off.
Another option is to use the orange plastic safety caps they sell at home improvement stores which slip on the exposed ends of rebar to keep people from being impaled.
@@ItsGoodintheWoods lol. Yeah, If your old enough (I'm 52) you remember going camping as a kid with your parents and putting together a massive tent with a ton of poles and bungee cords weren't a thing yet. You just laid all the poles out and had to figure it out. Seems like it wouldn't weigh alot, but I removed the bungees from a couple UL freestanding tents (poles) and you gain 2 -3 oz. You just have to know how everything fits together.
Great hacks mate, love it! I'll use these methods where I'll combine the mini tennis ball feet with the custom made tarp. I have a hack myself that is a ripper especially on sand as I do alot of beach / 4WD camping being an Aussie residing in Brisbane, Queensland. For 30 years now I've been using my empty tinnies (aluminium cans) as feet. It's the most simple & cost effective solution as I always have cans of Coke / Softdrink, Beer, Bundy Rums, etc when camping so all it takes is crushing it down by foot then using the underside (concave portion) of the can as the foot. I started using this hack discovering it for myself when looking for something that wouldn't let my tarp / tent poles go ascew in the sand. Anyway, great video I'll use it to test out on an upcoming beach camp trip in October on North Stradbroke Island. Have a good one mate 👍
I tried the empty aluminum trick a few times. It works! Please get back to me once you tried the tricks out in October! I'd like to know how it worked out for you. Thanks for watching man!
Cool. I just thought of this - cut two lengths of PVC irrigation tubing ... drill holes for legs to go in ... like mini skis. Drill extra holes in them to make lighter ... and if super serious, remove the little ends that the chair comes with to save weight and make it easier to insert into the PVC holes. Should do the trick.
Thanks so much. I was out last weekend with a Helinox chair that kept punching into the snow! I had brought a board but needed it for the stove. I have also had this problem on beaches when doing coastal hikes. This is a great solution. Going to make one this weekend. BTW I made a homemade tent this summer using your video - we added a window and a zipper door. Haven’t tested it yet but will probably take it out this February. Love the videos - keep them coming.
This is an awesome DIY project! Works great. I actually made mine from a drop of the tarp I used to make the tent! I have often thought of putting a zipper in. What zipper did you use? You are going to enjoy that tent, I am sure of it. Thanks for watching. Happy camping!
I did something similar to the 1st hack with old socks so I could use the chair inside my tent without ripping up the plastic floor. But I like your rubber ball idea better. The 3rd hack has already been addressed with a canvas slip on yu can buy for using the chair on sand at the beach.
The rubber balls work well. I know the ground sheet exists, but these are hacks so you don't have to spend a bunch of money on an already expensive chair. Plus mine serves as the carry case as well!
my hack is tying a tent stake to the chair cross bar; prevents the chair from blowing around/into the fire on a windy day. Second, I loop the carry case around the front legs to use as a pouch for my headlamp, lighter, phone, etc. Lastly I can fit my tent poles into the chair bag....convenient for me.
The balls work well. The tub, yep, you can buy them. Makes an expensive chair real expensive. Mine is free. Lighter, and doubles as a carry case. The tubs you buy don't do that.
I used your method to make one out of a plastic Dog Food Bag. Also my walls are shorter. This allows me to wrap everything around the chair and fit everything into the helinox stuff sack. It weighs in at only 2.6 Oz.
nice one, I'm definitely going to try the tarp thing, the sinking is the reason i don't take it out, and the rolling into a case is genious, of course i don't have the super light chair so this will make a difference
@@LezleysAdventures Get your chair assembled. Then put it on the ground sheet just like you would if you were going to use it. Now grab some tape and tighten the walls up tight against the legs. You want it tight. That should help. You have inspired me to make a video on making one.
I'm sitting in my Helinox right now as I'm watching this. Laziness has kept me from solving this issue and I fall out of my chair at least once a trip.
You can put your cloth in the chair bag, tie the bag to your trekking pole and tie your trekking pole in X shape to support your neck when you sit in the chair
I have an oex chair it came with a floor mat with 4 pockets for the legs to fit in weight wise I carry it on a Honda Africa twin so a couple of oz’s really doesn’t matter. I also tried a friends helinox chair and the oex is more comfortable and sturdier 😂
Sounds like a nice chair. These chairs are made with weight savings in mind. Chair only weighs a pound. So I would hope that all the heavier chairs on the market would be sturdier and more comfortable. Lol. That said, this chair is plenty comfortable for me. When I have it I am always glad I do
@@ItsGoodintheWoods - So far, decently. I actually expect to have to replace it occasionally due to its light construction, but I did add some abrasion resistant material at the ground contact points. Still, 1 oz for a few minutes work...
I actually am in the process of making my own chair like this. Diy the entire chair. I have a couple ideas unrelated to what you've done so you'll just have to wait for the video to drop but I love the tarp idea especially because I helps keep the legs from wanting to spread apart. I'd bet that ups the weight the chair can hold. I have 1 upgrade idea and 1 idea I think companies will steal. I'm excited to show what I've done. It's almost finished.
@hassanhaider866 I finished 1. I 3d printed the parts and found the tent pole pieces for free. They were from a leg slpint thingy that were super strong. I still need to make a video..I was working on it but life happened haha
Great hacks. I know Helinox & Trekology sell a ground sheet for their chair. It’s for the Helinox 1. Not sure it fits on the zero. Golf balls look like a great hack.
They do sell the groundsheets for the chair zero.....but the groundsheets don't serve a dual purpose by being the carry case as well! The golf balls work very well. And you don't have to put them on and take them off every time you use the chair. Put em on once and thats it. The chair still fits in the case. Pretty slick! Thanks for watching Tom
@@ItsGoodintheWoods The Helinox groundsheet is also half a pound, which is a bummer. I need it for the loamy conditions here in the PNW, but it's way overbuilt and that extra 30% kinda sucks when you're trying to save weight in the first place. I like your hack, I'm going to have to try that out and see how long it lasts.
Very cool! Great hacks and awesome presentation on this! Something so simple as a chair makes a huge difference. I just pulled the trigger on a Finnish hunting/ice fishing pack with a seat built in. Price isn’t too bad, about $70 for the pack from Lamnia. cheers, Jess
I don't think it needs to be a bathtub. They sell something like this on amazon, but it's just a flat sheet that has small pockets in every corner for the feet. Nevermind, just noticed you have an updated video.
Good job man. Doesn't it seem like when you even entertain a thought of an improvement, someone with big bucks markets it before you can even share it. Simple solutions seem so illusive. Thanks
Is that Bushcraft ? Bushcrafty ? LOL very cool, Mainedwella gave me some of the plastic golf balls years ago, they work. And you gave me the small tennis balls, they work better. And now your idea ! Are you the first ? That tray could serve a a pee tray ! Just set it up in your hot tent and fire away ! No more ground saturation in the corner ! In the morning just crack out the frozen pee and discard !
Thank you. I'm sure Tyvek would work awesome. As soon as I get my hands on a few scrap pieces I plan to make one and find out. I made this one to see if it would work. 6 months later and this thing is still working like a charm. I am looking forward to seeing how light (and cheap) I can make one and still function and be reliable
really nice gear hack ! Could you help me with some information? I would like to know what is the weight of the chair zero seat, the textile part. I cannot find this information anywhere. thank you very much !
I did not buy one because I knew they would sink into the ground ! good hack make sure they pay you when next gen comes out with it ! I was thinking 2" safety belt square sort of the same configuration !
I have a chair that has a floor like this- Woods Terralite, I think.. It also has a cup holder built in to the floor at the legs. They velcro to the legs to keep them upright. Sorry. I like the golf ball idea though!
Nice bro. Great tips on the chair. Love that bathtub with carry case. 👍🏻👍🏻 I like using a log between my chair to hold it up. Works pretty good. Next time I see you I’m bringing you a UK hat or a Yankees hat 😁😁😁
I remember you using the log last winter! It's log, It's log, it's big it's heavy it's wood. It's log, it's log, It's better than bad, it's good ! I appreciate you appreciation for your favorite teams...but I will burn a yankees hat before I wear one. You have been warned......LOL Winter is coming dude! We will be playing in the snow in no time ! Can't wait !
They do. But that is more money on an already very expensive chair. The hacks are extremely cheap and they work well. I figured this is a good way to help people save some money
I have yet to use one. It is cheaper. No argument there. Says it is one pound, the same weight as the chair zero. I would have to assume that it is quite the bargain at 2/3 the the price. How long have you been using yours? Curious about longevity.
@@ItsGoodintheWoods I used it for 300 miles on the PCT, and for about a year before that. Helinox lies about their weight. The REI is legit lighter, check out Backpacking Light's video on both chairs.
I considered it....but....Manufactured versions of these hacks already exist. I'm just trying to help people save some money. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I recently thought of trying to use sour cream lids as 4 points as a base. I haven't tested it yet but the surface area is there, I just wonder if they are too flimsy and will just fold in on themselves. I need to get 4 lids together before I test it.
Weird....I was literally just talking about this yesterday, Took my REI camp chair to the beach. The level they sink at the beach is even worse. I told my friends I was with...I follow a guy on youtube who uses tennis balls on the bottom and it works great I am going to try that. Today boom....this pops up. lol Have you tested the footprint / case gadget yet? Does it help keep the chair from sinking well?
Timing is everything! LOL . I have tested it! I was on a trip this past weekend ( sorry for the late response ) It works great. I am not sure if you saw it or not, but at the end of the video I demonstrated how each method works in a sandbox. The tarp footprint will absolutely work on sand, and it works very well.. Hardly sinks at all. Check it out if you have not seen that part, it's pretty impressive.
@@ItsGoodintheWoods no worries man. I did not see that part. I usually watch the videos in their entirety. I must have just closed it after the tarp case and assumed it ended. Either way I'll check it out now. I may not get it done by tomorrow. Finally dragging two buddies to the CT River. And wouldn't you know it Hurricane Ida is due to splatter North Stratford on the day we get there with the residual rain. Oh joy.
@@projectknifehand I hope it doesn't get too bad for you guys out there. Camping in the rain can be fun. Keep me posted on how your trip goes down! Enjoy!
@@ItsGoodintheWoods will do. Yeah I'm not excited the storm is getting there the same time we are but we have planned it for months. So ya just go and try to make the best of it. Safely of course.
These chairs are known for sailing in a breeze, so the sand footprint can be used as an anchor: rock or sand in it to hold chair down.
Yes they are. I often put stuff inside the tub to keep it in place
Damn good point! I'm so glad I stumbled onto this DIY.
I’ve used a tent stake and cordage with a bowline knot and taut-line hitch to keep it from blowing away.
@@ItsGoodintheWoodsHi! Great video! Subscribed to your channel. I bought such a chair yesterday. Please write the diameter of tennis balls? And the thickness of the tarp? If you can link to these balls
Smart! I bought the chair today and convinced the sales person to sell me the screen on a floor sample just like the one you made. Helinox isn’t selling more screens so making your own is brilliant. I am in Seoul.
It works very well! Still going strong!
My hack is to first remove the feet from the bottom of the legs...This saves 30g (1.05oz) off the weight of the chair, then I fit my two PVC "load spreader tubes" or LST's...One between the back legs and one between the front legs. They are drilled with many 6mm (1/4") holes at regular intervals in each to make them lighter. The two tubes together weigh 85g (2.99oz) but because the chair is now 30g lighter without the feet, they only add 55g (1.94g) to the weight of the chair zero, not 85g.
I did not think of the idea but I have developed them to a much higher standard than the originals. I am now using a pair made with my unique coaxial design...The smaller front tube (21.5mm OD) stores away inside the larger back tube (25mm OD), for more compact storage. They simply slide together and roll away inside the chair when I put it away. They offer far more surface area than any type of ball-on-foot hack, they are lighter and cleaner than a groundsheet and rocks and stones don't damage them. The UPVC tubing is ultra cheap to buy, it's tough, easy to clean, completely water/rot/decay proof and the tubes can be easily made at home.
I store my Chair Zero inside a Wild Sky Gear DCF draw string storage bag/pouch which weighs 6g (0.21oz)...So the total weight of my Chair Zero, including load spreader tubes and storage bag is 556g (19.62oz). flic.kr/p/2m5Th6Q
That is a really cool hack! Thank you for sharing. My chair weighs 21oz. you have me beat in the weight department! My groundsheet also doubles as the case. Still going strong. I do want to make a lighter one because mine is made from a heavy duty tarp. But it just wont fail! I think with lighter material ( perhaps tyvek) and a bit more clever approach to taping it up, I could drop a few oz. When I made this ground sheet I just threw it together quickly to see if it would work....it does. LOL Thanks again for sharing your hack. That is clever
My 'groundsheet hack' with aluminum sheet feet weighs 25g...
My REI chair, with groundsheet, weighs 16.5 oz.
@@coachhannah2403 The REI Air Chair is not as stable as the Chair Zero so I wouldn't want one, but it does have something that could make the Chair Zero even lighter...The fabric seat of the REI is made of Nylon, so it's quite a bit lighter than the Polyester fabric seat used on the Chair Zero, but, the Chair Zero has a lighter frame than the REI...So a couple of years ago I came up with an idea...Why not fit the lighter fabric seat from the REI onto the lighter frame of Chair Zero and bingo, you would have the lightest folding camp chair in the world by some margin! The only thing that stopped me trying it is having to buy an REI just to act as a donor for the fabric seat...That would make it a very expensive fabric seat, but hey, if it saves another 80-100g off the weight of the chair zero it would surely be money well spent! The other issue is, I don't actually know for sure that the REI fabric seat would fit the Chair Zero...Does anyone on here have both and can confirm if the REI fabric seat fits onto the Chair Zero frame? It would be much appreciated if someone could do this and report the result back here.
@@alfoutdoors9660 - I bought a spare seat for the REI. $20ish? Had plans that never came to be.
I like it.
@@coachhannah2403 Damn...Only just seen your reply after already buying a used REI from someone in the States. I'm getting it sent via stackry as the postage cost the seller wanted to ship it to the UK was insane.
by FAR my favorite camping channel on UA-cam. You're genuine. Anybody less than you would try to sell this idea to the largest bidder.
I really appreciate that. Thank you very much. UA-cam is not about money for me. Meeting likeminded people, networking and sharing ideas. Thats what it's all about here.
With the tarp foot method, you could store items on it by your tent, use it as a kneeling mat, lay out items on it to pack ( if you do not have a tent floor or tenant is not up yet etc).
Dyneema cloth, perhaps HMG will come out with a chair and mat combined!
I think with a creative mind there are many uses for this mat
Not enough material to make Dyneema a good choice unless you have a scrap laying around.
I also use the one I made as a dog food plate which is funny because I made mine out of a dog food plastic bag.
I made a sand “floor” for my chair zero this spring out of a tyvek postal envelope and some duct tape. Doesn’t look as nice as yours, and mine definitely doesn’t tuck in on itself like yours which is very cool. But I was looking to buy the sand attachment one day and just couldn’t justify the cost. I looked around my gear room and on the floor were several of the postal envelopes. About 15 min later, I had a base for my chair! Great minds think alike!
Nice DIY work! That is a good idea. Yes, the cost of the accessories after spending $119 on the chair is too much. I see they sell vibram balls to put on the feet...for $30-$40 ! Now the chair is $160. Thats nuts when a tennis ball or plastic golf ball will do.
The tyvek is a good idea. I might need to get some of that and try it. Thanks for stopping by !
@@ItsGoodintheWoods the postal envelopes are free 😁
Have fun!
@@ItsGoodintheWoods - Cost includes weight. The accessories are very heavy.
My hack: Two safety belts from the scrap yard stitched across with the ends sewn to pockets. But for that you'll need a heavy duty sewing machine capable of stitching through the material.
That is a great idea!!! Thank you for sharing that
Brothers I am a auto tech, and I use seat belts for so many things you wouldn't believe, great asset for nothing
I removed the legs entirely from my Helinox zero chair and it now weighs 14 oz. I can sit it on the ground and it doesn't sink or on my pad or on my hiking shoes or boots or something around camp if I want to be higher off the ground. I can lean the chair against my pack or my hiking poles to keep it from falling over. Lots of options. The best part is it is 4 oz. lighter and can now justify bringing it more often.
That is interesting.
I actually just bought a much less expensive one the other day,and it came with very large add on feet for soft ground. It's great,and you really don't need to spend much money at all. Mine was around $27.00 with the add on feet.
Nice
Awesome video. I love the hacks. For some of use disabled folks that chair is extremely hard to get out of as its so low to the ground. I find that splitting a log and putting both pieces under the legs (or flat rocks or even a mound of dirt) adds enough height to make it usable.
These chairs are quite low to the ground. I can see how that could be an issue for many people. Propping them up is a good idea .
At 5’3”… hasn’t been an issue for me
Thanks! Another benefit of the groundsheet-which is 60 bucks canadian! Is that you can stick a rock in it to weigh because the chair does tend to blow in the wind. I used a dollar store car sunscreen. Got two out of it. It wont last as long bur it's a quick thing to whip up before a trip. I havent managed to get it perfect enough to use as the case but it still fits in the stuff sack. A chair is my luxury item...so another ounce is worth it for me.
That is awesome. It will be interesting to see how well that material holds up. Please keep me posted on how that works out.
Great tips! Literally just got a chair 0 a few weeks ago. Haven’t even taken her on the trail yet. Anything multi use is a win in my book.
That is awesome! I suspect you are going to love that chair.
When looking to buy the Helinox Swivel Chair, and recoiling at the price, I came up with a very simple cost benefit analysis!
Your chair cost $120 and has a 5 year warranty.
$120 over the 5 year warranty period comes out at $24 a year, which is $2 a month!
Given the excellent design, very high quality materials, manufacturing and construction, I have no doubt that Helinox gear will still be working well long after the warranty period has expired!
So, although the initial outlay may appear high, the benefits of enjoying such beautifully made, very high quality gear for many years at $2 a month is an absolutely fantastic bargain!
The quality of my swivel chair greatly exceeded my expectations and I then (after saving up, and waiting for sales or discounts) bought the Helinox Cot One High Leg Kit, and later the Cot One itself, and much later the Stool and (actually an hour ago) the Storage Box XS.
I found that using this cost benefit calculation on expensive things makes me appreciate making that one time payment rather than thinking it painful.
That apart, thank you for your helpful advice on improving the chair feet inexpensively.
These things increase the knowledge base for those of us that like to discover improvements that work and are affordable. Subscribed.
I have been kicking the Tyvec box design in my head for the past 18 months and just today I found some scrap Tyvec by which to build it tomorrow. But making it double as the case - that is clever.
Thanks for that idea and the comparative demo.
Happy trails.
That is awesome! You won't regret it
Definitely the 3rd tarp one. Easy too. Love the wrap up.
I agree! It's my favorite as well, and it works very well.........I just need to make it a bit lighter. I will continue to work on it.
You can make it just a tad lighter making it like I made the two for mine and my sons chair zero spring of 2019 right after I bought them. Instead of making a tub make some triangles for the corners and sew them into place. Not sure what ours weigh but they are indeed awesome
That ground sheet of yours seams really smart of you!! I purchased mine for som years ago but I can imagine both will do as good as mine on deep snow. To put some stones or sand on the sheet prevent it from sailing away in the wind.
Thank you! I have used this in snow many times now. It has seen its fair share of sandy beaches as well! I like to store a few of my beers in it. That does a pretty good job of keeping it where it should be. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it
I love the "my daughter's sandbox" test. Awesome, thank you!
I am glad you liked it Thank you
Seemed like a good place to test it lol
The tarp/carry bag hack also improves the overall strength of the chair too. IMO
I didn't think of that. I bet you are right.
Awesome, ground sheet for Chair Zero. I actually have the Helinox ground sheet. Bulky, heavy and hard to wrap up with chair. I am going to use your design and build a more functional ground sheet / bag! Thank you.
It will be worth it. Mine is served me well and still going strong over a year later
The practice golf ball hack worked great!! Had a couple of hours of torrential rain backpacking last week and my chair did not sink. Thanks for posting this.
Glad to hear the hack worked out for you. What a difference they make
At first I was like "Wait, I think I HAVE seen this before". Then I realized it was still you from your follow up vid. lol
Great recommendations! Look forward to trying it.
Mine is still going strong. It is a worthwhile project if you have the spare material kicking around
Cool idea with golf practice balls. I might try that one. My camp chair hack is I use reflectix to insulate from underneath. For winter/fall camping. I put it together just using duct tape. I wish I could post a pic it turned out pretty cool. Anyway keep up the great content
That is a good idea! Thank you for sharing. Winter is coming! Looking forward to the season!
I saw on Trail Medic's video he used 1/2" pvc T joints. He drilled holes all over them to make them lighter and attached 2 with a thin string that was fed through the base bar of the chair for each side and made sure they were tight enough not to fall off.
That is a good idea
just watched that video and will make some thanks
I was going to 3d print something like it and then i saw this
Another option is to use the orange plastic safety caps they sell at home improvement stores which slip on the exposed ends of rebar to keep people from being impaled.
Great hacks. Nice Job. I removed the internal bungee cords from mine also to lighten it. Still holds together perfectly.
That is an interesting idea
@@ItsGoodintheWoods lol. Yeah, If your old enough (I'm 52) you remember going camping as a kid with your parents and putting together a massive tent with a ton of poles and bungee cords weren't a thing yet. You just laid all the poles out and had to figure it out. Seems like it wouldn't weigh alot, but I removed the bungees from a couple UL freestanding tents (poles) and you gain 2 -3 oz. You just have to know how everything fits together.
Great hacks mate, love it! I'll use these methods where I'll combine the mini tennis ball feet with the custom made tarp.
I have a hack myself that is a ripper especially on sand as I do alot of beach / 4WD camping being an Aussie residing in Brisbane, Queensland.
For 30 years now I've been using my empty tinnies (aluminium cans) as feet. It's the most simple & cost effective solution as I always have cans of Coke / Softdrink, Beer, Bundy Rums, etc when camping so all it takes is crushing it down by foot then using the underside (concave portion) of the can as the foot. I started using this hack discovering it for myself when looking for something that wouldn't let my tarp / tent poles go ascew in the sand.
Anyway, great video I'll use it to test out on an upcoming beach camp trip in October on North Stradbroke Island. Have a good one mate 👍
I tried the empty aluminum trick a few times. It works! Please get back to me once you tried the tricks out in October! I'd like to know how it worked out for you. Thanks for watching man!
Cool. I just thought of this - cut two lengths of PVC irrigation tubing ... drill holes for legs to go in ... like mini skis. Drill extra holes in them to make lighter ... and if super serious, remove the little ends that the chair comes with to save weight and make it easier to insert into the PVC holes. Should do the trick.
Interesting idea.....keep me posted on how it works out
Great idea!! Need to try the tarp hack out for winter. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. I am looking forward to trying this out this winter!
Thanks so much. I was out last weekend with a Helinox chair that kept punching into the snow! I had brought a board but needed it for the stove. I have also had this problem on beaches when doing coastal hikes. This is a great solution. Going to make one this weekend. BTW I made a homemade tent this summer using your video - we added a window and a zipper door. Haven’t tested it yet but will probably take it out this February. Love the videos - keep them coming.
This is an awesome DIY project! Works great. I actually made mine from a drop of the tarp I used to make the tent! I have often thought of putting a zipper in. What zipper did you use? You are going to enjoy that tent, I am sure of it. Thanks for watching. Happy camping!
I have a Mountain Designs chair (same design) that comes with an extra piece of material that does the same thing over the feet. Works well in sand.
It's nice when your chair doesn't sink LOL
I did something similar to the 1st hack with old socks so I could use the chair inside my tent without ripping up the plastic floor. But I like your rubber ball idea better. The 3rd hack has already been addressed with a canvas slip on yu can buy for using the chair on sand at the beach.
The rubber balls work well. I know the ground sheet exists, but these are hacks so you don't have to spend a bunch of money on an already expensive chair. Plus mine serves as the carry case as well!
my hack is tying a tent stake to the chair cross bar; prevents the chair from blowing around/into the fire on a windy day. Second, I loop the carry case around the front legs to use as a pouch for my headlamp, lighter, phone, etc. Lastly I can fit my tent poles into the chair bag....convenient for me.
Nice hack! Thank you for sharing
Crafty double hack. Nice 👌
Thank you. They work!
I saw it here first and several similar hacks scrolling below your video, but thanks for showing me first
Thank you for watching and commenting
This was the first time I've seen this method. Pretty awesome idea.
I have been using mine for over a year now. Still going strong!!
Clever solution to a annoying problem. You can also repurpose the original carry bag.
It works! Mine is still going strong. Thank you for watching and commenting
Great DIY hack. I'm going to try it. Thanks for sharing.
This is a hack worth doing! Please let me know how yours turns out.
Impressive. Simple and so effective 👍
Thank you. It works great. Well over a year later and mine is still going strong!!!
The golf balls!! Genius!! I’ll be doing this. 🦑
They work well! You'll be glad you did it
IQ lvl 1000 for the tarp options -thanks for sharing dude
🤣 Thanks man! Glad you liked it!
Just bought our 2 chairs. first time seeing the balls. saw a tub for sale on line.
The balls work well. The tub, yep, you can buy them. Makes an expensive chair real expensive. Mine is free. Lighter, and doubles as a carry case. The tubs you buy don't do that.
Well done man. Enjoyed the ingenuity. Love the tub floor which doubles as a cover. Great stuff.
Thanks Goat! I have to admit, I am pretty pleased with myself ! LOL Making stuff is fun
This sollution is also making the legs much stronger!
I think so as well.
That’s so cool man! Yeah make it out of a little material and you’re golden!
Thanks man! It works well! I will absolutely be making this out of a lighter material.
Good one, dual-use free hack that actually works.
This hack works! Mine is still going strong
Brilliant!!!
upgrade with tyvek, sew elastic.
I am going to look into the sew elastic! Great suggestion! Thank you
Really cool ideas. Thank you. I just got my chair, and my first trip out it sank. I knew someone in UA-cam land must have came up with a solution!
Every one of these hacks will help. I like the groundsheet hack the best.
I used your method to make one out of a plastic Dog Food Bag. Also my walls are shorter. This allows me to wrap everything around the chair and fit everything into the helinox stuff sack. It weighs in at only 2.6 Oz.
I bet you will get a lot of use out of that
Nice job mate. I use my knee high OR gaiters, they fit perfectly and works really well in sand
That is a good idea! Thanks for sharing
Two straps with a small triangle in each end is lighter and works just as well
I have actually considered that quite a few times. But this groundsheet I made won't die
nice one, I'm definitely going to try the tarp thing, the sinking is the reason i don't take it out, and the rolling into a case is genious, of course i don't have the super light chair so this will make a difference
The tarp hack works extremely well! It will make a huge difference for you.
@@ItsGoodintheWoods I made one! But not very well I dont seem to be able to use it as a case 🤷🏻♀️🤦♀️🤣
@@LezleysAdventures Get your chair assembled. Then put it on the ground sheet just like you would if you were going to use it. Now grab some tape and tighten the walls up tight against the legs. You want it tight. That should help.
You have inspired me to make a video on making one.
Hello. I just released a video that was inspired by your comment! Thanks for the idea. Have a great weekend
@@ItsGoodintheWoods just watched it thanks, now i know where i went wrong lol
Very smart thinking!
Thank you very much
thanks a lot, what a money saver as well!
Still going strong! A worthwhile project for sure
Genius bro! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! They all work well
I'm sitting in my Helinox right now as I'm watching this. Laziness has kept me from solving this issue and I fall out of my chair at least once a trip.
Hahahahahaha!
You can put your cloth in the chair bag, tie the bag to your trekking pole and tie your trekking pole in X shape to support your neck when you sit in the chair
that is a good idea
I have an oex chair it came with a floor mat with 4 pockets for the legs to fit in weight wise I carry it on a Honda Africa twin so a couple of oz’s really doesn’t matter. I also tried a friends helinox chair and the oex is more comfortable and sturdier 😂
Sounds like a nice chair. These chairs are made with weight savings in mind. Chair only weighs a pound. So I would hope that all the heavier chairs on the market would be sturdier and more comfortable. Lol. That said, this chair is plenty comfortable for me. When I have it I am always glad I do
Been lookign at buying 1 of these chairs. i think ill use the plastic ball method for the weight.
These chairs are awesome. If weight is a concern, these are the best chairs out there
you're awesome. keep those hacks comin, brother!
Thanks man! Much appreciated
I used very light ripstop nylon tarp material on the sewing machine. 1 oz. Fits my REI Air.
Awesome! How has it held up?
@@ItsGoodintheWoods - So far, decently. I actually expect to have to replace it occasionally due to its light construction, but I did add some abrasion resistant material at the ground contact points. Still, 1 oz for a few minutes work...
I actually am in the process of making my own chair like this. Diy the entire chair. I have a couple ideas unrelated to what you've done so you'll just have to wait for the video to drop but I love the tarp idea especially because I helps keep the legs from wanting to spread apart. I'd bet that ups the weight the chair can hold. I have 1 upgrade idea and 1 idea I think companies will steal. I'm excited to show what I've done. It's almost finished.
Send some pictures to my email if youd like to share. I am looking forward to seeing what you have come up with
@@ItsGoodintheWoods just emailed you. Hopefully have the video up this week
@hassanhaider866 I finished 1. I 3d printed the parts and found the tent pole pieces for free. They were from a leg slpint thingy that were super strong. I still need to make a video..I was working on it but life happened haha
@hassanhaider866 I'll try to make a short video of it just to have it documented at the very least.
Oh my that is very impressive
Thank you! They work
Great hacks. I know Helinox & Trekology sell a ground sheet for their chair. It’s for the Helinox 1. Not sure it fits on the zero.
Golf balls look like a great hack.
They do sell the groundsheets for the chair zero.....but the groundsheets don't serve a dual purpose by being the carry case as well! The golf balls work very well. And you don't have to put them on and take them off every time you use the chair. Put em on once and thats it. The chair still fits in the case. Pretty slick! Thanks for watching Tom
@@ItsGoodintheWoods The Helinox groundsheet is also half a pound, which is a bummer. I need it for the loamy conditions here in the PNW, but it's way overbuilt and that extra 30% kinda sucks when you're trying to save weight in the first place. I like your hack, I'm going to have to try that out and see how long it lasts.
Awesome idea!
Thank you! They all work well
Very cool! Great hacks and awesome presentation on this! Something so simple as a chair makes a huge difference. I just pulled the trigger on a Finnish hunting/ice fishing pack with a seat built in. Price isn’t too bad, about $70 for the pack from Lamnia.
cheers,
Jess
Awesome! Thank you! I hope you enjoy your chair. They are nice to have
Creative&Crafty dig it brotha!!😁✌💚
Hell yeah bro!
Great hack. Chair is worth the money if you are a backpacker. Makes room for another IPA! 😁👍🌿
Exactly!!!
That's a great idea!
Thank you!
Awesome hacks!
Thank you. They work
Great hacks bud,I’ve been using silicone coasters under each leg,lightweight,don’t hold water & cheap👍
That is a good idea.
Definitely Cool, thanks
Give it a try! It works.
Great idea.
Thank you. They all work great. Either method is an improvement
Wow! great hack.
Thanks Doc ! It works ! Extremely well !
I don't think it needs to be a bathtub. They sell something like this on amazon, but it's just a flat sheet that has small pockets in every corner for the feet. Nevermind, just noticed you have an updated video.
Brilliant! Thanks for your sharing
Glad you enjoyed it! These hacks work!
Good job man. Doesn't it seem like when you even entertain a thought of an improvement, someone with big bucks markets it before you can even share it. Simple solutions seem so illusive. Thanks
Thanks Kirk. There are similar options you can buy, but the money all adds up. I'd rather make it myself if I can.
Great ideas there. I have chair buddies on my helinox. Work great but more bulky. Sold in the uk, not sure about USA. Atb 👍
Thank you. I have never heard of chair buddies, I'll have to look them up
@It's Good in the Woods work really well and not too heavy at 5.4oz but that includes a zipped storage bag.
@It's Good in the Woods paleohikerMD did a review on the chair buddies so must be available in the 🇺🇸
Great hack love it great video
Thank you Kevin! These hacks is awesome, especially the ground sheet! It works very well. I am looking forward to using it on the snow this season....
You could braid a "x" pattern made from Paracord for the legs that would be multi functional
A clever idea!
That’s sweet man!!!! Nice!
Thanks Mark.
Is that Bushcraft ? Bushcrafty ? LOL very cool, Mainedwella gave me some of the plastic golf balls years ago, they work. And you gave me the small tennis balls, they work better. And now your idea ! Are you the first ? That tray could serve a a pee tray ! Just set it up in your hot tent and fire away ! No more ground saturation in the corner ! In the morning just crack out the frozen pee and discard !
I'm not sure about the pee tray idea........
@@ItsGoodintheWoods 😂
Awesome suggestions, I wonder how tyvek would go for the bathtub floor. I also have some scrap Sil nylon around that I could use 🤔
Thank you. I'm sure Tyvek would work awesome. As soon as I get my hands on a few scrap pieces I plan to make one and find out.
I made this one to see if it would work. 6 months later and this thing is still working like a charm. I am looking forward to seeing how light (and cheap) I can make one and still function and be reliable
@@ItsGoodintheWoods you should do a DIY video. I can work out how you made it from the video, others might not be able to though.
@@rowansheppard4062 I did, here is the link ua-cam.com/video/OkcHnMhEwZs/v-deo.html&t
BRILLIANT ! 👍👍
Thank you
I bought my Chair Zero for 84.99USD no tax, free ship. Forget where, but I just Googled the chair it the website popped up quick.
That is a really good deal. They are going for $120 now
really nice gear hack ! Could you help me with some information? I would like to know what is the weight of the chair zero seat, the textile part. I cannot find this information anywhere. thank you very much !
My scale says 5oz
@@ItsGoodintheWoods thanks!!!!
@@taturanaification You're welcome!
Pvc T pieces. 2 pairs, each pair connected with some elastic.
Solid!
The 'Ground Chair" is the best if only it was taller. It's hell to get up out of them.
LOL! It sure is.
Good job man.
Thanks for the visit!
Great video!
Thank you
Pretty damn clever!
Thank you very much
I did not buy one because I knew they would sink into the ground !
good hack make sure they pay you when next gen comes out with it !
I was thinking 2" safety belt square sort of the same configuration !
These hacks make a huge difference in performance. And they are cheap! I have been thinking of some sort of strap configuration as well.....
I have a chair that has a floor like this- Woods Terralite, I think.. It also has a cup holder built in to the floor at the legs. They velcro to the legs to keep them upright. Sorry. I like the golf ball idea though!
I know the ground sheets are available. But are they free? And does it double as the carry sack?
Nice bro. Great tips on the chair. Love that bathtub with carry case. 👍🏻👍🏻
I like using a log between my chair to hold it up. Works pretty good.
Next time I see you I’m bringing you a UK hat or a Yankees hat 😁😁😁
That’s it, I can’t hang out with you anymore ! Boston Strong !
@@MeetMeOutside 😂😂😂
@@BackpackingWithJason 😂😂
I remember you using the log last winter!
It's log, It's log, it's big it's heavy it's wood.
It's log, it's log, It's better than bad, it's good !
I appreciate you appreciation for your favorite teams...but I will burn a yankees hat before I wear one. You have been warned......LOL
Winter is coming dude! We will be playing in the snow in no time ! Can't wait !
Boston Strong !
I think the manufacturers produce their own version of your Hacks
They do. But that is more money on an already very expensive chair. The hacks are extremely cheap and they work well. I figured this is a good way to help people save some money
you're right!
Thank you
Spreading a towel under it works at the beach.
The best camp chair on the market is the REI Flexlite Air. It is lighter, cheaper, and (for me) more comfortable than the Helinox.
I have yet to use one. It is cheaper. No argument there. Says it is one pound, the same weight as the chair zero. I would have to assume that it is quite the bargain at 2/3 the the price. How long have you been using yours? Curious about longevity.
@@ItsGoodintheWoods I used it for 300 miles on the PCT, and for about a year before that.
Helinox lies about their weight. The REI is legit lighter, check out Backpacking Light's video on both chairs.
Need to start making those out of some good materials and sell them.
I considered it....but....Manufactured versions of these hacks already exist. I'm just trying to help people save some money. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I recently thought of trying to use sour cream lids as 4 points as a base. I haven't tested it yet but the surface area is there, I just wonder if they are too flimsy and will just fold in on themselves. I need to get 4 lids together before I test it.
No harm in trying!
Nice, dude!!!!
Thanks man!
Weird....I was literally just talking about this yesterday, Took my REI camp chair to the beach. The level they sink at the beach is even worse. I told my friends I was with...I follow a guy on youtube who uses tennis balls on the bottom and it works great I am going to try that. Today boom....this pops up. lol Have you tested the footprint / case gadget yet? Does it help keep the chair from sinking well?
Timing is everything! LOL . I have tested it! I was on a trip this past weekend ( sorry for the late response ) It works great. I am not sure if you saw it or not, but at the end of the video I demonstrated how each method works in a sandbox. The tarp footprint will absolutely work on sand, and it works very well.. Hardly sinks at all. Check it out if you have not seen that part, it's pretty impressive.
@@ItsGoodintheWoods no worries man. I did not see that part. I usually watch the videos in their entirety. I must have just closed it after the tarp case and assumed it ended. Either way I'll check it out now. I may not get it done by tomorrow. Finally dragging two buddies to the CT River. And wouldn't you know it Hurricane Ida is due to splatter North Stratford on the day we get there with the residual rain. Oh joy.
@@projectknifehand I hope it doesn't get too bad for you guys out there. Camping in the rain can be fun. Keep me posted on how your trip goes down! Enjoy!
@@ItsGoodintheWoods will do. Yeah I'm not excited the storm is getting there the same time we are but we have planned it for months. So ya just go and try to make the best of it. Safely of course.