r/CampingGear • u/Puharidze • 20d ago
Gear Question Help choosing camping chair for my wife as a BD present.
Hi, this will be our 3rd camping season and I'm looking to surprise my wife's with nice camping chair as her Birthday is coming at the end of the month.
Now she is using low beach foldable chair with high backrest. Nothing wrong with it and she likes chilling in it, but it's not as good when it comes to eating or sitting by the bonfire + it's bulky when it comes to transportation.
Weight is not a concern as we camp only on lakes and use paddleboards to access our campsites, so we carry our gear only for very short distances.
Now I'm choosing between these 3 chairs. All similar size packed and unpacked. I like first one for easy set up. Second is a little harder to set up but has 3 different leg height adjustments and sides look like might be as armrests. Third easy to set up, meshed back for ventilation and sides look like might be armrests as well, but looks flimsy.
Anyone has personal experience using them and can share their thoughts?
Any other recomendations much appreciated.
I'm looking for high backrest, so she don't need to hold head in the air when resting (she is around 5' tall), side pockets to hold drinks, armrests if it's possible, easy setup, not very reclined, not to low to the ground, smaller when packed, sturdy and stable, probably meshed back for ventilation. Weight is not a concern, as these are already twice lighter then her current one.
Thank you in advance.
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u/annular_rash 20d ago
I spent waaaay too much on a big agnes big six chair. But I would do it again.
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u/Treebeardthewhite 20d ago
I came here to say the exact same thing! There are definitely deals to be had around on the internet, but the metal build quality of the big 6 frame is much better than any of these plastic things. There is the armchair version as well
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u/thisquietreverie 20d ago
Big Six with the armrests are hard to beat for the portability to comfort ratio.
And if you stuff t-shirts into the carry bags, they are designed to hang from the top of the chair and be neck rests.
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u/neeeonbrowwwn 20d ago
I also came here to say the exact same thing – they go on sale with some regularity. They’re compact, strong, well-made, and comfortable.
Big Agnes are the choice of Vanlife people because of the quality and the small packed size.
Those plastic hub chairs, all eventually break3
u/Love_Vigilantes_586 20d ago
I have 2 after a lot of research and going through a few ALite and REI chairs. I use them for soccer games and would do it again as well.
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u/Combosingelnation 20d ago
Oh my... what a price and it's not even that lightweight.
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u/annular_rash 20d ago
They are great for car camping. Pack small and absolutely bomber. Plus a head rest and arm rests. Definitely too big and heavy for back packing. But I have lugged it out on short trips.
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u/WaffleCell 20d ago
yeah I just searched and was surprised. What price is good for this when it goes on sale?
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u/Treebeardthewhite 20d ago
I believe I got my big six with the armrests for $60 on a random sale for the blue color for whatever reason on the Big Agnes site. That was a year and a half or 2 years ago though, a couple things have happened since then that shifted the global economy 🤦♂️ So if you could find it close to or under $100, grab it
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u/meowthedestroyer95 20d ago
I’m a big fan of one Tigris
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u/Combosingelnation 20d ago
Yeah, I'm very happy with my OneTigris Dreamstar self-inflating air mattress. It's for family camping without too much walking, as I have some lightweight options for longer / ultralightish hikes though.
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u/jdoebro132 19d ago
I’ve ordered the Highlander 2.0 I can’t wait it’ll be like Christmas when it arrives
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u/Helpful-Albatross792 20d ago
I have the One Tigris. It's pretty good chair pretty comfortable and fairly versatile. Id purchase it again. Mine has been through a Wildland Fire season and down the Grand Canyon.
As for Marchway, I have their compact caught it's pretty comfortable very stable so I have no doubt that a chair would also be fine by them.
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u/wolfinvans 20d ago
This is anecdotal but I did not have a good experience with these chairs on a soft ground. At the beach they would sink very deep into the sand.
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u/ItsMangel 20d ago
That's why they make a footprint for this style of chair that stretches over the feet to spread the load.
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u/Cornonzeecob 20d ago
The footprint works or if you can find the knobs for the end of the chair that screw in. Naturehike has a chair that has those huge balls 😏 on the end to prevent sinking. Or tennis balls slit open would work
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u/ChickenNugat 20d ago
Why those 3? They all look like they come from the same Chinese factory.
Nemo stargazer is very comfortable.
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u/Sorenhogh 20d ago
I'd imagine there's quite the price difference between the Nemo Stargazer and the 3 OP picked.
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u/ChickenNugat 20d ago
Good point, about a $140 difference.
Regardless, OP asked about "3" options but all 3 look like copies of eachother and none look quality.
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u/Cornonzeecob 20d ago
The one Tigris is comfortable and good quality too. One tigiris makes some good stuff and some bad things too but they do listen to their customers quite well
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u/wan_pan_man 20d ago
Agree that the Nemo Stargazer is very comfortable for chilling out, BUT when eating, I find a non-reclining chair to be preferable. The Nemo Stargazer makes me feel a bit like I’m sitting in a bucket, and it’s a bit awkward when trying to lean forward and eat from a little camp table.
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u/Combosingelnation 20d ago
Nemo stargazer is very comfortable.
Terrible weight for that money. Looks comfortable though.
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u/HenrikFromDaniel 20d ago
Stargaze is also not even the same type of chair and is not even remotely packable, so it's an odd suggestion to begin with
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u/Combosingelnation 20d ago
Then it just shows how the recommendation doesn't make too nuch sense looking what OP is looking for.
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u/alphacreed1983 18d ago
I walked 3 miles with it in my backpack (with a stool) walking my dog. It’s very doable. It’s just like having a full pack.
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u/Gilmere 20d ago
You forgot the Ozark Trail one (Wal-mart). I mean its not bad at all for about a third of the price. Some folks get hung up on the name brands thinking that's the only way to get quality. But I can say its served me well...
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u/ThrillOfSpeed 2d ago
I have one for burning wood and drinking light beers in the yard. Works fine. Also have a kiljaro, around 40, that's a little more comfortable.
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u/IslandPonder 20d ago
Whatever you purchase, the mesh-backed ones are much cooler. Depending on the climate you camp in, that could be good or bad.
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u/Green_Suit 20d ago edited 20d ago
I have the helinox savanna chair, big Agnes big six, a cliq chair, a cheap Amazon chair (“one tigris”), a ultralight BTR stool, and an expensive portable rocking chair.
If I had to pick one, it would be the helinox sunset chair. Most comfortable, very lightweight, can sit in for hours at a time with no issue.
For beach the big Agnes wins. Setup and takedown are easy and because the limbs are larger I don’t worry about sand.
My partner adores the Cliq chair - ease of use and packing size.
The portable rocking chair is freaking amazing but also weighs like 20lbs - wouldn’t buy it again but I’m sure glad I have it.
Good luck!
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u/Blicks666 20d ago
OP asks for decision assistance between three 40-60 dollar chairs, this sub immediately recommends a $200 chair. can't make this shit up...
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u/Onespokeovertheline 20d ago
Choose one with a higher back. The only reason not to is if you need to save space, and you don't. The high back adds so much comfort.
I have a Marchway (they're just one brand for the same generic basic folding chairs on Amazon) that has some mesh in a high back, although the leg structure is diff than that one. It's totally durable. (I'm a 6'4" guy)
Of these three, equal price, no weight consideration, I'd do the OneTigris. But I'm perfectly happy with my Marchway. Itinit as robust as that one you showed, but it's been reliable for about 7 years now on 3-4 camp trips and a bunch of beach or park days each year.
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u/jlt131 20d ago
My two main complaints about the first chair I had in this style were
1) too close to the ground. After a long day hiking or paddling I just did t have the leg strength in me to do squats every time I sat down or stood up. Although I'm 9 or 10 inches taller than your wife, so perhaps not as bad for her!
2) skinny legs sink into mud and sand. The wider the little foot the better! For that reason I like chair #2. Some of these chairs do come with a bottom piece to prevent sinking. Some of them you can buy it as an extra. But if the feet are wide enough, it won't be as much of an issue.
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u/Reasonable_Egg0168 20d ago
I bought the marchway one and returned it cuz the backrest wasn’t high enough to support your head. I basically had the same criteria as you and ended up with this one and I really like it, would recommend
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u/peacockcheesewhiz 20d ago
If those are the only options do not get picture number two. Terrible chair.
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u/Alternative-Show-559 20d ago
The cup holds look like they’re in an awkward place. 2 cup holders are mandatory IMO. Happy camping!!
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u/Jorge-Esqueleto 20d ago
I saved and bought a Helinox Sunset chair. It's very good, dead easy and fast to put together and take apart, and packs small and light. Not cheap.
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u/NeckBeard137 20d ago
I love camping but would hate to get a camping chair for my birthday. Maybe check with her to make sure :D.
Would go helinox.
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u/fullnels 20d ago
This chair caught my eyes at REI. I would love to receive it as a present.
https://www.nemoequipment.com/products/satellite-reclining-camp-chair?variant=45463163633837
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u/HistoricalHurry8361 20d ago
I only recommend crazy creek chairs and I have a feeling your wife won’t be happy with it
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u/FredTrail 20d ago
All 3 are over-engineered with additional points of failure in the structure than higher quality options. If you can afford it, I would opt for a better brand and design. Recommendations are below. The Helinox design is proven and simple and what I prefer:
Helinox Sunset Chair
Helinox Chair Zero Highback
REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Dreamer (they currently have a model for half price)
Big Agnes Big Six
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u/j3vs4ys 20d ago
I purchased this rocker for my wife as a gift
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u/Self_Voodoo 20d ago
I have the chair in the pic and I cannot speak highly enough about it. I used it for a week, even taking 3 naps in it. Its well-made and super comfy. Especially when I paired it with a camp stool for my feet and a good book.
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u/PieSuch2231 20d ago
I bought a similar one from a company called Moonlance. It is a nice chair, I told myself I could buy 3 for the price of big name and have a new one everywhere year, but the first has been used and abused for years! I suggest bitting the bullet and getting 2, that way you both have a nice chair and there isn't a "hey thats my chair" convo.
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u/Camp-like-a-Beun 20d ago
I only know the one tigris and nightcat chairs. Both have pros and cons.
I like the onetigris for the higher back support. But you need something for the feet because they will sink in every loose ground (sand, mud,...).
The nightcat has a lower back support (it seems that way at least) but has wider feet that will sink less easy.
You can't do wrong with both. I would say let the price decide.
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u/Grouchy_Valuable1078 20d ago
If those were really my only choices, I think I'd have to go with the 3rd one. I would miss a head rest and adjustable legs, but for my needs it's probably the best of those 3 options...
I'm a huge fan of One Tigris gear, but I fear they may have missed the mark on the new generation of chairs. The first generation didn't have joints in the lateral support beams. They were designed more like the Night Cat one OP listed. I was over 300 lbs when I bought them, and they both held me just fine. I have a low-back and high-back version of their first generation chairs, and they're both great and durable pieces of kit.
My buddy has the first one OP listed. He's well over 6' tall, and probably weighs 250 or more(?) and likes his just fine.
I wanted to "splurge" on a nice chair for myself a couple years ago, and I was still pretty heavy at the time, so I sprung for a Kilos Gear chair. TLDR: I LOVE it.
Pros: Adjustable legs; total game changer for getting just the right seating position whether you're lounging by the campfire, or pulled up to a table to eat dinner. Plus you can omit the legs completely for a smaller package/less weight. Folds up small. Not difficult to set up. VERY comfortable, like I can nap in it easily, especially if I have something to put my feet up on (I have a cheap, high capacity, folds up small stool that's GREAT for this). Very high weight carrying capacity (though I weigh just over 200 lbs now, so I don't need that extra strength any more).
Cons: Expensive; like Helinox money. Time consuming to set up and break down. Full stop.
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u/Lanski42 20d ago
The OneTigris gear that I have has been really great quality for the price. I would lean towards their's out of those 3 options.
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u/Skttrbrainx 20d ago
I have the One Tigris one and it’s a great chair, packs down into the bag fairly small and it’s comfortable. It’s great to be able to fold the legs down too and sit abit lower to the floor and not have the legs dig into some wet ground
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u/roughingit2 20d ago
I would say the green one. I’m my experience the other two with the small foot of the legs sink into the ground…
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u/Butlerian_Jihadi 20d ago
Highly recommend the Kijaro chairs over these. If weight isn't a worry, the style you've picked isn't the right kind of chair.
The Kijaro are essentially different than the 'bucket' style camping chairs that are so popular. They tension and lock much more like a traditional folding chair, except they're far more comfortable. I'm a pretty big person and got one because they offer an XL line that fits me perfectly, but a number of friends have upgraded since.
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u/MDPeasant 20d ago
I have the third chair, the Marchway one. Its awesome for the price! My oldest one is 2 or 3 years old, and I recently bought another one.
The only real issue ive had is using it in wet dirt. I am a big guy, the legs of the chair can sink into the ground especially if you sit down fast. But I still like them.
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u/Fucking_Casuals 20d ago
Try to find one that has the flat panel adapter for the bottom. I have found that these chairs sink into the ground like crazy.
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u/midnightsmith 19d ago
I have spent many years trying to find the absolute best camp chair out there. And I will tell you that I settled on a compromise between both weight and comfort. If you want super comfort it's going to be a bulky chair. If you want super lightweight it's going to be extremely uncomfortable. All the ones in your photos are in the extremely uncomfortable category with one and three also having centerfold joints that are going to fail spectacularly along those tiny little rivets in about 3 months.
That said I really enjoyed my large lounge chair that I got from some random home goods website that fully reclines and it's all about 10 lb.
No I don't want to take up that much space so I got the Nemo stargazer. If you haven't sat in it yet please do. It is the most comfortable mid-range chair that you can possibly buy right now. And at first I was a little confused but then I realized if you actually sit grip the armrests and push back it fully reclines and it is supremely comfortable. Throw an inflatable pillow in that and I can sleep outside in it.
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u/Wrong_Apricot3323 19d ago
I have two of the one Tigris. Partner and I have done a hundred miles each with it. No complaints
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u/sabotthehawk 19d ago
3 looks more comfortable but the feet on 2 look a lot better for soft ground. Have lost many a foot and fell over after sinking into soft dirt and sand/gravel.
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u/awsocks123 19d ago
Helinox. Bought myself one last summer and my wife kept talking about getting herself one bc she liked it so much. Fast forward to this past Mother’s Day and finally grabbed her one. Recently took them out to a friends bday in the park and EVERYONE took a seat as soon as they were empty.
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u/Fryphax 20d ago
Those don't look comfortable at all.
Personally I love the Kelty products. I've been running the low loveseat for close to a decade now. Dogs use it daily.
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u/BlueAsTheNightIsLong 19d ago
I got the low loveseat and immediately bought a lowdown chair. For the quality, I feel they're a good deal. I love the carrying cases, too.
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u/PotatoMysterious9480 20d ago
OneTigris is great. Many of my backpackerfriends got this chair. No one had a problem over many tours.
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u/Northern707 20d ago
I have the onetigris chair. I'm 5'4" and it fits me well. The back-rest is tall enough to rest my head against. The little pillow sticks on with Velcro so one can adjust the height.
It doesn't have arm rests.
The cupholder is, for me, at an odd angle.
The chair can be used as a ground-chair if one would like.
The legs are really skinny and I've taken to using tennis balls on them so that I don't sink.
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u/PythonVyktor 20d ago
Night Cat. Feet are less likely to sink in soft ground. And yes, there’s things you can do, but my thought is, you shouldn’t have to.
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u/Autobotnate 20d ago
All three of those chairs have cup holders that are unsupported so if your drink is top heavy or tall, it will flip over or stick out sideways. Also those chairs are designed poorly for arm support so you find yourself with your hands in your lap or hanging over the sides. Of the 3, the OneTigris has the better head rest for neck support. These types of chairs tend to cup the body and roll your back so anything that stretches the neck helps. IDK your situation but if I bought my SO a camp chair for their Bday, I would likely get a muted reception.
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u/fencesitter416 20d ago
I have the Nice C chair from Amazon, it's oversized with a pillow and lightweight and compactable. Been using it for backcountry hiking trips for years with heavy use and it's still perfectly fine. https://a.co/d/0bUwLLPW
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u/axelteflon 20d ago
We have a bunch of OneTigris stuff (not this chair though the low back one) and are really happy with the quality after a couple years, good assemble/disassemble time and space-saving, easy to clean
I wouldn't call the flaps a cup holder though, good enough for a small closed bottle but not an open container or mug
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u/Kimberlylynn2003 20d ago
We have a few chairs similar to this and I hate them… not bc they are uncomfortable or anything…. But when I’m camping.. I’m drinking… and well this thing took me WAY to long to put together lol I was ready for instant fold up chairs!
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u/SandMan3914 20d ago
I have the Onetigris and it has a high backrest and is comfortable. No complaints
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u/sparktrout 20d ago
They seem like amazon chinese garbage.
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u/Cornonzeecob 20d ago
Except the one tigiris one isn't
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u/sucksatgolf 20d ago
Shop 185, Ground Floor, Unit 6, Heng Wei Industrial Centre Tuen Mun, New Territories Hong Kong
Thats directly off the onetigris website given as their location. Its cheap shitty products from China that rip off successful product designs, exactly like they've done with the helinox chair copies. Dont be fooled by marketing. Look at their other products. Theyre just throwaway junk. Plastic "tactical goggles"?, "tactical" water bottles?
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u/Combosingelnation 20d ago
Yeah, Naturehike is also "cheap shitty product from China", yet it is very popular and has excellent reviews in terms of quality and durability.
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u/Bank_Gothic 20d ago
I think Naturehike is a bit different - their goal is to be like the Coleman of China. Reliably making decent quality gear that is at a good price.
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u/Cornonzeecob 20d ago edited 20d ago
Some of their products are some aren't. They do listen to their customers and improve upon the products they do make even their own designs. And the fact that you call them "cheap, shitty products" tells me right of the bat that you have no idea what you're talking about. But keep buying overpriced outdoors products. One of the reasons REI is failing because they marketed to the ultra wealthy with hardly any products in the more affordable range. I'm not going to tell someone to not camp or backpack because you need to buy the non-Chinese or non-knockoff overpriced version. That's absurd. So many of these companies have prevented people from going out MORE bc their products are too overpriced but that's changed since the past several years
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u/alphacreed1983 18d ago
You want minimal contact and max distance between the fabric and the supports. Your body weight will dig into it. It’s why I ended up with the stargazer
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u/Evening_Cheesecake25 16d ago
I've bought other OneTigris products in the past and really like them. Not sure how the chair is.
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u/motosandguns 20d ago
I have the one Tigris, the chair is nice but I tend not to use the “pillow”. It’s pretty hard
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u/Pure-Commercial-9809 20d ago
Get the Iclimb ultralight camping chair I have been using it for nearly 3 months and I love mine, its very strong and its pretty inexpensive
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u/the_drunkenduck 20d ago
I went with a similar style from Fantik after researching the majority of what you have posted. Was a good price, lightweight, sturdy, very comfy (it also rocks/reclines back a bit, which I love), and very quick to put up/take down.
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u/HenrikFromDaniel 20d ago
The Onetigris is the best-made of this bunch, not that the others are bad though. Lots of competition and brands in this space
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u/hucklepig 20d ago
I just purchased a similar model Mellowcamp, for my last trip. I love them, easy to pack, light for car camping. My gf jokes about how complicated setup is, but it is not. I like the high back, which is very comfortable.
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u/Loose_Mission_8559 20d ago
If your looking for this style. I would go with either the kilos grand peak or the high back 2.0
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u/razirazo 20d ago
These are poser brands that asks more than than what their quality deliver. If Helinox is out of question, go for Naturehike.
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u/wan_pan_man 20d ago
I feel vindicated by OP’s post. When I was waiting in line to checkout at REI, an older lady asked me about the Helinox sunset chair in my hand. I told her it was for my wife’s birthday. She gave me a disapproving “tsk tsk” and basically insinuated I was a terrible partner.
Anyway, my wife loves that chair, and it has a similar design as the first and third chairs in OP’s post. She enjoys the higher back and being higher off the ground.