So I finally busted up my old faithful camp chair.  It served me well for many years but, ultimately, an aluminum leg cracked... and that was that.  Seat and seat back material held up just fine.  I'm not sure which "brand"  it was (I tossed the remains into the dumpster at French Lake before checking) but it looked a lot like the Coleman Woodsman II (see: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) ) except it was equipped with a storage bag underneath, much like Cliff Jacobsen's Camp Chair (see: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) ) which I like a lot except it only has seating capacity for lard butts up to 225 pounds.  I'm a bit heavier AND have "back issues" which means I can put considerable strain on a chair because I lean at different angles and I'm shifting around a lot to achieve temporary comfort. 

I DO like the leg construction of the Cliff Chair better than the 4 leg post concept.  Due to variations in the duff/sand/gravel, one leg can get to sinking deeper than others and, pretty soon, you're lopsided.

I've done a fair amount of research on chair types and looked at a number of reviews.  Often the reviews are done by backpackers who are working with different constraints and goals.  For instance, while I really don't want to be carrying around a 12 pound chair, I don't an 18 ounce one, either.  I want durability that comes with solid construction.  I need something that can endure the weight and abuse I give a chair in camp.

Some of the chairs that keep floating to the surface when I plug in the variables include:
*  Big Agnes Helinox Chair One (see: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) )
*  Any number of "other" Helinox chairs, built with similar construction to the one above
*  The Timber Ridge Aluminum Portable Director's Chair (see: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) )
*  Any number of cheapo knock-offs of Cliff's Chair that can't handle the weight.

While the Helinox chairs feature innovative construction and are touted as being "able to handle 300 lbs", I've read some concerns about durability and about the vulnerability where some of the joints come together.  They ARE very light but, again, weight is less my concern than longevity.  What good does it do me to invest in an expensive chair that lasts but one or two seasons?

I like the construction of the Timber Ridge chair and I've seen others out there much like it.  It's a little heavy but I'm willing to give some on that factor... unless I can find something that does the same job (it claims "durability" AND the capability of supporting 300+ pounds) that weighs less.  Also, most reports say the fabric holds up well.  I've seen a recommendation to put WD-40 or vaseline on screws and bolts to prevent rusting which can be a problem if left wet.  It even has a little side table (look it looks a bit flimsy) that could prove useful.  It gets mostly 5 star reviews and, so far, is probably my top choice.

So, I'm inviting recommendations from others and continuing my research before I make my choice.  If you happen to have a favorite camp chair that you think might serve my purpose, I'd love to hear about it.  Thanks!

Jimbo   

Jimbo,

I don't know if this would suit your needs, but since your already a 'hanger' and need trees for your set-up, THIS item might be something you could use?

Most hunters are not little guys so I don't think weight would be an issue and the ability to easily adjust for heights might be great for a sore back?

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Solus, thanks for the Helinox endorsement.  I was pretty high on those chairs until I started seeing a few discrepant reviews (on Amazon, I think). 

ST, that chair would work REALLY well for me about 1/2 the time.  Along the lines of what OS is saying, I kind of need to be able to move the chair where I need... and trees, while all over the place, are sometimes not strategically situated.  Still, I hadn't thought about that approach and I'm always open for a new way of looking at & doing things (though the whole "canoe sail" idea has been pretty much a bust; anybody want a great deal on a PINK canoe sail???).

Keep the ideas flowing, guys.  Thanks!

Jimbo   

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This is too small for what you're looking for, but I'll post it anyway. Just bought this Monarch Alite and took it to Quetico for the first time two weeks ago. I loved it. Super light (like barely over a pound) and small, and only two legs -- which means you can use it on a slope. And it was only $53 brand new at Backcountry Edge. You sit somewhat low to the ground, which means you can't lean over a fire to cook, for example, but I had no problem eating in it, drinking some bourbon or reading.

Sitting in it requires a slight balancing act (but only slight) and you can't "plop" down in it, but to me it was comfortable. I'm about 205, and 6-foot-2, btw.

Rest of the crew had Heliox, but those may have been slightly more comfortable, but carrying 6 of those is a lot of weight and bulk.

- kypaddler

One of the members of our crew took one on these in early September and he thought it was great.  Priced at about half of a Helinox and as I remember had a few pounds higher capacity.

OUTAD Portable Ultralight Heavy Duty Folding Chair for Outdoor Activities/Camping/Hiking

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I have taken a Helinox on 2 trips and generally please with it, except in very soft ground.  They make a soft earth accessory that is just some mesh fabric the legs fit into, but it is fairly heavy and nearly as ridiculous in price as my MSR Frying pan.

MossBack