Latest news with #Helinox
Hypebeast
13 hours ago
- Business
- Hypebeast
BAPE & Helinox Reunite for CAMO Outdoor Furniture & Special-Edition Shark Hoodie
BAPEhas partnered withHelinoxfor the outdoor gear manufacturer's 15th anniversary, unveiling a special collection comprised of camouflage-covered, packable furniture and a Helinox blue Shark Hoodie. Known for its lightweight yet strong and flexible aluminum alloy products, Helinox's chairs and tables are functionally designed for foldability and portability. BAPE leaves the engineering to Helinox's experts, bringing its recognizable CAMO print to the suspended materials in twochairmodels, a bench, and a side table. Unlike the partners'first collaboration in 2023, which centered on a plain brown camouflage, BAPE's original green 'CAMO' spotlights the beloved ape's head motif. Helinox's flagship Chair One features a comfortable suspended seat structure, a breathable backrest with mesh panels, and sturdy legs with a strong grip. Additionally, the Chair One Mini offers a more compact version of the original, suitable for children. Elsewhere, the two-seater bench continues the suspended engineering in a camping-cot-inspired form, and the Table One serves as an on-the-go surface complete with two cup-holders. Each piece comes with a matching storage bag, complete with dual logos. Finally, Helinox puts its own spin on BAPE's motif, casting the 'Shark Full Zip Hoodie' in the brand's distinct blue hue. The 15th anniversary BAPE x Helinox collection will be available on Saturday, June 14 at select BAPE stores, theBAPE webstore, and theHelinox web store.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Telegraph
The best camping chairs, including folding and lightweight options for summer 2025
Which is the best camping chair? You'll never know how important that question is until you've spent all day exploring, or travelling hard to your chosen campsite, only to find that the chair you've brought is uncomfortable, hard to assemble or, worse still, you don't have one at all. I've pitched hundreds of tents in every corner of the globe. Each time, once the last peg is banged in, whether I'm family camping, chilling with friends at a festival or alone in the wild, all I want to do is take the weight off my feet and collapse onto something comfortable with good back support (beer optional). To save you from some of the more uncomfortable camping trips I've been through, I've done the work for you by trying and testing the most popular camping chairs on the market, including £30 budget options and premium slouchers which cost more than £100. From Vango's big padded moon chairs to Helinox's low-to-the-ground beach chairs, I've tried them all. My in-depth reviews are below, followed by FAQs on how to choose the right one for you. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at my top five: Which are the best camping chairs? At a glance How to choose the best camping chair First, comfort is key – look for chairs with good back support and plenty of padding so you don't end up stiff or sore. Some chairs even let you adjust the backrest or armrests, making it easier to find the perfect position, whether you're reading or relaxing. Durability is important too. Camping chairs need to withstand all kinds of weather, so pick ones with strong frames made from materials like steel or aluminium. The fabric should be tough as well – often called ripstop polyester, which means it's designed to resist tearing. Portability matters if you're hiking to your spot. Lightweight chairs that fold up small and come with a carry bag are much easier to carry. Also, check the weight limit to make sure the chair can safely support you. Finally, handy extras like cup holders or pockets for your phone and snacks can make your camping chair feel extra special. How I tested the best camping chairs From years spent wild camping on mountainsides using my rucksack as a backrest, I know the value of the right camping chair. Whether folded, inflated, hanging or compact, if it's been made for outdoor use the chances are that over the last 14 years I've sat in it. (I've also spent time reviewing the best sleeping bags and best camping stoves.) For this review, I tested the latest offerings from the manufacturers I've come to trust. Specifically, I was testing how much weight a chair could hold, how light and portable each was, their seat height and most importantly of all, comfort. These are the best of the bunch. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Best camping chairs 1. Best Buy Camping Chair: Vango Embrace Chair When the sun sets on a campsite, there's nothing better than sinking down into your chair and enjoying a sundown but usually, when that happens, the temperature drops and even a light breeze can chill you through the fabric of a standard folding seat. Not so with the Vango Embrace, a luxuriously quilted and padded number that wraps around your entire body – a style sometimes known as a moon chair – and keeps you well off the ground, meaning that you stay warmer and comfortable even when night falls. It's made from a sturdy steel frame (it can take a weight of 19 stone!) that's easy to unfold – I could even do this with one hand – and when you're done, it easily pushes down and back into its carry bag. The fabric is Vango's own trademarked offering that feels soft to touch but is durable and hardwearing – even if you spill your drink on it and need to vigorously clean it (trust me, I speak from experience). You do, of course, pay for this unrivalled comfort and not just with money. At 5kg, it's considerably heavier than most standard two-person tents. Fitting it into the boot of a smaller car will see it take up a lot of space, too. But if you're car camping for several days, it's definitely worth the bulk. Key specifications 2. Best Value Camping Chair: Trespass Folding Padded Camping and Garden Deck Chair Paddy Whereas the other padded and value options here tend to fold in on themselves in a cuboid shape, this model from Scottish brand Trespass folds flat (good for storing in the shed between trips or behind seats in a campervan or caravan) and still manages to pack in a good amount of comfort in a padded foam seat. The frame is made from steel, hence the slightly heavier weight compared to other options, but this does make it sturdy to sit on, so good for those who are less steady when sitting down. The sitting height is average and the maximum load is decent for the price. It was easy to fold away and set out. For campers who feel the cold, the design of this one will mean draughts as it's not the bucket style, which keeps wind at bay, but that can be mitigated by using a blanket or a good jacket. My only niggle is the finish, though the fabric feels fairly robust, the stitching in places feels like it might fray with use relatively quickly. Still a decent option for the low price. Key specifications 3. Best Camping Chair for the Garden: Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair Recommended by Rebecca Astill This is my camping chair of choice for days spent watching my boyfriend play cricket. It's strong, stable, padded and comfortable enough to sit in all day. Plus, the insulated cup holder keeps a glass of rosé lovely and cool. (Making it an excellent choice as an occasional garden chair, too.) It comes with a carry bag which the chair easily collapses back into and its long handle means it can be slung onto my back while barely noticing the weight. The polyester fabric is nicely padded. It's even breathable in 30C heat, which is impressive. The only thing I'd change is to make the headrest slightly more upright; it slopes back, which means you have to sit up to chat to anyone or, in my case, watch cricket. I've seen other camping chairs which have a zip in the headrest to store the bag, which then creates a cushion. I do think this would make an excellent addition, but other than that it's a practical, comfortable chair. Key specifications 4. Best 'just in case' Camping Chair: Helinox Chair One (re) For something light and packable with more comfort than the featherweight model, I like Helinox's newly designed Chair One (re). First hitting the shelves in 2012 when the South Korean father-and-son founded company produced what became the first in its field of portable camping furniture, the previous iteration was always quite low to the ground (34cm) and could be a little unstable (especially for larger users). The new version has addressed both of these issues. Thanks to added tension in the body of the chair it now feels a lot sturdier and adding four extra centimetres to the sitting height – it's now a little over 38cm – means it's closer to the standard-sized camping chair, yet still packs down remarkably small - 39cm x 13.5cm x 12cm (about the size of a bowling pin). Its green credentials have also improved, with the frame now partly being made from repurposed aluminium (basically the scraps of metal left of the factory floor that would have been discarded) and the fabric is certified recycled polyester. The addition of a side pocket is handy for storing a phone or keys and setting it up is fairly straightforward. It may be a little more expensive than the bulkier models, but for those wanting to save space in the car or backpack and not sacrifice as much comfort for the privilege, this is a great 'just in case option' on all camping trips. Key specifications 5. Best Luxury Chair: Isabella Thor Chair In 1957 Denmark's Søren Odgaard decided that no tent on the market was quite right for him, so he designed one in his basement. Now his company, Isabella, has a reputation for camping accessories that focus on comfort and quality. The Thor Chair embodies this – it's made from a lightweight aluminium frame, but feels sturdy. The seat and padded headrest are made from a ventilated but hardwearing material and it is reclinable – they claim eight positions, though I felt it was a bit of an over-sell, seeing as it only seems to relate to the number of notches on the arms. Either way, it is certainly comfortable to sit in and there are optional add-ons to pimp it out for even greater luxury, from a foldable footrest to a detachable side pocket and even a made-to-measure towel. The only real drawback is the size. Although easy to fold, it still has a total length of 120cm and width of 61cm, meaning I couldn't fit it in the boot of my small car. If you have a large vehicle, though or even better a campervan, this won't be an issue. Key specifications 6. Best Picnic Chair: Regatta Director's Chair with Side Table For those of us who firmly believe that food eaten outdoors tastes better, then a chair with an added foldaway table can turn a good picnic into a great one. Styled like a Hollywood director's pew, Regatta's offering is easy to set up with a quick pull on its arms. The polyester fabric is comfortable yet durable and the table will easily take a drink (in a dedicated cup holder) and a small plate or snack. With a seat height of 46cm you are kept well off the floor and folding it away is straightforward. It is a flatpack affair – though despite the table, it is slightly smaller – meaning great for storing in a caravan or shed, but a little trickier in a small car boot. It is mid-range weight-wise and takes up to 15 stone, but considering that you're essentially taking a table and chair with you, it's a comparatively small price to pay. Key specifications 7. Best Lightweight Chair for Taller Campers: Sitpack Campster 2 Following a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, this new version of the lightweight, foldaway, previously three-legged backpacker's chair now features an infinitely more stable four-leg design. On first glance, it is much like Helinox's Chair Zero below – the Campster also folds down to 35cm, roughly the size of a water flask. It is also easy to put up, allegedly in five seconds, which I found impossible, but it is straightforward. So you might be wondering how they manage to sell it for £35 less. Firstly, it should be pointed out that it's heavier by a whole kilogram. If you're camping with the car, this won't be a dealbreaker, but for backpackers, this might (pardon the pun) tip the scales in favour of Helinox. If you're after comfort over grams, or are a taller or heavier camper, however, then the Campster II is for you. Not only does it have a higher seat, making it easier to get in and out of and can take an additional three stone, but also comes with some fairly luxurious add-ons for an additional price – and weight of course – including a snuggly fleece seat warmer. It has two side pockets, which I felt a tad unnecessary given that using just one affects the stability. But, overall, a decent compact option for those wanting comfort and portability. Key specifications 8. Best Lightweight Camping Chair: Helinox Chair Zero It's easy to baulk at the price tag of this one – especially when you see the packed size of the item you're purchasing (it folds down to smaller than a thermos flask), but as is often the case with outdoor gear, what you are paying for is the lack of bulk. While similar to Helinox's Chair One above, the Chair Zero is even more compact. For me, as an ardent wild camper, the idea of taking a camping chair when I head to remote places used to be laughable. Their weight made them a comfort I'd just have to do without. But then the Helinox came along in 2012, at the time weighing in at just under 1kg. Since then, I have been tempted on several occasions to throw one in my backpack to avoid evenings hunched over in my tent. Hitting the scales at half a kilogram (that's less than an iPad), this latest lightweight version is still sturdy and strong – it can hold a whopping 18 stone (that's more than some full-size chairs here) – and is insanely easy to put up. The strong aluminium alloy poles, a higher grade than used in aircraft, simply slip into the fabric pockets and it's ready to sit in. Admittedly, the one sacrifice is the low seat height, which on snowy or uneven ground could be cold or less comfortable. People with weaker legs who struggle to rise should opt for something higher. But, with such a low weight, this will always be a great option for backpacking, camping and even on long walks. Key specifications 9. Most Comfortable Camping Chair: Coleman Forester Series Bucket Chair Armless bucket chairs that you can sink into seem to be rising in popularity, like the Vango in our number one spot and this Coleman Forrester bucket chair. Unlike the Vango, this one isn't padded – but rest assured, it's still extremely comfortable. I thought I'd miss having armrests to relax my arms, but I barely noticed they weren't there and it made the chair lighter. The one downside is that the drinks holder has to be strapped onto the bottom, as you can see in the photo. It holds a water bottle, but up-ends any glass with a stem, predictably. I'm not sure I could sit in it all day, because of the lack of back support with the bucket design, but the fabric is pulled tight enough to give a reasonable amount of rigour. The back also comes up high, meaning you can comfortably rest your head while chatting. Be warned, it sits quite low, which is noticeable if you're in a group of mismatched camping chairs. Other than that, I love the simplicity and relaxed style of this chair. Key specifications 10. Best Compact Camping Chair: Outwell Cardiel For something equally as low bulk and weight as the Helinox, at a fraction of the price, there is Outwell's Cardiel Black. Essentially two sit mats lashed together with adjustable straps to create a seat with a backrest, it folds down easily to fit into most backpacks or chuck into your car 'just in case'. The obvious sticking point for some will be the lack of height off the ground – this doesn't only look like a sit mat, it basically is a fancy version of one. However, this can work well for a number of scenarios, in particular on the beach when other chairs would sink into the sand, or to simply make standard campsite benches more comfortable and supportive. The fabric is tough and durable and easy to clean and folding it out is simple and fast. There's even a small pocket great for stashing keys or a phone. Key specifications 11. Best Heated Camping Chair: Vango Radiate Grande DLX If the idea of sitting outside leaves you a little cold, then Vango's heated range offers a solution. There's a near-invisible heating element built into the lower panel of the backrest, which runs off a power bank (not supplied) that can fit snugly in the inbuilt pocket under the seat. It has four temperature settings controlled by a large button – one click for red (hottest), down to blue (coolest). Despite my scepticism on how much heat I could get from a single panel, once paired with a blanket over my legs, it did indeed keep me toasty well after sunset. The seat can be adjusted from upright to near lie flat – with seven options available – meaning you can completely chill, without actually getting chilled. The fabric is robust and durable, yet comfy to touch and is padded and designed to radiate heat, meaning once the pad warms up (which literally takes seconds), you feel the benefit almost immediately. It comes with a moveable headrest for added comfort and there's a tall option available too. When not in use, it packs down flat, so easy to store at home, though it is still quite large (111cm x 9cm x 75cm) and less portable than others, especially if you have a small car. The main drawback is the high price tag, though for glampers who love a little luxury (and warmth) or those with back issues, it'll be worth it. Key specifications 12. Best Children's Camping Chair: Kampa Mini Tub If there's one thing I've learned after having my son, now nearly two, it's that the camping chair he most wants to sit in is whichever one I am currently occupying. That all changed when I got this specially made-for-kids option. Featuring a range of designs – unicorns, cars and woodland creatures – he was immediately taken with the owl on the latter while I, meanwhile, was enamoured with the fact that, unlike most kids' options, there were no open sides he could inadvertently slip through or try and climb between. It's also well-padded for comfort, easy to fold away and with a seat height of 28cm, he can easily get in and out of it himself. It is, unsurprisingly given the padding, a little bulky, but it takes an impressive weight load, meaning it should last him a while. At a push, it can even just about take my weight when he undoubtedly steals my seat again… Key specifications Weight: 2.7kg Seat height: 28cm Maximum load: 60kg (9.4 stone) 13. Best Folding Camping Chair for Festivals: Snow Peak Take Bamboo Score: 8/10 We like: Lifetime guarantee, bamboo and canvas design We don't like: It's heavy and not cheap Rocking up at a festival with your camping gear is not just about comfort and practicality, but about what your kit says about you too. With this bamboo and canvas designed foldaway number – which not only takes a reasonable weight, packs down easily to fit in your car/campervan and features a long back and decent seat height for maximum comfort – it shows that you care as much about sustainability as you do about style. As well as the wood being responsibly sourced, the chair is guaranteed to last a lifetime, with Snow Peak pledging to repair it no matter how old it is. It may not be the lightest offering here, but those eco-creds do take a weight off your mind and thanks to the removable and washable canvas seat, you can enjoy the festival knowing that any food or drink mishaps are easily dealt with. Key specifications Camping chair FAQs Which is the comfiest camping chair? There are a lot of padded options, including the Vango Embrace which I have made my number one pick. Some also have extras, such as reclining functions or built-in tables. But these are bulky and best suited to people heading to their campsites by car. I believe the most important thing when choosing a camping chair is to check out the seat height: some are low and not easy for everyone to get in and out of. Child-sized camping seats are available, too. For wild camping aficionados like me, or those who want to take minimal gear with them, look instead for small pack size, low weight and fabric durability. Finally, no matter if you're going wild or mild, always check the chair's maximum load weight. You want to be sure that every member of your party can be safe and comfortable. What material are camping chairs made of? The first portable folding stool is believed to have been made over 4,500 years ago in Mesopotamia, but JB Fenby's 1881 folding chair in wood and canvas set the standard and still inspires many of the camping chairs made today, including the Snow Peak bamboo chair above. The arrival of lightweight aluminium post-WW2 expanded the possibilities and nowadays there's a huge range of specially-designed outdoor seats to choose from, usually made from weatherproof synthetic fabrics and meshes.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
The Best Beach Chairs To Keep You Comfy On The Sand In 2025
There's really nothing like a day at the beach—hot sun, cool drinks, crashing waves and catching a nap while kids engineer sand castles. But sitting directly on that hot sand isn't especially enjoyable, so we've rounded up the best beach chairs that will have you kicking back in comfort on many a lazy summer day. Many beach chairs, like our top choice, the Shibumi Beach Chair, offer more than just a place to park your personage. Many beach chairs have built-in cupholders, padding and pillows, shades and more. The best beach chairs offer you comfort ad relaxation on those sunny summer days. There are a lot of beach chairs out there, but we found that the best beach chairs—the ones we've covered here—have a few things in common, such as comfort, support and easy portability. That's certainly the case with our pick for the best lightweight beach chair, the Helinox Beach Chair, which weighs in at less than 3.2 pounds. To round out this list, we selected a variety of chairs of varied types with a range of features, and we checked in with some travel experts who are true beach lovers to help make sure we were on target with our best beach chair recommendations. Amazon Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Weight: 8 pounds | Seat height: 12 inches | Cupholder: Yes | Reclining: Yes For several years, the company Shibumi was known primarily for its beach shade, which has a clever design using even a gentle breeze to billow the shade out and block the sun. Clearly, this company knows its way around beach hardware, because the Shibumi beach chair is masterfully well-designed and very highly rated. It's made using rust-resistant marine-grade aluminum for the frame and breathable fabric that offers support and comfort. The chair reclines at multiple different angles, and it has a cupholder on one side and a pocket perfect for a phone and snack on the other. Shibumi's beach chair is on the pricier side, and its seat is a bit too low for some people's preference. But on the whole, this is a beach chair that scores high marks for its comfort, durability and its many clever design elements. Amazon Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Seat height: 10 inches | Cupholder: Yes | Reclining: No The Coleman Utopia Breeze Beach Chair proves that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a compact but comfortable beach chair. It weighs a mere 5.3 pounds but can support up to 250 pounds, and it folds down for easy transport or storage. The chair has a pouch on the back where you can stash a book, towel or sandwich, and it has a built-in cupholder (as good beach chairs usually do). This chair sits very low to the ground with just a 10-inch seat height, so people with mobility or balance issues may find it hard to get into and out of the Utopia Breeze. That said, people like me will love that this low seat makes it easy for you to stretch out your legs and relax. The sturdy steel frame will hold up to regular use, and the included carrying bag makes it easy to tote and store your seat when you're not using it. Amazon Weight capacity: 320 pounds | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Seat height: 7 inches | Cupholder: No | Reclining: No It's amazing to say, but this beach chair from Helinox has a staggering 1:100 weight to capacity ratio. That's because the chair, which packs down small enough to fit into a backpack or a drawer, weighs just 3.2 pounds but can safely support adults weighing up to 320 pounds. That's largely thanks to the same DAC aluminum alloy frame material and rugged 600D polyester used in so many other Helinox products, such as cots and tables. The setup and breakdown process has a bity of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it will take all of a minute to deploy or pack up this portable chair. And while it was designed with the beach in mind, it's also great for camping, the park, a concert and much more. Amazon Weight capacity: 350 pounds | Weight: 11.1 pounds | Seat height: 8 inches | Cupholder: Yes | Reclining: Yes The Hondo Beach Chair from Yeti is far and away the most expensive model in this list. But for that elevated price tag, you get a beach chair of impressive quality and durability. For example, it also has the highest rated weight capacity at 350 pounds, it's generously wide at 26.5 inches and deep at 29.4 inches and it has a rugged frame and features UV- and weather-resistant materials. The Hondo offers four reclining positions and has a built-in cupholder and a handy carrying strap. It's on the heavier side of chairs in this category at a little over 11 pounds, but you can feel how sturdy this thing is when you plop down into it. If you're a larger adult (height or weight), then this chair should be near the top of your list. Amazon Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Seat height: 11 inches | Cupholder: Yes | Reclining: Yes If GCI Outdoor's Backpack Beach Chair were an affordably-priced and easily portable backpack beach chair and nothing more, it would probably still have made the cut. But it's all the clever extras that truly secured its place in this story. First, consider the main elements. As the name suggests, this chair has a pair of backpack straps that make it laughably easy to transport it—not that carrying it by hand is all that hard, though, as it weighs just 8.5 pounds. It can support a load of 250 pounds, offers a few reclining angles, and it's both comfortable and supportive. Now for the extras. The chair's cupholder has a drawstring top so you can cinch it tight and protect whatever you're drinking, which is a nice touch. There is also a drawstring on the storage pouch on the back of the chair, which is welcome and clever. And finally, the chair features a pillow that can be adjusted up or down for custom comfort, and that's the real cherry on top. Amazon Weight capacity: 275 pounds | Weight: 10.2 pounds | Seat height: 12 inches | Cupholder: Yes | Reclining: Yes Many of the beach chairs in this list have reclining backs, but this is the only one that can go fully flat, letting you lie down and relax in true comfort. And whether it's for comfort or to even out that tan, you can even lie face down atop this beach chair. That's because the pillow that cradles the back of your head can be flipped out of the way to reveal a cutout area for your face. There are also two cutouts you can stick your arms through, making it even easier to be comfy while you're face down. A removable padded lumbar cushion is a welcome feature while you're seated, as the adjustable footrest. A 12-inch seat height is ideal for kicked back relaxation without much difficulty standing up, and the sturdy wooden armrests and included cupholder are thoughtful details. Tommy Bahama Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Weight: 17.8 pounds | Seat height: 9 inches | Cupholder: Yes | Reclining: Yes The Tommy Bahama Marlin Palms Ultimate Beach Chair is all about making you as comfortable as possible while you're kicking back at the beach. That's thanks to its adjustable back, which reclines almost to flat, the pillows at the lumbar and head, a built-in cupholder and bottle opener and even an included folding table you can use as a footrest. But what really sells this beach chair is the adjustable sun shade, which can keep the sun off of your face and out of your eyes. After pouring through scores of reviews left by verified customers, we did encounter multiple people who reported small imperfections with the chair, such as table legs that would not lock in place or a sunshade that kept disconnecting. But we also found excellent customer service from the brand, which seemed willing and able to remedy every issue. The team of writers and editors on the gear team at Forbes Vetted have dozens of years of combined experience researching, testing and reviewing hardware of all sorts, including outdoor furniture, the best beach coolers, the best running shoes, and much more. To be sure we recommend the best beach chairs, we focused on several variables. Here's how we made our selections: All beach chairs are ready to be popped down on the sand and to hold a person as they take a seat, but to find the best beach chairs, you need to look way beyond the basics. Here are the factors we had top-of-mind: If it's a hassle to get your beach chair to the beach, there's a chance you might just leave it behind. Look for beach chairs that are lightweight, fold up and ideally that have easy carrying mechanisms like straps or handles built in. 'Lightweight frames with carry straps [are] essential for portability,' says Carter. You need a beach chair that can more than comfortably hold your weight. Make sure to choose one that is rated for a person a good deal heavier than its likely user or users. And keep in mind you might have a kid in your lap sometimes. 'When choosing the perfect beach chair, I look for chairs that have a solid cupholder and a firm cushion for my head,' says Kennealy." Consider also things like storage pouches, footrests and more. While we did feature a couple of beach chairs that do not recline, such as the ultra packable model from Helinox, most beach chairs. Do you have a bag that goes down, just make sure it is enough of a reclining angle for your comfort and preference. 'Travelers I have led regularly comment on how much of a difference a fully reclining chair can make,' says Montes. There's a good reason that even the least expensive beach chair on our list cost $50: they are all durable. 'Choose weather-resistant materials likes marine-grade teak, aluminum, or quick-dry mesh," says Carter. If you go too cheap on a beach chair this summer, you may well be replacing it next summer. How Do I Choose The Right Seat Height For My Beach Chair? If you prefer to stick your legs out straight and lean back, semi-reclined, and totally at ease, then go with a lower seat height, something below 10 inches above the sand. However, if you have any mobility issues, you want to choose a beach chair with a much higher seat height, so it will be easy to lower yourself into it and get back up. What Weight Is Too Heavy For A Beach Chair? According to our research, the sweet spot for a beach chair's weight is between seven and 10 pounds, but if you're comfortable with a bit more weight to carry and you want a heftier chair, it's not like there is a hard and fast rule. What Are Some Beach Chair Care And Maintenance Tips? There are really only three things you need to do to take care of your beach chair. The first is to clean it off after use with freshwater, and perhaps with a little bit of detergent if any parts are soiled. The second is to ensure that it dries completely before you put it away for storage. And the third is to keep the beach chair out of direct sunlight as often as possible, ideally at all times when you are not actively enjoying it on the beach.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
New Swag For Summer: 6 Ideas For Travel And Outdoor Adventure
The Atom 2 travel shoes from Kuru can help improve your stamina on the road. With Memorial Day in the books, the summer season has officially kicked off in the minds of many. As the calendar fills up with adventures, it might be time to upgrade your travel and outdoor kit with some of the newest shoes, clothes, and gear on the market. It's important to take care of your feet while traveling. Many people walk when exploring a new place—often much more than they do at home—which can lead to tired feet and legs. Combat this fatigue with a good pair of travel shoes, such as the Atom 2 from Kuru. They weigh less than a pound and support your feet with a heel-cupping sole that protects your feet from the wear and tear of concrete in cities and airports. Summer season means it's time to get outside, and whether you're deep in the wilderness or simply hanging around backyards and parks, a comfortable place to sit goes a long way. The Chair Zero from Helinox offers portable, compact seating wherever the road takes you—it weighs just 17 ounces and packs down smaller than a paper towel roll. It can be carried in a backpack on a long hiking trail, or simply kept in the trunk of the car for use at scenic areas, parks, or picnics. Cooking outside is one of the best parts of summer, but we don't always have access to a grill or kitchen. This spring, Jetboil released an upgraded version of its Flash Fast Boil System, which fixes a few small bugs in the previous versions, most notably an upgraded ignitor (no lighter or matches required). The setup can boil water in just two minutes, perfect for hot beverages, soups, or dehydrated meals while camping or exploring natural areas, where access to conveniences may be limited. Lani Shades are made of bamboo and wood in Hawaii so that they are lightweight and float if dropped in the water. There are endless sunglass brands out there, and styles are always changing. But if you plan to spend time around the water, you'll want something that protects your eyes, helps you see better, and doesn't sink like a stone. Lani Shades are made in Hawaii from wood and bamboo, and thus, are lightweight and buoyant. Each pair is tested to ensure they float, while polarized lenses offer protection from shimmering water. Shirts that offer cooling sun protection are invaluable in the summer months. Most people are aware of sun shirts that are designed to be worn in the water, but other outdoor-focused hoodies, such as the Tern from Outdoor Vitals, can boost protection from the sun in a wide variety of travel situations. Made from merino wool, they dry quickly and keep your skin cool with its excellent breathability. The Tern can also be used in colder conditions as a base layer, making it something you can use all year round. Summer adventures often take you off the beaten path, and a good pair of sturdy boots will make the journey all that much more enjoyable. Solomon recently released the X Ultra 5, a lightweight hiking boot available in low and mid ankle cuts with or without waterproofing (depending on your planned use and desired breathability). All models offer elite grip and stability, and they won't bog down your bag—they weigh less than a pound per shoe.
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Travel + Leisure
28-05-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Lifelong Hiker With Mobility Issues, and I Don't Leave the House Without This Ultralight Stool
I've been a hardcore hiker my whole life. For years, the thrill I got from hitting the trail had less to do with stopping to smell the roses and more to do with racking up as many miles as I could, as fast as I could. My pace came to a screeching halt in my early 20s when I developed a medical condition that leaves me sore and fatigued if I don't keep my activity level well within my limits. As anyone who's ever had to deal with a change in mobility can attest, learning to adapt and keep doing what you love is a tough process, but finding help from the right tools is a huge relief. For me, that tool was my trusty Helinox Speed Stool. With its tiny packed size, this little stool has lived in my various hiking packs, totes, and sling bags day in and day out since I first picked it up. It's been my companion on relaxing mountain town vacations, multiday backcountry adventures, and even in quiet store corners, whenever I need a minute to sit. Before I found the Speed Stool, I struggled to find a balance of size, ease of use, and comfort that fit my needs. Many camp chairs on the market are wonderful to sit in around the campfire, but they don't fit in every bag. Even when I tried smaller options, I found that the minute or two they take to set up was enough to deter me from pulling them out unless I desperately needed a break. That's the beauty of the Speed Stool—when you pull it out of its carry pouch, a quick shake is often enough to encourage the stool's internal bungee cords to practically assemble itself. On a busy public sidewalk, it's a game-changing feature, far better than fiddling with locking mechanisms or assembling poles as people push past. When I need to sit down, I really need to sit down, and not having to devote mental energy to setup means I have more time to recover and get back to enjoying myself. I've mentioned how small this stool packs down, but it bears repeating. Hardly tipping the scale at just a pound, Helinox itself says its stool is around the size of a small baguette, and I'd say that's about right—for around the size and weight of a sub sandwich, you can sit anywhere without hassle. I haven't attempted to use a baguette as a chair before, but this stool is certainly far more comfortable. It's just the right height off the ground, and the fabric has the perfect amount of give. Helinox also designed this product with long-term use in mind—an important consideration when looking for accessibility solutions. With sturdy aluminum poles sourced from DAC, manufacturers of the tent poles in many of my favorite hiking tents on the market, and a UV-resistant, high-denier ripstop seat, this stool can take a beating (or many, many seatings). If you're shopping on a budget or are looking to test out whether a stool might be the right mobility aid for you, there are plenty of great, affordable options at Amazon worth considering. My favorite wallet-friendly pick is this portable camping stool from GCI—it packs down to just about the same size as Helinox's stool and only weighs a third of a pound more. Tripod stools like this one are incredibly easy to set up, and shock cord throughout the legs means they'll easily pop into place when you just need to pull over and take a seat. In my experience, tripod stools like this one tend to wobble on uneven ground, but GCI has solved that issue with a clever piece of fabric around the legs that stops them from splaying out. Best of all, this stool comes with a thoughtfully designed drawstring carry pouch. If you're like me, you'll be tossing this into your bag every time you leave the house, but if your bag is already jam-packed, the carry pouch comes with a carabiner to securely attach it to the outside. One reviewer wrote that, as an elderly person with mobility trouble, they appreciated how this stool 'sets up in a flash' and said, 'I can clip it onto my crossbody bag using the carabiner, and the additional weight is negligible.' Whether you need help staying on your feet all day like me, or if you're just someone who appreciates a comfy place to sit, these stools will make a big difference in the way you move through the world. Check out more great stools below that might be the perfect accessibility aid for you. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
