The new HexaLite camp chairs from Crazy Creek offer a campfire
seating option for backpackers starting at less than 1 pound. By
employing hexagonal-cored closed cell foam and polyester mesh,
these foldable, rollable seats provide the clamshell comfort and back
support the company is known for but in a more minimal package.
Crazy Creek (www.crazycreek.com)
sells two HexaLite models, the HexaLite Original and the larger
HexaLite LongBack, which weigh in at 14.8 oz. and 18.5 oz.,
respectively.
I tried out the HexaLite Original model and was impressed with its
feathery weight and pack-ability. Fold it in half, roll it up and cinch
it with the seat straps and you have an unobtrusive package to strap on
the outside of a backpack.
You do sacrifice comfort in the name of weight savings,
though: The HexaLite Original has a narrow seat. My rear fit snug, and
I am by no means blessed abnormally on the backside. The company quotes
the seat width at 15 inches. But sitting in the chair the sides squeeze
in, making it feel smaller.
In addition, metal rods added for
rigidity in the seatback can press in and rub to an annoying effect if
you’re leaning back with some weight for a long period. (Note that I’m
being nitpicky here. In the woods, around a fire, this chair will
likely seem as comfortable as a Laz-E-Boy.)
The HexaLite LongBack model has extra width (18 inches) and a higher
back height. It may not suffer from those comfort issues. This larger
model, which I did not test, also doubles as an ad hoc sleeping pad for
backpackers, as it measures 38 inches long when laying flat.
Available: Now
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Pricing: HexaLite Original, $33; HexaLite LongBack, $44
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Contact: www.crazycreek.com
