Camp Chair Mulling

[BaKe]

We pondered this question for what seemed like months when our K-Mart chairs of 9 years began to fail. We ended up with these and couldn't be happier. Tall back, holds up to 300#, realistically priced, very comfortable campsite seating. Only complaint is the plastic arm rest.

[Royce]

Originally Posted by Lara Me

Several years on and the Kermit chairs are still mint, working, and comfy. Get what you pay for, even if you have to cry a little up front.

Yup. over the years we have tried and disposed of about every camp chair out there. Some lasted longer than others, some were comfortable. None have the combination of comfort and quality of the Kermit chair. Even if it did break, I could repair it. But I doubt it will ever break. Just wish I had found them before spending all the money I had to spend along the way to finding the Kermits.

[DHart]

Wow... those Kermits are getting pretty strong support. Guess I need to have a look at them. Do they make a great recliner?

[urnmor]

Can some one tell me how high off the ground the Kermit chair is with the extensions?
Thanks

[urnmor]

Please disregard my earlier post. I went to their site and found the answer.

[Roadtech]

No Kermit recliners. The idea behind the Kermits is to offer a very comfortable, durable chair, that when put in its travel bag, it takes up less space than any other chair I know of.

[DHart]

Originally Posted by Roadtech

No Kermit recliners. The idea behind the Kermits is to offer a very comfortable, durable chair, that when put in its travel bag, it takes up less space than any other chair I know of.

OK... thanks for that info.

[Rocinante]

Retracting our recommendation for the chair below. Now that we've camped with them for a while, the support poles that cross each other behind the back of the chair begin to cut into our back, right around the kidneys. To stay comfortable we have to slouch, which leads to a sore back anyway. So, perhaps it's good this particular chair is no longer available at REI.

Originally Posted by Rocinante

We have a couple of these that we bought from REI, and they are nice too, though I'm tempted by the other chairs people have spoken of here. They fold down as compactly as a standard "captain's" camp chair, but they are a lot more comfortable and they are $45 vs. $79.

GCI Outdoor Outdoor Recliner Chair at REI.com

[Rocinante]

Went out for a quick visit to REI to see what else they had for camp chairs. The Flex Lite chair (REI Flex Lite Chair - REI.com) looks a lot like Helinox and has the same "DAC" brand on the plastic hubs that hold the alloy tubes together. It was comfortable, but felt a bit wobbly and precarious.

Based on Pharmgeek's experience, we're eager to try out some actual Helinox chairs (Camp, Swivel and/or Sunset) before buying something. Our Helinox concerns are (1) how wobbly are the chairs? (2) how long will the shock cords inside the tubes continue to be stretchy?

• Camp Chair:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkJ-t1R_Zrw

• Swivel Chair:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnxPuS4RSos

• Sunset Chair: sadly, no videos, and it doesn't seem to be in stock anywhere.

Kermit chairs with leg extensions definitely have our attention as an alternative.

BTW, quick video on how to assemble and pack a Kermit chair:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R1JIEJ7ecM

Kermit Chairs, the Benny Hill versions:

• Setup:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YusAvtJrH7c

• Packing:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZxupotYve0

• Legs:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDvBzEB8Vng

[m.hony]

I have old tents, one purchased in 1997, with the stretchy cords in the tent poles. As of the last time we used the tents in 2009 the we're still stretchy, 12 years later. I say the stretchy cords last a long time.

[PharmGeek]

I am love love loving the helinox

As is iggy walker - their family have 3 or 4 of them

They are not per se "wobbly" once you settle into one - but they have a bit of flex to them

We absolutely love them for the beach now because they reduce bulk/weight and I am consistently finding situations to pack this chair

I went on a kayak trip here recently - brought it and when eating lunch - enjoyed sitting back in the chair

The kermits look fantastic as well - perhaps a little bit more weighty compared to helinox but overall apples and oranges

So far - my cords are holding up - but that is a concern




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[lizt1011]

We love these things....they can be a little troublesome in the sand, but they "scrunch" down to the smallest package and are strong, strong when setup.

I love all GCI products.

Amazon.com : GCI Outdoor Pico Arm Chair, Navy : Camping Chairs : Sports & Outdoors

[BAB]

I've had 4 of the Pico's for just over 4 years and REALLY like them. And, if you are going to your grandkid's soccer game, their portability cannot be beat. Briefcase size and a terrific carrying case. My only caution: do NOT let people rock back on the two rear legs. Chairs aren't designed for asymmetric weight distribution.

[SteveSueMac]

Well - hate to report it but the Strongbacks we loved so much (GREAT lumbar support) just haven't held up well. One popped a rivet a few months after we had it. No biggie - we bought them at LL Bean and they really mean 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We exchanged it for another and have used them all year. Til last weekend - 2 popped rivets on the original one. Talked with LL Bean - they agreed to take them both back for a full refund (some 14 months post purchase...that says a lot about the value of buying from them!).

Ordered a pair of Kermits with leg extensions we expect to receive next week. Will report back. Taking it on faith (weren't able to test them in advance) but I actually talked with Tom the owner and he's had his for over 20 years (and he's only owned the company for 12 years) so fingers crossed!

[pappy19]

Zip Dee is having a special on some chair colors and I bought 2 extras. Only wish they made a tote bag to carry them.

[urnmor]

Steve & Sue

I agee with you regarding the Strongback chairs. Very very confortable however like yours it did not hold up well. It also popped a rivet. It was over a year old maybe two years old. I was able to replace the rivet with a long nut and bolt and so far ithas held up well. I only wish I had bought them from LL bean and I could have returned it but no such luck

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Ordered a pair of Kermits with leg extensions we expect to receive next week. Will report back. Taking it on faith (weren't able to test them in advance) but I actually talked with Tom the owner and he's had his for over 20 years (and he's only owned the company for 12 years) so fingers crossed!

We broke down and did the same thing, going all in for chairs, leg extenders, cup-holders and embroidering them "Casa Rocinante." We figured spending all that money once was better than spending $50+ every year as our existing "good"chairs break or become uncomfortable. Lots of folks with these chairs say they've had them a decade or more. Sorta like some travel trailer brands We know of.

The web site says they are 3 weeks behind on orders due to high volume, and with adding the embroidery we'll have to wait another week on top of that.

[SteveSueMac]

We had ours embroidered with Tin Goat (our rig's name). UPS says we should have them by Thursday. Can't wait!

[MacPDX]

Kermis have long been a staple for the BMW motorcycle rally crowd. I know lots of riders who have had them for years. You will not be disappointed in the quality.

[PharmGeek]

Cool - tell us how the Kermit chair goes for you!

I'll be in Destin FL this weekend through most of next week enjoying among many things - chillin in our chairs


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