The Helinox Speed Stool is an ultralight folding stool that’s easy to carry on day hikes and backpacking trips. Weighing 14.6 oz (414g), it folds up compactly, making it easy to pack in a backpack’s side or front stretch pocket. With a weight capacity of 220 lbs, it’s strong enough to hold most adults without collapsing and includes rubber feet that do a reasonably good job at preventing it from sinking into soft ground. It’s 10.63″ seat height is just a little bit on the low side when it comes to sitting down or getting back up effortlessly, but that’s the case with many portable hiking chairs.
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Seat Height: 10.63″
- Weigh Capacity:220 lbs
- Color: Black or White
- Stool Size: 14.17″ x 9.45″ x10.63″ (w x d x h)
- Packed Size: 3.35 x 3.35 x 10.63″ (w x d x h)
There are two main styles of stools available for hiking and backpacking: rectangular, bench-style seats like the Helinox Speed Stool and triangular seats like the Hillsound BTR stool or the REI Flexlite Airstool. I find that bench-style seats are more supportive and make a better ad hoc table if you want to set things down on them instead of your bum.
But the thing I like the most about the Helinox Stool is its packability. It folds into a nice cylindrical shape that is easy to carry in an outside pack pocket. That makes it very convenient to set up if you want to sit down when filtering water or at a viewpoint.
There is a slight learning curve to using the Helinox Speed Stool. If the Stool won’t fully assemble when you unpack it, it’s probably because the seat or legs are oriented in the wrong direction. This is easily addressed, though (see the video below), but it’s not documented on the product hang tag, and you’d never learn about it unless you went to the Helinox website.
How does the Helinox Speed Stool compare to a chair like Helinox Chair Zero, which weighs 17 oz? Besides the fact that it doesn’t have a back, the Speed Stool, and stools in general, put you in a much more active position, making it easier to cook or tie your shoes. In contrast, take your pick, with all of the leading ultralight chairs: the Helinox Chair Zero and Helinox Ground Chair, the REI Flexlite Chair, or the NEMO Moonlite; you’re leaning way backward, which makes it hard to do anything except lounge.
Recommendation
That, in a nutshell, is the case for the Helinox Speed Stool: It’s lighter than an ultralight camping chair, packs up smaller, has a bench-style seat that can be used as a small table, and makes you sit up straighter for cooking or other active camp chores. Once you learn how to unfold and assemble it properly, it’s a nice portable camping stool to carry on day hikes and backpacking trips.
Disclosure: Helinox donated a stool for review.
SectionHiker is reader-supported. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.
