Crazy Creek HexaLites

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

Pricing: HexaLite Original, $33; HexaLite LongBack, $44

Contact: www.crazycreek.com

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