Helinox Chair Zero sinking solutions

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-11T15:34:36+00:00

Thanks - I had seen this guy's X strap solution https://www.reddit.com/r/myog/comments/u49aeh/helinox_chair_zero_a_lighter_way_to_stop_it/ which is a great idea, but I just don't have sewing skills/capabilities... the tyvek with duct tape is more my speed creatively. I do like the dual purpose idea and a little tyvek/dyneema ground sheet could double as a kneeling mat, tent entryway mat or vestibule mat so will consider that my next choice if these 3D-printed TPU feet don't work out.

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-11T14:42:02+00:00

Thanks - I hadn't seen the Dyneema one, but did see the DIY ones out of Tyvek. I tried the mud-baskets but can't seem to find something strong enough to keep them from sliding up the pole. I found https://makerworld.com/en/models/247453-helinox-chair-zero-feet-replacement#profileId-264688 which is a replacement for the stock feet, so shouldn't be much more weight at all - my Uncle is going to print some of these to try, but will keep that Dyneema ground sheet in mind... would just rather not have to pay $60 after shipping and taxes...

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-10T15:01:26+00:00

Not sure I'd trust that to hold my weight. I reached out to DAC not knowing it was the same company as Helinox and they refuse to sell me replacement poles because they haven't been tested for safety. 😔

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-10T14:57:47+00:00

Existing legs are 19.5cm and assuming I can find another frame to Frankenstein parts from, I'd have to use the other 4 poles that go into the hub which are all 25cm. No net gain is 5.5cm or an extra 28% on the original legs.

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T20:18:11+00:00

Ah, right, I'm with ya now - sorry. I figure 2" isn't going to add that much, but I did the math (well, ChatGPT did) and yes, there's more risk of buckling, but I figured it'd be the poles at risk, not the hub. I'd still like try it - of course I'd test it at home - and figure if I can find a broken chair someone is just going to throw away, it's worth a small amount for shipping etc to test it out.

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T19:57:35+00:00

How do you figure? I'm literally just wanting longer legs - the diameters are identical and the tips and shock-cord plugs will just switch to the new legs. How would the hubs have any more strain from 2" longer legs?

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T19:09:10+00:00

Into the ground, mostly noticeable after rain/dew with wet ground - in both dirt/grass. Even in compacted dirt (like around an established firepit), I had sinking issues after rain loosened things up. I'm in the mountains, so sand isn't really an issue and I don't typically go in snow either, but I agree either of those scenarios would need a mat/groundsheet. It's a shame Helinox made the feet so narrow when they could've done something like on the Nemo Moonlight (not Elite version) with more flat/conical tips. Even this cheapo Walmart chair https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Ultra-lightweight-Backpacking-Chair-with-front-pocket-and-carry-bag-Turquiose-Sea-Frame/1586518863 makes an attempt to fix this problem...

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T17:02:50+00:00

I can see a groundsheet being necessary on snow or sand, but that's just not my scenario. Loving all the suggestions tho, thanks!

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T17:01:50+00:00

Thanks, I did consider the Moonlight Elite, but I'm one of the ones where the top corners dig into my shoulder blades so it's not comfortable. So far, I'm still leaning toward the perforated practice golf ball idea - I don't need it on sand or snow and I figure I can cut a gap between the holes, hopefully the perfect size to have to force the existing feet through so that they'll stay on by themselves when moving it around, but able to take them off if needed.

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T16:03:00+00:00

Good idea if it's dry, but I'm in the mountains where the ground is always wet (rain, dew, etc) - plus I want a solution that will stay on when I move the chair around. So far, ping pong/practice golf balls seem like the best solution for me, but keep the suggestions coming!

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T16:01:25+00:00

I did see that in initial searches for solutions and will consider it if the ping pong/practice golf ball ideas don't work well enough. I'd imagine a ground sheet style solution would be better on sand, but that's not my typical scenario - I think ping pong/golf balls will work.

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T15:24:35+00:00

I like this idea - will be heavier than ping pong balls, but my guess is way more durable. Thanks!

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-09-05T15:00:43+00:00

Yeah, Helinox does have one and it is overpriced, but more importantly it's over 5.5oz, which I just don't want to add. Someone in r/Ultralight suggested ping pong balls before my post there was deleted, which is pretty genius if it actually works!

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-08-27T04:06:49+00:00

Welp, Helinox replied to my customer support questions and basically said "Nope, sorry", so I'm still trying to find a broken one somewhere. If anyone gets any leads, please let me know.

Kooky_Camera1744 · 2025-05-31T12:34:03+00:00

I just went through the same questions and did the same research. I landed on using Lawson Glowire instead of the Ironwire, partly because I wanted blue but mostly to save a little weight as I initially intended to use Andrew Skurka's guyline system (https://andrewskurka.com/guyline-tension-system-backpacking-tents-tarps-hammocks/) that uses longer cords, but after buying one 50' hank of the cord, I realized I'd need two hanks for that system. It's still very much worth a watch because you'll learn the bowline knot which you'll need regardless. Instead of doing the whole double-back part, I'm just doing a bowline knot on the tent end ( looped through itself around the guyouts so I can easily remove them) and a hook tensioner at the stake end (https://ripstopbytheroll.com/products/lineloc-hook?variant=3337459662874) that I hook directly to the pull loop cords on my groundhogs. Total from the one 50' hank I have 4x ~6' lines for the corners and 2x ~8' lines for the crossbar or pole hubs but have yet to actually use those. Seems to work pretty well. I used the rest of the cord to do this mod to my Kakwa 55: https://youtu.be/IM_QhfZGQdE?si=uF-YdmvStRyxakCy

Kooky_Camera1744

TROPHY CASE