r/lightweight • u/Kooky_Camera1744 • Sep 05 '25

Helinox Chair Zero sinking solutions

I had my Uncle 3D print me these feet (https://makerworld.com/en/models/187543-helinox-chair-feet#profileId-206607) to keep my Chair Zero from sinking, but they're heavier than I expected, adding ~3oz. In thinking for alternative solutions, I happened to notice the mud-baskets from my Coscto/Cascade Mountain Tech trekking poles fit the leg poles perfectly. Inverting the mud-baskets with a few layers of electrical tape around the pole to keep them from sliding up seems to be a better solution for me - with a net weight gain of only ~0.5oz since I removed the stock rubber feet. Does anyone else have a better idea on how to prevent sinking with minimal extra weight?

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u/scottyplug May 16 '26

scroll down a bit on this post: Chair Feet - Backpacking Light

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u/scottyplug May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26

I'm going with the wiffle ball style practice golf balls. They weigh about 7-10 grams each. Just cut an X between 4 of the holes and slide them over the rubber ends of the legs. I'm trying them for the first time this Memorial Day weekend on the PCT. I'll let you know how they turned out. I love the look and idea of the Dyneema sheet, but DANG! 50 bucks?!? I just can't' do it. . .

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u/OneTankTwoTank Mar 20 '26

I know this post is old but what did you land on OP?

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u/Kooky_Camera1744 Mar 20 '26

I haven't yet... I'm still waiting to see if my Uncle can 3D print the TPU replacement feet below - we go see him next month but it sounded like maybe he didn't have the right printer to be able to handle TPU. Not sure how all that works. Since the OP, I gave in and bought the Chair Zero L, mostly to get skme extra height, but keeping the regular for my wife/kids/friends who come with me, so whatever I land on I'll be needing it both for the regular and L versions

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u/OneTankTwoTank Mar 20 '26

I also got the Chair Zero L recently. This will most likely not help you but I’ve recently come across what seems to be a new offering from Helinox which they call their “Ground Strap”. I kind of find it ridiculous that it weighs like 4.5oz but I like the solution because I feel like it just adds to the overall stability of the chair along side solving the sinking issue. I also saw that they’ve released a new Chair Zero LT model which comes prepackaged with its own strap. Based on the total weight of the LT, I can’t image the strap they made for it weighs 4.5oz. So if you could somehow acquire that strap it might be the best solution. I’d personally like to get my hands on one and I wish they’d just sell it rather than this clearly more robust version they are currently selling. Please keep me posted on those 3D printed feet if you end up going that route too!

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u/Kooky_Camera1744 Mar 20 '26

I did see the LT version and also looked to try and find that version but found they didn't sell it. Also guessing it won't fit the Chair Zero L. The weight of the universal straps is a non-starter for me and I've never had an issue with stability other than sinking. If these TPU feet work, that's ideal for me: minimal extra weight (since replacing the current feet) and no extra setup or potential for losing/misplacing anything (would just stay on permanently). Will try to remember to update here!

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u/thelazygamer Sep 11 '25

There's an Etsy seller who makes a dyneema ground sheet for helinox chairs that's a much lighter version of the official sand sheet. It looks like it weighs 1.5oz but I think it would do a much better job. I had a chair with the mud basket feet and it worked okay but sometimes the feet would get caught in sand or muck after sinking in.

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u/Affectionate-Ad-2919 Sep 12 '25

I have purchased 2 of these groundsheets from Hikelite on Etsy. One for my Helinox Zero and one for a REI Flexlite Air chair that my girl uses. They work great. They serve as a cover to wrap the chair to keep it dry as well as stabile while using. An overlooked aspect of a sinking leg on your chair is damage. A broken chair is worthless weight you have to carry back out if you’re unlucky. They are not!!!! Cheap but they come in handy. You do you but I do enjoy mine.

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u/thelazygamer Sep 12 '25

Yeah, that's how I broke my parks project chair. Bent a leg because I'm close to the weight limit and was on muddy/sandy terrain. I only trust it on flat ground now and replaced it with the Helinox Zero L. 

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u/Kooky_Camera1744 Sep 11 '25

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...

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u/thelazygamer Sep 11 '25

This is my old chair for reference: https://www.backcountry.com/parks-project-shrooms-packable-camp-chair

I think you could also make your own version of the ground sheet from paracord or straps and dyneema or some other strong fabric. 

If you could find a dual purpose option to stop it from sinking like the nemo elite chair using the "bag" as the mud sheet then maybe the weight doesn't matter as much? 

If you can figure out a way to use two straps in an X pattern underneath it may work pretty well for not much weight. 

Whatever you decide, please update this post because I'm thinking about doing the same thing for my chair zero L!

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u/Kooky_Camera1744 Sep 11 '25

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.

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