FlexLite Air Chair

The REI Co-op FlexLite Air Chair is REI's answer to the ultralight segment, aiming to provide similar comfort to its heavier sibling while shedding critical ounces. It succeeds admirably, offering a full-frame chair experience at a weight that competes with some of the lighter minimalist options. This chair is designed for the serious backpacker who wants a dedicated seat without feeling like they're sacrificing too much space or weight. It achieves its lighter weight through a combination of thinner-walled aluminum poles and lighter, yet still durable, ripstop nylon fabric. We found it surprisingly stable for its weight, holding up well on various ground conditions. The comfort is good for its class, providing decent lower back support to get you off the ground. Setup is still quick and easy thanks to the shock-corded poles. While it might not be quite as robust as the standard FlexLite, the weight savings are significant for those focused on gram-shaving. Packed, it's roughly the size of a water bottle, making it easy to integrate into a packed backpack. It’s an excellent choice for a wide range of trips, from overnight solo jaunts to multi-day group trips where shared comfort is key. **Highlights** * Impressively lightweight for a full-frame chair. * Good comfort and back support for its weight class. * Utilizes lightweight aluminum poles and durable ripstop nylon. * Very compact packed size, similar to a water bottle. * Quick and intuitive setup. **Watch-outs** * May feel less robust than heavier chairs over long-term aggressive use. * Not as budget-friendly as the standard FlexLite model.