The Naturehike LY01 Ultralight Chair offers a compelling blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability for outdoor enthusiasts. This review delves into the features and performance of this innovative backpacking chair, examining its ease of setup, seating ergonomics, build quality, and overall value. We'll assess whether the LY01 lives up to its "ultralight" and "instant setup" claims, exploring both its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it's the right choice for your needs.Weighing in at a mere 2.8 lbs, the LY01 boasts a surprisingly high weight capacity of 441 lbs. Its unique "moonshaped" seat design promotes an upright posture, enhancing comfort compared to many reclining ultralight chairs. This review will cover aspects such as packability, material quality, and the practicality of its design features, providing a comprehensive assessment of the Naturehike LY01's suitability for various outdoor activities and backpacking adventures.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight enough for backpacking
- Easy and quick to set up
- Comfortable
- High weight limit
- Inexpensive
- Large storage bag
- Good quality materials (701 aluminum alloy frame, 600D Oxford polyester fabric, nylon mesh)
- Fast instant setup frame
- Smart design; frame locks into place
- Good upright seating position
- No anti-sink feet included
- Small, nearly unusable side pocket
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Naturehike LY01 Ultralight Chair arrived in a compact polyester storage bag, surprisingly spacious and easy to use. The bag's dimensions are perfect for backpacking, and the double grab handles and single zipper make access simple. Initial quality checks revealed excellent stitching and no loose threads, promising durability.
The chair's frame and seat are surprisingly easy to assemble, fitting together with satisfying clicks. The 'instant setup' system truly lives up to its name. Naturehike's design choices create a smooth and intuitive setup and pack-down process.
Seating Comfort and Design
The LY01 features Naturehike's unique 'moonshaped' seat cut. While similar to other foldable chairs in terms of overall seating area, the LY01 promotes a more upright posture, minimizing the slouching common in backpacking chairs. This improved seating position adds to overall comfort and is ideal for tasks requiring a more alert posture, like cooking or using a map.
This improved posture is a significant improvement. Most ultralight chairs encourage a reclined, slouched position; the LY01 encourages a more upright and supported seating experience. The chair feels substantially more comfortable than most comparable models on the market.
Specifications and Value
Weighing in at 2.8 lbs with its storage bag, the LY01 boasts a substantial 441 lb weight capacity. It's available in gray, black, and green and uses a 701 aluminum alloy frame, 600D Oxford polyester fabric, and nylon mesh. At a price of around $60 (with potential discounts), it offers excellent value for its features and build quality.
The chair's dimensions when set up are 28.9 inches high, 21.3 inches wide, and 21.1 inches deep. When packed, it measures 15 inches x 5.5 inches, making it very packable. The combination of weight, capacity and price point sets it apart from competitors.
Overall Assessment and Minor Drawbacks
The LY01 excels in its speed and ease of setup. This is the quickest instant setup chair the reviewer has tested, making it ideal for short breaks or quick changes of location. The quality of materials and construction is high, exceeding expectations for the price point. The only significant drawbacks are the lack of anti-sink feet and an impractical side pocket.
The absence of anti-sink feet leads to sinking on soft ground, and the small, poorly-designed side pocket adds unnecessary weight and is too tight to be useful. However, these are minor issues that don't significantly detract from the overall positive experience.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Naturehike LY01 Ultralight Chair is a strong contender in the backpacking chair market. Its instant setup, comfortable upright seating position, and reasonable price point make it an excellent choice for various outdoor activities. While there are lighter options available, they often compromise on setup convenience, durability, or cost.
Despite the minor flaws (lack of anti-sink feet and the useless pocket), the LY01's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It's a well-designed, comfortable, and affordable chair perfect for shorter trips or those who prioritize ease of setup over weight savings. I recommend this chair for most users who value a balance of speed, comfort and price.