The Robens Pioneer chair: You won't believe how small this chair packs down to

Review Score

This is a great chair that we've used countless times this year.

Our Score: 9/10

We've given the The Robens Pioneer chair: You won't believe how small this chair packs down to the Thumbs Up award.

Value for MoneyQualityFamily Friendly

The good

• The Robens Pioneer Chair folds down incredibly small, making it easy to transport to the campsite.

The not so good

• Can be a bit fiddly to put together.

This was a hands-on product review. The product was supplied to us to test and conduct the review.

Price Guide

The Robens Pioneer chair: You won't believe how small this chair packs down to Videos

The Robens Pioneer chair: You won't believe how small this chair packs down to Photos

Our Review

Taking things to the campsite can sometimes be a challenge. Things like tables and chairs can be particularly bulky.

Fortunately, there is a solution: the Robens Pioneer chair.

I was amazed at how small this chair folds down.

Using the Robens Pioneer Chair

The Pioneer Chair actually feels like a full-size chair. It's not like those little stools you get, which can get a bit uncomfortable after a while.

Instead, the Pioneer supports your body with a slight recline.

It's also a swivel chair.

I don't know why Robens felt they needed to make the chair swivel but I'm glad they did. If you are sitting around the fire and reaching for things as you are cooking, that little bit of swivel makes things a little easier.

You could also combine it with the excellent Robens Wayfarer Table, and you've got an outside office!

Transporting and Setting Up the Chair

The big feature of the Robens Pioneer is of course, how small it folds up.

The folded package is just over 1kg and measures 29cm x 11cm x 12 cm.

You could probably pack four of these chairs into the same space one large camping chair would take up.

The only problem with such a small package is that we found it a little stiff to put together. The legs and supports go together easily enough, but attaching the seat to the frame can be stiff. So far, I'm the only family member who can do it.

We don't just use this chair for camping. It works well for picnics too.

Alternatives to the Robens Pioneer Lightweight Chair

I have seen a similar lightweight chair from OEX, called the Ultralite Camping Chair.

I've not tested the OEX chair, so I can't vouch if it's good. The OEX chair is cheaper and heavier than the Robens Pioneer chair.  But the OEX chair is fixed and doesn't swivel.

Another alternative is the Helinox Chair One, which weighs even less than the Robens Pioneer at just 940 grams! However, when folded, it is slightly longer. It also doesn't swivel and is more expensive.

Verdict

The Robens Pioneer Chair is another innovative product from the adventure camping brand Robens that could easily find a good home with family campers.

It gets the GOWTK Thumbs Up award.

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