This Satisfying Camp Bench Changed the Way I Pack for the Outdoors

For car camping or short walks in the woods, the Helinox Bench One is the perfect seating solution — and can do lots of other jobs, too.

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There’s little argument that versatility is a key quality of any proper camping gear: the more jobs a single item can do, the fewer other items you need to pack. Probably top of mind are things like multitools and trekking poles that double as tent stakes and … I don’t know, sporks? Seating, on the other hand, is not something that I’d ever think of as particularly “versatile” in the “favorite, must-pack for camping” gear list sense. But a clever Helinox product is changing my mind.

Bench One BlackHelinox

Helinox Bench One

Specs

Capacity 420 pounds
Packed Length: 18 inches 18 inches
Packed Weight: 4 pounds, 10 ounces

The brand’s Bench One is a lightweight camp bench that travels in a compact bundle; its 18-inch long bag practically disappears into your trunk or back seat.

It’s not necessarily going to make thru-hikers drool — at a bit under five pounds it’s not that light — but for car camping or short walks to a campsite, it really is undeniably handy.

Setup isn’t just easy, it’s satisfying

Setup is easy and intuitive, even confidence-inspiring. Properly stretching the gossamer, ripstop seating surface atop Bench One’s sky blue DAC aluminum alloy frame requires a simple “hook and clamp” maneuver that the brand calls lever lock technology. The tactile and mechanical process is incredibly cool and deeply satisfying.

The tactile and mechanical process is incredibly cool and deeply satisfying.

Once assembled, the bench is perfectly taut — surprisingly firm but with just the right amount of give to be a comfortable perch around a fire. The load capacity is 420 pounds, and at 16 inches tall, 16 inches deep and 43.5 inches wide, it can easily accommodate a couple big humans — or three smaller ones.

It’s versatile

But that’s not where the Bench One’s use cases end: sure, it’s a great seat, but where a camp chair can really only be used as a lounge-y throne, a bench can do much more.

Over the years, my Bench One has served as a camp loveseat, a picnic table bench, a comfortable platform for nervous dogs, a sleeping cot for three-year-olds, a table for meal prep, an in-tent nightstand and more.

After I introduced it to my camp crew, several of them reached out individually to make sure it would make a return appearance on future adventures. It’s been so popular on our camping weekends that I’ve barely used it myself.

Yes, it’s an investment

The chief point of resistance for most (according to my non-scientific friend poll) is price. At $300, the Bench One is a sizable investment. In a very distant second, another complaint is aesthetics: the blue-and-black color scheme is handsome, but the brand’s logo emblazoned across a quarter of the seat is borderline obnoxious.

The Bench One is available online alongside other premium camp seating and sleeping furniture, from cots to chairs and beyond, much of it holding comparable appeal. I can’t wait to bring some of it along the next time I venture into the woods so that my friends can completely hog it all.

Bench One BlackHelinox

Helinox Bench One

Specs

Capacity 420 pounds
Packed Length: 18 inches 18 inches
Packed Weight: 4 pounds, 10 ounces
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