Review: FIELD RECORD FR-chair carbon A lightweight chair with a completely new concept that offers elegant coffee time anywhere
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Japan is surrounded by many outdoor manufacturers who create products that are small but still as strong as Europe and the United States.
FIELD RECORD FR -chair carbon, a folding chair that was launched this spring by Kyoei an outdoor brand founded in 2018 by Kyoei Design , known for its original product designs such as interior and miscellaneous goods .
At first glance, it may seem like an ordinary outdoor chair, but in fact it has an unprecedented structure, with trekking poles incorporated as a frame. This completely new idea has made this innovative chair both comfortable and light, and there are many other small ways to make it safe and convenient.
I usually didn't feel like bringing luxury chairs with me when I climbed, but after using them for the past few weeks, I thought it wasn't bad for hiking with chairs always by my side. We'll be reviewing the notable chairs that gave us such a fresh surprise.
table of contents
Detailed review
Amazing 510g and packable
The FR-chair carbon uses carbon-centered materials for the main body pole and the trekking pole sold separately, making it surprisingly lightweight while maintaining strength. It weighs 510g, which is only about 50g when compared to the typical ultra-lightweight chair "Chair One Mini (450g)" that I just had on hand. There are aspects of this that sacrificed some comfort to sit on in order to reduce the weight, so in that sense it is hard to imagine the innovative lightness of the FR-chair carbon. It also has a packable design that allows you to store it without needing a bag. It can be folded compactly as shown in the photo below.
The trekking poles are basically combined with FR-CDP trekking poles from the same brand (sold separately). I wrote "Basically" because if the trekking pole is 68cm long when stored at the lowest possible length, it can be replaced with another pole. However, in reality, all recent trekking poles are models that are shorter than 68cm when stored, so in reality, I think you'll end up using these poles. Although the FR-CDP itself is lightweight, highly durable and comfortable to use, it is still a neck length of 68cm when stored, and to be honest, I would be grateful if possible to use a wide range of models from other brands.
Once you get used to it, it's easy to assemble
The structure has been stripped down to the limit, except for what is necessary, so it takes some getting used to assembling it. However, once you get used to it, there's no stress that makes you feel stressed, so this is a trade-off with other performances, which is a reasonable part.
First, stretch out the three carbon poles attached to the main unit. Anyone can go this far without any difficulty.
Next, cross the two trekking poles and set them in the sleeves at each end. At this time, you need to make sure the pole passes under the strap, but until you get used to it, you tend to get confused and wonder, "What was it?" However, it's a bit confusing at first, but you'll get used to it quickly, so don't worry.
Finally, pull all five straps hard to tighten and secure them together.
Once you get used to it, the setup will be completed in 1-2 minutes.
A luxurious seating experience with a wide seat and backrest that you can't get from a lightweight chair.
The seat width is slightly wider than the Chair One Mini, but the depth and the width of the backrest are obvious at a glance.
I'll try sitting right away. You can lie down your upper body on the backrest, similar to a typical camping chair. Paradise.
A low style that's perfect for brewing coffee on the ground
It's nice to lean back comfortably, but the fact that this chair is so high that it's perfect for cooking or boiling water on the ground. It's not too expensive or too low, which is common with lightweight chairs. Once you've finished the long hill, you'll always find an elegant low style waiting for you.
Still, the amount of crossed poles and lateral stability
Although it is a stunning chair with minimal weight and maximum comfort, there are only two parts that I personally cannot be happy about. One is that the poles are intersected, and since the poles always hit the butt and back are on one side (upper side), there is a slight discomfort. The best thing to do is that the pole won't hit your body, but it is desirable to at least have a soft hit that you don't notice.
Another thing is that it is slightly weaker to lateral tilt. There is no particular inconvenience when you sit normally, but when you lean a little, you start to feel unstable. This will be stable to some extent by hitting the pegs on the ground and fixing them (there is a loop as shown in the photo below), but in the first place, it is not realistic to hit the pegs with just a short break, so I would be happy if they could be a little more stable without the pegs.
Summary: What kind of people do they recommend?
This time I only used it for a short hike, but the most useful thing about this chair is when you spend a relaxing time staying in a tent rather than taking a short break. With this chair, you'll surely make your long nights of cooking, dinner, and even sake and snacks. Until now, I would have been holding back if it was as comfortable as the level of a lightweight chair, but if it was so rich, I couldn't help but think that I could bring it with me a little. The price is certainly high. However, it is a wonderful gear with charm that tickles these desires.
In addition to this item, there is also a connecting and variable shelter! We would like to continue to look forward to FIELD RECORD , a brand that develops interesting items such as these and pursues beauty in terms of use that combines functionality and design
