camp chairs when packing in

[twoSevenO]

Hi guys, what do you use for sitting around in camp when you're out in the back country. Not sure about you, but i usually get this urge to sit and lean back right where there is nothing to lean against.

I was thinking something like these therm-a-rest webbing chairs where you just slide your mattress into. Are they any good? Any (cheaper) alternatives? Would like to see some ideas.

Couldn't find one on MEC site, so here's one from REI:

https://www.rei.com/product/829896/t...k-chair-kit-20

[Bear Chaser]

Lawn chairs. Great for keeping my ass dry glassing for sheep at first light on dewy mornings.
One month to go.

[twoSevenO]

^ you seriously pack a lawn chair in with you?

What else do you bring?

[Squamch]

I bring 1/4 of a cheap blue foamy folded up in my pback. Good for sitting on, and I can lean on my pack.

[Ron.C]

I bring 1/4 of a cheap blue foamy folded up in my pback. Good for sitting on, and I can lean on my pack.

Same. Have a small piece I slip in my pack that keeps the but a little more comfortable been sitting and glassing. Most importantly it weighs nothing and takes up no room.

[Stresd]

I use one of those little foam gardening pads that they sell for kneeling on. Cut in half it is about 12"x9" and is next to next to nothing in weight. attaches easily to outside of pack. Keeps ass nice and warm when sitting in snow and glassing

[decker9]

I pack along a thermarest z seat, and lean back on my pack.

[ryanb]

The ground, man up.

[Lastcar]

I am an antsy guy at the end of the day. I am far too excited about the day that just past and the next day upcoming. I also tend to relax and sleep poorly regardless of how tired I am.

I am trying a new pad this year. I use a Thermarest Neo Xtherm which is nice. I am trying an Exped Downmat UL7. About a 5oz penalty. R rating is similar. It a rectangle instead of the mummy shape.

Which leads to the OP's question...about camp chairs.

I had read good things about the lightweight collapsible chairs from Helionox. But at 2lbs plus that was never happening. They have come up with a 1lb version which currently is a REI exclusive.

https://www.rei.com/product/109587/helinox-chair-zero

I have read that some really like them not only for the end of the day in camp but also for glassing from a tripod.

I originally tried the Thermarest option you presented.

Those Thermarest things are a pain in the ass and nowhere near as comfortable as you'd think. I used one on a single trip and returned it. Was too much effort for what you ended up with.


So I grabbed one of the REI Helionox chairs and so far I like it. It certainly is no lazy boy...or even a lawn chair.


But it is nice to be up off the ground both glassing and in camp. Using either Seek Outside LBO or the Redcliff the headroom is adequate. Naturally in my Hilleberg that wouldn't be possible.

I have to say so far so good. In the end, my goal is better recovery and rest versus comfort. Although the comfort is what I am hoping the chair will get me there.



Funny enough I found myself still sitting on the ground from time to time in camp. There is something about being on the ground and connected to nature or whatever we want to call it. Wasn't even on my pad, just on the ground.

Still using while glassing, yet. Still, use it for all my glassing. Got it late last season, so six days worth.

So the jury is still out. Adding one pound to the pack isn't the end of the world. But it is not insignificant so it is going to have to prove its worth before it is a bring an every time item.

As mentioned by others and above there is something about sitting on the ground. Something we certainly don't do enough in our lives.

[bearvalley]

The ground, man up.

And you don't have to worry about it blowing off the mountain when you stand up.