View Full Version : Sit Awhile...
I don't know about you, but I always find that about this time of year when out and about, it becomes difficult to find somewhere dry and comfy to sit. I always have an old bit of kip mat inside my pack to sit on, but they're not really that good because wet leaves and mud always get onto it since it's directly on the ground.
I did look at those fisherman's combined packs/seat. But they are generally accepted to be not that good. And carrying a separate fold seat is too heavy and bulky.
However.
I had a lucid moment.
I know these are hardly new, but it only just occured to me - tripod folding stools! Yes, yes, yes, they've been around for donkey's years. But I must have had a blind spot on them because they just never occured to me. But looking through the new Argos catalogue yesterday I saw one and thought, 'blimey! That's just about right - small and light enough to carry and it gets you off the cold, damp ground.'
So I bought one today and I'm really chuffed with it. It's small and light, ties on to the outside of the pack neatly and is much more comfortable than I thought it would be.
I dare say many of you already use one. It just never occured to me.
So, if anyone is looking for a camping seat that is small, light, easy to carry and cheap then Argos are doing them for a fiver!
It's always those small things that make a difference and you wonder how you made do without.
John Fenna
26-01-2010, 13:15
I had one...
the legs just dug into the ground and I ended up rolling in the mud and leaves anyway - unless the feet have HUGE spreaders (think shooting stick) tripod stools are worse that useless on even moderately soft ground...at least, with my weight they are!
I tend to use my orange "survival" bag, although the colour hurts my eyes it has it's purpose I guess and being plastic it keeps me try.
I will either throw it over a log or straight on the damp ground. - I look a bit like an *** but it keeps mine dry!
calibanzwei
26-01-2010, 13:22
Melonfish had a bad turn with one of those tripod chairs - it broke and he damn near broke his coccyx....
I have a flat folding stool.
You bunch of rotten meanies - don't bloody ruin it for me! I was feeling chuffed about it.
calibanzwei
26-01-2010, 13:41
It might actually have been an Argos one too ;)
They are small enough that they can be stowed away without a lot of fuss. They need patience to use properly though, and John's right, they coggle alarmingly if one is on the heavy side. Just sit down with a bit of care and they're fine.
That said, I think we've got four of them. I take them along as seats when we run out, or quick stands to hold dinner when sitting round the firebowl.
I've been eyeing up shooting sticks meself :D
cheers,
Toddy
Melonfish
26-01-2010, 13:50
Nope It was a TKMaxx one.
essentially the pivot/hinge bit in the middle is plastic, screws are then put through this into the supports. this is where it cracked and me being on a hardwood floor... well it hurt lets say that.
if i got another i'd look for titanium with a good metal collar/hinge bit so it wouldn't give way.
i have one too and its alright but i think that the best approach to plonk your erse down for a wee while is a hammock - weighs about the same, off the claggy ground completely, gives a backrest, goes up in seconds and is a lovely excuse for a wee kip too :). Off course it depends on having trees........
I thought you'd just fallen off :( I didn't realise the stool failed :eek: Never had that before. Almost couped a few times not taking care, but that's it thankfully.
cheers,
Toddy
gregorach
26-01-2010, 14:02
For ages I was wearing a pair of German-army-style moleskins, which I'd armoured on the lower legs and seat with heavy-duty goretex... Unfortunately they didn't stand up well to repeated washings (the membrane stopped working) and they soaked through a fair bit if you were sitting or kneeling for any length of time. They finally died when I ripped the left leg wide open on a raggedy fence, so I decided to invest some serious dosh in a pair of Filson Double Hunting Pants (http://www.filson.com/sm-double-hunting-pants--pi-2092475.html) just before Christmas. I was able to sit in the snow for quite some time in those without getting damp at all. Although they're not the warmest...
I've got a couple of "tripod" stools which, for some stupid reason, have four legs. Three would be much more comfortable.
I have an old folding sit mat, that folds up tiny (about 4" x 6"), so can be kept very handy in a coat or rucksack pocket.
Buckshot
26-01-2010, 14:25
As people have said the stools with straight legs just dig in my experience
Maybe take an old saucepan lid with you and put the stool on that?
An ally one wont weigh much and the lip will help stop the legs sliding off
Just a thought
Mark
memorire
26-01-2010, 14:42
hey there
i am a bit on the side of minimalistic gear - i just dont like to carry stuff on myself. So what I use is just a plastic trash or shopping bag (the ones that are more sturdy). Just sit on them and when you pack them turn them inside out and they are clean. and you can use them for other things as well.
The only problem is that they dont insulate from cold. But then you can stuff some spruce broughs, leaves or stuff like that inside. But then you will need another bag where to store the old one ;) still lighter and less bulky then a folding chair with aluminium saucepan lids :P
I am looking for a more permanent solution though also one that is more permanent. Been thinking of waterproofing the canvas shopping bags (haha use one already as a pillow - just stuff it before sleeping with things i find handy like pine or spruce broughs, or fresh green leaves). Maybe cut out a piece of sleeping mat and sew it inside? anyway...still looking for the best solution and sit on plastic bags till then ;)
cheers
markheolddu
26-01-2010, 20:21
I have one of the small pound shop tripod stools, after I sit on it for more than 5 mins bits of my body go numb. I will leave it at that on a family forum.
Mark
I have one of these http://www.walkstool.com/
Not exactly cheap, but very good.
Its the 55 or 65 I have, can't remember which it is. I've had it 6 or 7 years now and think it will last for ever.
Just had a look at the Argos catalogue and my wife has had exactly the same stool, for about 10 years and its going strong as well.
I had a sit on one of these last year and it seemed pretty good and in a much lighter and more compact package than either my Walkstool or the Argos one. I was very tempted as it would be a lot easier to carry.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=10010&product_id=2125-720
Graham
Rory McCanuck
26-01-2010, 20:42
A hunting buddy brought one of the tripods out one year, and I ended up using it. He forgot to take it back, and I used it all the time. I had it so long that when I gave it back, he had forgotten it was his! I have since found out what they cost, I'll have to let the moths out of the wallet....
It does sink in a bit, but that tends to make it more stable.
im ok for something to park my backside on ... braught a new rucksack for work and there a 10mm thick square peice of support foam inside for back support. easily removed and put back and waterproof tuboot works a treat
lee
helixpteron
26-01-2010, 21:19
For a really good, adjustable stool which is built to last, look at the Swedish designed and manufactured Walkstool series, here (http://www.walkstool.com/uk/product/indexframe.html).
The seat material is vented and waterproof, and the range of seat heights and widths will suit specific activities such as photography, bird/nature watching/hunting, or (like me) just having a sit down and a brew up. These stools have wide 'feet' which prevent sinking in soft ground.
I opted for the 55/22, which is 55cm/22ins high at its maximum position and love it, its secure and comfortable, yet light enough to pack and with a maximum load rating of 225kg/495lbs. Due to injury, support, comfort and seat height were important, as were light weight.
Three long term owners reviews on BackpackGearTest.com, here (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Camp%20Chairs%20and%20Seating/Chairs/Walkstool%20Comfort%2055/).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsaZYl4Hqno
http://www.walkstool.com/uk/main/tele.jpg
For a really good, adjustable stool which is built to last, look at the Swedish designed and manufactured Walkstool series, here (http://www.walkstool.com/uk/product/indexframe.html).
Would this be the same Walkstool that I suggested in my earlier post :-)
Graham
bhofmann
26-01-2010, 21:34
This reminds me of my childhood. I remember an uncle had one with a leather seat. The leather was THICK, so I doubt you could roll it up, but would come off the three poles and pack away nicely I bet.
helixpteron
26-01-2010, 22:00
Would this be the same Walkstool that I suggested in my earlier post :-)
Graham
Actually, no! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0009.gif
I began writing my post on Walkstools when the last post was #13, however, due to closely following the bidding on a very good spec' Peli Case 1600 on eBay to its conclusion (I won! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0054.gif) checking my emails and having a wireless failure, it took me longer than expected to post.
Actually, no! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0009.gif
I began writing my post on Walkstools when the last post was #13, however, due to closely following the bidding on a very good spec' Peli Case 1600 on eBay to its conclusion (I won! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0054.gif) checking my emails and having a wireless failure, it took me longer than expected to post.
Ah, just slow then :-))
Actually, I found the links on your post interesting, and they are very good stools.
Graham
The heavy duty rubbish bags are handy and big enough to spread yourself out a bit. A couple of folds and the leaves and muck can be kept away from everything else.
I've been using one of the cheap Nature Bound (http://www.naturebound-outdoor.com/sitmat.html) folding mats for a while though, again a couple of folds and the rest of the pack stays clean. I've got a long skinny stuff bag from a tarp I bought which covers it nicely if it's wet.
I got one of the stools from the Blacks sale for a couple of quid but I can't get comfy on it, there's always something sticking up somewhere no matter how I sit on it.
I bought one tripod stool once. Not bad. Mine was height adjustable, I just put it up and sat on it and it adjusted to its own height by sinking into the ground until bouyancy was reached. I must admit one thing with tripod stools is you have to pay attention to the way round you sit down on them if you're a bloke. Poor sitting technique can result in a pole top in thre wrong place (risk of this is further enhanced with alcohol of course).
If walking I just have an old closed cell piece of foam that came free with a walking mag years and years ago. Complete with a handle. I had a larger one but someone borrowed it on a walk and walked off with it. It is a shame because my current one is no longer sufficient for certain reasons probably relating to a healthy appetite. Buy agelert cmping mat for £4 (cheaper ones are available) and cut to size. The rest can be used for numerous uses from a pot cost for UL camping to a piece of mat for your feet when camping if you are too tall for a standard (long) therema rest or padding for a kayak, etc. The closed cell foam mat will feel almost like a heater when yo sit on it in winter. You can buy a folding foam one or even a folding one with the foam inside a fabric covering.
Light and it works with not risk of falling off.
If walking I just have an old closed cell piece of foam that came free with a walking mag years and years ago. Complete with a handle. I had a larger one but someone borrowed it on a walk and walked off with it. It is a shame because my current one is no longer sufficient for certain reasons probably relating to a healthy appetite.
That sounds like the blue TGO one I got too, mine blew away in a storm on Loch Ard a couple of years ago.
phill_ue
05-02-2010, 17:16
I'll plonk a folded blanket on the floor, if there is a lot of wet sloppy mud down then I look for a drier place or I will lay dead logs and brushwood down and blanket on top of that. Simple easy.
Been using a foam mat,picnic blanket(waterproof on one side) and a waterproof dog blanket, for years, but this reminds me, that i have a couple of those "tripod" stools somewhere, and i recal that boss ladies was an expensive l/t weight one, must try & find it, that or spend money at the out door show, hmm....
Rob
i have a foot and a half square of medium thickness leather (soft enough it will roll) that i plonk down, sit on it and afterwards roll it up and put it in the rucksack pocket. Easy.
andythecelt
05-02-2010, 23:55
I use a self inflating pillow/cushion that cost a couple of quid on sale. Packs up smaller than a tin of beans in under 30 seconds and I've not punctured it yet. I also use it for something to stand on to keep my socks dry when I need to take a step outside of the tarp to attend to those middle of the night calls of nature.
I don't know about you, but I always find that about this time of year when out and about, it becomes difficult to find somewhere dry and comfy to sit and carrying a separate fold seat is too heavy and bulky.
I've found this one has made all the difference to the last few trips certainly in the snow
the back rest makes a huge comfort plus over a tripod without
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/QDanT/Yordascavedinner2.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/QDanT/5camp.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/QDanT/7dinner-1.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/QDanT/4dinner.jpg
and if you want a brew in the middle of a beck it's perfect
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/QDanT/brewup-2.jpg
It fits inside my 35ltr pack no problems and I find it's worth carrying the weight (0.9Kg)for the comfort gained
Not from here just googled but gives specks and price. I paid even less in a Millets closing down sale
http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/gelert-neptune-fishingcamping-chair
cheers all Danny
hertsboy
06-02-2010, 11:25
I just sit on the ground and bet my bum wet. It soon dries out again when I get going.
hertsboy
06-02-2010, 11:27
I've found this one has made all the difference to the last few trips certainly in the snow
the back rest makes a huge comfort plus over a tripod without
and if you want a brew in the middle of a beck it's perfect
It fits inside my 35ltr pack no problems and I find it's worth carrying the weight (0.9Kg)for the comfort gained
Not from here just googled but gives specks and price. I paid even less in a Millets closing down sale
cheers all Danny
Love the glass of red wine! Lucky Teddy!