|
Post by tipiwalter on Apr 19, 2021 8:52:25 GMT -8
This is my chair---lean back and enjoy---
|
|
ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,875
|
Post by ErnieW on Apr 19, 2021 9:09:21 GMT -8
So out of curiosity, how many people here really need a camp chair because of back issues? I don't need one and that really changes the calculation for one for me.
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,974
|
Post by driftwoody on Apr 19, 2021 9:27:34 GMT -8
So out of curiosity, how many people here really need a camp chair because of back issues? I don't need one and that really changes the calculation for one for me. I've never been able to sit cross legged for any period of time on the ground, and leaning against a tree while preparing breakfast or dinner isn't always practical. For many years I used a chair sleeve with my sleeping pad, but age and injuries have made it more difficult to stand up from sitting ground level. My lower back has on occasion "gone out" to the extent of disabling me, though thankfully not while backpacking. After switching from tent to hammock (partly due to back issues) the need for a chair higher than the ground has become more necessary. I'm not going to cook food where I sleep, sitting in the hammock. I bought an REI Flexlite chair on sale for about 1/3 the price of a Helinox, and now I'm struggling with the issue of legs sinking into the ground. I'm not willing to spend $$ to fix the problem so I've tried some homemade solutions, none of which have worked well. I may try to fashion a groundsheet like the Helinox one HSF posted.
|
|
zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,879
|
Post by zeke on Apr 19, 2021 10:11:23 GMT -8
I don't need a chair yet, but my back sometimes gives me a problem. I also turn 70 this year, so i figure I'll be using a chair out of necessity soon enough. Looking for a rocker that weighs 3 ounces.
|
|
TrailElder
Trail Wise!
Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed
Posts: 507
|
Post by TrailElder on Apr 20, 2021 4:08:38 GMT -8
I need to stretch and relax my back as frequently as possible. Not methodically, or obsessively, but whenever it makes sense. Otherwise, I am almost sure to get significant pain and cramping. I use my chair 99% of the time in camp while cooking, drinking coffee, eating and resting. I rarely get it out on the trail unless I am taking a long break and can't find a comfortable seat, but can find a good place for my chair. It rides in a side pocket, so is easily accessible. My pack will not work for this purpose. In camp, it is not loaded. On the trail, I want to be able to access it. And it does not provide full back support, which I need/like. Occasionally, a tree, log or boulder will work fine. The biggest challenges with them is that they don't generally like to be -- or can't be -- moved around by someone with a bad back (so can't be re-positioned if they are not in a good place for cooking, etc.), they usually aren't designed to provide lumbar support, and they are hard, cold, or sappy. My chair weighs 6 oz. The sit pad 2 oz., which I use for multiple purposes, including sitting on rocks, logs and ground, kneeling at my tent, etc. The ideal:
|
|
|
Post by bradmacmt on Apr 20, 2021 5:01:38 GMT -8
I use my chair 99% of the time in camp while cooking, drinking coffee, eating and resting - My pack will not work for this purpose. In camp, it is not loaded. Yeah, exactly. Thanks for two full write-ups on the Lite Smith. I'm thinking I want one for both my wife and I! Will be a good 60th B-day present in two months...
|
|
TrailElder
Trail Wise!
Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed
Posts: 507
|
Post by TrailElder on Apr 20, 2021 5:23:31 GMT -8
Oh geez. Thanks for the head's up. My wife was eyeing mine on our last trip and her birthday is in June. Mother's Day might be even better as we have a trip coming up at end of May to hunt up some (rare) Colorado fireflies.
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,911
|
Post by BigLoad on Apr 20, 2021 9:08:56 GMT -8
So out of curiosity, how many people here really need a camp chair because of back issues? Not me yet. I've sometimes been tempted to bring a chair and long thought about the SlingLight chair, but so far it hasn't got above priority threshold for any planned trip. Rocks and logs will suffice for a while longer, but that could eventually change.
|
|
|
Post by trinity on Apr 20, 2021 10:39:21 GMT -8
So out of curiosity, how many people here really need a camp chair because of back issues? I don't need one by any stretch. For me, it is a luxury item which I am more than willing to carry. When I am out, I love lounging around camp, mostly reading, pondering, and writing in a journal (which I do only when backpacking). Having a nice chair makes these activities a lot more pleasant.
|
|
rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,667
|
Post by rebeccad on Apr 21, 2021 17:02:32 GMT -8
I have long carried a chair. When the kids were little and our days were short of necessity we developed a fondness for a comfortable seat for sitting in camp, or in the tent, and reading/writing, etc. I really like my “thermalounger” chair kits, but like others, am looking for something else as the new more comfy but less sturdy pads don’t work well with them. I will likely do something like Zeke shared, or shell out for the pre-made Qwikback or the Mtnsmith version (depends on if I decide to use dedicated poles for my tent instead of trekking poles; with a growing fondness for dayhiking from camp, I’m inclining that way). My lightest chair kit weighs 11 oz, so even adding a set of poles for either tent or chair would be a weight savings. Making my own would be an interesting project if I get bored in the hot part of summer or the wet part of winter.
|
|
|
Post by hikerchick395 on May 7, 2021 8:44:50 GMT -8
Wow...Sliglights are even more pricey! But at least the company is making them again.
(I got mine for $3.00 at the thrift store.)
|
|
|
Post by hikerchick395 on May 7, 2021 8:56:40 GMT -8
Happy Hour
|
|
|
Post by trinity on May 7, 2021 9:03:17 GMT -8
Wow...Sliglights are even more pricey! But at least the company is making them again. (I got mine for $3.00 at the thrift store.) Dang, what a deal! How do you like it? Subjective question, but do you consider it worth the ridiculously high current price tag?
|
|
walkswithblackflies
Trail Wise!
Resident terrorist-supporting eco-freak bootlicker
Posts: 6,931
|
Post by walkswithblackflies on May 7, 2021 9:13:16 GMT -8
ChairBeer
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,974
|
Post by driftwoody on May 7, 2021 10:25:09 GMT -8
Does the rear support for the Sling Light tend to sink into the ground?
|
|