When on a summit, do you sit on a chair? If so, what kind works best? i usually plonk on the ground but realise this isn’t ideal.
1 Like
Hi Grant,
I used to carry two mini-camping stools (one for me and one for the rig), but over the last two years I have simply taken a painters sheet (thick PVC). It’s lighter, easier to pack and fits every summit!
73 Ed DD5LP/VK2JI.
Chair? I have a very cheap foam mat designed for gardeners to kneel on like this. But mine cost £0.85 not £5!
It provides thermal insulation and keeps your bum dry. Also it’s light and slips in the bag easily.
1 Like
Also makes rocks much more comfortable 
I have two, large fold up one for short walks and the tripod small one for longer walks.
karl
I use a Bardani prestige “seat”.
73, Hans PB2T
Likes that good idea light weight and is that self inflating also
Kar
A similar closed cell foam pad is available from Poundland. For a pound, of course, a little more expensive but there are lots of branches to go to. There is a moulded in handle at one end and I would suggest holding the mat in place with a tent peg through the handle as it wouldn’t take much wind to blow it away!
1 Like
I have a thin closed foam mat cut from a camping mat I bought in Tesco a few years ago. It is foil backed and keeps my derriere warm even if the ground is frozen - Like yesterday on G/CE-001 for example!
I find that 90Kg of activator works well! 
The folding closed cell foam mat wins my vote - especially as I got mine free from my wife. I have a small camping stool, but have only taken that up to keep my wife happy on joint walks
Heh, those were the days! 
1 Like
These look comfortable and quite practical:
3 Likes
Hello,
I own several chairs.
- Most frequently (99% activations) I use a small square cut out from a cheap camping sleeping mat, the one with an aluminum side up:
https://www.decathlon.es/aislante-forclaz-m100--id_5591048.html
I cut out a piece of about 40x40 cm and that’s it: very lightweight and warm.
If I want more comfort I have two other choices:
- A light aluminum foldable camping chair:
https://www.decathlon.es/tripode-gris--id_8387460.html
I carry this to easy walk summits where I plan to stay for longer time.
- A foldable chair that I also use on the beach ;o)
http://www.backcountry.com/therm-a-rest-trekker-chair
inside i I fit a cheap sleeping mat.
Cheers and a comfortable day
73 de Ignacio
Gardener’s foam kneeling pad here as well. Cut it in half and rounded new corners on a bandsaw to make 2 smaller ones. XYL is present and also activates on most peaks. Light, warm, and really improves comfort on rocks.
Because radio kit is all one piece, except for antenna, I activate standing up on some peaks, with weight of the radio resting on a hiking pole adjusted for the right height.
Chair…
Tried a three-legged camp chair but I kept falling off it…
Back to the ground for me… using a 4’ x 4’ piece of Tyvek paper in the summer and Piece of Karrimat during the winter…
My camping and operating chair is a Crazy Creek chair. The closed cell foam is thick enough to make pointy rocks soft and there is just enough back support. They are not cheap, but they last a really long time. In an emergency, you can cut it up to make a splint. You have padding, carbon fiber stays, and straps.
http://www.crazycreek.com/original-chair/
wunder
I bring along a nylon poncho. I spread it on the ground. It covers about an 8’ x 8’ area. I can sit on it and there is enough room to lay out my radio and associated equipment. It keeps me off wet ground and if I drop any small items they don’t disappear into the leaf litter.
Al, N1AW
Same here, though I have also made them from pieces cut from a sleeping mat. The advantage of folding it in half, is that if you always fold it the same way, the wet muddy side doesn’t touch anything else in the rucksack.
I like the idea of Wunder’s chair, as it also gives back support.
I’m saving up to buy one of Richard’s thrones, I trust he will stock them with a SOTA logo…?
1 Like
I generally will spend a few hours on a summit. So, I want to be somewhat comfortable while there. I tried some different alternates beyond a simple ground sheet. I tried a stadium seat similar to the ‘original chair’ and some different kinds of cushioned pads, but none packed very tight and none were very comfortable for very long. I finally spent some money and bought this chair. It was expensive, but it was highly rated by backpackers.
It weighs 1lb 10oz, and packs into a fairly small tote that fits into my backpack with no problem. It is a quick setup and knockdown. It is a low chair, which keeps the weight and packed size down. But, it does take a little effort to get in and out of it. And, because of the pointy legs, it will sink down into soft earth, making it much lower at times. However, it is quite strong, and it has not suffered any damage from sinking into the earth, even when all of the legs do not sink in to the same depth.
The weight and size of everything that you carry has to be considered and trade offs need to be made. So, I’m sure that this is not suitable for everyone. But, it suits me quite well.
Jody - K3JZD
https://www.rei.com/product/877258/rei-co-op-flex-lite-chair
1 Like
I use a padded mat that was originally intended as a laptop sleeve. It fits into a pocket inside the backpack and while it is thin, it improves the comfort of a longer activation, especially when sitting on rocks. Being flexible enough to sit cross legged is also an advantage, so the pilates exercises come in handy there. They have other benefits too…