I am 7 days away from leaving PA to head for the BWCA for my 1st paddle there. I am doing a leisurely 8 days from EP 14 to EP 16.
Is it worth the  trouble to take a camp chair and if so what is your favorite? I am not talking crazy creek here but an above ground chair.

I used to NOT take a camp chair but the past few years I have been taking a folding, above ground chair.  Otherwise my butt gets pretty sore sitting on logs or rocks by the end of a week long trip.  I recommend hefting all the various models of camp chairs and finding the lightest one which is also rated for your body weight...there is quite a difference in chair weight between models.
Campmor makes a medium sized model, larger and can carry more weight than a child's size chair, but substantially smaller than a full sized folding chair.  I have a friend who has one of these and it has worked well for them.

Yes, indeed, by all means I take a chair.  Mine is a GCI Quik-E-Seat, a 3-legged folding chair with a backrest.
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It weighs about 5 lbs and is worth every ounce.  I've used a small tripod chair, a Crazy Creek, and an Alite Monarch, but none of them is as comfortable or just plain useful as the GCI.

I lash the chair into the stern of my solo canoe with my two paddles secured in the bow when portaging.  The portage yoke is set to balance this extra 8 lbs just a tad bow-light.

I meant to mention that I take the GCI chair more for my back than my butt.  It enables me to sit with a more erect posture than logs, rocks, or any of the other chairs I've used.

Got to have a chair.......something fairly low so you can use it to break camp. Whole lots better to stuff bags while sitting rather than bent over squatting all the time. Watch those feet when you are cooking. (It would be a shame to dump that boiling pot of water on your sandal shod feet).

Keep in mind if you go with say a tripod stool (my usual chair) that all three feet are on a stable surface lest you end up on the ground......it can happen, usually only once  ;).

REI has a decent selection of camp chairs.

For a more extensive conversation on camp chairs use the "search" function on this very site where camp chair threads are fairly comprehensive  :thumbup

I also like tripod stools. In addition I also carry a self-inflating butt pad. Thermarest makes them along with others.

Anyone remember back when a chair

or a tarp


or a stove




and and yes, even a map in some circles ...





was "for wussies"?

;D

About the lightest thing you will find is an old aluminum lawn chair.  I do not think anyone makes them any more, check out yard sales and ebay.  Plain ones weigh 3-4 pounds.

I am still getting by using my kitchen bucket for a seat but have noticed that those who bring a chair and use it will not travel without it after that. Something that makes your trip that much more enjoyable should be brought along. :)

Not a chance. My pfd draped over an appropriate slab or log becomes a lounger.

What I miss most is back support.  I just bring a folding pad canoe seat that I use in camp also.

starwatcher

Thanks for all the advice. It looks like the consensus is to  take one. I do like the GCI but I see Piragis has a small seat at half the weight.[urlhttp://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,9584.html][/url]

They are my outfitter for this trip so I can save some shipping.

Down to 5 days now. Permethrin is sprayed, maps are annotated, have notes on lakes , campsites and portages.
Gear is all in 1 room for packing. Fishing gear still needs a little work.

What an I forgetting? :-/

I'm a big fan of small camp chairs, and own 3 Lafuma stadium chairs that fold up and store in my pack.  As you can kinda see in the picture, they get you off the ground and provide that wonderful back rest!

I don't think Lafuma makes these any longer, but this link shows one is almost exactly the same, at least by the picture...

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prouboy

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Found a better picture of my camp chair...

prouboy

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I have taken a lightweight sling chair on solos but am debating this same question this year.  You see, I'm taking my dog so will have the added weight of her food for 11 days to carry. I could either leave the chair or the depth finder.... I do have a crazy creek canoe seat so I think I'll just use it to double as a camp chair to save a few pounds.

Puckster wrote on Jun 15^th, 2013 at 5:46pm:

Found a better picture of my camp chair... prouboy

Is that a Sling-Light chair the other guy is sitting in?

Yes, my friend is sitting on a sling-light.  Weird chair, but to each his own!

prouboy

On the subject of camp chairs, I've been toying with the idea of bringing along a 5 gallon bucket with top, both as something to carry/stow things in and as a camp "stool."  I've seen pictures of this in other's photos. 

Any thoughts? 
-- What do you store/haul in the bucket? 
-- Other uses around camp? 
-- Sits okay in the canoe?

prouboy

db wrote on Jun 15^th, 2013 at 7:31am:

Anyone remember back when a chair or a tarp or a stove and and yes, even a map in some circles ... was "for wussies"? ;D

That was before we got old.  :o

If I'm on a more basecamping trip, I bring a chair.  Got a couple old Fleet-Farm foldup models that do the trick at 4.5# each.  They strap nicely onto a standard canoe pack and my pack isn't heavy enough where the extra 9# for 2 chairs is any sort of a bother. 

On trips where I'm moving daily, the thermarest butt pad makes the sitting logs/rocks much more friendly to my backside and it fits nicely in the equipment pack between my back and the cookkit so I don't have metal digging into my spine on long portages.  Weighs virtually nothing.

I have brought along one of those contraptions that turns your thermarest into a chair before but it doesn't do much for me.  I'd rather use either my regular folding chair or the butt pad.  Pain in the butt to be hauling my mattress in and out of the tent as well.

;) A back rest was a wonderful improvement when I was young too!

I wanted to see this picture before I went to bed anyway. I got it as a gift ~30 years ago and still love it. It works for me. That black thing behind me is one of two knee/butt pads I also take. I use those quite a bit for different things too. They are elbow pads at this very moment...

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It's not unusual for me to take it down to the shoreline to stargaze for a while before bed and end up waking up a few hours later because I'm cold.

Do folks leave their normal chairs out all night?

i dont bring a chair, i have tractor style seats in my canoe so i dont bring any sort of cushion for that either. im still young (25) so the squatting isnt that much of a bother... yet... for filletting fish, we usually prop the canoe up on some logs/rocks over a low spot so that we can stand and clean fish. otherwise i dont really do much sitting around. im either standing and fishing or sitting fishing from the canoe about 70% of the time. the other say 25% is sleeping and the remaining 5% is sitting around camp. ive been considering bringing a cushion

scottv11 wrote on Jun 15^th, 2013 at 3:20pm:

. What an I forgetting? :-/

When I hiked Isle Royale some years back I used the same shoes for hiking, wading while fishing and in camp. Of course that was when I was tough and not OLD and a WUSSIE  ;).  A decided unpleasantry not to have camp shoes.

Oh, and don't forget the other half of the letter M  ::)

Puckster wrote on Jun 16^th, 2013 at 4:21am:

On the subject of camp chairs, I've been toying with the idea of bringing along a 5 gallon bucket with top, both as something to carry/stow things in and as a camp "stool."  I've seen pictures of this in other's photos.  Any thoughts?

Sort of funny......in that kick in the gut sort of way. I bought a complete line of waterproof duffels after seeing my pals in action. They are pretty sweet I admit and I will probably get a lot of use out of them but me oh my were they pricey. Watertight to 30 meters which also means airtight (a decided advantage for those of us who stash our food>If Yogi can't smell it he won't get it :thumbup ). I also liked the longer openings of the duffels........no more digging around trying to find what you want but I am digressing.........I decided on Martens 5 gallon bucket route after settling on an Everglades trip. The raccoons are thick and have perfected the art of thievery. My Watershed duffels wouldn't last long.

After packing one up I seen the decided advantages and am bringing one on my WCP trip this summer. As per Marten I have decided to house my "kitchen" in one. I went to Home Depot and purchased a snap top (permanent) which has a screw on lid. Much better than any other lid set up which would be more or less a hassle. Will it replace my tri-pod stool? We will see.........but I rather doubt it. I love my tri-pod stool. Mine comes in at 14.5 oz compared to the usual 2lbs of most other tri-pod stools. Very easy to move about when breaking camp.

Puckster wrote on Jun 16^th, 2013 at 4:21am:

On the subject of camp chairs, I've been toying with the idea of bringing along a 5 gallon bucket with top, both as something to carry/stow things in and as a camp "stool."  I've seen pictures of this in other's photos.  Any thoughts?  -- What do you store/haul in the bucket?  -- Other uses around camp?  -- Sits okay in the canoe? prouboy

I am still keeping notes for a future book: 101 Uses for a Bucket.
Mine contains my complete kitchen. In the morning it is stocked with the days lunches and snacks and the stove topped off with fuel. During breaks it is the only item that needs to be taken from the canoe.

Depending on other packs for the trip the bucket is placed where needed for trim or fit. On a tandem it fits behind most stern seats.

Other uses are limitless: water supply when camped high above the lake, dish pan, laundry tub, sponge bath water supply- heated to personal preference,nighttime anti-rodent storage and sometimes as a pontoon to keep from sinking on a boggy portage.

db wrote on Jun 15^th, 2013 at 7:31am:

Anyone remember back when a chair or a tarp or a stove and and yes, even a map in some circles ... was "for wussies"? ;D

Patrick McManus, Field & Stream wrote; "Half the fun of camping in those days was looking forward to getting back home.  When you did get back home you prolonged the enjoyment of your trip by telling all your friends how miserable you had been.  The more you talked about the miseries of life in the woods, the more you wanted to get back out there and start suffering again.  Camping was a fine and pleasant misery." ;D ;D ;D

starwatcher

I've tried several kinds. A tripod stool, crazy creek style, and beach chairs. I like being off the ground. But some are bulky to carry. Right now I'm using one you balance on two legs. I like the support and the way it packs down small. Goes together easy and it's light. I really need a few moment in a good chair while I suck down some morning java before I feel like moving much. Same with some evening time pondering the day.

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We often take a large bucket for all the same uses Marten puts his to.  It does make a good chair, also a small table, we use the cover for a cutting board.  Hadn't thought about using it as a pontoon on boggy portages; will have to try that out in the future.  ;D

Great ideas re: buckets.  I'm in. 

thanks

prouboy

really interesting stuff about the bucket. on our way out we saw 3 or 4 groups with buckets and were wondering what they would be used for that they would be worth the space/carrying. obviously the stuff that has been mentioned is great, but then on portages you have to carry the bucket by the handle? im part of the school of thought that hands free portaging is best. i always take my personal pack, and if i have the canoe i have both hands to balance the canoe on rocky areas/elevation changes. if i dont have the canoe i have either the food bag or tent bag. both are the water proof(vinyl) duffel bags with the big over the shoulder strap. that way i have both hands free if i stumble or to move sticks/rocks out of the portage path.

i guess if i were to bring a bucket i would probably bring 2? for carrying/balance reasons.

Is it my imagination or do most folks on this board prefer to walk through the woods hands free? That would seem absolutely foreign to me..........I have always walked the woods with something in my hand (both hands are full when portaging).......My little garden spade was my constant companion month after month on the line and the transition to a walking staff on hiking trips was compulsory. I would feel naked without carrying something in my hands.

I loathe falls with a passion.........suffice to say it is a rare day when I bite the dust. You must not fall.....period. Always stay in control. What I have noticed is how carrying something can actually prevent falls. Feel off balanced? Stick whatever your carrying in the ground......now you are a tripod, very stable.

Solus wrote on Jun 15^th, 2013 at 12:45pm:

Not a chance. My pfd draped over an appropriate slab or log becomes a lounger.

I don't want to be too obnoxious about this, but sitting on your PFD will crush the flotation, which will make it less useful if you ever need it for its intended purpose.

jaximus wrote on Jun 16^th, 2013 at 11:51pm:

i guess if i were to bring a bucket i would probably bring 2? for carrying/balance reasons.

I would not carry more than one bucket. In practice a slight lean to the side to keep the bucket from banging your leg comes naturally. If you stumble the bucket is so low to the ground that it can be set down and gripped to help with control. I keep my bucket under 20 pounds and pad the carry handle for more comfort. Be sure that the height of your bucket allows for your arm to hang straight down. Flexing an arm to keep it off the ground will wear you out.

If you use tump lines and want to double pack the pail can be carried across the top of another pack.

Give the bucket a chance on your next trip. Some will swear by them  :D and others at them. >:(

"Is it my imagination or do most folks on this board prefer to walk through the woods hands free? That would seem absolutely foreign to me"

I always carry a paddle in one hand and use it as a walking stick when needed - like taking a big step up or down on one of those slimy big rocks in the portage trail; and constantly in use when walking the corduroy to keep from slipping off the muddy logs.  Very handy for balance when I have to high step over a log in the trial also.  Two paddles, so I can carry one for each of the two loads - if the trail is particularly difficult or has a lot of corduroy to walk, I'll find a stick and use that on the return trip for the boat.


as to the original question - in Quetico, I travel everyday and may do 40 to 50 portages a trip, so I try to go as light as I possibly can - but I don't like sitting on bare rocks or logs - I bring along a gardeners kneeling pad - I have several different ones - the lightest weighs 1.6 oz, others go up to 3.6 oz.  I can often sit on the ground with my back against one of the sitting logs if I want back support.  Going ultralight, I only bring a 3/4 length Thermarest (the lightest 1" version) - I put the kneeling pad under my heels for cushion when sleeping.  If I can't sit while filtering water, I can kneel on that pad.  lots of utility for minimal weight. 

I took one on a quick backpack trip this weekend - aside from its other uses, it works well to pad the back from any rounded items that might poke me in the back.   

and just by the way, I took the same Thermarest I used in Quetico on this little backpack - worked fine for 6 nights in Q, but I got a leak somehow this weekend, and it would deflate after a couple of hours - lots of wild rosebushes around, might be i picked up a thorn somehow - haven't checked it for leaks yet - gald it held up in Q.

I do bring a chair on local river trips, where there isn't any portaging - being of a modest size, I can fit in a kid's size fold up chair - labels say they are good to 150lbs - and it folds up to no longer than 20", so it fits inside a drybag.  Not as comfortable as a full size chair (which everyone else brings), but the low height above ground is an advantage, as I can conveniently use my stove and cook from the chair.

Gavia wrote on Jun 17^th, 2013 at 2:53am:

Solus wrote on Jun 15th, 2013 at 12:45pm: Not a chance. My pfd draped over an appropriate slab or log becomes a lounger. I don't want to be too obnoxious about this, but sitting on your PFD will crush the flotation, which will make it less useful if you ever need it for its intended purpose.

My PFD (as most modern units) is filled with closed cell foam (air sealed in foam- will not be compromised by compression) in vertical "ribs" encased in nylon. It is not in the least bit compromised by sitting or standing upon it, it is uncrushable.

A few years ago, probably fifteen now, when my back started bothering me a bit and my knees got cranky about squatting by the fire for a long time, I looked for a very lightweight, sturdy stool.  We found the one that did the job and it has gone on every trip since.  I really like it, especially for cooking.  But I use it for other sitting times, too.  That isn't to say that I don't sit on a rock or a log, but at age 67 I rarely sit on the ground anymore.

Then two years ago Neil went on a fishing trip with Ramsey Dowgiallo of "Wilderness Journey", and he discovered that Ramsey actually takes a CHAIR along!  Neil thought I would like a chair with a back, so we bought the chair (in the photo) at Pamida in Ely and took it on our 2011 canoe trip for the first time.  It is quite lightweight, and fairly comfortable, although a bit cumbersome to get out of.  I think he sits in it about as much as I do.   ;)

If anyone had told me 40 years ago that we would take a chair up there I would have laughed myself silly.  But now we pretty much consider it part of the equipment, and the chair has replaced our second stool, which was sort of like my first one.

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Hang on to that stool Spartan2 !- you can't find them anywhere anymore.  I have one just like that, except mine does have a folding backrest - a Coleman I think it was.  I use it occasionally when camping out of my truck - they are very light and it would be a good choce for taking along on a canoe trip.  same thin aluminum tubing that used to be on lawn chairs - also hard to find unless you get lucky and score one at a garage sale.

what is surprising to me is that they aren't made anymore (neither the cheap $10, light stool, or the old style lawn chairs) apparantly, or nobody carries similar chairs.  choices have devolved to the ubiquitous steel fold up umbrella type chairs that weigh 4 or 5 pounds, or to "high tech" little chairs that cost an arm and a leg - like a $100 for a little chair! - or to the fold up tripod stools, which I don't find all that comfortable, and also aren't very cheap.

Quote:

I have one just like that, except mine does have a folding backrest - a Coleman I think it was

I have a folding Coleman directors type chair that I bought at a garage sale just because.
It's extremely light compared to the newer steel tubing versions, I'd guess under #5 as it sits in case.
I plan on doing some work on it this winter, going to skeletonize the tubing as much as possible and cut the legs a bit shorter too.
I figure without case and reworked it should come in at #4 or less.
For the comfort it provides, I'll cut that weight somewhere else.
Some of those uber expensive lightweight chairs look a little flimsy to me and many have the type of legs that sink into the dirt.
The Coleman has durable plastic pads that make it sturdy on any terrain. :thumbup
Why they discontinued chairs like that is hard to understand. :-?

i liked that little stool you had so i did a quick google search, i found this

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and this other one, i like the bar on the bottom instead of just the legs so it doesnt sink in as much

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looks like a lot of nice cheap options!

Yes, one thing I like about ours (aside from being VERY lightweight) is that it doesn't sink into wet ground like one with four legs would.  Also, is very stable.  Nice for when you are at the fireside cooking and you lean over. . .

Bought helinox chairs this year . Light and and pack small, they weigh just under two pounds. Very comfortable, nice height off the ground , easy to get in and out of. Made very strong , should last along time . Only draw back was the price of 90 dollars can. But they are a far superior canoeing chair than anything we have found so far.

Bill P wrote on Jun 22^nd, 2013 at 12:35am:

Bought helinox chairs this year . Light and and pack small, they weigh just under two pounds. Very comfortable, nice height off the ground , easy to get in and out of. Made very strong , should last along time .

pretty cool chair Bill........have you used it yet? Looks ultra comfy with the backrest and all. The only thing I question is the legs seem small..........that is, where they contact with the ground. Could just be my generally conservative and careful nature but might they not be apt to sink in the soil or any softer surface? I wonder what could be placed on the ends to facillitate some additional stability?

Yes we have used the chair on two trips. They we easier to get in and out of than the larger and heavier folding chairs and the don't pinch your legs. They do sink into the duff layer if you are camping  under the trees or on real soft ground. We take four tennis balls , light and fit in the pouch the chairs come in, put them on the legs and they don' t sink anymore. :)

I don't bring a lawn chair, not even a three-legged stool.  I have brought a padded canoe seat before, and used that at the campsite.  But mostly I just sit on a log or spend as long as possible in the canoe fishing.  A PFD isn't bad for padding too. 

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I have not used the above (although tempted) but it seems like it might be pretty nice. I use camp times pack stool which is as advertised......a backpackers dream stool coming in at 14 oz. Plus you sit low to the ground which is a must if your intent is to use it while cooking.

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Another contestant in the camp chair game.
I have no personal knowledge of this item, but do know their other products are well made and MI made too. :thumbup

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Loads of features and reasonably priced.

solotripper wrote on Dec 16^th, 2013 at 8:28pm:

Another contestant in the camp chair game. I have no personal knowledge of this item, but do know their other products are well made and MI made too. :thumbup   (You need to Login or Register Loads of features and reasonably priced.

I have looked at these in person and there are several good aspects about them. They seem very well made (tubular steel legs vs aluminum) and if your a big fella these might meet your need for a fairly compact chair that is sturdy. It also has a backrest which is an attractive feature.

However, there is one drawback, and its a big one (or should we say a weighty one)......the thing weighs a ton. 3.5 lbs.....wow......that's a lot and is why I don't own one.

But if your primarily a base camper or want a good seat for deer/turkey hunting these would be pretty good choice.

I splurged, and bought a Helinox before last year's canoe season.  I like how it folds up, and it's comfortable.  However, I discovered the same thing about the legs digging into soft ground.  I'll try the tennis ball trick. 

I've used Lafuma camp chairs for years, but not sure they're still made. I have three of them, and have had to repair the spot weld at the hinge on all three.  The  fabric is also getting worn, but my seamstress wife can deal with that if/when necessary.   

The Helinox is a bit higher off the ground, and easier to get in and out, than the LaFuma.  However, the LaFuma is a better chair for playing cribbage, another important camp activity!

prouboy

I agree that at 3.5 lbs it's no lightweight, but that's with those nice padded legs for soft ground, individual adjustable legs and the ability to swivel which might be nice if your setting around on a lookout looking for photo-ops.

That Helinox is nice and light, but as prouboy said, the feet sink into soft ground and I'm guessing you better set it up on fairly level ground or you could have problems ?

I checked, a tennis ball weighs between 2-2.5 oz.
The chair weighs 2 lbs, add say 4 x 2.oz tennis balls, and your pushing 3 lbs.
Don't know enough about either, but by just looking at pictures and what there made of, I would say the Shappell chair would probably take 
abuse better than the Helinox?

So I guess like everything involved in tripping you have to decide what's worth lugging and what's not. ;D

Several people I've tripped with use these and like them.

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Over the years I've tried them all out and this is still the most comfortable and, at 18 oz, the lightest.  The one drawback is replacing the nylon when it finally wears out.  That being said, I have a pair of them and it is only this year, after 7 seasons, that I've had to replace the nylon on one of them.
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I think camp chairs are kinda like cars, everyone has their favorite, for different reasons.

My canoe partner is 6'5" and loves the slinglight (Kerry's favorite) because it provides support for his neck.  I find it unstable and I don't like how it folds up (or doesn't). 

Camp chairs is one of those wonderful camping topics with endless room for debate, and one that we don't even have to get angry over. 

Of course my chair is better than your chair.  Right#*?!

prouboy

I won this mayfly chair as part of a first prize pack for my project "Building a Cedar Strip Canoe" on instructables.com.

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I'm anxious to give it a try on my next trip. Seems like a nice chair, lightweight and compact.

I picked up a Mayfly at an REI garagae sale for $33 or something like that.  Haven't used it except to assemble at home.  I think the design of the legs is better than the Helios - instead of 4 skinny feet, you have a bar across the corners that should sink less in soft soils.

mastertangler wrote on Dec 16^th, 2013 at 11:29pm:

solotripper wrote on Dec 16th, 2013 at 8:28pm: Another contestant in the camp chair game. I have no personal knowledge of this item, but do know their other products are well made and MI made too. :thumbup   (You need to Login or Register Loads of features and reasonably priced. I have looked at these in person and there are several good aspects about them. They seem very well made (tubular steel legs vs aluminum) and if your a big fella these might meet your need for a fairly compact chair that is sturdy. It also has a backrest which is an attractive feature. However, there is one drawback, and its a big one (or should we say a weighty one)......the thing weighs a ton. 3.5 lbs.....wow......that's a lot and is why I don't own one. But if your primarily a base camper or want a good seat for deer/turkey hunting these would be pretty good choice.

You think 3.5 lbs is a ton?  I carry a 5-pound GCi Quik-E-Seat and have loved it   - so far.  I just ordered the Shappell chair you linked above - thankyouverymuch - and look forward to using it.

3.5# is heavier than my tent.

Quote:

I just ordered the Shappell chair you linked above - thankyouverymuch - and look forward to using it

I look forward to your review of it. I downloaded the pfd manual for it, and from what I could see, I think you could drop some weight by drilling out the adjustable legs ( honey-combing) between and at 90 degree angle to the push-button holes.
I bet you could do the same for the upper arms as well. Say 1/4 holes every inch side/top but not next to each other if you know what I mean.
Maybe get under 3# or lower with a little MacGivering. ;)

I'm doing that to a aluminum Coleman director type chair and if I can get around 3#, I'd be more than happy.

So here is my solution to the Helinox chair feet digging into soft ground.  (Assuming I find level ground, which is a big assumption.) 

Now the chair looks like a cross between a lunar rover and a new line of Mickey Mouse furniture.  Best thing, if it ever falls in the water, Puck my golden retriever will get it!

prouboy

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