Choosing any gear comes down to a balance between the ideal choice and what you can spend. I have spent a number of decades collecting gear, so I am now in a place where most of my gear is able to be the ideal choices, but that wasn't always the case. Even if you can't afford it, however, it helps to figure out the ideal choice because that will allow you to be clear on what you are looking for in your secondary-but-much-more-affordable options. (See the bottom of this page for ideas on getting reduced price gear.)
backpacking gear - camp chair
Originally I thought that not bringing a camp chair was a good way to cut back on gear. However, I have found that having a camping chair makes a pretty big difference to my energy when I am out for any length of time. Not having to hold myself up when I am preparing food or sitting up at night is important if I am not going to push my energy too far. I need something that I can totally relax into without having to hold my shoulders or back straight. I don't want anything bulky or hard to carry and I don't want anything that requires set-up.
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I love the chair I have - a Crazy Creek Air Chair Compact.
I used a Thermarest chair converter for years but this didn't pack up as easily or as small, it wasn't as comfortable and it wasn't as easy to carry on a hike. I also tried all the fun looking new inventions available at REI these days but none of them came anywhere near the Crazy Creek Air Chair Compact. I paid $70 for mine, so it isn't as cheap as the Crazy Creek chairs without the air cushion, but the extra comfort of the air cushion was really worth it. This can even fold out and double as a short sleeping pad if you really need it to. And it's lasted me many years. It seems to be plenty touch and long lasting.
MY CRITERIA:
I tried a number of different chairs and settled on the Crazy Creek blowup chair. I love it in all regards.
RESULT:
I use the Crazy Creek Air Chair Compact. It is by far the best choice I have found.
I used a Thermarest chair converter for years but this didn't pack up as easily or as small, it wasn't as comfortable and it wasn't as easy to carry on a hike. I also tried all the fun looking new inventions available at REI these days but none of them came anywhere near the Crazy Creek Air Chair Compact. I paid $70 for mine, so it isn't as cheap as the Crazy Creek chairs without the air cushion, but the extra comfort of the air cushion was really worth it. This can even fold out and double as a short sleeping pad if you really need it to. And it's lasted me many years. It seems to be plenty touch and long lasting.
MY CRITERIA:
- Weight and Size: As usual, these two issues are key in choosing a sleeping pad. I want it to weight as little as possible and be as easy as possible to pack up as small as possible.
- Ease: How easy is it to get it set up and packed up?
- Comfort: Is it comfortable (cushioned) on my butt so that I can sit for a long time and is it able to comfortably hold my whole body up so that I can completely relax in it without needing to do any work at all?
- Portability: How easy is it to carry from one place to another around the campsite?
I tried a number of different chairs and settled on the Crazy Creek blowup chair. I love it in all regards.
- Weight and Size: This chair rolls up to the size of the sticks which make up its frame and tuck easily into my pack. It is lightweight and can be slung over my shoulder to be carried with me on a hike with no issues.
- Ease: It is easy to set up and put away. Only takes a few breaths of air to fill the cushions or a quick squeeze to push the air out and flatten it again.
- Comfort: When this is blown up with air it is really comfortable to sit on for long periods. The straps hold me securely so that I don't have to hold myself up even when I am really exhausted.
- Portability: This is easy to carry around the campsite and when I am hiking.
RESULT:
I use the Crazy Creek Air Chair Compact. It is by far the best choice I have found.
How other chairs i've used Stack Up
Therm-a-rest Trekker Chair Kit
I had one of these for years and used my sleeping pad as my camping chair. The downsides of using it were...
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Tips on Purchasing Gear:
Gear doesn't have to be purchased new. There are lots of ways to reduce the cost of your gear and still get something close to the ideal.
Got any other recommendations for people on where to find deals on gear? Tell us and we will add them to this page! |
Click here to see my YouTube page of videos on how this trip is going every step of the way, including my preparations at home and my days on the trail.
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Want to know more about who is on this trip? Me, my dog, my horses and any friends who happen to join me along the way...
Click here to see my YouTube page of videos on how this trip is going every step of the way, including my preparations at home and my days on the trail. |