Paul Grecian
Member
I'm looking for a lightweight, backpackable, hiking stool for my wife and I. She want's one she can sit on and sketch while I'm photographing. I'd like one for rest stops and food breaks. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Hiking Stool suggestions
- Thread starter Paul Grecian
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I have one of these I sometimes use in blinds or carry into the field. They make this and a slightly lighter mesh version: https://alpsmountaineering.com/lightweight-packable-tri-leg-stool.html
Looks to be pretty much the same design Dave posted above...smallest, lightest and plenty strong...highly recommended. I like a tri-leg design since it allows you to tilt in various directions easily. One thing I will be doing is fabricating some slip on 2-3" diameter aluminum pads to slip over the feet for better support when on soft ground.
Cheers!
Cheers!
headhertz
Active member
I really dislike the 3-legged variety due to floatation, comfort, and durability issues. By floatation, I mean surface area on the often-soft -- or not uniformly hard -- ground. I also find that the feet never last long. I MUCH prefer a design with bars rather than feet on the ground.
Here is a link to what I am currently using and happy with: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R1LWCK2
I bought that one because it was an aluminum version of that design and expected to disable the compact folding feature but find that I do actually break it down into the compact fold fairly regularly depending on which backpack I am using. I did modify mine slightly by removing the under-seat net which I have no use for.
My last version of a similar design was steel and eventually rusted through on the bottom rails. I suspect a weakness of my preferred design is that a sharp rock could dent or deform the bottom rail but it's rare that the only place I can set up is on something like that.
Edit: I decided to link a pic rather than just providing the URL.
Here is a link to what I am currently using and happy with: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R1LWCK2
I bought that one because it was an aluminum version of that design and expected to disable the compact folding feature but find that I do actually break it down into the compact fold fairly regularly depending on which backpack I am using. I did modify mine slightly by removing the under-seat net which I have no use for.
My last version of a similar design was steel and eventually rusted through on the bottom rails. I suspect a weakness of my preferred design is that a sharp rock could dent or deform the bottom rail but it's rare that the only place I can set up is on something like that.
Edit: I decided to link a pic rather than just providing the URL.
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Ditto. Walkstool is best I’ve used
+1 on Dave’s endorsement…
I have this one for motorcycle travel… sturdy, light and compact:
ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool
I have this one for motorcycle travel… sturdy, light and compact:
ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool
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I use the Walkstool, as well. It's pricey but it's very well designed and well made.
Paul Grecian
Member
Thanks all, is the Walkstool a variable height or just full and collapsed? I think that is the one that's gong to work best, but I don't want something too high for my wife.
SoCalRick
Well-known member
First of all, you can purchase the stool in different sizes. Secondarily, supposedly you can sit on the seat while the legs are retracted (e.g. at approximately half height). I guess that is what you might mean by "collapsed". I have never tried to use it like that as it seems it would be more unstable in that configuration. There is no in-between setting.
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Todd B
Member
I use one of the collaspible stools. Most will adjust to whatever height you want. There are many companies making them. This one works for me.
I took one of these to Nome last June. I would warn users that they are not that great on uneven ground, and that if you make any movements that are at all "lateral" (adjusting your position to "scooting" a bit) the stool might well break. Mine did. When I got home I was able to fix it but on subsequent trips I took my walkstool, tallish model.
Were I starting from scratch I would consider this item, which features a "swivel" function:
Calson
Well-known member
Check on Amazon as they sell many hundreds in a wide range of styles. The most compact are the tripod legs with a triangular seat but these are also by far the least comfortable. The "stadium" seats are much more comfortable and provide some support for the back and are made from tubular aluminum stock.
In theory, you can use an intermediate leg extension (only 2 clicks) , but from a practical point of view, shortening the legs creates a smaller (narrower’ base to the tripod legs and it’s not stable. Buy one on amazon and she can try it out. Not sure if 3 different sizes available refer to size of canvas seat or height of stool or both. I need large, so don’t know, but the Amazon specs probably answer that.
I love the Helinox chairs! Fold up into a tiny pouch and are very comfortable. They have numerous different models depending on your needs. https://helinox.com/
SugarDude
Member
Plus 1. I love my collapsible stool, especially on even ground. It’s also adjustable.
Heavier (about 2x at least by the looks of it) to stool, but I really need a back on my chair to be comfortable over any length of time so I use this:
photographyblinds.com
Packs up nicely in a bag that hangs over the shoulder (or straps nicely to a day pack).
Koklass Chair
The Koklass Chair provides a solid comfortable shooting foundation and its height is optimized for use with Tragopan Blinds. The chair is built to be strong, light and weather resistant. It's legs are constructed with coated aluminum and all rivets and screws are stainless steel. The chair has...
photographyblinds.com
Paul Grecian
Member
Yep, I have one I use for garden photography.
madone
Member
I recently got one of these because I do not like tripod stools. So far I like the stability, size and weight.
Paul Grecian
Member
I saw this on my Amazon search as well. For the money it looked worth the risk so your report of it is most welcome. Thanks.
I LOVE this stool. Lightweight. Comfortable. Easy to carry!
There was a thread on this topic quite a while ago and there were some great suggestions in it. Try a search to find it.
Have two of these (each home):
I had one of these. Broke and collapsed under me on the first day. I spent the extra money on the Walkstool. Much better.