Backpacking Chair

Today we're going to talk a bit about backpacking with a chair. This is not recommended for the ultralight backpacker, as the ground or a rock will always suffice. But it is possible for the standard ol' "lightweight" backpacker, thanks to REI's "Trail Stool."

The Trail Stool is a tripod style chair. Its obviously not the most comfortable, or most luxurious thing to sit on, but it is relatively comfortable compared to the other options. It sits about 15 inches off the ground, again not optimal, but still better than the ground itself.

REI lists the stool as able to handle 225lbs, and I would not argue with that very much at all. I weigh in at roughly 210, and when I stand up or sit down adding to the pressure on the chair, I sometimes worry that I may have done it in. It has, however, not failed me yet!

The price is right for this chair when it's on sale. The typical price is 19.95, but I was able to grab it for 12.95 (IIRC), and I'd say thats about what its worth. The weight, while not ultralight, is very do-able for 1 or 2 days trips, at 18oz. This can even be cut down slightly by the removal of some unnecessary straps.

Performance:7
Weight:8
Quality:7
Price:5
Tilt:7

Total:6.8

Its a nice little chair, depending on your trip.

This chair is available for purchase at REI for $19.95.

Snow Peak Titanium Mug

I had a hard time figuring out what labels to give this little guy. Some people would agree that a mug is a luxury item in the backcountry, while others would say it is required. Enter the Snow Peak doubled walled mug and you have a strong case for adding a hot beverage holder to your gear list.

Right out of the box you will be pleased with the aesthetics of this mug. It is stunning. The second thing you will notice is how light it is. The third thing you will notice is no lid is provided. I must strongly criticize Snow Peak for omitting a lid. When spending over forty bucks on a cup one would expect all the bells and whistles. A carry sack is provided at least. Total weight is 4.2oz. This Snow Peak holds 15.9 fluid ounces and has fold out handles. I have owned this product for about 8 months.

When I am cooking a meal I always boil extra water for my after dinner drink (usually tea or hot chocolate). Before adding my meal to the water I dump some into the Snow Peak. After cooking and eating my drink is still extremely hot and waiting for me. I understand that I could just use a weightless Styrofoam cup, but there is something special about drinking out of this titanium chalice. I will not try and defend this purchase against the ultralight crowd. They are right, why do you really need a mug on the trail? Bring a Styrofoam cup if you must have a hot beverage. Although I have been going light/ultralight the past few months I still pack the Snow Peak doubled walled mug...we all have our guilty pleasures.

Pros: Ultralight titanium, gorgeous
Cons: Very expensive, does not come with a lid

Performance: 9.0
Quality: 9.0
Weight: 9.0
Price: 4.0
Tilt: 9.0

Total: 8.0

REI $42.50, 4.2oz (with stuff sack)

Thermarest Compressable Pillow, Small

For most backpackers, the word "Thermarest" is synonymous with sleeping pads. Its what the company is most known for, and it's what they're best at. I say this because I have a Thermarest Compressable Pillow (small), and it didn't really live up to my expectations. Keep in mind during this, that I'm reviewing it as a backpacking item...not a "travel" item.

When I purchased this, it was a time when I was just beginning to understand the idea of "ultralight" but didn't fully grasp the concept. So, logic told me: Get the small one! Unfortunately, a pillow of any kind is a "Luxury" item. You don't need it...rolled up clothes/stuff sacked clothes will get the job done. So, now I have a luxury item that can't perform luxury duties.

The small is...well, its small. That strength is its greatest weakness, almost to the point of uselessness in backpacking. First of all, it takes a good hour or two to fluff up nice. And it takes about 15 minutes for my head to re-compress it. After that, I end up folding it in half . So now I have a 12''x8'' pillow, instead of 12''x16'', as if that wasn't already small enough.

This was about when I learned that ultralight and luxury don't mix. Sure, this pillow only weighs 7oz, but its a pretty much wasted 7oz.

For non-backpacking expeditions, perhaps air travel, this pillow could be nice. As true to most Thermarest products I've seen, the quality is top notch. But if you want this as a backpacking item to make sleep nicer, I would suggest looking elsewhere.


Performance: 3
Weight: 3
Quality: 8
Price: 5
Tilt: 5

Total: 4.8