Need advice for a backpacking chair: fabric

[Jon Fong / Flat Cat Gear]

I am tinkering around with a light-weight backpacking chair design. I have the struts figured out but I know nothing about fabrics or sewing. I am looking for advice on:

1) What would be the easiest material to work with at the prototype stage and
2) What would be a good, lightweight, strong material for the final product

I am thinking that the chair would need to be able to support ~250 pound person. I haven't figured out the exact weigh goal yet but I am thinking in the 10 oz and under range. Best regards, Jon

[Paul Wagner]

I don't have answers for you—but my wife will sign up to be your first customer!

[Bogs and Bergs]

Landscaping fabric? Very light, strong, and easy to cut and either sew or glue. Cheap, too, if you want a lot to play with for prototyping.

There are various weights out there, thick shiny 'professional' grade down to no-name hardware store brands.

[Kevin Schneringer]

this stool has, I believe, something like a 400 D fabric and it is listed at 10 oz.
I got mine below 9 oz with some scissor work.

Might get some ideas from it??

[Erik Basil]

I like your specs for intended load capacity!

I've noted that the new versions of the REI 3-leg stool now use a burly mesh in the center of the seat and weigh very slightly less than the older, rip-stop versions. A few of my Scouts have them and I think the mesh is great for those times when the stool gets rained on…plus it saves a gram or two. So, my suggestion is that you go check out those stools to see whether that style of construction and materials will, uh…"mesh" with your needs.

Cheers.

[Author]

Posts