Weightless Chairback Idea

[Mary M]

using items I’m backpacking with: homemade tyvek (or similar) rain skirt (30″x48″ or similar size), thermorest z-seat, 2 telescoping hiking poles (or 2 heavy sticks).

fold skirt in half (15″ wide) and tuck under thermorest z-seat.  place poles in corner of skirt (with reinforced pockets) see sketch below.

Thoughts? 

 

[Philip Tschersich]

How is this really different than having two sticks poking you in the back? The fabric panel does not provide support. It just positions the the two things jabbing you.

[Mary M]

the idea would be the poles would hold the edges of the fabric taught, and your back would be supported by the fabric only which forms a curve (catenary action).  might give it a trial using a heavy trash bag to see if it even works.

[Anonymous]

Philip, i think Mary is trying to accomplish similar as this (Litesmith QwickBack chair):

[Matthew / BPL]

It looks like it might work well. Try it out!

[John S.]

Kifaru field chair

[Anonymous]

It’s an interesting idea, and good multi-use repurposing.  If you use Tyvek (i’m assuming Homewrap? 1443R “kite” tyvek would not be good), make sure you reinforce the pole pockets well. Homewrap isn’t particularly strong for it’s weight and it’s abrasion and puncture resistance is moderate, rather than excellent (compared to something like 40D silnylon which is a similar weight).  Also, keep it out of the sun, because many forms of Tyvek are very susceptible to UV damage.

One reservation i have, is that using a non air permeable fabric (like Tyvek, silnylon, cuben, etc) for the back will tend to feel uncomfortable, especially on a warmer day. Breathable/air porous fabric would be definitely more comfortable in those conditions.

 

[Bob Moulder]

The narrow back looks as if might be uncomfortable but in actual use it might be just fine.

The Litesmith website doesn’t have reviews — and also indicates it is currently out of stock — and I did not find any reviews with a moderate amount of googling. A brief thread on Hammock forum but no follow-up review.

[Ken Thompson]

I did a diy version of the Kifaru/Jerry chair. Just was too fiddly for me in use, and not all that comfortable. It is a cheap and easy project. Try it and decide for yourself.

[Nick Gatel]

If I take my “modern” UL gear it is easy to keep my base weight around 8-9 lbs for a 3 season kit, using this backpack.

[Rog Tallbloke]

Still liking my thermarest UL trekker chair. Bit of a squeeze getting a neoair in, but it works great. 4oz worth carrying.

[d k]

I thought that model weighed a lot more, Rog – or did you come up with a lighter MYOG version?

[Author]

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