TrekChair

Alton Brown hates unitaskers in the kitchen. Lightweight backpackers should take a similar stance with their gear. Pulling double duty frees up weight and space — and makes you feel really clever at the same time. The TrekChair borrows an idea from tents and hammocks and uses your trekking poles as key support features. Since you’re not walking while you’re sitting and not sitting when you’re walking, it makes perfect sense. 

Using the longer length of the poles at the back of the chair, the TrekChair provides upright support for your back. By adjusting the length of your poles, you can sit upright or recline. At a pound and a half carry weight, the chair can support up to 250 pounds. Yes, there are lighter weight backpacking chairs out there, but the difference here is the height. Most superlight chairs are more like stools, this one gives you the ability to lean back and take in the majesty. 

Folded up, the aluminum seat frame and ripstop seat fit in the water bottle pocket of most packs (the poles go in your hands, in case that wasn’t clear). The TrekChair was fully funded on Indiegogo in under an hour and early bird specials still remain, one of which includes a pair of carbon fiber trekking poles (though the chair will accommodate poles you already have). They plan to ship in September, in time to make your early fall excursions a little more comfortable.

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