Anybody have recommendations for a light, easy to carry folding chair for short hikes?

I have a monopod but it isn't quit tall enough for me to use without a slight crouch. I have taken to sitting on stumps/logs/ground for shooting song birds and the like.

Seems to me that a small folding chair would be a sensible solution, anybody else use one? If so, any recommendations?

I bought a small three legged stood that works really well.

Like one of these guys: https://www.rei.com …ct/765283/rei-trail-stool ?

How easy is it to carry? I frequently walk a mile or two before I settle on a spot so something easy to throw over a shoulder is needed.

This is an interesting question as I have a similar problem as the OP and have searched in vain for a very light folding chair. One that would support me on sandy beaches, where there are often no logs, no cover, and lots of birds that come close if one could just sit still and wait. The legs of that REI chair mentioned would just sink into sand, so a different style of base would be need to spread the weight. I may try and design one.

teekay wrote in post #18021841
This is an interesting question as I have a similar problem as the OP and have searched in vain for a very light folding chair. One that would support me on sandy beaches, where there are often no logs, no cover, and lots of birds that come close if one could just sit still and wait. The legs of that REI chair mentioned would just sink into sand, so a different style of base would be need to spread the weight. I may try and design one.

I agree with legs sinking in. I don't often sit in sand but rather mud (or muddy areas). I would have the same problem.

Something like this might work on sand if you just want back support, but probably would make it difficult to shoot bird that are at your side:
http://www.backcountry​.com …a-rest-compack-camp-chair


EDIT: Anybody used one of these guys:
http://www.thestickcha​ir.com/specifications/

Check out Cabelas online, look for Cabelas Dove Shooters Stool and also Cabelas Dove Shooter Chair if you want a back on it. I have a very old one that I use in blinds when archery hunting, works for long waits in photography too. Mine has a pouch that stores small items in it as well.
These type stools/chairs are super strong for the weight, very light, the tubular legs won't sink into soft ground. They have a carry strap, fold flat and easy to carry. The only problem I've had is aluminum tubing can create unnatural noise when rubbing against stiff brush and will alert some animals like Whitetail deer, they DO NOT like the sound. These chairs are so light you will not notice the weight at all.

I have this camping seat from GCI Outdoors. It is comfortable to sit on, has a larger base than the camp stools and it also has an integrated strap to carry it. If you have a lot of gear plus the chair to carry a mile it might be more than you want but it works great for me using it to shoot field sports.

I backpack with this chair. It is very light and compact. It is a little weird since it has only two legs but it is very comfortable. It is a little on the expensive side but I love it. I have not done a lot of monopod work from it but a little bit when backpacking so not sure how it would work out if you spent a lot of time with the monopod and camera while using it.

https://www.rei.com …e-monarch-butterfly-chair

how do you balance a chair with 2 legs? Wouldn't it be better to have a piece of cardboard or similar and just toss it after the trip? Just pondering

It does seem odd at first but it is actually pretty easy to balance. If you google the chair and look at images you can see how most people sit in it.

Grizz1 wrote in post #18024368
Check out Cabelas online, look for Cabelas Dove Shooters Stool and also Cabelas Dove Shooter Chair if you want a back on it. I have a very old one that I use in blinds when archery hunting, works for long waits in photography too. Mine has a pouch that stores small items in it as well.
These type stools/chairs are super strong for the weight, very light, the tubular legs won't sink into soft ground. They have a carry strap, fold flat and easy to carry. The only problem I've had is aluminum tubing can create unnatural noise when rubbing against stiff brush and will alert some animals like Whitetail deer, they DO NOT like the sound. These chairs are so light you will not notice the weight at all.

These look perfect and not too expensive. I think I might get one to try it out. If nothing else it would be nice to use around the house..

You might take a look at this one by Walkstool.

http://www.walkstool.c​om

B&H has them. I recently bought one and it is well made. Have not yet put to the test.

+1 on the Walkstool mentioned by Patrick_E. I have had one for a few years now. A bit pricey but well made and works like a charm. Very light and folds up (attached Velcro strap holds it closed). Wide foot pads stops it from sinking into sand to much. It is easily hand carried though I often strap it to the side of my backpack.

I have a walkstool and they also make a base that keeps the legs from sinking into sand or mud.

I just checked and the base is called a Walkstool Steady. It works very well and hardly weighs anything.