The Glassers dilema, all day glassing comfort?

[lamrith]

I have a Coues deer hunt in Oct.  Last time I tried sitting on rolled up clothing as well as using a cheap stool.  The cheap stool was more comfortable, but still not great and it died 1/2 thru the trip.  We are not hiking long miles, so I am not going to be super concerned about weight.  Typical hike might be 1/2mi from road to glassing spot.

Looking for guidance from those that hunt in locations/places that require all day glassing.

How do you keep your backside comfortable?

• Do you sit on ground (never worked for me, last about 45min till backside ache)
• Do you use a specific pad setup
• Do you have a small folding stool you carry on pack?  If so which one and do they last more than a season?

How do you keep cool if it is a hot local?  This is  a high desert hunt, so chances are it will be over 85* and blazing dun.  Do you bring some sort of basic netting/screening to hunker down under and knock down the direct sun?

[vandeman17]

The two routes I have gone in the past is cutting a chunk of thermarest or similar to sit on or I have also carried those little stadium chairs. Both are pretty light and make long sits to glass much more enjoyable. Might not hurt to also look into a lightweight tarp set up so you can get yourself a spot in the shade

[jackelope]

A chunk of thermarest pad to sit on and a tarp setup for shade.

[lamrith]

Maybe something like one of these?  Thinking #2 & #3?

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Travel cushion

Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat Ultralight Inflatable Seat Cushion

Ameristep Tripod Stool

[trophyhunt]

Get one of those cheap accordion type pads, nothing that will get punctured, fold it in half and your butt will be happy.  Also can lay flat on it and take that nap at noon!!  Like the idea of a small lightweight tarp for shade, bring lots of water, lip balm, light long sleeve shirt, hat w a brim. 

[vandeman17]

I used something like this for many years for both glassing and for whitetail hunting. The back support is nice when you are sitting on a hillside because you can actually lean back a little and be comfortable. Folds down nice and you can just strap it to your pack

https://www.rei.com/product/136449/rei-co-op-trail-chair?CAWELAID=120217890005067899&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=30320809120&CATCI=pla-555920123218&cm_mmc=PLA_Google&product_id=1364490002&ad_type=pla&channel=online&partition_id=555920123218&target_id=pla-555920123218&brand_flag=&adgroup_id=30320809120&campaign_id=371830840&location_physical=9033619&cid=105507178240&network=g&network_type=search&device_type=c&merchant_id=1209243&gclid=Cj0KCQjwupD4BRD4ARIsABJMmZ8oaWCN7aIR3eEsx_pwhKSiLr7du04fE65JQZCO3Om5yvMe-nrjhrAaAgV6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Ricochet]

I used something like this for many years for both glassing and for whitetail hunting. The back support is nice when you are sitting on a hillside because you can actually lean back a little and be comfortable. Folds down nice and you can just strap it to your pack

https://www.rei.com/product/136449/rei-co-op-trail-chair?CAWELAID=120217890005067899&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=30320809120&CATCI=pla-555920123218&cm_mmc=PLA_Google&product_id=1364490002&ad_type=pla&channel=online&partition_id=555920123218&target_id=pla-555920123218&brand_flag=&adgroup_id=30320809120&campaign_id=371830840&location_physical=9033619&cid=105507178240&network=g&network_type=search&device_type=c&merchant_id=1209243&gclid=Cj0KCQjwupD4BRD4ARIsABJMmZ8oaWCN7aIR3eEsx_pwhKSiLr7du04fE65JQZCO3Om5yvMe-nrjhrAaAgV6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I never buy anything from REI.

http://oregonoutdoorcouncil.org/top-5-shocking-companies-hurting-you/

[vandeman17]

I used something like this for many years for both glassing and for whitetail hunting. The back support is nice when you are sitting on a hillside because you can actually lean back a little and be comfortable. Folds down nice and you can just strap it to your pack

https://www.rei.com/product/136449/rei-co-op-trail-chair?CAWELAID=120217890005067899&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=30320809120&CATCI=pla-555920123218&cm_mmc=PLA_Google&product_id=1364490002&ad_type=pla&channel=online&partition_id=555920123218&target_id=pla-555920123218&brand_flag=&adgroup_id=30320809120&campaign_id=371830840&location_physical=9033619&cid=105507178240&network=g&network_type=search&device_type=c&merchant_id=1209243&gclid=Cj0KCQjwupD4BRD4ARIsABJMmZ8oaWCN7aIR3eEsx_pwhKSiLr7du04fE65JQZCO3Om5yvMe-nrjhrAaAgV6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I never buy anything from REI.

http://oregonoutdoorcouncil.org/top-5-shocking-companies-hurting-you/

I don't have an REI one, I have some knock off I bought at Big 5 or something. That was just the first example that popped up in a google search 

[Ricochet]

I used something like this for many years for both glassing and for whitetail hunting. The back support is nice when you are sitting on a hillside because you can actually lean back a little and be comfortable. Folds down nice and you can just strap it to your pack

https://www.rei.com/product/136449/rei-co-op-trail-chair?CAWELAID=120217890005067899&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=30320809120&CATCI=pla-555920123218&cm_mmc=PLA_Google&product_id=1364490002&ad_type=pla&channel=online&partition_id=555920123218&target_id=pla-555920123218&brand_flag=&adgroup_id=30320809120&campaign_id=371830840&location_physical=9033619&cid=105507178240&network=g&network_type=search&device_type=c&merchant_id=1209243&gclid=Cj0KCQjwupD4BRD4ARIsABJMmZ8oaWCN7aIR3eEsx_pwhKSiLr7du04fE65JQZCO3Om5yvMe-nrjhrAaAgV6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I never buy anything from REI.

http://oregonoutdoorcouncil.org/top-5-shocking-companies-hurting-you/

I don't have an REI one, I have some knock off I bought at Big 5 or something. That was just the first example that popped up in a google search 

After seeing with my own eyes that REI equipped a bunch of protesters who blocked a road to prevent logging an area of burned, dead timber, I use every opportunity to let sportsmen know that REI IS NOT YOUR FRIEND.

[huntnfmly]

Don't trust blow up pad
 I use a thick foam pad like the portable Turkey seats.
I just seen 3in ones the thinner will breakdown.
The small tarp is a great idea seen them used on a few Mexico sheep hunts

[millerwheeler]

Thermarest z pad nice butt pad works for hours  , I als0 like angled spotting scope or using tripod with my bino if I know it's gonna be hot do.best to find shaded spot with a.breeze in your favor if possible if not a.light hooded sweatshirt as thin as sheet seams to keep my cool they cover up all the way in the desert and it works so give that a try

[jackelope]

I wouldn't do an inflatable pad in Coues country. Too many things trying to stab you out there.

I'd get/buy/rent/otherwise acquire a pair of 15's to put on a tripod too if I could.

[Camo]

Lightest options I have found short of a pad.
Hillsound BTR https://outdoorsmans.com/collections/gear/products/hillsound-btr-stool

Helinox Chair Zero  https://helinox.com/collections/chair-zero

[lamrith]

Lot of great stuff folks, keep it coming.  I did a similar hunt 2-3years ago.  Thin long sleeve with bowie hat for this northern boy was a must!

I wouldn't do an inflatable pad in Coues country. Too many things trying to stab you out there.

I'd get/buy/rent/otherwise acquire a pair of 15's to put on a tripod too if I could.

I setup with tripod and 15x56 bino's for the last trip (had 12x50 before) The 15's were the golden ticket for lowering eyestrain and picking those buggers out at distance.  I definitely need something durable.  Between the cactus and the sand with sharp rocks, the terrain does like to take a toll on things.

I like the chair idea, but also like the full pad idea.
Full pad

Chair  not sure this specific chair will have enough padding for the backside long term.

[WAcoueshunter]

I'm not a 'sit in one spot and glass all day' type of coues hunter.  But occasionally I bump into them and am jealous of their chairs!  I carry one of the folding pads, which is fine for shorter stints.  But for truly sitting in one spot for multiple hours, I think you need a chair or stool of some sort so your body is resting in a more natural position.  If you're only going a half mile or less from the truck, I'd have a chair with a back. 

[Rob]

These are great at only one pound:
https://www.rei.com/product/158004/helinox-chair-zero

Very comfortable and it gets you elevated a bit.

For the Anti REI crowd (I am rapidly becoming one of those myself...) Amazon has similar products but they seem to be 2x the weight (and half the price!)

This looks great too (only 1 lb)
https://www.backcountry.com/big-agnes-skyline-ul-stool?skid=BAGZ2A4-YEL-ONESIZ&ti=UExQIENhdDpDYW1wIENoYWlyczoxOjE5OmJjLWNhbXAtY2hhaXJz

[millerwheeler]

These are great at only one pound:
https://www.rei.com/product/158004/helinox-chair-zero

Very comfortable and it gets you elevated a bit.

The helinox chair can be bought anywhere not just rei , I have one I'm a big guy 240 6ft3 and I'll say chair was not built for me lol . But pad is easy and last forever

For the Anti REI crowd (I am rapidly becoming one of those myself...) Amazon has similar products but they seem to be 2x the weight (and half the price!)

This looks great too (only 1 lb)
https://www.backcountry.com/big-agnes-skyline-ul-stool?skid=BAGZ2A4-YEL-ONESIZ&ti=UExQIENhdDpDYW1wIENoYWlyczoxOjE5OmJjLWNhbXAtY2hhaXJz

[lamrith]

Thanks for the feedback Miller!  I am 6'3" 225, so about same size.

[yakimanoob]

+1 for the Thermarest Z lites (either the Z seat or a cut up full sleeping pad). 

[Mtnwalker]

+1 for the Thermarest Z lites (either the Z seat or a cut up full sleeping pad).

  Added bonus in cactus country is the 2 sides are different colors. Pick a down side and keep it down 

[hawks33]

I've used a vehicle seat pad in the past with good luck. They're light and cheap but bulky. Best part, put it against a tree and you have a butt and backrest.