The Thermarest Trekker Chair offers a unique and innovative approach to camping seating, prioritizing comfort, versatility, and affordability. Unlike traditional camping chairs, the Trekker Chair cleverly utilizes your existing sleeping pad as its foundation, resulting in a remarkably lightweight and packable design. This clever integration allows for personalized comfort levels, adapting to individual preferences and sleeping pad thicknesses. Constructed from durable 75D ripstop polyester and nylon, supported by a simple yet effective fiberglass frame, the chair boasts impressive build quality for its price point.However, this innovative design also presents some trade-offs. The ground-level seating, while offering protection from the elements and a low center of gravity, might make getting up and down a bit more challenging. The chair's suitability depends on individual needs and camping style; while perfect for those prioritizing lightweight comfort and weather protection in specific situations, it may not be ideal for all campers. This review delves into the pros and cons, offering a comprehensive assessment of the Thermarest Trekker Chair's performance and suitability for various camping scenarios.
Pros And Cons
- Well-built and affordable
- Comfortable once seated
- Ground-level seating, ideal for tent use in inclement weather
- Protection from wind and rain due to use of sleeping pad
- Difficult to get up from
- Ground-level seating not ideal for eating or socializing
- Vulnerable to fire damage as it uses a sleeping pad
Read more: Top 5 Camping Chairs for Ultimate Comfort
Design and Construction
The Thermarest Trekker Chair boasts a unique design, utilizing a 75D ripstop polyester and nylon shell supported by two fiberglass poles for the backrest. Its simplicity is key to its lightweight nature.
Instead of a traditional chair frame, it cleverly repurposes a sleeping pad. This innovative approach allows for significant weight savings compared to traditional camping chairs. The chair's adjustability relies on a few strategic straps to secure the pad and control backrest angle.
The overall construction feels durable and well-made for its price point. The use of robust materials suggests longevity, though the reliance on straps might be a point of potential weakness with heavy use.
Comfort and Ergonomics
One of the Trekker Chair's biggest strengths is its comfort. The use of your own sleeping pad ensures a personalized level of cushioning and support.
Once you’re seated, getting up can be a bit challenging due to the ground level seating position and the close-to-the-ground design. This requires a bit more effort and strategy compared to a regular chair.
However, the ground-level design offers advantages in certain camping scenarios such as protecting you from the elements and offering a lower center of gravity.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros: Well-built, affordable, comfortable, versatile (adapts to different sleeping pads), ground-level seating (useful for various situations), good weather protection.
Cons: Getting up can be difficult, ground-level seating isn't ideal for all situations (e.g., dining, socializing), vulnerable to fire damage due to the sleeping pad material, compatibility limited to certain sleeping pad sizes.
Setup Instructions
Setting up the Trekker Chair is straightforward. Start by partially inflating your sleeping pad. Insert the pad from the bottom, ensuring that about half a foot of the pad extends out the top opening.
Fold the excess pad underneath the metal part, securing it with the straps. Ensure all straps are clipped securely. Finally, fully inflate your pad for optimal comfort and insulation.
The process is simple once you understand the steps, and the video provides clear visual instructions.
Final Verdict
The Thermarest Trekker Chair offers a unique and comfortable camping seating solution. Its innovative design and affordable price point are compelling. However, the ground-level seating and challenging egress may not suit everyone's needs.
Consider its strengths – comfort, versatility, and weather protection – against its weaknesses. If you prioritize a comfortable, lightweight, and affordable chair for specific camping scenarios, it's worth considering. But for users who need a more traditional chair experience, other options might be better suited.
Overall, the Trekker Chair is a solid option for those who prioritize comfort and versatility, but the limited ease of use and ground level seating need to be taken into consideration before purchasing.