View Full Version : Inexpensive butt pads
DryFlyHiker
04-12-2017, 12:44
Does anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive pad for sitting around camp or along the trail? I have heard of folks using pieces of old foam sleeping pads but I would hate to buy a new pad simply to cut it up. Are there other items you have re-purposed for a butt pad?
Ten bucks at Dick's: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/products/stadium-seats-chairs.jsp
loguon_theguy
04-12-2017, 12:52
These are fantastic. Shipping will take a a few weeks though coming from China.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Outdoor-Portable-Foldable-EVA-Foam-Waterproof-Garden-Cushion-Seat-Pad-Chair-for-outdoor-free-shipping/32570370257.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.jh5YuM
rocketsocks
04-12-2017, 13:01
Having moved to a chair, I never looked back. If ya want a sit pad made of an old sleep pad. PM me, it's your for the shipping.
illabelle
04-12-2017, 13:14
My husband carries an inflatable sit pad. Me, I just sit on my frog toggs hat.
Odd Man Out
04-12-2017, 13:36
I carry an automobile windshield sunscreen from the dollar store. The one I now have is a thin sheet of flexible polystyrene? covered with a silvery mylar? film. It can serve multiple purposes. In addition to sitting on, I use it as a floor for my tent vestibule. You can use it to block wind from your stove. It can be put under your sleeping pad to give a little extra insulation (probably not much, as they are very thin, but could give you the extra comfort you need). It can also help protect and inflatable sleeping pat from puncture or serve as an emergency (albeit minimal) sleeping pad if your inflatable pad is punctured. You could presumably use it as a signaling reflector (for emergency purposes). I have also cut one up to make a pot cozy. While these will keep you dry and clean while sitting on the ground, they don't provide much padding, if that is you main concern.
I carry an automobile windshield sunscreen from the dollar store. The one I now have is a thin sheet of flexible polystyrene? covered with a silvery mylar? film. It can serve multiple purposes. In addition to sitting on, I use it as a floor for my tent vestibule. You can use it to block wind from your stove. It can be put under your sleeping pad to give a little extra insulation (probably not much, as they are very thin, but could give you the extra comfort you need). It can also help protect and inflatable sleeping pat from puncture or serve as an emergency (albeit minimal) sleeping pad if your inflatable pad is punctured. You could presumably use it as a signaling reflector (for emergency purposes). I have also cut one up to make a pot cozy. While these will keep you dry and clean while sitting on the ground, they don't provide much padding, if that is you main concern.
Cool idea!! Would never have thought of this!
I started with a groundsheet for my tent, made from housewrap.
Now I carry this groundsheet on the outside of my pack and use it many times a day, for to sit on it (folded up) during lunch break, unfolded to have an after-lunch-nap, spread out as a shade, folded in half to sit around the campfire, for the night to sleep on it, spread over the sleeping bag as additional layer and rain protection, and for the morning pack-up as a clean area to spread out the packs contents.
Really love this piece of housewrap.
We use blue foam, weighs 1.2 oz, lasts for years. Nice padding.
About 1/2 way along the trail i bought one of those garden kneeling pads at the dollar general store. it already had a hole for carrying it, so was easy to attach to back of pack. Not sure how much it weighed but i enjoyed it.
I cut a piece of 1/4" foam insulation that has mylar on one side that is used under vinyl siding. I cut it to torso size and fold it into a multi layer pad, slipped into a waterproof nylon pillow like case it makes a great sit pad and a emergency insulation layer if needed.
About 1/2 way along the trail i bought one of those garden kneeling pads at the dollar general store. it already had a hole for carrying it, so was easy to attach to back of pack. Not sure how much it weighed but i enjoyed it.
Was going to suggest the same.
Look around. Go to Goodwill, etc and find something to repurpose. If you still have a problem finding anything I have several CCF pads that came with various rucksack type backpacks that you can have(20" x14"). PM with your address if you want this.
OkeefenokeeJoe
04-12-2017, 15:15
Therm-A-Rest Z Seat.
You can't go wrong. In addition to being inexpensive ($14.95) it is extremely comfortable, light, effective, packs down, and good for a number of uses. It is a permanent pack item for me. Good on hard benches, sitting on rocks, or on the ground. LOVE IT!!
https://www.amazon.com/Therm-A-Rest-06671-Thermarest-Z-Seat-Limon/dp/B006Y7VOVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492024190&sr=8-1&keywords=therm-a-rest+z-seat+camp+chair
soumodeler
04-12-2017, 15:58
Therm-A-Rest Z Seat.
You can't go wrong. In addition to being inexpensive ($14.95) it is extremely comfortable, light, effective, packs down, and good for a number of uses. It is a permanent pack item for me. Good on hard benches, sitting on rocks, or on the ground. LOVE IT!!
https://www.amazon.com/Therm-A-Rest-06671-Thermarest-Z-Seat-Limon/dp/B006Y7VOVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492024190&sr=8-1&keywords=therm-a-rest+z-seat+camp+chair
Same here. Love this thing.
daddytwosticks
04-12-2017, 16:05
I carry an automobile windshield sunscreen from the dollar store. The one I now have is a thin sheet of flexible polystyrene? covered with a silvery mylar? film. It can serve multiple purposes. In addition to sitting on, I use it as a floor for my tent vestibule. You can use it to block wind from your stove. It can be put under your sleeping pad to give a little extra insulation (probably not much, as they are very thin, but could give you the extra comfort you need). It can also help protect and inflatable sleeping pat from puncture or serve as an emergency (albeit minimal) sleeping pad if your inflatable pad is punctured. You could presumably use it as a signaling reflector (for emergency purposes). I have also cut one up to make a pot cozy. While these will keep you dry and clean while sitting on the ground, they don't provide much padding, if that is you main concern.
Ding Ding Ding...winner! I have an extra large freezer bag style cozy made of this windshield sunscreen. Perfect size for butt-sitting. :)
Hard to beat Dutch's Sit Pad on Dutchware.com. More hammock supplies but his sit pad worlds well for sitting on around camp; if looking for lighter and less expensive alternative to the Z Seat.
LongBlaze2019
04-12-2017, 16:52
Buy a cheap yoga mat and cut it to size.
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HooKooDooKu
04-12-2017, 17:08
Therm-A-Rest Z Seat.
You can't go wrong. In addition to being inexpensive ($14.95) it is extremely comfortable, light, effective, packs down, and good for a number of uses. It is a permanent pack item for me. Good on hard benches, sitting on rocks, or on the ground. LOVE IT!!
https://www.amazon.com/Therm-A-Rest-06671-Thermarest-Z-Seat-Limon/dp/B006Y7VOVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492024190&sr=8-1&keywords=therm-a-rest+z-seat+camp+chair
For about twice the price, you can buy a whole Therm-a-rest zlite and cut yourself multiple custom sized seats.
The thing I like about the Z-Seat or custom cut zlite pads is that the pad can be folded such that the "dirty sides" can be folded together (facing each other) to help keep things clean.
These are fantastic. Shipping will take a a few weeks though coming from China.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Outdoor-Portable-Foldable-EVA-Foam-Waterproof-Garden-Cushion-Seat-Pad-Chair-for-outdoor-free-shipping/32570370257.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.jh5YuM
I second, they are comfortable and pretty light, ie 1 oz
Fedex bubblewrap envelope
Greenlight
04-12-2017, 20:54
Gardener's kneeling pad: http://www.goo.gl/OOc13S
Does anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive pad for sitting around camp or along the trail? I have heard of folks using pieces of old foam sleeping pads but I would hate to buy a new pad simply to cut it up. Are there other items you have re-purposed for a butt pad?
left52side
04-12-2017, 21:13
http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Density-Volara-Closed-Cell-Foam-Auto-Upholstery-Crafts-By-the-yard-BTY-/161225495525?var=&hash=item2589c9d3e5:m:mThEFKXkG63RJIrwlNPmHZw
Not sure if this would work for you but it is what I use for A sleeping pad and with the scraps I make butt pads.
Iif not there are some thermarest knock offs on amazon for pretty cheap or you can just use the trusty ol cardboard or scrap piece of tyvek.
Maineiac64
04-12-2017, 21:33
Same here. Love this thing.
Yup. Works great.
chknfngrs
04-13-2017, 07:25
I sliced open a tyvek mailer for a nice seat/putmycrapthere. Rolled up and held in place with a rubber band.
Gambit McCrae
04-13-2017, 08:01
Does anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive pad for sitting around camp or along the trail? I have heard of folks using pieces of old foam sleeping pads but I would hate to buy a new pad simply to cut it up. Are there other items you have re-purposed for a butt pad?
I was able to buy a half piece from a fb group. A guy had tons of brand new, half pieces of sleeping pad for 12 bucks, or 2 for 19. I got 2.
You could check on ebay for a used zrest, cut it in half and use that. or you could buy a new zrest, cut it in half and and put the second half away for when the first half wears out :)
$2 and free shipping.
https://smile.amazon.com/Foldable-Folding-Waterproof-Chair-Cushion/dp/B00A8WMS3W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492087418&sr=8-2&keywords=z+seat
Lynnette
04-13-2017, 10:42
Does anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive pad for sitting around camp or along the trail? I have heard of folks using pieces of old foam sleeping pads but I would hate to buy a new pad simply to cut it up. Are there other items you have re-purposed for a butt pad?
My husband found an old timey computer mouse pad when an old office was being cleaned out. The kind that does not have the slick shiny pictures or is really foamy. It is invaluable to me. My deluxe item. Packs very accessible. They show up at thrift shops for 25 cents. Pick one that fits your hind side and you will never leave home with out it.
FlyPaper
04-13-2017, 10:54
Does anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive pad for sitting around camp or along the trail? I have heard of folks using pieces of old foam sleeping pads but I would hate to buy a new pad simply to cut it up. Are there other items you have re-purposed for a butt pad?
I use something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-pc-KNEELING-FOAM-PAD-Knee-Pads-Seat-Cushion-School-Gardening-Stadium-Game-H064-/322074305134
It is a foam pad intended to protect knees while gardening. It is both light as a feather and cheap as dirt. Pretty durable as well.
Tipi Walter
04-13-2017, 10:55
Does anyone have a suggestion for an inexpensive pad for sitting around camp or along the trail? I have heard of folks using pieces of old foam sleeping pads but I would hate to buy a new pad simply to cut it up. Are there other items you have re-purposed for a butt pad?
Sitting around camp? Why not hang out in your shelter atop your sleeping pad? Or carry a complete ccf pad for sleeping and use it anywhere you please (no fear of punctures).
When resting on the trail by my pack I either sit on the ground against my pack or throw my crocs on the ground and sit on them. Crocs make a great sit pad.
Sitting around camp? Why not hang out in your shelter atop your sleeping pad? Or carry a complete ccf pad for sleeping and use it anywhere you please (no fear of punctures).
When resting on the trail by my pack I either sit on the ground against my pack or throw my crocs on the ground and sit on them. Crocs make a great sit pad.
Most of us would rather be outside enjoying the surroundings or other people's company than sitting or laying in our shelters, weather permitting. Since you insist on carrying an inflatable and a ccf pad, it makes since for you to use the ccf pad as a sitting pad. Since most of us who carry inflatables don't carry redundant ccf pads and certainly not full length ones, a separate, lighter pad makes perfect sense. Some people hike in trail runners because their light weight packs allow them too and don't view camp shoes as necessary
DownEaster
04-13-2017, 17:48
$2 and free shipping.
https://smile.amazon.com/Foldable-Folding-Waterproof-Chair-Cushion/dp/B00A8WMS3W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492087418&sr=8-2&keywords=z+seat
Hard to beat $2 shipped for something new. My personal butt pad is an ancient 1/4" Ensolite rectangle that's 17" x 19"; 89 grams. At night it goes under my full-length CCF sleeping pad for a bit of extra hip cushioning. I think it was cut down from a ripped-up sleeping pad, and was then gifted to me when my grad school housemate moved to Germany and needed to reduce his possessions. Old and shabby but FREE appeals to my frugal nature.
MuddyWaters
04-13-2017, 22:08
I use the same 2oz piece of evazote ccf that goes under my lower legs at night. Carried rolled up on top of pack under top strap
Tipi Walter
04-14-2017, 09:51
Most of us would rather be outside enjoying the surroundings or other people's company than sitting or laying in our shelters, weather permitting. Since you insist on carrying an inflatable and a ccf pad, it makes since for you to use the ccf pad as a sitting pad. Since most of us who carry inflatables don't carry redundant ccf pads and certainly not full length ones, a separate, lighter pad makes perfect sense. Some people hike in trail runners because their light weight packs allow them too and don't view camp shoes as necessary
Camp shoes also double as creek crossing shoes---vital on winter trips.
For 30 years I never used camp shoes or crocs . . . and I never used hiking poles. But both have their advantages and are now part of my standard load.
Plus, many winter backpackers (if they're smart) carry both an inflatable pad along with a ccf pad---augments the R value of the inflatable and in an emergency inflatable blowout offers survivable nights on the ccf.
The purpose of my croc campshoes (other than creek crossings) is to take off my hiking boots after a long day of humpage when they could be both soaked and muddy---and place them in my tent vestibule and are never seen again until the next morning---thereby using my dry, clean crocs for everything in camp. Using your boots or trail runners in camp means you have to put on your wet socks everytime when you need to walk around camp---if your hiking shoes are wet. Otherwise your clean dry sleeping socks get compromised inside the possibly soaked trail runners and/or boots.
Plus, crocs can be used as a sit pad when resting next to your pack on the trail---especially on muddy ground or in the snow.
hawkerbabe
04-14-2017, 10:28
These are fantastic. Shipping will take a a few weeks though coming from China.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Outdoor-Portable-Foldable-EVA-Foam-Waterproof-Garden-Cushion-Seat-Pad-Chair-for-outdoor-free-shipping/32570370257.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.jh5YuM
I concur! I ordered several at once. Weigh less than an ounce.
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mtngoat01
04-14-2017, 10:33
I really like my Arrowhead Equipment foot pad that I use as a sit pad.
I have the 1/8" pad and it weighs 16.6 g or 0.6 oz
I also have the 1/4" and it weight 31.1 g or 1.1 oz
These pads can serve a couple of different purposes in your pack, but they are light and also BIG enough to just carry as a sit pad. I really find the 1/8" to be enough for me.
http://www.arrowhead-equipment.com/store/p316/Partial_Length_Foot_Pad_.html
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Old Hiker
04-14-2017, 11:01
I found a beat up,discarded purple closed cell foam pad at Neels Gap. Cut about 2.5 feet off it and it worked for almost 1000 miles before having too many punctures, tears, etc. to work any further. It was long enough to put against a tree and sit back against. It rolled up fairly small and was attached to the outside of my pack.
Found ANOTHER beat up, discarded foam pad right around the time Ol' Purple died and did the same. Used it to the end. It was also getting to the end of a useful life, so it worked out as well.
CCF would be my choice for cold, wet sitting. I also laid the pad down in my vestibule for getting into/out of my tent, used it for a wind break when my fly was up (SoLong 6) for ventilation but the wind was whipping, fire enhancer a couple of times, cut 1 inch square pieces off to stop equipment squeaking, etc. etc. etc.
BuckeyeBill
04-14-2017, 11:09
Here's (http://www.litesmith.com/folding-sit-pad/) one you can check out $4.00 and only 1 oz.
I just cut a square off of an old closed cell sleeping pad. Have used the same one now for 1500+ miles. Someone asked me what my favorite piece of gear was... I said my sit pad and got a funny look, but it really is. I can't see not having one. After years of backpacking I have walked my a$$ off so I need a little cushion.
Rhughesnc
04-23-2017, 21:11
Hard to find cheaper than this. https://www.amazon.com/Arich-Protable-Foldable-Outdoor-Foam/dp/B06XQ1PH1L/ref=pd_sbs_468_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B06XQ1PH1L&pd_rd_r=8PTWPDA5K98NZHEWXTJH&pd_rd_w=NH15G&pd_rd_wg=E0D7O&refRID=8PTWPDA5K98NZHEWXTJH
Wise Old Owl
04-24-2017, 01:06
Buy a cheap yoga mat and cut it to size.
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Uh far to too heavy and $$$ I did check that out when Walmart and others stopped selling blue closed foam.. its back in stores now and Reflectix is lighter but not as flexible - still a true winner. found a Thermarest in Walmart for the granddaughter at $15 but it was the last one.
Also it doubles as a shoulder pad in the hammock at night to stop the wind, closed cell foam is wonderful to stop cold spots even when well pitched.
These are fantastic. Shipping will take a a few weeks though coming from China.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Outdoor-Portable-Foldable-EVA-Foam-Waterproof-Garden-Cushion-Seat-Pad-Chair-for-outdoor-free-shipping/32570370257.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.jh5YuM
Ditto this. Was much quicker than the 60 days and we got free shipping. There were a number of vendors when we bought 2 years ago.
I use no pad at all. I heard you can use a tyvek envelope from the post office. That will however not give you any padding but will keep dirt off you and keep you dry for the most part. I just use nothing. People are strange. They use a pad when sitting at a picnic table. Stop the madness. LOL
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cmoulder
05-04-2017, 07:38
Ditto this. Was much quicker than the 60 days and we got free shipping. There were a number of vendors when we bought 2 years ago.
I got one of these aliexpress ones, thru Amazon, $2.00 shipped and it arrived much quicker than expected. This is the exact same pad as the LiteSmith one.
On my digital scale it weighs a tad less than an ounce and it also fits perfectly as a back pad for my ZP Zero.
39215
Starchild
05-04-2017, 09:03
i got one from Ali Express for $1.20, shipped from China. It works fine though it took a month. Also I have another from a local Korean store which I picked up for $4, it has a hard plastic on one side and may be a bit more durable, but both seem good and should last.
I carried a Gossamer Gear Thinlight 1/8 inch thick pad on the outside of my pack (rolled or folded) for my thru hike. It weighs less than 3 oz., isn't bulky, and makes an excellent, instantly deployable sitpad. It doubled as an underpad to my inflatable, protecting it from punctures (never had one) while adding a little extra R value in colder weather.
In warm weather and on very flat ground I occasionally used it as my sole sleep pad if I was tired enough that I didn't want to mess with my inflatable. I know it seems rather redundant to carry two sleep pads, but it worked well for me at only 2.8 ounces.
Heliotrope
05-11-2017, 08:15
I carried a Gossamer Gear Thinlight 1/8 inch thick pad on the outside of my pack (rolled or folded) for my thru hike. It weighs less than 3 oz., isn't bulky, and makes an excellent, instantly deployable sitpad. It doubled as an underpad to my inflatable, protecting it from punctures (never had one) while adding a little extra R value in colder weather.
In warm weather and on very flat ground I occasionally used it as my sole sleep pad if I was tired enough that I didn't want to mess with my inflatable. I know it seems rather redundant to carry two sleep pads, but it worked well for me at only 2.8 ounces.
Exactly what I do. I also use the 1/8" pad as a nap pad when I want to lay down for a siesta nap.
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ams212001
05-11-2017, 19:21
https://www.amazon.com/Arich-Protable-Foldable-Outdoor-Foam/dp/B06XPZ97FX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494544800&sr=8-3&keywords=sit+pad+backpacking
(https://www.amazon.com/Arich-Protable-Foldable-Outdoor-Foam/dp/B06XPZ97FX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494544800&sr=8-3&keywords=sit+pad+backpacking)
These pads look very similar to the z lite sit pad but only cost less than $3.
cmoulder
05-11-2017, 19:36
https://www.amazon.com/Arich-Protable-Foldable-Outdoor-Foam/dp/B06XPZ97FX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494544800&sr=8-3&keywords=sit+pad+backpacking
(https://www.amazon.com/Arich-Protable-Foldable-Outdoor-Foam/dp/B06XPZ97FX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494544800&sr=8-3&keywords=sit+pad+backpacking)
These pads look very similar to the z lite sit pad but only cost less than $3.
Same one from my post above, although mine is the blue one.... I've used it a couple of times and it is excellent. Perfect size for a frameless backpack... well the Zpacks Zero anyway, and almost certainly the Nero. I ordered 3 more just to have a stash of them. The actual weight on my digital scale is .94oz