I picked up one of these Thermarest seats and I use it all the time on day hikes! When I take a break for lunch, I have a happy bottom. 🙂
Just like a Thermarest sleeping pad, this inflates quickly, provides a lot of cushion (it is 1.25 inches thick when inflated), weighs only 6 oz., and packs down very small. I roll mine up and use an extra strap to attach it to my daypack.
A nice feature is that the valve doesn’t freeze, but when I’m snowshoeing or snow camping, I use my Thermarest Z Seat, which is a closed cell foam trail seat. A closed cell pad is better for snow because an inflatable pad like this trail seat will transfer the cold air from the ground beneath into the pad.
In addition to using it hiking, I also take mine to sporting events and picnics. It is a good all-around sit pad.
That is a great idea to use it during flights and long car rides! I need to try that! Thanks, Snowbird.
Hi Hiking Lady!
I also use my Thermarest seat as a lumbar pad during long airplane and car rides. Since you can vary the pad pressure by manipulating the valve, you can easily change the amount of back support.
I’ve even used this as a pillow and neck roll. One of my favorite pieces of equipment!