10 Ounces Of Comfort Are Really Worth It

Product: Therm-a-Rest’r Lite Chair Kit

Description: A clever collection of stays, straps and nylon (neatly stitched into one compact package), made to accept a 20-in. wide inflatable mattress folded in half: put it all together and you’ve got a very comfortable camp chair. The kit itself requires no assembly and weighs a mere 10 oz. The adjustable straps allow you to dial in the amount of back support you want.

Pro: Buy yourself an incredible amount of comfort for a small capital outlay … and very little weight penalty. You’re probably already carrying an inflatable mattress team it up with this 10 oz. chair kit and you’ll be able to sit comfortably in camp.

Con: My biggest complaint is that I didn’t start using this sooner. I have found it difficult at times to get the folded mattress into the chair kit, but Cascade Design says they’ve made that easier with some minor design changes.

Comments: This has become my latest “Will Not Leave Home Without It” piece of gear. It’s light enough for backpacking and mountaineering, and just the thing for paddling and cycle touring.

Price: Around $37 for the Lite model tested. Also available in Long Model (removable stays, adjustable and the Camp Rest Model (25-inch-wide mattresses).

Company: Cascade Designs Inc., 4000 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134. Call (800) 531-9531 for dealer list or check on-line at www.cascadedesigns.com<