Comfort is important when hunting and fishing. It takes time to get a shot or get a bite. In the meantime, a nice, sturdy, comfortable chair or seat is important.
One of my favorite tree stands, for deer hunting, was the best. I had made my ladder and deck from long 2×4 lumber. Two branches, 12 feet up a massive oak tree, embraced and kept me safe. A cushioned, custom seat was at the perfect height. I could sit still for hours, until the moment a big buck came by.
Fishing can be the same way. The rods may be cast out and you just need to wait for a bite. This can take a while. Sitting in the dirt is uncomfortable. Rocks are certainly unpadded, and most camp seats are not made for Big Guys or Gals.
What makes a seat comfortable?
Height You need the seat to be slightly higher than your knees/legs at a 45 degree angle. If your legs are too bent, blood flow will be impeded. Legs and feet will go to sleep or get cold faster. Try getting out of a low chair, then use one that is 20 plus inches tall. Find your perfect height.
Padding Even though our butts seem to be padded, a foam or heat creating cushion can enhance our comfort. You want it to be quiet and firm.
Backrest Being able to lean back changes the angle of our body and enhances blood flow.
Portable You want a compact or collapsing style seat. Carrying a Lazy Boy into the woods or onto the ice is unpractical. A Bucket also allows for storage of other gear. Folding chairs with a sling make transport easier.
Buckets are a common hunting and fishing seat. A 5-gallon bucket fits most adults and kids but for folks over 6 feet, you need a taller seat. You can build up the lid with more padding or get a taller bucket. They do make a 7 ½ gallon bucket that is a few inches higher.
Bucket lids can be modified with an opening to allow taller gear to fit. Simply use a jig saw to cut the lid with a half moon opening. Anyone who has ever tried to open a bucket lid has lost a few fingernails. To avoid this, use a Gamma Seal Screw lid. They are great for sealing the contents airtight but allow easy spin off lids. Once you go for a spin lid, you will never go back. ACE hardware carries them, or you can get them online.
When you need to get up from a seated position, a taller angle will help you control standing more easily and comfortably. This is important when you need to get to a rod or raise to shoot. For elevated bow hunting, I make my seat base even higher so I can move even less when it’s time to shoot.
One of my most creative seats for ice fishing was made using a metal milk crate. I mounted the crate onto my sled and placed an elevated metal plate on top. Inside the crate was a coffee can with charcoal briquets. The heated seat doubled as a place to heat water and make hot chocolate or warm up a sandwich. It only took a few hot coals to warm up the butt and hands.
For ice fishing, I prefer the triangle-based folding Eskimo seat. This sturdy by lightweight folding chair holds Icemen up to 300 pounds. The height is over 20 inches and perfect for comfort. The triangle base keeps legs in position to quickly stand.
Older anglers appreciate comfort more when fishing or hunting. Joints, muscles, or the risk of a fall help us to sit smarter. If you can stay warm and comfortable, we are able to fish or hunt longer. The same is true for kids. Their attention spans are short. Comfort is a clock for how long they can stay on the water, ice, or stand.
SIT ON IT!!
Montana Grant
