Therm-A-Rest Z Seat

Description

Rikkar Specs

Weight

The Z Seat weighs approximately 2 oz / 57 g, making it one of the lightest ways to add a dedicated sitting pad to a backpacking kit.

At this weight, there is very little reason to leave it behind when comfort during breaks matters. It can be carried externally, tucked into a pack pocket, or folded into a convenient space inside your backpack.

Key Features

• Approximately 2 oz / 57 g
• Closed-cell foam construction
• Accordion-style folding design
• Provides insulation from cold and damp ground
• ThermaCapture reflective coating
• Approximately 0.75 in / 2 cm thick
• Folds down to a compact size
• No inflation required
• No risk of punctures or leaks
• Durable enough for frequent trail use
• Useful as a sitting pad, kneeling pad, or small ground pad

Why We Like It

The Z Seat is a great example of a piece of gear that earns its place through simplicity.

There are no valves, pumps, inflation chambers, or complicated materials. You simply unfold it when you need a place to sit and fold it back up when you’re ready to move.

The closed-cell foam construction is particularly useful in the backcountry because you don’t have to worry about puncturing it on rocks, sticks, or other rough surfaces. It also provides meaningful insulation from the ground, which can make a surprisingly large difference when sitting around camp in cooler conditions.

For an ultralight backpacker, the biggest advantage is simply the weight. At around two ounces, the Z Seat adds almost nothing to a pack while providing a noticeable improvement in comfort during breaks.

The Tradeoff

The Z Seat is a sit pad, not a camping chair.

It keeps you close to the ground and provides cushioning and insulation, but it doesn’t offer a backrest or the elevated seating position of a traditional camp chair.

The accordion design also means you’re getting a fairly small sitting surface. If you prioritize long-duration comfort at camp, a larger inflatable seat or lightweight backpacking chair will be more comfortable.

But those options also come with additional weight, bulk, and complexity. The Z Seat is designed around the opposite philosophy: carry the minimum amount of gear necessary to make sitting on the ground substantially more comfortable.

Who It’s For

The Z Seat makes the most sense for hikers who:

• Want an extremely lightweight sitting solution
• Prefer simple, durable gear
• Regularly take breaks on the trail
• Camp in cold or damp conditions
• Want insulation from the ground
• Don’t want to worry about punctures or leaks
• Are building an ultralight or minimalist gear kit
• Want a versatile pad that can also be used for kneeling or sitting around camp

It’s less compelling for hikers who want a true chair with back support or who spend long periods sitting around camp.

Rikkar Take

The Z Seat is one of those pieces of gear that is easy to underestimate until you’ve spent enough time sitting on cold, wet, rocky ground.

At roughly 2 ounces, it’s almost impossible to justify leaving behind if you value comfortable breaks. The closed-cell foam construction is durable, completely immune to punctures, and provides useful insulation in addition to cushioning.

It isn’t luxurious, and that’s the point. The Z Seat gives you a simple place to sit without turning a two-minute trail break into another piece of heavy camp furniture.

For ultralight backpacking, it’s hard to beat the combination of weight, durability, simplicity, and usefulness.