Finding the Perfect Sketching Throne
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by Brenda Murray
Let's talk about one of the most important tools in the urban sketcher's plein air backpack--the sketching stool. Choosing a sketching stool, the throne upon which we place our bottoms for what could be a 1-2 hour sketching session, is of critical importance. It is the Goldilocks of decisions. It must not be too heavy, nor too tall, not too low, nor too big. Of course, every bottom is different and to each his own.
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Over the years I have tried my fair share of sketching stools and have noticed a vast array among my fellow sketchers. The sling back camper chair was brought to my attention a few years ago after my friend Alvin Wong, a sketcher from Hong Kong, who sang the praises of his similar chair. This lightweight, portable chair requires some assembly of the shock-cord frame but it folds down into a handy zippered carrying case. The little pouch on the side can be used for a tall water jar. Some people find it comfortable but I find that it makes me lie back more than I like when I'm sketching.
Some people really like tri-leg stools that come in various heights including some brands that are height-adjustable from 12-18 inches and are made with titanium which is very light weight. With feet firmly planted, this stool can be relied on to be stable. These are reported to support up to 200 pounds. They are also available in an extra tall version that opens up to a seating height of 20.5"! Not sure I could even reach my water jar from that lofty height but for some people the Extra Tall Tri-leg would probably be perfect.
I have several times seen sketchers using plastic stepping stools to sit on. They fold flat, are very sturdy and can be thrown into the trunk of a car easily. It's probably the most durable of stools as there are no flimsy parts. The seating height is 9". But this kind of stool would not work well for travel sketching because it would take up too much space in a suitcase.
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I think someone in a white lab coat had to work some complicated physics to defy the force of gravity in the design of this Super Small Stool. It looks flimsy but, in fact, I have seen it in use and it seems to work. This lightweight stool weighs 1.8 lbs including its carrying case. The seating height is 13.4" and, unbelievably, it supports up to (100kg) 220 pounds!
This Backpack Stool features a soft-sided cooler (for food or beverages) attached under the seat and two straps so that it may be carried like a backpack. This stool seems fairly popular. I've seen sketchers use the backpack to carry their gear. I would probably remove the padding inside the backpack to reduce the weight even further. The seating height is 17".
This 4-legged Super Small Sketching Stool has a seating height of 11.5" and it folds down to 13.5 x 4.5". It also comes with its own carrying case and weighs 1.6 lbs.
These collapsable stools are made of plastic, very popular, and fold down into the seat with their own locking mechanism. They can extend up to 18 inches and hold up to 550 pounds! Some people swear by them but they must be set up properly or they will collapse--not fun.8
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For me it's all about reducing the weight and volume of the things I have to carry. Currently I am using this stool below. I purchased it in a Nature & Decouvertes store located (if you can believe it) in the underground mall beneath the Louvre in Paris. This stool is held together with a shock cord inside the legs and with a twist of the wrist it folds into its own zippered case that is about the size of a pencil case. It weighs one pound and fits in my backpack style purse.
I hope you found this blog post helpful and wish you the best in your quest for the perfect sketching throne!
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Not to scare anyone off, but the sling back camper chair worked for me longer than any of them….but unfortunately I fell backwards once and a couple times sideways due to the legs digging into ground or hot asphalt. It does fold into a compact zippered pouch and is very light. It’s pricey too.
As I’ve aged I scout the area beforehand to see if there are benches or seating areas I can use, and when day tripping I sit in my car hatch.
Could you send me details about the second last one you talked about? The one that has the ability to collapse if you don’t set it up right? I’ve never seen those before, and it looks interesting to me.
I am so happy with my collapsable stool. the height is variable, can be used a table. it is lightweight and easy to carry. I have had camping stools, and fishing stools. Cumbersomes and (now) way too low, this one has a carrying strap, fits in a back pack and other.
I am so happy with my collapsable stool. the height is variable, can be used a table. it is lightweight and easy to carry. I have had camping stools, and fishing stools. Cumbersomes and (now) way too low,
Thanks for a great comparison of seats for sketching. This will help lots of people make the right choice!