I went through several pads/chairs/stools.
Below is a photo of some of the cushions and stools that I use, and a general review.
From front left to rear right.
1. Generic closed foam cushion.
Pros; Light, easy to carry, inexpensive. Good as a loaner to someone who doesn't have their own equipment. Sets close to the ground for easier concealment.
Cons; Very little padding, no built in back support. Good for short term use only.
2. Browning cushion.
Pros; 2" thick padding and a built in back support. Backpack style carrying straps and can be used as an open backpack. This is a nice cushion for setting on the ground for a moderate period of time.
Cons; A little heavy and bulky for a cushion. Pricey, I think it was around $40.00.
3. Avery Outdoors stool.
Pros; This is a well built stool with a built in back support. Full cross member legs so it does not sink into soft ground. No seat padding but the webbing is comfortable for a moderate period of time. 9" seat height. Carry strap included.
Cons; Poor back support but does what it is designed to do at a price point of $25.00
4. Browning Turkey Chair.
Pros; This is far and away my favorite chair. It is as comfortable as any chair that I have ever used. 8" seat height. Excellent back support. Carry strap included. We use this as the shooters chair when we're predator hunting because it puts the shooter below the spotter.
Cons; A little heavy, pricey at $50.00
5. Houtz and Barwick (discontinued, but other brands are available)
Pros; Lightweight, well built, comfortable. 19" seat height. Carry strap included. We use this for the spotter chair when we're predator hunting.
Cons; A little "creaky" when you move around in it. The legs will sink into soft ground.
6. Redneck Outdoors Swivel Stool.
Pros; A premium hunting stool. Built like a tank. Silent swivel and good back support. Decent padding. Carry strap included. An excellent stool for a hunting blind where you plan to spend a long period of time. Adjustable seat height.
Cons; Heavy at 16 lbs. We only use it when we're hunting out of the Mule and don't have to carry it far. Pricey, right around $100.00 if i remember right.
To sum it up, if I could only have one, hands down I would choose #4 the Browning Turkey Chair.
When you get my age, comfort comes first and the Browning delivers.
With that said, I now use a tripod almost exclusively. Being elevated for a better field of view is nice. But, I am hunting exclusively at night. If I was day hunting I would use a seat of some kind.
