Quick answer
If you need back support and a stable seat for long hours in a hide, choose the C25 Fold Out Chair. If you prioritize ultralight packability and ground-level shooting, a sitting mat is the better choice.
Comfort vs portability: the core trade-off
The C25 Fold Out Chair gives you a 69 cm back rest and a 40/42 cm seat height, so you can sit upright with lumbar support for extended periods. That matters when you're waiting for wildlife to appear. The trade-off is weight and bulk: at 2.3 kg and folded dimensions of 55 x 42 x 7 cm, it takes up more space in your pack.
A sitting mat like the C11.4 Sitting/Kneeling Mat weighs almost nothing and folds flat. At 26 x 36 cm and only 8 mm thick, it slips into any bag. But it offers no back support and keeps you on the ground, which can be uncomfortable after an hour and limits your camera height.
Weight capacity and durability
The C25 Fold Out Chair has a maximum weight limit of approximately 15 stone (95 kg). That's a solid limit for most adults, but if you're heavier, you'll need a sturdier seat. The chair's camouflage finish and zip pocket under the seat add convenience for storing small items like lens caps or hand warmers.
The C11.4 Sitting/Kneeling Mat is made from closed-cell foam with a durable proofed cover. It's waterproof on the base and available in camouflage patterns. There's no weight limit listed, but the foam will compress over time with heavy use. It's best for kneeling or sitting on damp ground without getting wet.
Field use: hides, ground blinds, and open terrain
In a dedicated hide with floor space, the C25 Fold Out Chair gives you a comfortable perch and keeps your gear off the ground. The carry handles make it easy to move between setups. However, in a low-profile ground blind or tight space, the chair's frame can be awkward and noisy.
A sitting mat is nearly silent to deploy and packs down to nothing. It's ideal for low-level photography where you need to be at eye level with your subject. The mat also works as a kneeling pad for protecting your knees when setting up a tripod low to the ground.
C25 Fold Out Chair vs Sitting Mat: trade-offs
- Back support: The C25 Fold Out Chair has a 69 cm back rest. The sitting mat has none.
- Portability: The chair weighs 2.3 kg and folds to 55 x 42 x 7 cm. The mat is nearly weightless and fits in any bag.
- Ground clearance: Chair seat height is 40/42 cm. The mat sits directly on the ground (0 cm).
- Weight limit: Chair is rated for 95 kg. The mat has no specified limit but compresses over time. If you exceed 95 kg, the chair is not suitable; consider a heavy-duty field seat.
- Storage: Chair has a zip pocket under the seat. The mat has no storage.
- Noise and setup: Chair has a frame that can creak or rustle. The mat is silent to deploy.
Product facts at a glance
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C25 Fold Out Chair: 69 cm back rest height, 40/42 cm seat height, 2.3 kg weight, folded size 55 x 42 x 7 cm, max weight 95 kg. Provides back support and a raised seat for comfort during long waits, but adds noticeable weight and pack volume.
C25 Fold Out Chair
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C11.4 Sitting/Kneeling Mats: 26 x 36 cm, 8 mm thick, closed-cell foam with waterproof nylon base, available in camouflage patterns. Ultra-light and packable for ground-level shooting or kneeling, but offers no back support and keeps you low to the ground.
C11.4 Sitting/Kneeling Mats
Which seat fits your setup?
Best for
- Photographers who need back support during long hide sessions
- Wildlife watchers who want a stable, raised seat for spotting scopes or binoculars
- Users who weigh under 95 kg and can carry 2.3 kg extra
Not for
- Ultralight backpackers or hikers who need to minimize pack weight
- Low-level photographers who need to shoot from ground height
- Users who exceed 95 kg or need a seat for very tight ground blinds
