This isn’t an ad, but it will feel like one. The Thermarest Z Seat comes with my highest praise. Wether I’m out climbing for the day or doing a multi day hike this thing is with me.

You might be sitting there thinking you don’t need to carry a seat around with you and that there isn’t anything wrong with just sitting on the ground or on on some flat rocks. And you’d be right- honestly you don’t need it and siting on the ground really is just fine. But once you go on a date with a Z Seat, you’ll want to get in a relationship with it. And it will love you right back.

Okay sorry for getting a bit weird there but it is cheaper than most dates ($15), it’s super light (2 ounces) and is easily attached to those unused straps on your bag.

It’s so easy to whip out and sit on that it works for either a pit stop along the trail, a summit chill session or even a few hours at camp. It makes those 5 minute rests feel longer- or at least more efficient than without a nice foamy palace to put your butt on.

Of course this thing is by no means essential, just one of those luxury items that are sure to improve your experience, because sometimes the ground is muddy and sometimes all rocks are pointy.

Both at Malibu Creek State Park in California and at Rumney in New Hampshire this thing made long days of climbing just a bit more relaxing. It makes a for great seat while changing my shoes and tying in,

On the Appalachian Trail three or so hikers would split a foam sleeping pad (about $10 each). Cut it into thirds and BAM, a DIY version for even less. You can even buy the Thermarest Z Lite for ($30) and it will be made from the exact same material.

That’s about all I have to say about this little piece of foam. Go buy it, use it, and never really think about it again.