It’s no fun hiking with a wet butt, and while my bum might look big from behind, the padding is in all the wrong places when it comes to perching on a rocky ledge, which is why I’m in love with the Knalla Seat Pad from Ikea.
Lunch in the bush is a lot more comfortable with the Knalla seat pad from Ikea.
Who knew Ikea stocked hiking gear, or tramping gear, as the Kiwis call it? I certainly didn’t. I just stumbled upon it during my annual pilgrimage to Ikea for things I didn’t know I needed, but now can’t live without. The seat pad is not just for hiking though, it would come in handy when traveling on un-padded public transport seats, like those found on local trains in Asia, and it would definitely make sitting on cold hard concrete or steel seats at kids sports venues a little more bearable.
Knalla seat pad looks like a tablet case when folded.
Why am I so excited about this seat pad? Because it weighs nothing, folds in half to the size of an iPad and looks as sleek tablet case. AND it only costs $5.99 ($4.99 if you’re an Ikea family member). This has to be the best value comfort-travel item I’ve ever bought.
The base material is EVA plastic and its spongy texture softens even the rockiest surface. The outer layer – the part you sit on – is black polyester fabric. It all wipes clean and the size and shape allows you to slip it easily into a backpack.
The underside is made from lightweight EVA.
It won’t keep the ants from your pants if you accidentally plonk it down next to a nest, but it will certainly keep your pants dry when the ground is wet and keep the rocks from jabbing you in your sensitive parts. Considering you won’t even feel the weight in your pack, it’s definitely a winner in my book.
Ikea Australia www.ikea.com.au
Disclosure: I paid for this product and my opinions are honest and unbiased.