How to Design a Camping Chair

Relax with family and roast marshmallows from your camping chair.

Designing a camping chair can be an enjoyable and practical project. While the plank chair is reusable, the beauty of the log and tripod designs lies in their simplicity. You can make your camping chair with on-site materials and practice environmental responsibility by returning the logs to the forest before you leave.

Things You'll Need

• Log Chair:
• 1 fallen log, 18 to 24 inches in diameter
• Axe or chainsaw
• Sandpaper or electric sander
• Plank Chair:
• 2 Oak planks, 30 inches by 12 inches by 2 inches
• Jigsaw
• Measuring tape
• Wood file
• Pencil
• Ruler or straight edge
• Sandpaper or electric sander (optional)
• Clear finish (optional)
• Tripod Chair:
• 2 small logs, 4 inches in diameter, 8 feet long
• 1 small log, 4 inches in diameter, 12 feet long
• 30 feet rope
• 3 pieces of rope, 3-4 feet long
• 3 Metal grommets or baseball-size rocks
• Grommet punch (optional)
• 1 Tarp or piece of canvas, 6 feet by 8 feet

Instructions

Simple Log Chair

1. Locate a fallen log or use a piece from a tree removal, if available.

2. Cut the log to a comfortable height for you. If you want to put a back on the chair, cut the log long enough for the seat height and the back. Cut the base of the log to sitting level, if needed.

3. Make a vertical cut at three-quarters of log width down as far as the seat height. Make a horizontal cut at a right angle to the vertical cut at seat level and remove the cut piece. Use the leftover piece in your campfire.

    

4. Smooth the chair with sandpaper or electric sander.

Plank Chair

1. Shape one oak plank as the seat back, using the jigsaw. Cut a slot approximately six to eight inches from the base of the backboard, eight inches wide and two inches high.

2. Measure 18 inches from one end of the second oak plank and mark both edges with a pencil. Measure two inches in from these marks and mark again. Measure two inches from the edge at the base and mark again. Use a straight edge to run a 12-inch straight line from the base to first set of marks.

3. Use the jigsaw to cut the two inch by 12-inch rectangle out of each side, leaving a 12-inch by eight-inch piece in the middle that will fit easily but securely into the slot on the backboard. Use the wood file to adjust the fit, as needed. Sand the sharp edges and corners of both planks.

4. Apply a coat of clear finish, if you want it, and allow to dry.

Tripod Chair

1. Place the logs parallel to one another, placing the base of the longer log opposite the base of the two shorter ones. Keep the two short ends even but allow the longer piece to extend by about two feet at top and bottom. Lash the logs together using a 30-foot piece of rope. Watch a video at Boys' Life on how to make a tripod lashing.

2. Set up the tripod and adjust it for balance.

3. Fold the tarp or canvas into an isosceles triangle. Insert a metal grommet in each corner or lay rock at each corner, fold it over and tie it off to create a weighted pocket. Leave two feet of rope dangling from the corners.

4. Tie one corner to each tripod using a taut-line hitch knot. Tie the back of the seat to the highest point on the longest leg. Consult Ropers Knots for guidance on knot tying.

5. Adjust tarp height and secure the knots as needed until it will hold your weight and feels comfortable to you.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add decorative or practical touches to your plank chair, if desired.

• Wear safety goggles and follow tool safety rules when using any tool.

•  

• "Leave what you find" is an important tenet of conservation when camping. If you use materials found at your campsite, use only as many downed logs and branches as you absolutely need.

References

• Boy Scouts of America: "Boys' Life": Build a Camp Chair
• Mother Earth News: Nifty Folding Camp Chair/Game Board

Resources

• Home Hardware: DIY Projects: African Bush Camp Chair: Winter 2008
• Ropers Knot Page: Hitches