Safari Quality Chairs, Table and Basin?

[Scott Brady]

Ok, I am tired of these garbage chairs and tables. I just returned a set of chairs to REI that lasted only two trips before failure. So, I am curious if any of you have come across an importer of Safari/Expedition grade camp furniture. Canvas, wood, steel, etc., with no plastic.

A few come to mind I have questions on:

Jonathan Hanson: Your camp chair
Mark and Brooke: Your table

I would also like to find a tri-leg basin like the one in this image:

http://www.naturalhighsafaris.com/images/big/wmcamp.jpg

[Mike S]

For tables, I have one I bought at Sears (!!), which is aluminum, and the top detaches and rolls up. This has held up very well over the past few years, and shows no signs of wearing out. STiff, sturdy, and big enough for bith my stove and a wash basin for doshes, faces, etc.

The chairs being sold for camping suck. All the ones with the canvas seats and collapsible frameworks fail within a trip or two. I now use chairs made for bird hunters - steel frame folding chairs with canvas seat and back. They fold flat, have a sling for carrying, and even a small storage bag under the seat, with a zipper for access. These work pretty well, and fold flat, so they can be tucked into the trailer without problems.

Here is one like it - tho the frame is aluminum.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/418977.jpg

[Grim Reaper]

I still like the old folding aluminum lawn chairs. Not so prone to make you slouch. Not as compact but they weigh less then the other foldings I have and they are already 25 years old hand me downs from the In-Laws and still going strong with a re web every couple years.

[bigreen505]

Go to REI and ask who is making the Walrus chairs and tables since EMS bought Walrus.

They were very solid and widely copied, but the copies don't have the same quality. I remember a couch was about $110 and I always wanted one.

Walmart might also be a place to look. Rednecks take their campin' very seriously!:xxrotflma

[pskhaat]

As for the table, make sure it's also fireproof as Durango_60 may accidentally start it aflame. Seriously, I now know why these tables are aluminum with us placing cooking instruments on them...

[calamaridog]

Travel Chair

http://www.travelchair.com/aboutus.html


Scott,

I will be most likely try one the Travel Chair brand chairs when I get rid of my el cheepo chairs.

They appear to be made more heavy duty than the typical Chinese stuff.

Perhaps they would send you a test chair for review? Then I'd know if they are any good before I buy one;)

[flywgn]

Scott,

Is this what you had in mind? (pic below) :jump:

Okay, on a more serious note. The chairs that we had with the Conquerer safari trailer were comfortable and durable. They are made in South Africa, but I don't remember the brand. Unfortunately, we let them go with the trailer when we sold it.

Some years ago Coleman made some heavy-guage metal/canvas folding chairs in the classic safari style. We still have two. They're more comfortable and a bit heavier than the strike-offs we purchased at REI and Cabella's. I don't see them offered any more from the Coleman catalog.

Of course the absolute classic is the Barlow Tyrie teak/canvas chairs, but we haven't put out those $$$ yet for camp chairs.

Allen

[Scott Brady]

The travel chair is a much better looking product. You can see the quality in the details.

Jonathan had a sweet wood/metal and cotton canvas chair. Something like that would be ideal.

I also need to find a comfy hammock to run between the front bumper and a tree :suning:

[bigreen505]

I also need to find a comfy hammock to run between the front bumper and a tree :suning:

Wow, not sure why I never thought of that. I have a perfect one that my sister brought back from Costa Rica that is folded in a closet, I should bring that along.

Thanks!

[Gear]

REI use to sell a La Fuma chair. I have 3 of these chairs and have been very satisfied over the years. They are a little bit more for relaxing in. We used them for years in or sea kayaks. Only thing we could find that would slide into the hatch. Good topic - looking for other ideas as well, now that I have to fill the Chaser. Here is a link to pictures as well as purchase

http://www.lafumafurniture.com/Lafuma-Maxi-Pop-Up-chair.pro


Justin Pitcairn
2003 Jeep Rubicon
Adventure Trailers Chaser #15

[calamaridog]

I also need to find a comfy hammock to run between the front bumper and a tree :suning:

Or a bumper and a bumper. Then you would have a death match to see who gets to use it:elkgrin:

[gcec]

I'm a huge fan of the Melvill and Moon (http://www.melvillandmoon.com/web/index.html) products... so much so we recently started importing them. It was a tough call because they are EXPENSIVE - but quality doesn't come cheap :)

The Roorkhee chair is the kind of thing that lasts for decades. It's all wood, canvas, and leather. One of the best features is that, owing to it's dowel based design, it sits flat on any surface; put a brick under one of the legs and it will "self level" so that you're not rocking about. About CDN$ 250.

The Harry Moon 4 in 1 is an excellent table that easily converts into a table, bath, shaving\wash basin, or ice bucket for chilling your favourite wine.

And it you find sleeping on the ground uncomfortable they make a lovely cot, that can also double as a table for 6.

Oh yeah... They also make the absolutely BEST seat covers for Land Rovers, Toyotas, and soon Jeeps.

I've got some decent pictures if you're interested.

[BajaTaco]

I'm a huge fan of the Melvill and Moon (http://www.melvillandmoon.com/web/index.html) products...

That stuff looks awesome. I could totally see that coming out of the back of Jonathan's FJ-40. :cool:

[flywgn]

Steven,

Right you are about the Roorkhee chair and I agree with your endorsement of Melvill and Moon equipment. We came in contact (literally) with some of their items on our trip to S. Africa and Namibia. Great quality.

I believe that we'll have to acquire a couple of Roorhees to go along with 'Harry', our new Horizon trailer we're soon to receive.

Allen

[Jonathan Hanson]

Whoops, I just saw this thread.

Our "butterfly" chairs were made in South Africa and imported by a company sadly no longer in business. They're 13 or 14 years old at least and still in perfect working order. If I can find another source I'll post it.

http://www.jandrhanson.com/jh/Chair.jpg

The Roorkhee chairs are first class and would be worth the investment! I'd like to try to make a couple myself. I have the book about British campaign furniture and there's some astonishing stuff in there. Say what you will about Victorian English officers, they knew how to travel in style.

[Jonathan Hanson]

That stuff looks awesome. I could totally see that coming out of the back of Jonathan's FJ-40.

Chris, I owe you a pint of Bass Ale for that one!

[DaktariEd]

That Melville & Moon stuff really DOES look awesome. :iagree:
Any North American Distributors?
I didn't see any noted on the website...

[dirtysouth]

Have you checked out these? I've seen them around the camps when I attend some dualsport events/rallies and they seem to be the business. They're more than the walmart throw aways but from what I've heard, they hold up for years.

http://www.kermitchair.com/

[Jonathan Hanson]

Here's my holy grail camping table. A friend found it in a junk store in Kelso, Washington, where it was tagged as a "sheepherder's table.":

http://www.jandrhanson.com/jh/Table1.jpg

It's obviously the direct ancestor of the ubiquitous blue vinyl roll-up tables, except made from canvas-covered hardwood, with a wood frame and what appear to be brass fittings:

http://www.jandrhanson.com/jh/Table2.jpg

It rolls up into a canvas case just like the newer versions.

Never seen another one like it.

[Scott Brady]

I am loving this thread. Now I just need to get some of this stuff for us to check out.

I am particularly interested in a set of these:
Lewis Drake Martin Chair (http://www.britishcampaignfurniture.com/products?id=28684)

http://www.sitemason.com/files/fSQO1W/Martin%20b.jpg/main.jpg

http://www.sitemason.com/files/i4cBos/Safari%20Set%20h.jpg/main.jpg

[DaktariEd]

:yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes:
What a pricetag!

Beautiful stuff, no doubt about it...but...:yikes:

[PCRover]

That is some nice furniture, but for expedition use it might be a little much...Kinda bulky when collapsed too...But man that would be sweet to set up every night and use.

[OverlandZJ]

:yikes: :yikes: :yikes: :yikes:
What a pricetag!

Beautiful stuff, no doubt about it...but...:yikes:

:iagree:

[Jonathan Hanson]

I think ours, sans leather trim, were $9 each. But it was a closeout.

If Scott gets one of the Lewis and Drake chairs he'll make us all sit behind him at the campfire.

[Jonathan Hanson]

Tell you what, Scott. I'll sew some leather trim on a couple of our chairs, add a tag reading "Hanson & Hanson, Ltd.," and you can have them for $249.95 each.

[BMAN]

I think ours, sans leather trim, were $9 each. But it was a closeout.

If Scott gets one of the Lewis and Drake chairs he'll make us all sit behind him at the campfire.


After Scotty won in Morocco you can't sit behind him at the campfire anymore. His GIANT head blocks all the heat...:shakin: :xxrotflma

[Scott Brady]

:arabia:

[articulate]

Ok, I am tired of these garbage chairs and tables. I just returned a set of chairs to REI that lasted only two trips before failure. So, I am curious if any of you have come across an importer of Safari/Expedition grade camp furniture. Canvas, wood, steel, etc., with no plastic.

A few come to mind I have questions on:

Jonathan Hanson: Your camp chair
Mark and Brooke: Your table
All apologies for missing this thread! I'm a late-comer, but you specifically asked.....

Regarding my table, here it is:
http://www.byerofmaine.com/images/lrg_images/lrg_tables-roll-top.jpg
Roll top table by Byer of Maine (http://www.byerofmaine.com/t-roll.htm)

Benefits:

Quick set up and tear down
Constructed of wood, and has a marine finish
Fairly large at 44" long and 30" wide
Slat roll top uses heavy canvas on the bottom that appears like it will last a long time
Perfect height for cooking and food prep
Moderately compact


Downsides:

Leg material is thin, 3/4"
Table flexes due to the thin hardware


The table is in two parts: the folding leg assembly, and the tambour-style roll top that engages with the legs with a stout mortise and tenon joint.

I don't know that I would call it safari quality. It does the trick for me (I must not be safari quality either?). Should a leg or a slat break, I have the resources to fix it. Now that I'm thinking about it, I could make a folding leg assembly out of thicker material (perhaps 6/4 to 8/4 or so), and probably have a hell of a table.

Marine finishes require maintenance / recoating. Water is bad for wood, so if you don't keep up with recoating the wood (maybe once a year), you can kiss the table goodbye.

Cheers fellas!

Mark :rockon:

[articulate]

http://www.jandrhanson.com/jh/Chair.jpg

The Roorkhee chairs are first class and would be worth the investment! I'd like to try to make a couple myself. I have the book about British campaign furniture and there's some astonishing stuff in there. Say what you will about Victorian English officers, they knew how to travel in style.
Nice. Now that I compare your chair to the picture of my table, I wonder if they are of similar quality. They appear to share hardware and a similar design. Perhaps the frame of the chair uses thicker lumber, though.

If the table had a cross bracing from the feet of the legs to the opposite side to where the top meets the legs, it would be a far sturdier table.

[Jonathan Hanson]

Wow, I forgot all about Byer of Maine. I always liked their stuff.

Even my friend's old sheepherder's table is not very rigid. I'm thinking of building my own design, incorporating the best of everything.

Incidentally, all kidding aside, I've always found Lewis and Drake's products to be first rate - as they should be!

[Jonathan Hanson]

Didn't I warn you about that awful stuff in another thread?

Jonathan
Beer Moderator

[Brian McVickers]

Here is my Table............


Make fun of my brew!:peepwall:

I can take it!.......:sombrero:




Is that a beer or a malt liquer?:beer:

Actually what I really want to know is:
Where is your pre-mixed BUCKET-O-MARGARITAS :drool: :suning:

[BMAN]

Johnathon,

Could you shoot some pics of the "action" your chair goes through during setup and breakdown. I'm trying to get a feel for what it might take to build one of my own.

[david despain]

HEY SCOTT i saw this this morn and remembered this thread. https://www.expeditionexchange.com/kermitchair/
looks like there are lots of pieces to it, but it sure does pack up small. plus bonus points for it being cool with/invented by the advrider/ bmw GS guys.

[edgear]

I also need to find a comfy hammock to run between the front bumper and a tree :suning:

Here's a hammock that you don't need bumpers or trees for:

http://www.swimways.com/product-images/deluxhammock-mainimg.jpg


I picked one up at REI -- they're made by Kelsyus (http://www.swimways.com/kelsyus/). They're rather heavy, but I might just bring it along to the Rally...
:suning:

[Charger92]

One of my friends brought this comfy chair out camping this summer.
Man this thing rocks. It is padded and cradles you like a baby.
She is going to find out were her brother bought it for her. Maybe I'll get a couple.
It is very strong and folds up. Their little girl was climbing all over it and I had a chance to sit in it. Oh boy was I relaxed.

[Desertdude]

I found this Kermit Chair (http://www.kermitchair.com/index.html)

More detailed info found on the Expedition Exchange (https://www.expeditionexchange.com/kermitchair/)

[Redback]

This is the "ducks guts" when it comes to camp kitchens and tables for camping.

DRIFTA
http://www.drifta.com.au/default.htm
http://www.drifta.com.au/Assets/tabble1w.jpg

http://www.drifta.com.au/Assets/tabble2w.jpg

I found the Coleman chair good, strong, very comfortable, i reckon there's a lot of good stuff in the US, a lot of the gear i have found, i found on US web sites (google is your friend:wavey: ) i then try and find a distributor here.

Baz.

[dd113]

I hate camp chairs! @ years ago I burned all of mine out of spite. The biggest issue I have is that over the long haul ,3-5 days of use, the supports on just about all of the "standard" camp chairs dig into my thighs. Hate them!

I bought a La Fume. Great chair but some issues: expensive (so what if it works!!), bulky and difficult to pack, is feels so good to sit in you need one for everyone or they will steal your chair; especially wife/girlfriend etc....

I saw these http://www.snowpeak.com/gears/lv080.htm and they look good. I love the snowpeak stuff.

They also have http://www.snowpeak.com/gears/lv010.htm and http://www.snowpeak.com/gears/lv012.htm both of which look great but spendy.

[BigAl]

I've had really good luck with a moulded white plastic card table from Sams Club. It is ~33" square. with the legs folded it is ~2.25 high. In my wrangler, it fits perfectly on the floor b/t the wheel wheels, so it goes in first and everything gets piled on top of it. It seems indestructable and is easy to clean. I've stood on it to tie a high guy line before. I think it cost ~$40.

[xcmountain80]

I was just in my outdoor outfitter, and wholy shyt they had the coolest Snow Peak setup. I looked on snow peaks website and they have awesome chairs and tables. But the setup I saw was a whole integrated cooking station with huge prep area, storage and the works, I will keep looking for a pic and price but nothing yet it was cool.

Aaron

[Beowulf]

The snowpeak stuff is very cool. But not cheap either. Expediton Exchange sells much of their line.


GCEC,

You mentioned you had pictures. If you have different pics from their site, I'd like to see them.

[xcmountain80]

I might just have to take a picture in the store I cant find it on their site. Ok on their Japanese site I found this link which you can see the table Im talking about .
http://www.snowpeak.co.jp/newproducts/2007/14newproducts.html
http://www.snowpeak.co.jp/catalog/spo/index_kitfire.html
http://www.snowpeak.co.jp/catalog/spo/index_igtbl_o.html
Please be patient I searched a bit but I cannot read Japanese so it took a bit of hunting I hope you enjoy this setup at the store was in the shape of an L and was pretty badass.

Aaron

[dd113]

That stuff is bad ***! I ahd already decided on the snow pealk table but I need to check this stuff out. What store in the US did you see it at? I am sure it is stupid expensive but worth every penney!

[xcmountain80]

It was a local outfitter called Travel Country Outdoors, 407-831-0777. Since I didnt see it on the us website I wondered how they got it. If I gat some time I will get the pricing. Like I said they had it all. 2 tables 1 with the burner in it a rounded corner to join the tables, and all kinds of other stuff.


Aaron

[Green Ganesha]

Looks like www.backcountry.com carries the Snow Peak tables: http://search.backcountry.com/?id=mincWu4x&q=iron+grill

Still not nearly the selection shown on their Japanese site though.

[xcmountain80]

Like always we get screwed and cannot get all the cool overseas stuff.

Aaron

[Willman]

Cabela's here in Utah are having a sale on these Alum. tables

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20075-cat20148&id=0044465517640a&navCount=1&podId=0044465&parentId=cat20148&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20148&hasJS=true

Anybody have any exp. with these???

Thinking of picking one up!

:chowtime:

[Desertdude]

I ordered one last year and sent it back ( before I used it outside) it did not live up to my expectations. The frame was a bit light, and the legs too small for any real world abuse. (also the feet pads are not for real outdoor terrain)

YMMV


Cabela's here in Utah are having a sale on these Alum. tables

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20075-cat20148&id=0044465517640a&navCount=1&podId=0044465&parentId=cat20148&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20148&hasJS=true

Anybody have any exp. with these???

Thinking of picking one up!

:chowtime:

[Willman]

I ordered one last year and sent it back ( before I used it outside) it did not live up to my expectations. The frame was a bit light, and the legs too small for any real world abuse. (also the feet pads are not for real outdoor terrain)

YMMV

Thanks for the infor!

What are you using now?

:chowtime:

[Desertdude]

Same old one from China that I have had for nearly 12 years - bought it in Maine - Costco used to sell them. Wooden roll top with Metal legs - larger foot pads - wraps up in a slight tube shape in a pouch.

[Cruiser]

On the snowpeak jap site, click english,, has prices and everything is in english,,

[overlander]

I'm a huge fan of the Melvill and Moon (http://www.melvillandmoon.com/web/index.html) products... so much so we recently started importing them. It was a tough call because they are EXPENSIVE - but quality doesn't come cheap :)

The Roorkhee chair is the kind of thing that lasts for decades. It's all wood, canvas, and leather. One of the best features is that, owing to it's dowel based design, it sits flat on any surface; put a brick under one of the legs and it will "self level" so that you're not rocking about. About CDN$ 250.

The Harry Moon 4 in 1 is an excellent table that easily converts into a table, bath, shaving\wash basin, or ice bucket for chilling your favourite wine.

And it you find sleeping on the ground uncomfortable they make a lovely cot, that can also double as a table for 6.

Oh yeah... They also make the absolutely BEST seat covers for Land Rovers, Toyotas, and soon Jeeps.

I've got some decent pictures if you're interested.

I have to chime in here on behalf of Melvin and Moon. I covet the roorkhee chairs, there is none better. I was in dialogue with M&M in SA to get a set of seat covers for my Defender 110. A full set cost about $500 US, but also cost and additional $500 in shipping from SA. The shipping from SA seems to double the price. I'm waiting until I go to SA to get the seat covers, and stuff them in a duffle bag and bring them back by air.

Here's a link of the only pictures of the king of seat covers I have ever seen in the apb trading ltd uk website.
http://www.apbtrading.co.uk/gallery.asp?id=3


I will have those in my Defender...some day. They are so damn sweet!:chowtime:

[benedmonson]

I am loving this thread. Now I just need to get some of this stuff for us to check out.

I am particularly interested in a set of these:
Lewis Drake Martin Chair (http://www.britishcampaignfurniture.com/products?id=28684)

http://www.sitemason.com/files/fSQO1W/Martin%20b.jpg/main.jpg

http://www.sitemason.com/files/i4cBos/Safari%20Set%20h.jpg/main.jpg

I'm really interested in these chairs and a table to match for my new expedition rigged LR3. I'm trying to go with more traditional looking furniture that will age with time!! Any feedback on these??

[goodtimes]

I'm really interested in these chairs and a table to match for my new expedition rigged LR3. I'm trying to go with more traditional looking furniture that will age with time!! Any feedback on these??

The current issue of the Overland Journal has a chair review....including these.

[overlander]

I'm going to chime up about my Pico. I've had it now for about 8 months; got it when I started my mobilization for Iraq as I realized from experience I needed a good portable field chair, and this one looked perfect. So far, it has really held up well, and it can be field maintained, with all of the parts able to come apart with a phillips screwdriver for maintenance and cleaning. I had one leg jam on me during the worst parts of training during a full up go to war rehearsal exercise at Fort Irwin California (aka Death Valley), and I was able to disassemble, repair and reassemble the chair in about 30 minutes with only a Gerber multi-tool while sitting on my cot.

I am 6 months into my Iraq deployment now. This chair has been thrown around in Hummvees, dragged on and off helicopters, and sat through sand storms and still works like a champ. Key to its happiness is a little lubrication (gun oil) on the telliscoping leg parts.

Other officers on my battle staff have been so impressed with this chair that they have also bought them (about 10 so far), and now there is a "Prius" style click going around with the Pico chair owners.

I would definitely rate this chair as "expedition worthy". I was planning a full review, but wanted to get the word out. In Kuwait, I had the back of my chair monigrammed, and I had molly strapping sewn onto the carrier bag. With the MOLLY system, the PICO has become a field office and all purpose traveling carry on. With my Toughbook and a folding table inside it, and my snacks and miscellaneous computer accessories, I have everything I need to function.

Needless to say at this point, I highly recommend this chair to anyone.

[FourByLand]

I'm really interested in these chairs and a table to match for my new expedition rigged LR3. I'm trying to go with more traditional looking furniture that will age with time!! Any feedback on these??


Ben,

The D1 was pretty slick, be sure to post some photos of the LR3.

Great photos on your site also!

[Corey]

I'm going to chime up about my Pico. I've had it now for about 8 months; got it when I started my mobilization for Iraq as I realized from experience I needed a good portable field chair, and this one looked perfect.

Needless to say at this point, I highly recommend this chair to anyone.
First off, thank you for your service.

I have the less expensive version, the Xpress Lounger Arm Chair.
http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1011

I use it every day at work during lunch, as there is a big shade tree behind my rig where I park at work.
Many have asked about it including a guy who parked by me last week on a Buell setup for trips.

I think both it and the Pico are very expedition worthy.

[JohnnyS]

How do the Byer tables stand up to the heat of a stove (Coleman 2 burner)?

Has anyone tried one of these Alps tables?

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Product.aspx?baseno=98999&plp=Alps_Mountaineering_Dining_Roll-Up_Table&utm_source=Shopping&utm_medium=PaidShopping&utm_term=Alps_Mountaineering_Dining_Roll-Up_Table&utm_campaign=PCSHOPPINGUS9&codesProcessed=true

Thanks!

[Corey]

The two chairs I took on vacation a few weeks back worked great.

Xpress Lounger Arm Chair (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1011)

http://www.pnw4runners.com/camping/reviews/xpress_lounger.jpg

Cabela's Chaise Loungers - Black (other colors available) (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp;jsessionid=NAA2G3K1CXOUPLAQBBICCNVMCAEFCI WE?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20075-cat20148_TGP&id=0032217516942a&navCount=2&podId=0032217&parentId=cat20148&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20148&hasJS=true&_requestid=6042)

http://www.pnw4runners.com/camping_trips/aug09/21.jpg

Both chairs are very well made and comfortable.
The lounger one you can sleep in.
Laying back by the fire that night and seeing the stars all out, priceless.

The lounger does take up a lot of room though.
Have a carry bag for it too which takes up even more room :D

[Lichen]

I'm with Corey. For the money, the Xpress lounger arm chair would be hard to beat. Get them from Wil at Sierra Expeditions (or Bass Pro Shop).

[C Red]

Ok, I am tired of these garbage chairs and tables. I just returned a set of chairs to REI that lasted only two trips before failure. So, I am curious if any of you have come across an importer of Safari/Expedition grade camp furniture. Canvas, wood, steel, etc., with no plastic.

Are you still looking for these items or have you gone with something else? I have been looking for the same type of thing.