The Wildlife Photographer’s Guide to Portable Seating

Wildlife photography can oftentimes demand patience. A serious photographer might spend hours in one location waiting for just the perfect shot, and comfort becomes just as important as having the right lens. That’s where portable seating comes in, and we’ve got you covered in this guide. 

The Reality of Long Sessions 

If you’ve done even just a few wildlife photography sessions, you know the challenges of the long waiting game. You find your spot, set up your gear, and then the wait begins. Sometimes if you’re lucky, just 20 minutes, sometimes up to three hours or more. Birds don’t show up on schedule, and deer definitely aren’t checking their watches. 

Standing for extended periods gets exhausting. Sitting on the ground works for maybe 30 minutes before your back starts screaming. Rocks are uncomfortable and often wet or muddy. This is where having an actual seat makes all a difference. 

Weight Matters 

Getting to good wildlife spots usually means some trekking or even hiking. You’re already carrying a camera body, multiple lenses, a tripod, water, snacks, and maybe a jacket. Every ounce counts. 

The NUMANU Standard Collapsible Stool weighs only 2.2 pounds and holds up to 620 pounds. The XXL version weighs just slightly more at 3.5 pounds with a 1,000 pound capacity. Both fold down small enough to clip onto your pack with a carabiner or sling over your shoulder with the carrying strap without adding bulk. 

When collapsed, the Standard is 2.5″ x 10″ and the XXL compresses to about 2.7″. They take up minimal space but provide actual seating when you need it. 

Staying Still and Stealthy 

Some wildlife photography requires staying relatively motionless and silent for extended periods of time. Unless you’re a Buddhist monk, trying to hold a crouch or sit cross-legged on hard ground for an hour just isn’t sustainable for most people.

A quality telescoping stool like these lets you sit more comfortably while keeping your camera  ready and steady. You can stay in position longer without shifting around and potentially scaring  off your subject. The XXL model has a swivel seat pad add-on that’s particularly useful because  you can rotate to track movement without standing up.  

Height Adjustability Helps Too  

Both stools can easily adjust to different heights. The Standard goes from 2.5″ up to 18″ and the  XXL adjusts from 2.7″ to 19.7″. This matters more than you’d think!  

Sometimes you want to sit low to stay hidden behind brush. Other times you need more height  to see over tall grass or get a better angle. Being able to adjust means you can adapt to  different terrain and shooting situations.  

Quick Setup, Easy Storage  

When your target animal appears, you need to be ready. These stools set up in just a couple  seconds. Pull them out, extend to your desired height, lock them in place, and sit.  

They also come with waterproof carry bags that protect them during transport. The bags clip  easily to camera backpacks, keeping the stool accessible without taking up interior space  needed for lenses and gear.  

Built for Outdoor Conditions  

Wildlife photography means working in all sorts of weather and terrain. Rain, mud, rocky  ground, sand. Your gear and setup needs to be able to handle it all.  

Both the Standard and XXL are made from reinforced polypropylene plastic. They’re designed  to be lightweight but durable enough for regular outdoor use. The locking mechanism includes a  safety feature that prevents unexpected collapse.  

Unlike other stool brands, NUMANU backs both models with an amazing Lifetime Warranty,  which provides some peace of mind when you’re investing in quality gear.  

Which Model Works Better?  

The Standard model will handle most wildlife photography situations. It’s lighter, which matters  when you’re hiking several miles to reach a location. The 3-in-1 carry bag converts into a  comfortable seat cushion and includes an attachable drink holder, which is handy during long  waits. 

The XXL provides more comfort with its wider 11.8″ seat. If you’re doing extended sessions  where you’ll be sitting for hours, the extra comfort is worth the additional 1.3 pounds. The swivel  cushion accessory is also useful for tracking animals without making too much noise.  

For photographers who hike long distances, the Standard makes more sense. For those  working closer to roads or focusing on comfort during all-day sessions, the XXL is worth  considering.  

Supporting American Business and Veterans  

NUMANU is an American-based family-run company. Both the Standard and XXL Collapsible  Stool models are available on both the official NUMANU website and Amazon for convenient  ordering.  

The company proudly donates monthly to support veterans, so you can feel good knowing your  purchase contributes to that effort as well.  

Bottom Line  

Wildlife photography already requires significant patience and planning. Being uncomfortable  shouldn’t be part of the challenge. These portable stools weigh less than most camera lenses  but can make hours of waiting significantly more bearable.  

Whether you’re photographing birds at dawn, waiting for deer at dusk, or spending the day  tracking larger wildlife, having a lightweight seat in your pack is practical. The minimal added  weight absolutely pays off the first time you’re settling in for a multi-hour session and realize  you actually have somewhere comfortable to sit.