Canoe Trip Kneeling Mat/Sleep Pad/Camp Chair Hack. Weight Saving Tip for Canoe Tripping.

[@Adventuristic89]

This is unreal Simon! At this very moment I’ve got knee pain from my first ever canoe outing! Got my first canoe & learning that it’s not all as easy as it looks 😂 sore legs & a dented ego lol I’ll 100% be looking into this mat 👍 thanks

[@carltyson4393]

As always, fun and informative. Excellent info and always great to see a new video from you. Look forward to your next adventure. Cheers

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Carl! Looking forward to the next one! Atb, Simon

[@rkgki]

Just bought two. Thanks Simon! My knees thank you as well.

[@robertshand8101]

I can't take my eyes off that canoe.. 😀 And another handy tip... Cheers 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - cheers Robert! Sorry if it was a distraction! Atb, Simon

[@akkev907]

It's a beautiful canoe.

[@norfnifelemon]

Nice pad Simon. I use the endless river mat and love it. When I started out canoeing, it didn't take long before the dreaded "housemaids knee" set in😫 excructiating pain which thankfully the mat prevents. A must for any canoe trip. ATB

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Definitely Steve, I wouldn’t be without it, I’ve tried knee pads in my trousers too, but just reminded me too much of being at work - I’m a carpenter hahaha! Atb mate, Simon

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

That's great advice Mate! I've never see those chairs before. I'm going to have to look into one of those. I think that the mat and that chair would be great on a over night backpacking trip as well. I use a similar pad in my hammock sometimes. Thanks!

[@UrbanTacticalSurvival]

Simon again a great video as always, i injoy your videos and learn something new everytime, would love to go camping with you. Take care and injoy .

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful! Atb buddy, Simon

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Just got my pad in the post, tried it out in my trekker pad and it works a treat. No sleeping pad origami. Great tip and great use of the mat. I’ll try it in the centre of my canoe 🛶 next time I paddle it

[@magicdrshoon]

We just got back from an overnight canoe trip on the Great Ouse and chairs were a hot topic! Excellent tip, and one I'll be trying out. Thanks!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - chairs always seem to come up in conversation on trips!! It must be that ‘longing for an armchair’ thing! Hope you had a good trip! Atb, Simon

[@magicdrshoon]

I've just been looking, and the Thermarest Trekker I am finding online looks different to yours. the bottom section on yours seems to be a pocket, but the ones I'm seeing online are more of a loop which allows the mattress/mat to come through. Do you mind me asking where did you get yours from? Cheers.

[@colinbrown4008]

Brilliant as always Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Colin! Loving the mushroom pics btw!! Atb mate, Simon

[@JoonesAdventuresMC]

once again a great video. I know I've said it before, one of the most beautiful canoes I have ever seen

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Jonas! Atb mate, Simon

[@TheWrinklyNomads]

Liking the chair hack, very nifty. Thanks for that one. ATB, Steve

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Steve - gotta be comfy in camp! Atb, Simon

[@ExpatPete]

Simon, once again thanks for another entertaining video, and useful tip.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Pete! Atb, Simon

[@jamesellsworth9673]

That is a good hack...and a GREAT LOOKING canoe!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks James! My pride and joy! 🛶 Atb, Simon

[@RM-io7qo]

Awesome tips for added comfort on almost any kind of trip. Thanks for sharing. Take care...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers John! Got to be comfy in camp! Atb, Simon

[@Brian1972]

I'm one of your newest subs, hope you can make it over to Missouri sometime. Lots of camping, and canoeing to be had here.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Brian and thanks for the sub! I’d love to explore a bit of the States - such a big and varied country and those rivers!!! One day!! Atb, Simon

[@KentSurvival]

great advise that I hop I can put in to action one day :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Oh yes!! We need to start thinking about that! 🛶

[@gilbert2220]

Brilliant tip cheers Simon

[@scottbainetwisted_keel_adv5821]

Simon , that is one beautiful canoe 👌🛶👍👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Scott!

[@martinoutdoors6941]

I do like the look of those pads, I’ve had one on my watch list on eBay since I asked you about it.....

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - I’m like that too - my watch list is an eclectic mix of random stuff!! They are comfy mats - and so many uses!! Atb mate, Simon

[@Voodoo_Ray]

Top tip Simon thanks for sharing. Heading to Scotland shortly so I may very well give this a try

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Makes for a comfy paddle, and they are fairly non-slip too. Have a good time! Atb, Simon

[@pembling1]

Another great video, great hacks, thanks for sharing Simon. Looking forward to the next Peddars Way video, good job. Atb, Paul.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Paul - me too!! Atb mate, Simon

[@coocookachoo2806]

Looks like the chair is your favorite use for that pad, great video Simon, as per usual.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s certainly one of them! Mind you it’s lovely to kneel on too! 😁

[@reneewessels3110]

Thanks for all your awsome videos...i realy enjoy them all...

[@tentage26]

Yet again a good vid some smashing ideas thankyou for sharing

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Alan! Atb, Simon

[@GreytOutdoorsMedic]

Genius. Ordered two from the Bay.

[@markl2815]

I use mechanics mats but in white water they slip about in the boat with a little water so .... glue all or part of a shower mat with sucker pads onto the bottom of the mat then you can “fix it” in place while paddling and remove it easily when you need to. A bit more weight but it works fine.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good idea! I can see how they’d slip about - mine does if I’m struggling through it over obstacles, and that’s without a load of bilge water!! Cheers!

[@jt659]

Came at a great time. I'm leaving in a week or two for 3 months camping on the water w my canoe. Want to do some cold weather training.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That sounds amazing! I’d love to be able to do a big trip! Stay warm! Atb, Simon

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Nice one Simon and as I’ve always said, you are a very talented man. Cheers 🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Mike! Shame they are big and flat - make a comfy sleep mat for the hills! Doubling as a sledge for the decent! Atb, Simon

[@andrewforrest8592]

A great idea for a canoe Great video enjoyed the video like the video nice one

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Andrew! Atb, Simon

[@abefrohman1759]

Great idea and a handy gift for the wife or girlfriend.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

For canoeing or fixing the car? Haha! Cheers Abe, Simon

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Just a thought Simon. Could you get gorilla tape two of those mats together, end to end, allowing for a small gap so that you can hinge them. Then you could fold one over the other which would give you even more comfort on your knees when paddling, but then, you could open Out joined mats to give a full length sleep pad. Just an idea. Love your canoe Simon, every time I see it I hanker.

[@KimberlyGreen]

Rather than gorilla tape, might I suggest some strips of velcro? Glue some long strips of the fabric loop side down on the mats, across the gap, on one side of the mats. Once secured, cut the strips, re-separating the pads. To rejoin, lay down corresponding loop strips across the gap. Gives you the ability to use each pad separately, whilst also having the ability to rejoin them anytime you like.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Great ideas both of you! I’ve thought about getting another one for the front of the canoe for my dog Maggie to sit on - keeps her out of the bilge water and stops her sliding about so much. Some Velcro to then join them together in camp would make a great mattress! Thanks! Atb, Simon

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Kimberly G. Even better

[@linneekay98]

Great video! Looking forward to your next adventure! :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks as always!! Simon

[@NorthwalesBushcrafters]

Good little tips Simon 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Love a multi-purpose bit of kit! Atb, Simon

[@fepowson]

Nice tips, Yes! that canoe is a distraction Simon. Good wishes.........Les

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - sorry about that Les! Cheers, Simon

[@SpamMusubi308]

That canoe is beautiful! Thanks for sharing this

[@jonathanreynolds2227]

Great idea. My only criticism is that I don't see how it saves weight to carry a shorter thicker mat compared with a longer thinner one, and that either option is a trivial weight anyway. FWIW I like to sit on my rolled-up full-length mat and put my back against the canoe (or anything else that's handy). As you wear Fjallraven trousers, the simplest knee protection is to put foam inserts into the knees of your Fjallraven trousers, which are designed for that. The Fjallraven ones are expensive, but other options can be found at builders merchants.

[@tiagopeterstenfen5343]

Very important information!!!!!!!

[@ellisholcomb7942]

Thats a great idea thanks God be with you my friend

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ellis! Atb, Simon

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Cracking advice and what a great canoe atb jimmy 😎 😎

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Jimmy! 😁

[@450Xer]

I find your video's to be very informative and interesting.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Atb, Simon

[@Brian1972]

May I add relaxing too.

[@gogsalba4573]

I have a Draper mechanic mat for kneeling in... no pain for my injury addled knee...✌👍

[@jadebrex4903]

hi simon another great video♥️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Jade! 😁

[@gibsongirl9046]

Is there a video on how how you made your canoe? I have a huge cedar tree that may have to come down and I'd much rather it be turned into something beautiful than just firewood.

[@MrMeltedwellies]

NICE ONE SIMON

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Mark! Atb, Simon

[@liamfletcher5554]

Looking fir one of those thermarest chair sleeves mate, good tip, enjoy the bivvy mate.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Liam! The bivvy is spot on - looking forward to using it. The sleeve is called the Them’a’restr - they do a full length one too, but don’t think it’d work with the foam mats. Thanks again buddy!

[@dananorth895]

Have looked at the pro type closed cell knee pads and saddle seats....very expensive for foam. Have been considering foam roll sleep pads or even various packing foam that accumulates in diferent forms from packaging. This hadn't occurred to me, I used to have some interlocking foam floor pads around here someplace.

[@darenkent6987]

Great vid 👍👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Daren! Atb, Simon

[@knucker4931]

Hi Simon, I've been contemplating replacing the mat I have in my canoe for a while now, so this is quite timely. I've had a look at eBay etc, but can't see any mats like yours. Any chance of a make or supplier please. A

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi Al, I got mine on eBay a couple of years ago, and it seems that the exact one isn’t available any more, but there are others very similar with rounded corners or in different colours - I think Nielsen is one of the brands. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F181191390199 Hope that helps, Simon

[@evanrobertson9174]

Amazing

[@peterrussell9473]

So I think I would put that chair thing in the canoe so I didn't have the neal - not way I could put up with that - and I would have something to support my back....?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I actually find it way more comfortable to kneel. I find sitting in the canoe plays havoc with my back, kneeling places my back in a good straight position and I can paddle comfortably all day long - the mat is essential though! 😁🛶

[@bootsnthejeep]

Is that a Tilley hat? One of the hemp ones?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Yes it is! 👍 Great hat, a hat for life!

[@robertm4050]

I can't believe you haven't made your own seat like this in a video. Maybe an idea for a new video.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Robert! Hmmmm food for thought haha! Atb, Simon

[@bryanbutterfoss4606]

Great Video. What brand of pants are you wearing?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Brian! They are Fjallraven Vidda Pro trousers, they are pricey, but worth the saving up for! Atb, Simon

[@bryanbutterfoss4606]

Simon, a bloke in the woods thanks for the info. I will look them up. I'm in the US so hopefully I can find them online.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Bryan Butterfoss - you’ll find them over there too. Popular choice amongst the bushcraft community. Cheers!

[@MrTowton1461]

You da man!

[@mattparker9986]

How do you portage with that?

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Where do you buy those mats from simon

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I got mine on eBay, the exact one doesn’t seem to be available any more, but there are similar mats available - with slightly rounded corners or in different colours.

[@bmolitor615]

I only want one with the authentic customized Maggie-prints on it...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@Myn6211]

Well that's a bit of alright. I just wonder how 70 year old bones would like that mat? Really a good way though to get multi uses out of one item.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! Yes, I do love it when a bit of kit serves multiple purposes! It’s certainly not a cure for knee problems and pressure, but it does help! My knees aren’t great - sports related injury - but I’ll continue to kneel for as long as I can! Atb, Simon

[@hermit6208]

"It's a hack!!" - Scrambled O

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - checkin’ iiiiiiiiiin! Love his videos! Cheers, Simon

[@steamboatmodel]

A great idea if your knees can take the pressure of kneeling. At 69 about five minutes is all the kneeling my knees will take.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I’ll keep kneeling as long as I can - I do have a few problems with my knees - a result of not taking enough care as a kid!! Atb, Simon

[@steamboatmodel]

Simon, a bloke in the woods As my Cousin (a year younger exactly) says "If we had known we were going to live this long we might have taken better care of ourselves, on the other hand we had so much fun."

[@davidhuxtable8918]

So? Youve refrained yself from stuffing yer face full of food in this video In preferrals to now simply dossing outsides in broad daylight publicly on your pad!!! Dreaming of tea and yet even more food!! There just arent enough words!! I like this pad its very thick Great idea to rip off the automotive trade as camping mats are now pretty expensive I thought about having 2x of these mats as a canadian is large enough to take that way if you carry a passenger they also have a knee pad but you get a nicer length to sleep on. The buoyancy aid i also used to use but once my eqpt was on the boat in the water i didnt worry about weight It was only if you were capsized or portaging out of the water it becomes a real issue We used to sculpt our cockpits bye glueing karrimats into the cockpit for hips thighs butt to feel more comfortable Id use a hot piece of wire to sculpt or cut it Or scissors knife etc It would then stay in cockpit as a perm feature But these would come out of boat in any capsize situ So would need to be secured through hole grab loop in the foam? As theyd make a pretty good boogey board or windblocker too for a stove Its best use tho is in protecting yer patellas on yer knees Floating bone cap Which is crucial for canoeing on long journeys I find the kneel position good too But you still need to relieve yer legs every so often As a long paddle kneeling can make you walk like a cripple once you reach camp or landfall I find the position more dynamic to do paddle techniques in or acheive stability you can also use yer upper thighs in this position to influence the gunnels Roll the canoe onto one side or brace yer self in more if going down a rapid If you could find a pad like this that was a tad longer an external sleeve with side buckles and straps could turn this thick mat into a camp chair self supporting one As buckles take strain legs counter act the back so you have a chair that you can lean back in if you stitched up an external nylon sleeve to wrap arounds both ends of foam connected it at 45deg with a bayonet clip plastic on 2 side straps to act as connectors or arms of chair As you sit in it lean back the back becomes upright self supporting Yer legs weight counter acts yer upper torso weight as you lean back acts like an arm chair or camo chair!! Nylon cordura or oxford 5oz would be a good fabric to cover this foam with to prevent chaffing and turn it into a soft comfy camp chair at base If you unclip bayonet straps it goes flat again To sleep on So you have 3x uses or more for it boogey board aswell if it had a estate agents plastic sheet stapled on one side To gliss on Nice hack!!!! Is the mat a good price good value being from car mech sources?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Dave! I’ve used mine as a windbreak too and a wafter to get my fire going - the possibilities are endless! Nice idea to slip it into a homemade sleeve/chair kit to keep it in permanently. They vary in price, not any cheaper than a conventional foam karrimat - but thicker! Mine cost about £20 if I remember. Food is never far from my mind!! Cheers, Simon

[@davidhuxtable8918]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Being so thick im unsure if it would bend sufficiently to make a chair also its length may need to be a tad longer? Id use a cheap karrimat £5-11 for chair as thickness of this mat it may break split or fracture if bent relearedly to use as a camp chair over time! But i like the thickness Wafter is good For a fire too Jusr dont let the fire brigade and detectives see you starting off those fields of corn n hayfires just for the hell of it? When you get bored of paddling? To feed your pyromania and love of fire and stoves!! Ive tipped off norfolk police already About your various manias!! To do with using these mats!! To start illicit arson fires!! Allover norfolk during this hot summer!!! Ive told them all you need is catching 1st then lots of therapy!

[@davidhuxtable8918]

@@simonablokeinthewoods ha i didnt realise it but you have already sussed out got a chair it looks really suited well to Fit in that external sleeve!! Nice comfy position near to floor eases the back gives you a backrest out in the open!! Ive yet to get one!!! I may try to make one using our sew machine!! They apear to bend quite well i like the added thickness if yer heavy they work at protecting you ord mats are a bit thin!! Unless layered up a bit

[@adrianbarber6106]

PLEASE DONT LAY ON YOUR PFD!! They are there to float you and the foam inside will deteriorate and compress making it useless . Great video but I completely disagree with crushing the life out of your life jacket .

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Adrian, the foam in a PFD is high density, and compressing it (actually it hardly compresses at all) will do it no harm whatsoever.

[@martin.feuchtwanger]

No it won't!

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

That's great advice Mate! I've never see those chairs before. I'm going to have to look into one of those. I think that the mat and that chair would be great on a over night backpacking trip as well. I use a similar pad in my hammock sometimes. Thanks!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! I think it’s called the therma-restr, made by thermarest. Makes a comfy chair! Atb, Simon

[@AlexG-vb7kp]

ha! I was about to post the same thing, but then I saw your comment. I've never seen those chairs before either! Having a backrest must be a luxury on a canoe trip! I'm gonna search around and get one for myself for my upcoming canoe trip.