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Custom Belay Seat, Thoughts?

Original Post
GoofyFoot · · Ventura County, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 75
Belay Seat part 1

Initial phase of my custom belay seat / butt bag. Webbing used in photo is going to be one solid piece but for the mock-up and before it gets sewn together I wanted to throw it out there and see what everyone thinks.

Sure I can go buy one but I thought I'd make one to my specs & needs.

Intent:

1. Multipitch belay

2. Positioning for photography

I want to add another "cross bar" of webbing horizontally across the center virtually making 2 smaller sections adding support and six points.

Construction;
1.9 oz rip-stop nylon (folded and sewn together 1.9 x 2)
1" tubular webbing
Nylon thread

Ripstop perimeter sewn at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5"
Going to do a double pass on the full length of webbing and end w a box stitch on corners and bartack the ends w industrial sewing machine & nylon thread.

Any input is appreciated, good & "yer gonna die" responses
ACR · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 590

You might want to shift the sewn areas to the sides of the seat. In other words, don't sit on the doubled webbing as it might be uncomfortable after a while.

Belay seats of this type aren't too comfortable anyway. They just serve to take a little weight of your harness. I had a Chouinard version and it tended to cut the circulation off in my legs if I was in it for any length of time.

But kudos for making your own gear!

GoofyFoot · · Ventura County, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 75

ACR- thanks for the input.

I want to have 1 solid piece of webbing running the perimeter. I will definitely offset the ends, thx

The Chouinard was the initial spark!

If i were using it for photos i thought I'd give myself additional options for 2 more loops and maybe use it for full support as a chair and backrest with 6 points so i can manouver a bit more.

I have some extra material do it'll have its own bag attached much like a hammock.

Kevin Mokracek · · Burbank · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 342

I don't see the need for a loop at each corner, most of the old designed seats just have a large loop on each side. I still have my Buttermilk Mountain Works seat, still works like a charm.

Yer Gonna Die · · Cragville · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 175
GoofyFoot wrote: Initial phase of my custom belay seat / butt bag. Webbing used in photo is going to be one solid piece but for the mock-up and before it gets sewn together I wanted to throw it out there and see what everyone thinks. Sure I can go buy one but I thought I'd make one to my specs & needs. Intent: 1. Multipitch belay 2. Positioning for photography I want to add another "cross bar" of webbing horizontally across the center virtually making 2 smaller sections adding support and six points. Construction; 1.9 oz rip-stop nylon (folded and sewn together 1.9 x 2) 1" tubular webbing Nylon thread Ripstop perimeter sewn at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5" Going to do a double pass on the full length of webbing and end w a box stitch on corners and bartack the ends w industrial sewing machine & nylon thread. Any input is appreciated, good & "yer gonna die" responses
this was gonna be my next little project too!
GoofyFoot · · Ventura County, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 75
Kevin Mokracek wrote:I don't see the need for a loop at each corner, most of the old designed seats just have a large loop on each side. I still have my Buttermilk Mountain Works seat, still works like a charm.
I've tossed the idea around for what you mentioned, i don't intend to use it every time I'm out on the crag, but a little bit of comfort goes a long way
GoofyFoot · · Ventura County, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 75
Rich zz wrote: this was gonna be my next little project too!
Awesome! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Joe Garibay · · Ventura, Ca · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 86

Needs a booze pouch. Maybe a poopshoot too.

Yer Gonna Die · · Cragville · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 175
JoeGaribay wrote:Needs a booze pouch. Maybe a poopshoot too.
why even bother leaving home?
GoofyFoot · · Ventura County, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 75
JoeGaribay wrote:Needs a booze pouch. Maybe a poopshoot too.
I think I have enough ripstop left over to sew up a small pouch to store the seat when not in use
GoofyFoot · · Ventura County, CA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 75

Alright its been way too long, but i finally got a chance to have the belay seat se
Sewn up. Used 1 solid section for the webbing crossed ovr and box stitched both sides on the corners. The webbing was also sewn both sides 1/2"apart. The ends were bartacked ( kinds short on the tails)

But iver all i think it will be enough for some multipitch climbs and shooting photos up off the deck on a parallel line. Readon i went with the 4 loops was for versitility betwen belaying while climbingbor a seat that i can lay across or sit on while shooting.

Completed belay seat

Corner

Top

Bottom

Joe Garibay · · Ventura, Ca · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 86

Head out on Sunday to give it a test run?

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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