Stool to help 'togging' with a disability.

Missymop

Missymop

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Melissa
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Hey guys,

I just wanted to get some advice and to see if anyone has experienced a similar situation to mine. I have had my camera for just a couple of weeks now and have being literally shooting anything that takes my fancy. I am going to Scotland in August and wanted to take pictures of flowers, waterfalls, woodland and the loch we're gonna be staying near. The problem is I suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis, It pretty much affects every joint in my body so while getting down to sit on the ground is not impossible (but painful) getting back up again is.
I am also going to be taking some pictures this weekend of some children in my partners family for a photo album and thought it would be good to get down to their level for some interesting shots but crouching and kneeling isn't possible.

So basicly I'm looking for some kind of step or stool to aid me in my photography, so I can set my tripod up to a low level if i need to. It needs to be of a reasonable weight, although I won't need to carry it myself with my equipment as my partner can be my 'togging' caddy! I have seen some on E-bay but weighing in at close to 3kg is this too heavy for lugging around on a day in the woodland or down at the loch?
The stool would also need to be of a reasonable height as im quite tall (for a girl) lol 5'10" so anything too low would cause me pain.

Thankyou for reading, I look forward to your advice and suggestions.


Melissa.
 
have a look at a Fishing Tackle shop

carp anglers use a stool with a back for support
 
fazer said:
Hi Melissa
There are various stools available from camping shops but these all tend to be fixed height.
You could try this product. I have no idea what it is like in practice but came across the site whilst looking at camping equipment.
http://www.flaghead.co.uk/pages/walkstool-intro.htm
Hope this helpsl
Click to expand...


That is very clever, I like that! I wonder what it would sit like on rough terrain though? It even has a bag too. Thanks for the link!
 
fazer said:
Hi Melissa
There are various stools available from camping shops but these all tend to be fixed height.
You could try this product. I have no idea what it is like in practice but came across the site whilst looking at camping equipment.
http://www.flaghead.co.uk/pages/walkstool-intro.htm
Hope this helpsl
Click to expand...

smoothedit said:
Missed an 'l'.

http://www.flaghead.co.uk/pages/walkstool-intro.html

Nice bit of kit. Lightweight.

Would be worth considering getting a chair with a back support dependent on how long you would be sitting in the one place...
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I actually thought about a standard camping chair, but don't you sometimes get the feeling they're gonna swallow you up? lol They are also a little low, what I need is a cross between a shop step stool, a camping chair and the walkstool suggestion. Any inventors in the forum? lol
 
I know what you mean about the camping chairs, I have a similar problem getting up from them. One option is those garden kneelers that turn into a stool when you turn them upside down. Not sure how tall they come though. I'm about to go out so haven't got time to do a search but I'm sure others will be (Go on, smoothie, you know you want to. ;))
 
:lol: Funnily enough... on my way....

Trying to find the ones I saw at an exhibition.
 
fabs said:
I know what you mean about the camping chairs, I have a similar problem getting up from them. One option is those garden kneelers that turn into a stool when you turn them upside down. Not sure how tall they come though. I'm about to go out so haven't got time to do a search but I'm sure others will be (Go on, smoothie, you know you want to. ;))
Click to expand...

Now thats what I'm looking for!! Never seen one of those before, it's sturdy with enough space to be comfortable and it's foldable! Thankyou, sir.
 
Ok - this is the one:
5569c696-b70b-456c-a488-6ec2de29f7a9.jpg


I am just trying to find a UK stockist. Flipping yank domination of the interweb shopping world!
 
Yardbent said:
how about a polo walking stick

"link"...............

"link".................
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Amazing, thankyou all for the rapid response and very helpful suggestions! I'm really excited about taking some shots on my holiday that wouldnt have been possible without your help!
 
Melissa..slightly off topic but I too suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis and I can really recommend Honey Butter Massage bars available from Eden Luxuries in the Lake District (Mail order or from shop) Helps with the Psoriasis and the Arthritis.

And good luck with your hunt for the chair.:thumbs:
 
Et voila.

stoo%20backrest.jpg


Slightly different construction. Worth noting that these are slightly low as they are portable - but for £9.99 it could be worth at least a try.
 
Hawkmoon said:
Melissa..slightly off topic but I too suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis and I can really recommend Honey Butter Massage bars available from Eden Luxuries in the Lake District (Mail order or from shop) Helps with the Psoriasis and the Arthritis.

And good luck with your hunt for the chair.:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, they look yummy! lol Do you have both the symptoms of P.A? I only get the Arthritis side, well... up to now anyway. I'm 26 so theres still time. I will give the bars a whirl though, can't do any harm smelling that good!
 
smoothedit said:
Still looking.

Found this one that looks even more sturdy. But less portable. From a BASC certified seller too.

/off to continue looking.
Click to expand...

smoothedit said:
Et voila.

stoo%20backrest.jpg


Slightly different construction. Worth noting that these are slightly low as they are portable - but for £9.99 it could be worth at least a try.
Click to expand...


lol You're on fire! I like the one with the little storage pouch. I think with the tripod style chair it could be a little low and restrictive. Price wise I'm thinking the garden kneeler is the winner but do you think the weight (3kg) is going to be too much?
 
Missymop said:
Thanks for that, they look yummy! lol Do you have both the symptoms of P.A? I only get the Arthritis side, well... up to now anyway. I'm 26 so theres still time. I will give the bars a whirl though, can't do any harm smelling that good!
Click to expand...

Unfortunatly yes I do biased towards the P, with knees and left hand A.

The bars certainly relieve the P and help loosen up my joints.
 
I can't thank you enough for making this post as I have found it very useful for my own almost exact problems.
 
Price wise I'm thinking the garden kneeler is the winner but do you think the weight (3kg) is going to be too much?
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Not if your guy is carrying it for you :lol:

In seriousness - my camera gear weighs in at more than that. It does not come with a carry case though so it would be awkward. To be honest it doesn't look much taller where the seat is compared to the others.

You could give Bush Wear a call and ask how tall the one with the pouch stands...
 
I have been thinking about methods of also carrying equipment around. AS I have been advised even to not carry lightish things.
 
Francesca said:
I can't thank you enough for making this post as I have found it very useful for my own almost exact problems.
Click to expand...

Francesca said:
I have been thinking about methods of also carrying equipment around. AS I have been advised even to not carry lightish things.
Click to expand...

You're welcome, the people on this forum have been unbelievably helpful! So i hope its helped you as much as me! In regards to carrying equipment at the moment I have an over the shoulder canon bag, the problem is the weight is all on one side! I'm thinking of buying a backpack style bag so at least the weight is placed evenly across my shoulders.
 
Francesca said:
I have been thinking about methods of also carrying equipment around. AS I have been advised even to not carry lightish things.
Click to expand...

Fran - have you checked out Peli wheel cases? Great protection for your gear and fairly good off road. There are cheaper alternatives too....
 
smoothedit said:
This is worth a look too - pricey but could combine to be a kit bag and a stool...
Click to expand...

How cool is that? A little high as you said but thats definately something to think about in the future, its very practical. I think im gonna get the garden kneeler for £13 and see how that is, I feel the space across the seat is gonna give me a bit more freedom for taking pictures. You have been awesome, Thankyou very much!
 
Watching with interest, I am also amoung the club of PA sufferers, but I am also covered in Psoriasis, next step is Methatrexate, but this meens no wine & as I gave up smoking 40 a day 3 years ago, I need some luxuries.

I also have an artificial knee & a fused ankle + overweight, so when I get down I am like a beached whale !!!

:naughty:
 
Missymop said:
How cool is that? A little high as you said but thats definately something to think about in the future, its very practical. I think im gonna get the garden kneeler for £13 and see how that is, I feel the space across the seat is gonna give me a bit more freedom for taking pictures. You have been awesome, Thankyou very much!
Click to expand...

You are welcome :)

Worth also considering picking up a couple of cheap carrying straps - could help your guy :)
 
Tbabe said:
Watching with interest, I am also amoung the club of PA sufferers, but I am also covered in Psoriasis, next step is Methatrexate, but this meens no wine & as I gave up smoking 40 a day 3 years ago, I need some luxuries.

I also have an artificial knee & a fused ankle + overweight, so when I get down I am like a beached whale !!!

:naughty:
Click to expand...

lol this post shouldn't have made me chuckle, but it did! The beached whale thing, fitting for most with Arthritis I would guess when they get stuck on the floor! I am on injectable Methotrexate, I can't drink and I'm young and its soooo unfair! lol It has helped but my case is quite severe as most my major joints are affected. If you want anymore advice on MTX just PM me.
 
:beer: The only drink we will be getting.

I hoped it would bring a smile, even in pain life HAS to be fun.:thumbs:
 
Tbabe said:
:beer: The only drink we will be getting.

I hoped it would bring a smile, even in pain life HAS to be fun.:thumbs:
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I've had a few sneakys since I've been on the MTX and it hasn't affected my blood work. I think they say you can have 6 units per week, as I'm young I just saved them all up one week! (and doubled them) HEY! It was my birthday! The worst part of being on MTX is the regular bloods, I feel like a pin cushion!

I hope you have found the thread useful, I just ordered me a garden kneeler from now to be referred to only as the 'togging kneeler' lol
 
Missymop said:
So i hope its helped you as much as me! In regards to carrying equipment at the moment I have an over the shoulder canon bag, the problem is the weight is all on one side! I'm thinking of buying a backpack style bag so at least the weight is placed evenly across my shoulders.
Click to expand...

Yeah I changed to a Backpack but even that gets really achey and sore. I'd like to see something like a caddy that will go over most terrains.
 
smoothedit said:
Win?
Click to expand...

I did see that earlier and thought it was great until i realised I would be sitting on top of my equipment, then I got scared! lol I have just ordered the garden kneeler but I have my sights set on that beauty you showed me before... now I just have to get the other half to let me spend another £100 on a backpack/seat! after spending nearly £800 on equipment! Who am I kidding its not gonna happen! Why do I get the feeling you guys are gonna be a bad influence on my wallet?
 
Missymop said:
Why do I get the feeling you guys are gonna be a bad influence on my wallet?
Click to expand...

:lol: Photography in general is a bad influence on anyones wallet. However I am a firm believer in photography power - the way it can bring joy as a hobby to anyone - and making it accessable to those with disabilities is fantastico!

Oh and no one knows better than me how much kit lust hurts the bank balance! :nuts:
 
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