Vega Backrest

Anyone who has spent an afternoon on a beach blanket knows the routine: ten minutes in, you are propped on your hands, shifting position again and again. Vega Backrest addresses that with a narrow idea. Rather than shrinking a camp chair, it carries only the support for your back, letting you sit on the ground while leaning your upper body against a frame.

A tension-based structure

According to the maker, the core is a tension-type support structure that spreads the load of the upper body into the frame and transfers it to the ground. Unlike common ground seats that hold their angle with straps on each side, the structure itself acts as the backrest. The maker says it is designed for flat or moderately uneven sand, grass, artificial turf and hard ground, which should free your hands for a drink, a phone or a book.

Pull, twist, sit

An integrated locking mechanism lets the backrest go from packed to ready in a few seconds with a pull and a twist, the campaign says. There are no poles to connect and no separate parts to attach, so nothing small goes missing. Two backrest angles are offered: the standard position supports a more upright posture, while folding the rear support section lowers the backrest for a more reclined one.

• Weight: approx. 1 lb (about 450g), per the maker
• Packed size: approx. 4×15 in (about 10×38cm)
• Deployment: pull-and-twist integrated lock, no assembly
• Two backrest angles
• Sleeve for an optional self-inflating air pad (approx. 38×28×5cm), sold separately

Optional cushioning and travel

For hard ground, the maker offers a separately sold self-inflating air pad that slides into a sleeve on the backrest to add cushioning on the seating side. It can also be removed and used alone on benches or stadium seating. The slim packed shape is intended to fit many backpacks and carry-on bags, though the maker notes that airline baggage rules vary and should be checked.