From the campsite to the park, this tripod stool slings over your shoulder and is at the ready for your next break.

Folding tripod stools are a dime a dozen, but these mass-produced pieces of metal tubing with a plastic canvas seat are throwaway products with no soul. You can build your own stools that look great around the campfire and will age with grace. Retractable Stanchions

Build This Stylish Tripod Camping Stool That Looks Great Anywhere

Matt Pierce of Wood&Faulk built this folding tripod stool using three 1 5/8-inch birch hardwood dowels, brass hardware, and a piece of leather (other heavy material can be substituted). You need only a sander and drill along with some basic hand tools to assemble this stool. The materials will cost about $25 at your local home center.

The leather seat and strap, as well as the brass hardware details, are what give this outdoor seat its distinctive look. The design is timeless and the finished stool is as sturdy as any you will find. Plus the leather and wood will acquire a patina, which will make your creation a treasured one-of-a-kind item.

Timothy is a lifelong DIY enthusiast who is fixated on smart home tech, beautiful tools, and wrenching on his FJ62 Land Cruiser. He’s the DIY editor at Popular Mechanics and also the founder of the home improvement site, Charles & Hudson, the Webby-nominated family site, Built by Kids, and Tool Crave. When not working, you’ll find him on his board or bike enjoying the LA weather with his family and friends. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

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