Is there a folding table or bench that will work for me?

[Naio]

I've been looking for a while and it finally occurred to me to ask the folks here :).

I need something that I can lie on for short breaks outdoors when driving. I will put my feet up, so it only needs to be about 48" long.

It needs to be higher off the ground than a lawn chair (bad knees). 18" would be good, and up to 30" or so tall is ok.

It needs to be very lightweight -- 5 or 6 lbs is ideal.

I weigh about 135.

--

Here are some I have considered:

Benches with a fabric top. Turns out the tops are too bucket-shaped.

Cosco-type 4' folding table with white plastic top: Too heavy.

Cosco-type bench: I could only find one 6' long. It is too big and heavy for this job, although nice for other stuff around camp.

I could use two smaller tables next to each other, if I could find sturdy ones. All I have seen so far are too flimsy.

Any ideas?

[Naio]

Please remember, I have already found one thing that meets these specs -- the folding bench described upthread that is 6 feet long so it's not impossible. I am just hoping to find something shorter.

The drywall bench is a great idea if I can find one a bit lighter, or MAKE it ligher. And inversion table is a very creative idea! The fold-down bumper mount would alleviate the weight problem.

I am familisr with portable massage tables (and I have one) they are lightweight compared to furniture ;). But not easy to lift or fit into a van.

Thank you so much to everyone who has made practical suggestions so far :).

[Grit_dog]

While I'm not sure I understand the use/need, what popped into my head was your "Costco folding table", but if that's too heavy, you're after something made out of unobtanium.

[beemerphile1]

Sturdy, table height, but only weighs 5 to 6 pounds? Mission impossible.

[Peg_Leg]

My BIL has one of those inversion, as in hang upside down, things. It could be set to stop at a flat position. It's light weight but not sure how much.

Or maybe a fold down tray on the front or rear bumper.

[rexlion]

Hmmm, how about this Coleman aluminum camping table set? 63" long when set end to end, and 300 lb weight limit. Only about 12 lbs to lug around.
camp table on Amazon

[Stormy_Eyes]

Have you googled folding or portable massage tables? Your might find a lightweight, compact one.

[Opie431]

Our cat loved to be outdoors while camping. He was always tied up and had his own chair to sit on next to me. Whenever we entered the TT we were always ready to grab him in case he make a break for it. He never did, but we were always ready.

The only problem was when we went for a walk and he decided he had to use his litter box. He would make a mad dash for it with me running behind him, clutching the rope.

We always worried about him getting out but because he was older when we first took him camping he thought he could not go out unless he was tied up.

[westend]

Drywaller's bench, throw a pad on it. The better ones are even height adjustable.

You will find many uses for these aluminum benches.

[Naio]

This is for use in places where there are NO picnic tables.

If there is one, yes, I just use it. But there are usually not any in the places I go.

[DutchmenSport]

$49.88 on sale right now. Trouble is, it weigh 30 pounds ... still ...

Click here.

[DrewE]

Maybe an army cot? If the canvas is reasonably taut, it doesn't bow too much.

Maybe a collapsible or folding table, such as this one for instance? Though I would be somewhat worried about the sturdiness and tip resistance for lying down. The modern plastic folding tables might be a better option if you have the space to carry one; they're a whole lot lighter than the older particle board tops, and nearly indestructible. If you shop at a place selling school furniture, you can find ones with various leg lengths or with adjustable legs (for elementary school kids).

[TexasShadow]

I've seen a lot of people napping on top of a roadside picnic table. get a pad to spread under you and a box to get your feet up. and try to train your cat to a harness so you can take him out with you but keep him close.

[GordonThree]

Naio wrote:
I want to be outdoors. Is that so strange, on a camping forum?

Some folks on this forum might go camping, but I suspect the majority of us go RVing 😛

Have you tried a simple folding chaise lounge, they are kind of low to the ground I guess, more like 6-8" certainly not 18-30".

How about a blanket on top of the rest area picnic table?

[F1bNorm]

How about a padded board? A 1x12x48 plank with a foam cushion, wrap with upholstery material and staple the back side. If you need wider, 1/4" ply on a 1x2 ladder frame (to keep the weight down). You could lay it on a picnic bench, or two short folding saw horses.

Norm