King’s River Dove Stool Review

First Impressions of King’s River Dove Stool

The King’s River Dove Stool promises to be a lightweight and portable seating solution for outdoor enthusiasts. Manufactured by King’s River, this stool features a backrest, under-seat storage, and a carry strap, all at an attractive price point. I’ve spent years lugging around cumbersome folding chairs and balancing on questionable logs during hunts, so the promise of comfort and convenience piqued my interest.

My back has been screaming at me after long days in the field, especially during dove season where you spend hours sitting still waiting for birds. I needed a compact and comfortable stool that wouldn’t add too much weight to my already burdened pack. The King’s River Dove Stool appeared to fit the bill.

Unboxing the stool, I was immediately drawn to the Realtree Edge camouflage pattern. The initial feel of the polyester fabric was acceptable for the price, and the steel frame seemed reasonably sturdy. I appreciated the addition of the zippered storage pocket under the seat.

Compared to other dove stools I’ve seen, many lack a backrest, which is crucial for extended periods of sitting. Others are bulkier and heavier, defeating the purpose of a portable stool. The King’s River Dove Stool seemed to offer a good balance of features and portability compared to heavier options I’ve used from brands like Alps Mountaineering that offer similar styles.

Overall, my first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to get it out in the field and see if it lived up to its promise. I hoped it wouldn’t be just another piece of flimsy gear destined to gather dust in the garage.

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Real-World Testing: Putting King’s River Dove Stool to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the King’s River Dove Stool was a dove hunt in central Texas. The terrain was mostly flat, but the ground was dry and dusty, providing a good testing ground for the stool’s stability. I set up near a known flyway, unfolded the stool, and settled in for what I hoped would be a productive afternoon.

The stool proved easy to set up, unfolding quickly and requiring no assembly. The backrest provided welcome support, and the seat height was comfortable for my 6-foot frame. After a couple of hours, the lack of padding on the seat became noticeable, but it was still an improvement over sitting directly on the ground.

I stowed my water bottle and a few extra shells in the under-seat storage compartment, which proved surprisingly useful. There were no immediate issues, and the stool felt relatively stable, even when I shifted my weight to take a shot. The day was dry, so I had no opportunity to test the stool in wet conditions during this first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, primarily during weekend dove and quail hunts, the King’s River Dove Stool has held up reasonably well. The steel frame still feels sturdy, and the polyester fabric hasn’t ripped or torn, despite a few encounters with thorny brush. However, the camouflage pattern is starting to fade slightly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.

The stitching around the edges of the seat and backrest shows some minor signs of wear, but nothing significant. Cleaning the stool is relatively easy; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and dust. I haven’t had to perform any repairs, and the stool continues to fold and unfold smoothly.

Compared to my previous experience with a similar, but backless, stool from a different brand, the King’s River Dove Stool is a clear upgrade thanks to the added back support. However, the lack of substantial padding remains a drawback, especially during longer hunts. A little added padding would make a substantial improvement.

Breaking Down the Features of King’s River Dove Stool

Specifications

The King’s River Dove Stool features a durable steel frame and a polyester fabric seat and backrest. It is finished in Realtree Edge camouflage. The dimensions are compact when folded, making it easy to carry.

The stool is a “One Size” model intended for adults. It boasts an under-seat storage compartment with a zipper closure and includes a carry strap for easy transport. These specs allow for convenient storage and transportation while providing a degree of comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The King’s River Dove Stool performs adequately for its intended purpose: providing a portable and relatively comfortable seating option for outdoor activities. The backrest is a definite plus, offering support that many similar stools lack. The under-seat storage compartment is a useful addition, allowing me to keep essential items within easy reach.

However, the lack of padding on the seat is a significant drawback. After a few hours of sitting, the hard surface becomes uncomfortable. The stool meets the basic expectations of a portable seat but could benefit from improved comfort.

Design & Ergonomics

The stool’s design is simple and functional. The Realtree Edge camouflage pattern is aesthetically pleasing and helps it blend in with natural surroundings. The lightweight steel frame makes it easy to carry, and the folding design allows for compact storage.

The stool is relatively user-friendly, requiring no assembly and unfolding easily. However, the seat height may be too low for some users, and the lack of adjustable features limits its versatility. Longer legged hunters might want to consider a taller platform.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel frame appears to be durable and should withstand regular use. The polyester fabric is reasonably resistant to wear and tear but is not waterproof. With proper care, the King’s River Dove Stool should last for several seasons.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. Avoid exposing it to prolonged periods of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the camouflage pattern. It’s important to note, the polyester fabric can be prone to snags, so careful placement when hunting in thick brush is key.

Accessories and Customization Options

The King’s River Dove Stool does not come with any additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options. This isn’t surprising, given the stool’s budget-friendly price point.

However, users could potentially add their own padding to the seat for increased comfort. Aftermarket seat cushions designed for stadium seats could be adapted for use with the King’s River Dove Stool. Adding a small lumbar support cushion would improve the comfort as well.

Pros and Cons of King’s River Dove Stool

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Who Should Buy King’s River Dove Stool?

The King’s River Dove Stool is perfect for hunters, bird watchers, and casual campers who need a lightweight and portable seating option. It’s also suitable for anyone who spends time outdoors and appreciates having a backrest for added comfort. Dove hunters will especially appreciate the added benefit of concealed storage for spare shells.

Those who require a highly comfortable and adjustable stool, or who plan to spend extended periods sitting, should skip this product. They should consider investing in a more expensive option with better padding and support. A must-have modification would be adding a seat cushion for added comfort.

Conclusion on King’s River Dove Stool

The King’s River Dove Stool is a decent option for those seeking a lightweight, portable, and affordable seating solution for outdoor use. The backrest and under-seat storage are welcome features, but the lack of padding on the seat is a significant drawback. At a price of $19.99, the value proposition is reasonable.

While it’s not the most luxurious or durable stool on the market, it gets the job done. I would personally recommend it to anyone on a budget who needs a basic and functional stool for occasional use. Don’t expect a premium experience, but for the price, it’s a worthwhile addition to your hunting gear. Grab one and give your back a break!