I paddle a Magic with GCI sitbacker that is wearing out. Seeking input on something with better lower back support and softer (gel) pad. Thoughts on the gel and having a solid anchor point and on seat belts and your experiences welcome.

This is a back support on a Magic. It does not address the seat padding question, but it does provide very good back support.

WHendrix: "This is a back support on a Magic. It does not address the seat padding question, but it does provide very good back support.
"

I use the same backband - great for those of us who need some lower back support.

Have these rigged on my tandems and solos.

I do not use a seat belt in a canoe and would not recommend one. :-)

I bought this High Back Adjustable Canoe Seat to use in my Northwind Solo and have been very pleased. It does not have very thick padding on the seat, but by really tightening down the side straps I felt like it provided great support for my very problematic lower back.

I also loved the small pocket on the seat back that provided perfect storage for my sunscreen and bug spray away from anything that could be damaged if the bug spray leaked. It secured to the seat easily and never needed to be removed for portaging.

Sunburn: "I also loved the small pocket on the seat back that provided perfect storage for my sunscreen and bug spray away from anything that could be damaged if the bug spray leaked. It secured to the seat easily and never needed to be removed for portaging."

Does that pocket have a zipper?

I have a Crazy Creek and it is solid. Very similar to Sunburn's. However, if you get the highback version, it can rub armpit/lat area as you paddle if you have a shorter torso. I have the Hex 2.0 and it works fine.


Crazy Creek Chair-

Appreciate the input. I am leaning to the backband. How is it attached to the canoe? Anyone have a photo of the attachment?
And now for the butt. Any input on gel seats?

AmarilloJim: "Does that pocket have a zipper?"

Yes, it's a zipper pocket.

bhouse46: "Appreciate the input. I am leaning to the backband. How is it attached to the canoe? Anyone have a photo of the attachment?
And now for the butt. Any input on gel seats?"

My current solo is a Northwind Solo but the set up is the same as on the Magic which is shown in my first post. I'll get it down from its perch in the garage in the morning and get some images of the attachments and post them.

Thanks. :-)

I tried to post some photos but it seems to have not worked. I'll try again. These should explain the attachments pretty well, but if not let me know.

I see that one of the photos was not attached. Here it is.

Appreciate the photos. There is enough detail to see the block and I think I can make that work. Thanks again.

bhouse46: "Appreciate the input. I am leaning to the backband. How is it attached to the canoe? Anyone have a photo of the attachment?
And now for the butt. Any input on gel seats?"

I have gel seat pads that I never use.

I like the Oak Orchard pad shown. It's more stiff than most pads. I often put another piece of (Z-rest) foam on top. Wenonah used to recommend cutting up a Z-rest sleeping pad to use as a seat cushion. In my experience the Z-rest foam does provide good cushioning. One other option is to look for foam butt pads used by hunters. I have one cheap one that I've almost worn out (you can see it on the floor behind the seat). I often carry an extra seat pad to give me some adjustability and the ability to change my position a little.

https://a.co/d/0jrv5bF

This is what I use on my pack boat. I have it on top of a 1 inch thick closed cell foam pad. Personally I find my web seat to be comfortable on my Magic. Just remember you will raise your center of gravity a little bit.