If you've ever had the displeasure of riding in any soviet vehicle, you'll know exactly what these are for — literally saving your A**
The "tactical" sitting mat has been around in some shape or form just about everywhere, but in the soviet military it became especially useful in cold, cramped vehicles with poorly designed seating during the cold war. Ever since then, several outdoor companies in Eastern Europe and China have been manufacturing these like mad since those vehicles in question didn't really get any comfier over the years....
Much like the tall tale of the 'Space Pen' the west has come up with a litany of overengineered ways to make sitting a chore with a special tool required. Those who lived beyond the iron curtain instead realized: just strap some foam to your rear end and be comfy wherever you might be sitting down.
As with most things that look about as silly as your dad's batman-esque tool utility belt, the functionality here is absurdly amazing. Beyond vehicle use, this makes any spot on the ground a comfortable place to have a rest and have it not be colder than the snow on a polar bear's fur. It makes kneeling or shooting position shooting very comfortable, and you can un-strap the whole thing and use as a pad for your elbows when you're prone. The pad goes wherever your badonkadonk goes and slips into any 3-day-plus pack with ease. You don't have to be Hank Hill to enjoy something like this...
The sitting pad features a system of straps: some for attaching to your belt and a hip-strap with shock cord to flex with your body as you move — a welcome addition compared to the 'SSO' type with only a nylon strap for the waist. In addition, the foam is replaceable so you can DIY your own insert after the included one has worn out, or upgrade right off the bat.
The supplier of the pads we've worked with to bring this popular piece of kit back is out of Ukraine, and you can tell with a post-soviet expertise in covering your can. The three colorways have a distinct difference in the fabric: The Olive Drab is made using a classic olive Cordura, and the MM-14 and Ukranian MTP a water-resistant sublimated nylon. And that water resistance is more than welcomed, nobody likes finding out a bench is wet with their behind.
Specs
- Made in Ukraine
- One hip belt size fits most
- 13.75" x 10.5" x 0.75" - About the size of a 14" laptop, fits in laptop pockets!
- Water resistant 500D nylon construction (Plain is a traditional style, the camos are sublimated print on an oxford nylon).
- Removable foam insert
- Nylon straps with fastex-style plastic buckles for attachment to belt kit & hips
- Shock-cord on hip belt keeps the pad in the right spot as you move
- Doubles as a shooting mat for your elbows while in prone position
- Makes any soviet vehicle tractor-tier seat oddly comfortable
- Fully endorsed by Hank Hill
