Sitbacker Canoe Seat

I've been using the GCI Sitbacker Canoe Seat for about two years. The seat is easy to attach and provides great lower back support while cushioning the butt for a long day of paddling. I highly recommend the product.

I messed up... and did not find these previous reviews of this seat before I purchased the LL Bean branded version of the Sitbacker. The seat was heavy. The round tubing of the framework is stamped flat for the pivot hinge--very weak and flexy. I returned it immediately to LL Bean.

I then wound up buying a Crazy Creek Canoe Chair III which is very supportive, comfortable, and light---quite superior in every way to the Sitbacker.

Though comfortable for up to three hours, the seat is somewhat hard. I've no problem with the width of the back frame, but it may be more of a problem for those with narrow shoulders. The seat will raise your center of gravity, but that can be cured by lowering the factory bench seat. The front to back width of the seat is a bit narrow for my behind, but so is the factory bench in my Wenonah Sandpiper. I would prefer two adjusting straps for the seat back instead of one, it would help reduce the tendency of the seat to stretch back farther than I like. The seat lacks a positive latch to keep it folded down when loading. I use a bungee to hold it in the down position.

I would not recommend the seat to anyone with relatively narrow shoulders. If you, like me, spend more than three or so hours in the seat of the canoe, then the Sitbacker is going to be butt numbing. Overall, the seat is O.K., but surely someone can do it better. Think I'll try a Crazy Creek when/if I get the funds.

This seemed like a great seat, until the hinge began to bend after a couple days when my son leaned back in the seat. It then completely broke a couple of days further along, making the seat useless. The hinge design is quite weak -- not recommended.

This product has allowed Me to be able to sit in a canoe without suffering back pain after 3 to 4 hours. the rigid frame and ability to adjust the position of the back at anytime for the comfort you want is a real plus. The 2" padding on the seat itself is also welcome, no more butt pain from sitting on a hard seat. I think it is one of the best investments I've ever made in outfitting My canoe. Next to a PFD of Course!