For hunters who prefer staying at ground level, a reliable and comfortable seat can make all the difference. Among the many options available, the Waldrop PacSeat stands out as a favorite among serious ground hunters. Designed for both functionality and durability, this lightweight yet sturdy seat offers a unique combination of comfort, portability, and versatility.
To learn more about the history and evolution of the Waldrop PacSeat, we spoke with Tim Shiver, the current owner of the company.
The History of the Waldrop PacSeat
The PacSeat was originally designed over 15 years ago by David Waldrop, an avid bowhunter and ground hunter. Hunting from the ground offers many advantages, particularly for those who want increased mobility and safety, and David’s goal was to create a chair that allowed hunters to remain comfortable while staying hidden.
Initially, David handcrafted the seats himself, producing only three to four per month. Demand quickly outpaced supply, leading to long wait times. When Tim and his team took over production about four years ago, they worked closely with David to maintain the integrity of the original design while improving manufacturing efficiency.
“He was making every single seat by hand, from bending the frame to sewing the material and painting each one,” Tim explained. “We’ve automated some of that process while keeping the seat’s core design the same. Now, we’re able to produce 40 to 50 seats per week while keeping the same quality and durability.”
By increasing efficiency, they also reduced the price from $375 to $225, making the PacSeat more accessible to hunters while maintaining its premium quality.
What Makes the Waldrop PacSeat Stand Out?
When it comes to ground hunting seats, there are plenty of options on the market, ranging from inexpensive foam pads to bulky folding chairs. However, the Waldrop PacSeat fills a unique gap by combining comfort, durability, and versatility in a lightweight, packable design.
Tim Shiver, owner of Waldrop PacSeat, acknowledges that while his product isn’t the cheapest on the market, it’s an investment that lasts a lifetime. “This isn’t a throwaway seat,” he emphasized. “We have customers who’ve been using the same one for 15 years or more. It’s built to last, and we stand behind it with a lifetime guarantee.”
Here’s what makes the Waldrop PacSeat the preferred choice for serious ground hunters:
1. Ultra-Lightweight Design Without Sacrificing Strength
One of the biggest concerns for mobile hunters is weight. Traditional hunting chairs often weigh 8 to 12 pounds, making them cumbersome to carry over long distances. The Waldrop PacSeat, on the other hand, weighs just 4.7 pounds, making it one of the lightest ground hunting seats available.
Despite its minimal weight, the aluminum frame is incredibly sturdy, supporting up to 400 pounds in a seated position. This balance of lightweight construction and high weight capacity sets it apart from other seats that are either too heavy to be practical or too flimsy to be reliable.
2. Designed for All-Day Comfort
Many portable hunting seats fall short when it comes to comfort, often leading to restlessness, fidgeting, and fatigue—all of which can spook game. The Waldrop PacSeat’s ergonomic design is built to combat these issues.
The Pfeifer-Tex seat fabric is both breathable and flexible, preventing pressure points that can cause discomfort over time. Unlike rigid plastic or metal chairs, it adapts to your body, allowing hunters to sit comfortably for extended periods.
Many hunters report sitting in the PacSeat for six hours or more without discomfort. Tim shared that customers frequently call him to say, “I can literally go to sleep in it.”
3. Self-Supporting and Adaptable to Any Terrain
Unlike most hunting seats, which require a tree or a stable surface for support, the Waldrop PacSeat is self-standing. This means it can be set up anywhere, whether in thick brush, open fields, or along ridgelines where trees may be sparse.
However, if you prefer to lean against a tree for additional support, the adjustable rear leg allows for that as well. This versatility is a game-changer, as it eliminates the frustration of scouting for the “perfect” tree before setting up.
4. Quiet, Low-Profile Design for Ultimate Stealth
When hunting from the ground, staying undetected is everything. The Waldrop PacSeat is designed with stealth in mind:
- No creaks or squeaks – Unlike traditional folding chairs, which often have metal hinges that creak when shifting weight, the PacSeat is silent in operation.
- Dark, non-reflective materials – The powder-coated frame and camo-friendly fabric ensure it blends seamlessly into the environment.
For hunters who rely on remaining motionless and hidden, these details can make or break a hunt.
5. Doubles as a Pack Frame for Carrying Game
Perhaps the most innovative feature of the Waldrop Pac Seat is its pack frame functionality. Traditional hunting chairs serve only one purpose—sitting. However, the Pac Seat transforms into a pack frame, allowing hunters to haul out meat, gear, or even a cooler.
By flipping the seat backward, it creates a sturdy load shelf. The addition of custom game bags, designed to attach to the frame, enables hunters to quarter and pack out their game efficiently.
This means no more needing a separate frame pack—the Pac Seat does both jobs in one, making it a truly multi-functional piece of hunting gear.
Tim shared a story about a customer who used the pack frame to haul out a 100+ pound hog, strapping it to the seat and hiking back in one trip. “We have guys using it to pack out elk and bear, not just whitetail,” he said.
6. Built to Last a Lifetime
Many hunting chairs are designed for a single season of use before they start to break down. The Waldrop Pac Seat, however, is built for long-term reliability.
“We rarely get calls about the material wearing out,” Tim explained. “Maybe one or two people in the past 10 years have called about needing a replacement, and that’s usually because they left it outside for years. But even then, we offer replacement backs and seats, and the frame itself is practically indestructible.”
7. Handcrafted in the USA
Unlike many hunting products that are mass-produced overseas, each Waldrop Pac Seat is handcrafted in Georgia. Tim and his team take pride in maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that David Waldrop originally envisioned.
Although they have streamlined certain aspects of production—such as using powder coating instead of hand-painting—every seat is still built by hand in their shop.
“We could outsource parts of it, but we don’t want to sacrifice quality,” Tim said. “That’s why we build them right here.”
Real-World Testimonials
The PacSeat has developed a dedicated following among hunters, with many sending in photos and success stories.
“I get emails all the time from hunters just thanking us for making a great seat,” Tim said. “One of my favorites is from a guy up north who packed out a whole whitetail in one of our game bags—the deer’s legs were sticking out of the top!”
The company is even redesigning its website to allow customers to upload their own hunting photos and share their experiences.
Why Ground Hunters Love It
Ground hunting is gaining popularity, and for good reason. Many hunters prefer the mobility and safety of staying on the ground, avoiding the risks and effort of climbing trees.
“I have guys call me all the time saying, ‘I broke my arm falling out of a tree last year—I’m never climbing again,’” Tim shared. “As you get older, or even if you just want a simpler setup, ground hunting becomes a more attractive option.”
For many, the Waldrop PacSeat makes ground hunting not only possible but more comfortable and effective.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Ground Hunters
If you’re serious about ground hunting, the Waldrop PacSeat is a game changer. With its lightweight design, durability, and pack frame integration, it’s built to enhance your hunting experience.
For more information or to order, visit Waldrop PacSeat’s website. And if you’re still on the fence about trying ground hunting? As Tim puts it:
“If you haven’t done it, you need to try it. There’s nothing like having a deer walk right up on you, completely unaware you’re there.”
