Two Compass Stools, Two Very Different Packs
The Compass 360° XT and UC share a swivel seat and a 260 lb capacity, but they solve different problems. The XT is an extra-tall stool that puts you at 20.0 inches off the ground, while the UC collapses to a tiny 7.5-inch pack size for maximum portability. Your choice comes down to whether you prioritize seat height or packability.
Both stools rotate a full 360°, so you can turn to reach a table, talk to a neighbor, or cast a line without repositioning the stool. The difference is in the footprint and the carry.
Seat Height and Pack Size at a Glance
- Compass 360° XT Swivel Stool - Extra Tall: Seat Height: 20.0" | 50 cm The XT's taller seat suits campers who want a more chair-like height or need to sit at a standard table or counter.
Compass 360° XT Swivel Stool - Extra Tall - Compass 360° UC Swivel Stool - Ultra Compact: Seat Height: 15.0" | 38 cm The UC sits lower, which can be more stable on uneven ground and is closer to a typical camp stool height.
Compass 360° UC Swivel Stool - Ultra Compact - Compass 360° XT Swivel Stool - Extra Tall: Pack Size (HxWxD): 16.5" x 5.0" x 5.0" | 41.9 cm x 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm The XT packs into a longer, slender package that may fit in a backpack side pocket or a car trunk but is less pocketable.
- Compass 360° UC Swivel Stool - Ultra Compact: Pack Size (HxWxD): 7.5" x 4.0" x 4.0" | 19.0 cm x 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm The UC's ultra-compact pack size makes it easy to stash in a daypack, glove box, or carry-on.
Weight and Capacity: What You Carry vs. What It Holds
The XT weighs 1.7 lbs (0.7 kg), while the UC weighs 1.2 lbs (0.5 kg). That half-pound difference matters if you're counting grams for backpacking, but both are light enough to carry without a second thought. Both stools share the same 260 lb (118 kg) capacity, so neither is a compromise on strength.
The XT uses 450D Poly and a 7000 Series Aluminum frame, while the UC uses 210D Ripstop Nylon and a 7000 Series Aluminum frame. The heavier fabric on the XT may offer a different feel, but the supplied information doesn't specify durability differences beyond the material names.
Weight and Capacity Details
- Compass 360° XT Swivel Stool - Extra Tall: Weight: 1.7 lbs | 0.7 kg; Capacity: 260 lbs | 118 kg The XT is slightly heavier but still light for its taller seat height, and the capacity is the same as the UC.
- Compass 360° UC Swivel Stool - Ultra Compact: Weight: 1.2 lbs | 0.5 kg; Capacity: 260 lbs | 118 kg The UC saves weight and pack space without giving up load capacity.
Setup and Features That Affect Daily Use
The UC features an integrated seat with a pop-out quick setup, which the catalog describes as the fastest and easiest setup of all the Compass 360° stools. The XT does not have that integrated seat design mentioned in its supplied details, so its setup may involve more steps, though the exact process isn't confirmed in the supplied information.
The XT includes an underseat stash pocket, handy for keeping small items off the ground. The UC's supplied details don't mention a stash pocket, so if that's a priority, the XT has the edge. Both rotate 360°, and both are available in Sea Black; the XT also comes in Brown.
Which Compass Stool Fits Your Trip?
- Choose the XT if you want a taller seat: The 20.0-inch seat height is closer to a standard chair, making it easier to sit at a table or counter. The underseat stash pocket adds convenience.
- Choose the UC if pack size is critical: At 7.5 inches collapsed, the UC disappears into small bags. It's ideal for backpacking, motorcycle travel, or keeping in a vehicle for spontaneous stops.
- Consider the XT for car camping and fishing: The extra height and stash pocket suit stationary activities where you want to sit more upright and keep small gear handy.
- Consider the UC for hiking and events: The ultra-compact pack and lighter weight make it easy to carry to outdoor concerts, festivals, or backpacking trips where every inch and ounce counts.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
Neither stool has supplied care instructions, so you'll need to follow general practices for nylon and aluminum gear, such as cleaning with mild soap and water and allowing to dry fully before storage. The supplied information doesn't specify whether either stool is suitable for children, so use your judgment and supervise young users.
The XT's taller seat may feel less stable on very uneven ground compared to the lower UC, but that's a general trade-off of height, not a confirmed product flaw. If stability is your top concern, the UC's lower center of gravity could be an advantage.
