Description
We’re pleased to offer the unique original Nomad Meditation Bench, a simple bench with a ground-breaking design. This folding meditation bench combines comfort, portability, and flexibility in a way we haven’t seen before. We call it The Nomad, in part, because it’s the perfect bench for travel — it fits in any size suitcase or bag.
Comfortable: It’s hammock-style seat conforms to your body and allows you to sit comfortably for hours at a time.
Portable: This bench is perfect for taking on the road. It folds nearly flat, is very light weight, and packs easily in a backpack or suitcase. We don’t know of a bench that’s easier to bring with you to a meditation retreat, a park or anywhere else you’d like to sit.
Flexible: Unlike most benches, the Nomad allows you to change the height. By simply adjusting the Velcro on your fabric seat you may raise and lower the height for your perfect fit. This is great for sitting longer sitting, when you may wish to adjust the height as the retreat continues. This feature also allows you to easily share the bench with others – they can adjust it to their own height. The measure on the bottom of the bench helps you remember exactly where to set it back to.
Carrying Bag: You may order an optional Nomad Carrying Bag, form fitted for our Nomad Bench. It’s attractive, practical, and the bag and strap are made with 100% cotton right here in Seattle.
Visit our blog to read our post about the Nomad bench. Or our post about How to Choose a Meditation Bench.
How to Use the Nomad
The Nomad is a kneeling bench, designed to be used in the kneeling (seiza) position only. To sit on The Nomad, first kneel on the ground, (or on your zabuton or wherever you are), then while holding onto the bench, lower your backside onto the bench with the shorter legs closer to you, so the bench tilts down in the front. See the video below for a demonstration.
Nomad 1 & Nomad 2
We offer two sizes of Nomad – Nomad 1 and Nomad 2. The Nomad 1 is smaller and a little more portable. The Nomad 2 is larger and allows you to sit higher if you’d like. The Nomad 1 sitting height adjusts from approximately 5” to 9.5”. The Nomad 2 adjusts from approximately 6” to 11”.
We designed the Nomad 2 for those who prefer a higher seat because of knee comfort or leg length. It also folds out wider for a more roomy seat.
You’ll probably want a Nomad 1 if:
You prefer a slightly lighter and smaller bench to travel with.
You are small to medium height and build.
You are any height and your knees are fairly flexible.
You’ll probably want a Nomad 2 if:
You are medium to large height and build.
You are any height and have knees that are not-so-flexible.
More About the Designer
Åsmund Skard became an architect in 1965 and in 1968 he co-founded the well-known architectural firm 4B Arkitekter. He’s been meditating since 1977. After designing multiple types of meditation bench, he developed the Nomad in 2003 according to his criteria for making the perfect bench: natural, stable, adjustable, lightweight, portable, and economical.
Product Details
Nomad 1
| When Open | When Folded |
| Highest Setting 9.5” high | 16.5” long x 6.25” wide x 1.5” high |
| Lowest Settting – 5” high | Weighs 1lb.9oz. |
Nomad 2
| When Open | When Folded |
| Highest Setting 11” high | 18.5” long x 7” wide x 1.5” high |
| Lowest Settting – 6” high | Weighs 2lb.1oz. |
So amazing and comfortable. Wonderful design!
This bench is everything I was looking for! I could adjust it to the perfect height and it is so convenient to travel with. Keeping up a meditation practice on the go is a challenge, thanks for making it easier!
I purchased this bench for travel and a seated form of Japanese archery(Toshiya). It is light and stores easily in a backpack. Opened all the it is easy to sit in Lotus and it is soft on your bottom. This is not designed for this usage but has worked well and is the nicest option I have seen.
I purchased this bench originally for traveling. It takes up very little space in a carry-on bag, and is very comfortable to use. I like it so well that I have been using at home as well when my legs are giving me trouble in the half lotus position. Very pleased and would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a compact bench to travel with or just an alternative to the traditional zafu.