Description
Weโre 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 havenโt 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: Itโs 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 donโt know of a bench thatโs easier to bring with you to a meditation retreat, a park or anywhere else youโd 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 โ 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:ย You may order an optional Nomad Carrying Bag, custom-made to fit your Nomad Bench. This practical and attractive bag makes it easy to carry your bench to retreats, classes, or anywhere your practice takes you. Itโs form-fitted for a snug, secure fit, and available in two sizesโone for the original Nomad Bench and one for the larger Nomad 2.
Made right here in Seattle, the bag and strap are 100% cotton. The soft shoulder strap is comfortable to wear and can also be shortened and used as a handle. Available in four colorsโBlack, Blue, Burgundy, and Naturalโthe bag is as useful as it is good-looking.
Visit our blog to read our post about the Nomad bench.ย Or our post about How to Choose a Meditation Bench.ย
How to Use the Nomad Meditation Bench
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 Meditation Bench โ 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 youโd like. The Nomad 1 sitting height adjusts from approximately 5โ to 9.5โ. The Nomad 2 adjusts from approximately 6โ to 11โ.
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.
Youโll 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.
Youโll 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
ร smund Skard became an architect in 1965 and in 1968 he co-founded the well-known architectural firm 4B Arkitekter. Heโs 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.
Nomad Meditation Bench Product Details
Nomad 1
| When Open | When Folded |
| Highest Setting 9.5โ high | 16.5โ long x 6.25โ wide x 1.5โ high |
| Lowest Settting – 5โ high | Weighs 1lb.9oz. |
Nomad 2
| When Open | When Folded |
| Highest Setting 11โ high | 18.5โ long x 7โ wide x 1.5โ high |
| Lowest Settting – 6โ high | Weighs 2lb.1oz. |
FAQs โ Nomad Meditation Bench
What is the Nomad Meditation Bench?
The Nomad Meditation Bench is a lightweight, folding kneeling bench with a unique hammock-style fabric seat. Itโs designed for comfort, portability, and adjustability, making it especially well suited for travel and everyday use.
How is the Nomad different from a traditional meditation bench?
Unlike fixed wooden benches, the Nomad:
- Folds nearly flat for easy travel
- Uses a fabric seat that conforms to your body
- Allows you to adjust the height
It offers more flexibility and portability than most traditional benches .
What sitting position is the Nomad designed for?
The Nomad is designed for kneeling (seiza) meditation only. You kneel on the floor or zabuton and sit back on the bench, which supports your weight and reduces pressure on your legs.
Is the Nomad good for people who canโt sit cross-legged?
Yes. Meditation benches are often a great option for people who find cross-legged sitting uncomfortable. The Nomad allows you to sit in a kneeling posture with less strain on the hips and knees .
What does the โhammock-styleโ seat feel like?
The fabric seat gently conforms to your body, distributing weight more evenly than a hard surface. Many people find it reduces pressure points and allows for longer, more comfortable sitting .
Is the Nomad comfortable for long meditation sessions?
Many practitioners find it comfortable for extended sits, especially compared to rigid benches. That said, comfort is personalโsome people prefer a firmer, fixed seat.
How adjustable is the Nomad bench?
You can raise or lower the height by adjusting the Velcro on the seat. This allows you to fine-tune your posture and even change height during longer sits.
What is the difference between Nomad 1 and Nomad 2?
- Nomad 1: Smaller, lighter, more compact (best for travel and smaller frames)
- Nomad 2: Larger, higher, and roomier (better for taller users or those needing more height or knee relief)
Which size should I choose?
Choose Nomad 1 if you want maximum portability and are smaller or more flexible.
Choose Nomad 2 if you are taller, prefer a higher seat, or have less flexible knees.
Is the Nomad easy to travel with?
Yes. This is one of its biggest strengths. It folds nearly flat, is very lightweight, and fits easily in a suitcase, backpack, or travel bag.
Does the Nomad require assembly?
No. The bench is a single unit that folds and unfolds easilyโno parts to assemble or lose.
Is the Nomad durable?
Yes. Itโs carefully constructed with strong materials and designed for regular use at home or on the road.
Is the Nomad made in the USA?
Yes. The Nomad is made in the U.S. by Still Sitting, with local craftsmanship and careful assembly.
Should I choose the Nomad or a traditional wooden bench?
Choose the Nomad if you value portability, adjustability, and a softer seat.
Choose a traditional bench if you prefer a fixed height and a more solid, structured feel.
Love it. comfortable and functional
This is one of the best meditation benches I’ve ever sat on. The person who introduced it to me said he could sit on it all day! He was not kidding. I do not have circulation issues but my ankles were and previous meditation cushions/benches always made my ankles hurt. I could never settle my ankles into a good place. Until I bought this Nomad 2 meditation bench. It’s like sitting on a cloud. I may have to buy a second one just to have another. Highly recommended.
I am 76 years old and I am restarting Buddhist meditation after a lapse of decades. I ascribe to the Theravฤda school. I have never been able to sit in the lotus position but way back when, I could sit comfortably cross legged. Now, I have trouble getting down on the floor, and even more getting up. Sitting cross legged is a thing of the past. My Nomad II allows me to kneel comfortably. The Nomad is everything the folks at Still Sitting say and more.
I am really enjoying the Nomad meditation bench. I have used it for 30 minutes every day for the past 16 days. I am very excited that it is portable and I will be taking it with my on my upcoming travels.