What do you use for a table?

[Allegheny Tom]

There's an old diy treestand for hunting that's called an Andy Stand. It would obviously be over- engineered (and heavier) for the support we need as a table, but a lighter physical weight of that design might work really well for a table, and even a seat.
The design is very similar to @kahel table but it wouldn't have the upper support ropes.
The Andy Stand had basically a similar surface, but it had one support rod underneath that angled down and into the tree. For a table, we wouldn't really need that support rod like what is needed at 15 feet off the ground for hunting. Just a stick cut to the right length and prop in against the ground for support.

How an Andy Stand is set up on a tree... lay it flat against the tree, wrap the retainer strap around the tree and snug it. The "cam" up the platform to bind the platform tight on the tree, and engage the support post.
A table wouldn't need an integrated support post...just jam a stick from the table to the ground.
I have several diy Andy Stands that I've safely hunted from for years. It's a great design.
There's no reason that concept couldn't be used in lighter materials for a table and it would weigh only as much as the plywood and strap.

 

[Penns Woods]

I hate eating, cooking and living in the dirt so I always pack a small folding 14 x 18 table to use in the kitchen. It makes living in camp a whole lot easier and a lot more conformable.

 

[Tsuga8]

@PortageW/Cerberus very nice. Looks like you have a cam strap going to ground and well as a line angling up to the tree? Stability/capsize prevention?

What are your dimensions, and if you were making it again, would you change them? Did you add a curve in the side facing the tree?

 

[PortageW/Cerberus]

@PortageW/Cerberus very nice. Looks like you have a cam strap going to ground and well as a line angling up to the tree? Stability/capsize prevention?

What are your dimensions, and if you were making it again, would you change them? Did you add a curve in the side facing the tree?

In the photo I have cord going around the tree, however I just upgraded to mini (3/4") cam straps. Adds weight but much faster, much more solid and way less finicky to set up.

There is a curve cutout with four metal spikes (screws with the heads ground off) sticking out 1/4" to provide some traction on the bark.

There are adjustable amsteel whoopie slings going from the front corners to the upper strap. Below I have amsteel dogbones going to webbing and 3/4" cam buckles. Can get it perfectly level, and then really cinch it down tight in all directions - I suspect that it is the most stable surface possible - even a four-legged table on the ground can get bumped and contents spilled. This will take a substantial impact from any direction, even from below, and not move an inch.

It's 18x24". I might drop down to 16x20 and not feel like I lost much. Even smaller if I was solo.

I use one of those thin flexible cutting mats on top so I am not cutting directly on the wood.

 

[lowangle al]

When I don't have a table along I use a small piece of a tarp placed on the ground. I can empty the contents of my food bag on it keeping it out of the dirt.

 

[Penns Woods]

When I don't have a table along I use a small piece of a tarp placed on the ground. I can empty the contents of my food bag on it keeping it out of the dirt.

Great idea. This is another method I have used many times. Light weight and keeps you out of the dirt.

 

[Tsuga8]

Thanks, @PortageW/Cerberus , that's helpful. No use in reinventing the wheel!

 

[ErktheRed]

I struggled to find a photo but no luck. I use a cheap never heard of the brand before packable table. The legs collapse down and roll up inside the top, ending up a little larger than a tenkara rod tube. When it’s set up the top is taught enough to eat or play games on. It was a wedding gift that we’ll eventually upgrade but it works ok, just not great I believe it was around $30-$40.

If we bring the bear vault, that works good for cutting or setting your cup on.

Here’s one similar

 

[Tsuga8]

Bear vaults are a good table and a good stool. Too bad mine's heavy as all get-out.