Hey Meghan, if it were me I would choose the Bitterroot, it just seems more versatile and that seems to be reflected in the price as well. Just my opinion, I’m sure you would enjoy either. I bought a different brand of pochade altogether, but wished I had purchased the larger version rather than the smaller, because the limitations with panel size can be a bit of a constraint. There is no “perfect set up” however, and if you are like so many of us, you will probably try several setups in order to find which setup works for which circumstances. As to being shy about others looking, I was too, but people will come because it is such an unusual sight for most, you will grow more accustomed to that aspect as you paint en plein air I suspect. I took a peek at your link and your work looks quite good!
Have fun,
Laila

Hi Meghan – I’ve been using the Bitterroot Lite for over 4 years. I’ve flown with it to Mexico and Hawaii. I usually work on 9×12 or 12×16 panels when painting on location and the Bitterroot works great. At first the palette size felt a little cramped but I learned to work with it. I decided on the ‘Lite’ version because I carry my paint other tools separately and wasn’t sure the drawers on the full-size Bitterroot would accommodate everything anyway. Never have regretted my decision. Ben is a great craftsman and really nice guy. BTW – great work on your Facebook page. I couldn’t log onto your website. Some kind of server problem.

I can’t decide between the Bitterroot and the Bitterroot Lite. I like the idea of the Lite being 1 1/8″ slimmer and 1 1/2 lbs lighter, but I will most likely carry and extra box of supplies with me if I don’t have the drawers, and also, somebody in a similar thread mentioned that the lite version is a bit top heavy when using it as a lap easel.

Thank you. I am so excited to have ordered a Bitterroot Lite from Ben. I asked for the 4 panel lid, which may be a bit top heavy, but I bet I will love it. I may decide to switch back to the 2 panel lid, but I like the idea of adding the sun clips and also the extension.

Ben has begun working on my Standard Bitterroot! I know I am going to love it, and use it a lot. It weighs 6 lbs, but I think that will be okay. By the time it gets here, the weather will be pretty miserable and the days will be short, so I will just use it as a portable setup, going between my house and the gallery, until the weather improves.