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Backpacker Magazine – May 2009
Gear Review: Alite Designs Monarch Butterfly Chair
Get off the ground with this packable camp chair.
Alite Designs Monarch Butterfly Chair (www.sethhughes.com)
$60
1 lb. 2 oz
Verdict1 lb. 2 oz
Bad news: You will tip over the first time you try this chair. Good news: The radical design, which elevates you off the cold, wet ground, is worth the pratfall. The chair uses a hammock of ripstop nylon and mesh suspended from a shock-corded aluminum tent-pole frame, balancing the sitter about five inches above the ground on two contact points. It feels like you're leaning back on the hind legs of a four-legged chair, but after a few tries you'll find the fulcrum–and a kicked-back kind of comfort. Pros: Gets you off the wet ground; packs down to hoagie size. Cons: Tippy; not as versatile as other packable chairs. superlightchair.com
Best For
Comfort-seeking gearheads with a good sense of balance; cush camping in wet weather
Tester Data
Shannon Davis
Duration: Nov. to Feb.
Conditions/locales: CO, VT, NH, MA, Wales
"It brings front-porch comfort to the backcountry.
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READERS COMMENTS
I don't bring this chair camping, but I do bring it to the beach, to sporting events, picnics, etc. Don't knock the design until you try it. It doesn't take any effort to use, and it is SUPER comfy!
Posted: Oct 25, 2009 Ken
If you want to nap bring a hammock not a chair
Posted: Jul 07, 2009 Anonymous
I have fallen asleep in this chair
Posted: Jun 26, 2009 Phill
I just bought two last week and it has to be one of the most comfortable chairs out there. The balance part is not too bad... quite comfortable like a rocking chair. It's not for everyone but it pack down so small. I been taking it everywhere in my daypack.
Posted: Jun 12, 2009 SF-Hiker
I'm with Steave. When I make camp I want to relax, not have to try and keep my balance in a 2-legged chair. I'm better off leaning against a log and sitting on my air mattress.
Posted: Jun 08, 2009 Mattski
^^ why would you bother writing this ??? Maybe some don't nap. Good day sir.
Posted: Jun 07, 2009 Anonymous
Why would you bring a hiking chair you can't nap in?
Posted: Jun 06, 2009 steave
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