ALITE Monarch Chair

[aysrav]

Well here's a chair that you don't see around much. I don't think that they're sold at many places, although REI carries them and they seem to be selling well. It's called the Monarch and it's made by a company called Alite Designs. If you want something surprisingly comfortable, that you can carry along in any saddlebag, tankbag or backpack, then this is the ticket. It only weighs about a pound and packs up (as the company says) to about the size of a very large burrito. Quite honestly, the first time I saw it at REI, I passed on it because of the price. But I was not able to find anything comparable that met my size/weight/comfort criteria. So I went back and picked one up and I sure am glad I did.
It's a little different because rather than having four traditional legs, there are only two rubber feet that support your weight. But it is designed so that you sit in a very natural position, about 6" off the ground, and just sort of rock. The weight capacity is 250 lbs so it is rather sturdy. When you're done, the whole thing collapses and packs into the included stuff sack. This little chair is not only practical and well-made but rates 5 stars on the creative ingenuity scale. I give high marks for thinking outside the box! So if you don't carry a camping chair due to limited space, now there's room. I love it.

[denny]

Cool!
I am tempted to Sell my Kermit Chair.
This looks smaller and is certainly lighter weight.

I found a movie here:

CLICK (http://www.gofastandlight.com/prodinfo.asp?number=TO-ALITEC%20GREEN&variation=)

[Flingshot]

I love that chair! Thanks for sharing that. I spend most of the time on two legs anyway and actually that's how I ruin most of the chairs I have purchased. I think I will head up to REI tomorrow and try it out.
If I get it I'll post a pic with my fat butt in it.P^

[coopdway]

I've been watching for the last weeks, sure that some of you guys would have already had a review up for this thing, finally going ahead without you ;)

Never willing to tolerate the bulk or cost of the Kermit, I saw the Alite chair advertised a couple of months ago while browsing through a GQ on the table. Got mine from gofastandlite.com over the weekend and am really going to like this chair.

I wasn't at all put off by only having two legs and for the amount of time I spend sitting in one spot around a campsite, this chair's small size and weight are going to be a perfect item to take along. I'm not sure I'll make the effort to pack it when not heading to a rally weekend, but we'll have to see.

Construction looks substantial; the aluminum tubes, central aluminum 'spud' and shock cords look like they'll hold up well. I can't wait to use it the way it's supposed to be used.

[tkhattabaugh]

I have one and although the quality is very good, it's a difficult chair to be comfortable in because you have to balance it on 2 legs. It will not work on soft soil, so forget that. My other issue is the difficulty getting into and out of this chair because it's so low to the ground. I give it 2 out of 5 stars.

[SidecarMike]

I have one and although the quality is very good, it's a difficult chair to be comfortable in because you have to balance it on 2 legs. It will not work on soft soil, so forget that. My other issue is the difficulty getting into and out of this chair because it's so low to the ground. I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
That's my thought as well. I have a hard time getting up out of a Kermit. I can't imagine trying to stand up out of that.

[Blues Traveler]

That's my thought as well. I have a hard time getting up out of a Kermit. I can't imagine trying to stand up out of that.

And after a few end of the day drinks. :eek:

[Bender]

And after a few end of the day drinks. :eek:

Us non-drinkers call that cheap entertainment..P^

[bigTom]

Well, I ordered one. Last time I used the throne (Salton Sea gathering) I had to duct tape it together and left it for the rangers:)

Bender motivated me to order. I figure it's the least I can do to entertain my fellow campers. I had a 'volleyball' chair (maybe 2" legs) back when I was young and thin. That worked.

[aysrav]

Well, I ordered one. Last time I used the throne (Salton Sea gathering) I had to duct tape it together and left it for the rangers


I think you'll like it but do let us know.

Interesting note: We had a little party at our house last night for some of our riding friends. They took turns sitting in the chair and it was pretty funny to watch. One guy leaned all the way back (thinking that there was some mechanism that would prevent him from just falling out of it) and he went all the way to the ground. Being so low to the ground you can't really get hurt. But I did ask him if he'd had a little too much to drink. :D
A couple of others leaned forward and couldn't seem to get comfortable. Once you realize how you're supposed to sit in the thing (not rocket science!) you're fine. Gotta be great for sittin' around a campfire. BTW, they all commented how the small pack size was perfect for taking on your bike.

[bigTom]

OK. Several things:

1. I ordered my monarch chair and a head lamp and 2 emergency blankets Wednesday. They were here when I got home this evening! Great service.

2. The monarch is, as advertised. Light and strong and easy to set up and take down and packs super small.

3. There will clearly be some entertainment value when it comes time for me and my hay bale to stand up. I may have to roll over to do so:)

4. That said, the chair itself is just plain darn comfy and easy to sit in. I'll probably read the morning paper in it tomorrow so I have to sit in it for 15 or 20 minutes to see how it is long time. I think it'll be ok.

All in all I'm a satisfied fellow....

[Ironheadziggy76]

There will clearly be some entertainment value when it comes time for me and my hay bale to stand up. I may have to roll over to do so:)

We need :takepics2: of this! Maybe a video! :p

[aysrav]

4. That said, the chair itself is just plain darn comfy and easy to sit in.

Yeah, definitely easy to sit in. The challenge, for some, will be getting out of it! Are you going to tell us about your new headlamp? I just got one too (will soon review).

[bigTom]

Is clearly not my job to provide pictures or video of my egress. I might even laugh....

The light is the $6.00 model, seems like it's going to be ok. Way too early to review:) It worked in my bathroom...

[Ironheadziggy76]

Is clearly not my job to provide pictures or video of my egress. I might even laugh....

The light is the $6.00 model, seems like it's going to be ok. Way too early to review:) It worked in my bathroom...

It was worth a shot! :D

[Mr. Guy]

I got my chair on Friday and have been trying it out around the house over the weekend. It's a really comfy chair, but does take a little getting used to. Packs smaller than the 3 leg stool I was taking with me. Definitely going in my camp bag.

Guy

[ImRubicon]

And after a few end of the day drinks. :eek:

Us drinkers call that cheap entertainment also LOL

[Mr. Guy]

I made the mistake of letting my daughter sit in my chair. Now I'm ordering a second one in blue. LOL P^

Guy

[bigTom]

Hey, Guy! I could make you a heck of a deal on the blue chair....

I simply can't use it. Me and my hay bale are just too much. Bob and Larry were polite enough not to laugh much, but I packed it up Saturday night and won't be using it again:)

PM me if you haven't ordered, yet. It really is well made, sets up, tears down and packs easy. There is just tooooo much of me!

[MR Damage]

G'day people, i'm new here, and atm lookin for a lite chair.

My thoughts on this chair ,it looks fun, Light and small .

I know i would be constantly lookin for something to lean against or prop under it.

Afterall the whole reason for packing a chair is to let the tension go while enjoying the fire after a days ride thru the bush /hwy.

the Kermit is just a great product and the pico is out.

Have you alite owners found a way of leaning on somthin etc...

[Ironheadziggy76]

Welcome to the site MR Damage!

[Mr. Guy]

Hi MR Damage,

Welcome!

I just got mine, but the trick is to lean back till you find the balance point then you just kinda hang there. It's a lot more comfortable than it looks, but like many things, it's a user preference thing. Some people won't like it and some will. Maybe if you come across someone who has one, ask to try it.

Guy

[G wizz]

G'day people, i'm new here, and atm lookin for a lite chair.

My thoughts on this chair ,it looks fun, Light and small .

I know i would be constantly lookin for something to lean against or prop under it.

Afterall the whole reason for packing a chair is to let the tension go while enjoying the fire after a days ride thru the bush /hwy.

the Kermit is just a great product and the pico is out.

Have you alite owners found a way of leaning on somthin etc...

Welcome to the Forum, Mr. Damage.
Was wondering ... Where on "earth" are you located?
Ifin I were to guess, I'd say down under, from the land of Wallabes, & Roo's

G wizz

[SidecarMike]

G'day people, i'm new here, and atm lookin for a lite chair.

My thoughts on this chair ... and the pico is out.

...

May I ask why the Pico is out? I just bought one and like it a lot. In fact, I'm planning on ordering a second one for my wife. It fits me so much better than the Kermit and is a heck of a lot easier to set up.

[tkhattabaugh]

Hi MR Damage,

Welcome!

I just got mine, but the trick is to lean back till you find the balance point then you just kinda hang there. It's a lot more comfortable than it looks, but like many things, it's a user preference thing. Some people won't like it and some will. Maybe if you come across someone who has one, ask to try it.

Guy

Have you tried sitting on this thing on soft ground? My last camping trip, this was the only chair I took and I couldn't use it...kept sinking into the ground. I nearly ruined it. I think they're are too many challenges for this to be a practical camping chair. Fun yes, a novelty, yes. A good camping chair? Not for me.

[nimrod]

Tried one at REI, I'll have to pass on this one. Mainly getting in and out. My Kermit and Walkstool cover all my bases. John :scooter:

[charlie11]

I am new to the site as of last week and must say sorry I hadn't seen it sooner. A Great Site. Anyway saw the review for the Monarch and had to check it out at our local REI. Had my girlfriend with me and she was eager to try the chair out. As is often the case my mouth was working but she wasn't listening as I gave her some tips about the chair. So in front of the REI salesman and another couple with kids she proceeded to sit a little too fast and immedialtely flipped over on to her back. She wasn't hurt and wasn't upset, everyone else thought it was quite amusing. I walked out with a brand new Monarch chair which she purchased for me. Can't wait now for my first trip.

[ImRubicon]

I will stick with the kermit as it works better for big guys and last a long long time .


If any want this chair and want to sell their Kermit Chair let me know as I will give less then going rate LOL for your Kermit Chair

[coopdway]

Just a followup report on my Monarch chair after maybe a 4 hour 'sit' around the campfire Saturday, my first real reasonable amount of time in the chair.

To sum it up, I'm sold. It fits so nicely in the back of the Helix trunk and other than a cumbersome assembly in front of friends on my part to show it off, it's been perfect. I'm not little, or young, or short though any combination of those attributes would make the chair all that much better.

Our 12 year old camp-mate made the chair look like it was made for humans and I don't always make the same presentation. Once I'm in it however, it's all good.

[aysrav]

Well put coopdway! I used the heck out of mine while camping out over Memorial Day. I'd rate it among one of my all-time favorite take-alongs. If I don't think I'm gonna have enough room for it, I MAKE room for it. P^

[George]

Tom, do you still have the blue one? If yes, I'll take it.

[Mr. Guy]

To late, My daughter has Tom's chair now. Thanks again Tom.

Guy

[TreeMuncher]

I purchased one of these at REI while attending GeezerSTOC. Most everyone who tried it liked it and thought it was quite comfortable. It packs up super small, weighs next to nothing and it is very comfortable. You can not sit side-sloped on it and very soft ground will require something to spread out the weight of the 2 feet. Otherwise, nearly perfect for motorcycle trips and anything else requiring something comfortable and easy to pack.


The trick to exiting the chair easily is to 1) cross your legs 2) pitch forward in the chair 3) put pressure on your legs and stand up with the forward momentum.

Any chair with a built in beer timer is a winner in my book. If you have too many beers or drinks, this chair will tell you it is time to quit!P^

[quadancer]

My buddy Ron paid $50 for his and only used it one trip: totally HATED it!
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb223/quadancer/BIKE/Runs/WinfieldCamp/600_17914024.jpg

[bigTom]

I'm really glad there are no pictures of me on the Monarch for it's one trip. Larry and Bob were laughing so hard when I got out of it, they couldn't get their cameras out!

I came home in a frenzy and ordered a Kermit. My very favorite piece of camping equipment!

[mcrider1959]

I guess I shall throw in my 2 cents worth. I have one of these Monarch chairs and I really like it. It has been great for dual sport riding as I try to keep the camping load light and packed small. After a long day of hard dual sport riding it is nice to be able to sit in a comfortable chair and not on the ground. I used it on my last years dual sport trip to the Colorado mountains and it did just fine. Yes it does take some getting use to, on the getting in and out part but, not that tough. It will sink into the soft ground but, that can be fixed with placeing something under the feet. Some worry if they might be to big for the chair or not so I'll give my size for reference: 5'10" and 165 lbs. plus 51 years old. Hope that helps!:) P^

[George]

Just ordered one, gotta get ready for the new season.

[Mr. Guy]

Well I'm 6'0" and pushing 235 and it's comfy to me. Does take some getting used to and I won't be getting any grace points for entry or exit. But does pack down VERY small and beats sitting on the ground or a picnic table bench by a long shot.

Guy

[Mr. Guy]

I think it's the boots I wear to work, big heavy leather ones. :rolleyes:

It's why I have to pack so light, the bike can carry only so much. :D

Guy

[bigTom]

It's why I have to pack so light, the bike can carry only so much

I know the answer: Get a BIGGER bike! It's worked for me, so far!

[quadancer]

Bump to that!!! P^

[Trailace]

I know the answer: Get a BIGGER bike! It's worked for me, so far!
My bikes keep getting smaller. :p

[Mr. Guy]

Smaller bikes are funner! P^

But really, I think the 650 thumpers are the best of both worlds, big enough to take me anywhere cross country, yet small enough to get me down any little trail I find too.

Guy

[GroundHog]

The Clymb has them on sale for $35.00

http://www.theclymb.com

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