Anyone have the Monarch Butterfly camp chair to be used with your new ST?

[~TABASCO~]

Ive tried this out in the store, its awesome ! I have it on my things I would like to get... Anyone have it? What are your thoughts in real life use?

Alite designs monarch butterfly camp chair Assembly

 

[rem]

I dunno, guys. This looks like a beer spiller for sure to me. R

 

[Venture]

I think the big advantage of that chair is that it's light and small. Other than that, I can't see it's the greatest idea. In the video you posted the guy almost loses it backwards when he sits down, luckily he has the wall there to stabilize himself.

I bought one of these guys for camping duties:

It folds up to a 17"x17" square and isn't too hard to integrate onto the bike. I have the all steel version, which is actually pretty heavy, but BJ's Wholesale club has an aluminum version for $30 that's quite a bit lighter. I'd recommend.

 

[colorider]

I dunno, guys. This looks like a beer spiller for sure to me. R

At least after one or two beers!!!

 

[TierHawg]

I tried one of those Alite chairs at the local REI. I didn't like the thing: Two legs, need a hand to get in/out, and a weight limit of 225 pounds. I'm too old, too fat, and too inflexible to use the damn thing. It is definitely a beer spiller, and not something I'd ever want to try out again. I was looking at one as a backpacking chair, not on a motorbike. I'd recommend something a little more substantial.

 

[keeponriding]

I use the Thermarest camp chair; Weighs 14 ounces, rolls up into almost nothing, so it's easy to pack though it requires a Thermarest pad.

It's actually quite comfortable as a camp chair.

 

[rem]

Thermarest makes awesome stuff. I have the world's largest ... called the Base Camp or Grand Hotel or something. So ... you have to have a Thermarest pad in order for the chair to work???? R

 

[keeponriding]

Yeah...you fold the half-inflated pad into thirds....the bottom two thirds stuff into the base of the chair and the top third, into the top of the chair.

There are side straps that you can adjust to sit upright or lay back more....

Without the pad, the frame is kind of rolls into a couple of sticks, very easy to pack....a premium for me on the bike. With pad, bag, tent and chair, everything easily slips into a small pack I strap on the pillion pad, with stove and food easily filling half of one sidecase.

 

[Boondocker]

I have the ALITE chair and love it. The main reason is I'm a die-hard chair leaner backer. This chair lets me rock and play with that balance point that's comforting to me. I've sat in mine for hours at time, reading with a headlamp. Recently, I've been using it on half-day, dual-sport trips on the WR250R. I like to find a nice spot and kick back for a while with a thermos of coffee and a cigar. The ALITE tucks into my backpack unnoticed. Just can't do that with a bigger chair.

For camping, I've tried the standard 4-leg folders and 3-leg stools. Let me caution you against leaning back on a 3-legged stool, really, I've tried. The 4-legger is decent and supportive, but not as long term comfortable as the ALITE. And it's a long reach to the ground if you're cooking or have stuff down there you need.

Of course, if you don't have the dexterity to get in and out of it without drama or you exceed the weight rating, then the ALITE is definitely not the chair for you. Try before you buy.

 

[spacemanspiff]

^^ the boondocker speaks true!
For me, it is the biggest chair i would consider carrying on a bike. and i love that i have to lean back on it!

 

[wantajustride]

I sat in this chair today at the store. I was impressed. So much better than sitting on a log around the fire. It would be perfect for ADV/Touring.
I will be adding one to my camping chair arsenal. Crazy Creeks, Thermarest, and the old cheap piece of s#!t Walmart variety.

WJR

 

[roadlizard]

Take a look at the Kermit chair. Quite packable but a little short for a guy with two synthetic knees. I bought the leg extensions to elevate the chair to a reasonable height.

 

[Firefight911]

Take a look at the Kermit chair. Quite packable but a little short for a guy with two synthetic knees. I bought the leg extensions to elevate the chair to a reasonable height.

Yup, it's ALL about the Kermit!! Had mine for years and will have it for years to come.

::008:: ::008::

 

[TierHawg]

Going to try out one of these:

Alite Mantis Chair
REI: Alite Mantis Chair

I tried the Alite Monarch in the local REI store, and didn't care for it. I'll try this "bigger" one out. Was looking for a light chair that will see double duty on backpacking trips too. After 20% off, my REI dividend, a gift card, I paid less that $40 for it. Will post an update once I try it out (not shipped from REI yet).

 

[imrubicon]

Yup, it's ALL about the Kermit!! Had mine for years and will have it for years to come.

::008:: ::008::

Kermits are so good I have two . I am going to sell one but it has moto man and Mike stiched into it !
I bought the Second chair, A wide Kermit as the first one seemd to shrink over the years ::010::

 

[Venture]

Going to try out one of these:

Alite Mantis Chair
REI: Alite Mantis Chair

I tried the Alite Monarch in the local REI store, and didn't care for it. I'll try this "bigger" one out. Was looking for a light chair that will see double duty on backpacking trips too. After 20% off, my REI dividend, a gift card, I paid less that $40 for it. Will post an update once I try it out (not shipped from REI yet).

Now THIS I like. The butterfly chair not so much, but this one is more freestanding and looks like it might be a winner. The price is absurd though.

 

[jajpko]

Kermits are so good I have two . I am going to sell one but it has moto man and Mike stiched into it !
I bought the Second chair, A wide Kermit as the first one seemd to shrink over the years ::010::

You have a picture of it? I may be interested..

 

[imrubicon]

They tried the butterfly type chairs and they didnt seem to go over well when in use over at the Motocampers forum. They also sunk into the mud to easy and falling over was good entertainment

My Kermits are also easier to get out of after a long day riding if you are not 25 anymore

 

[TierHawg]

Alite Mantis Chair
REI: Alite Mantis Chair

I recieved my Alite Mantis chair yesterday from REI. Yes, it is $$$. I used a discount, dividend, and gift card to get my cost to less than $40. I don't know if I'd spend the full retail amount for this chair. The Kermit is almost the same price, and is a proven chair for motocycle use.

But, this is about the Mantis.

It packs small. About 16x5x4, but will roll alittle smaller if forced. The bulk of the chair is the aluminum support rods. it is also light, and the 2 pounds listed seems correct.
Comfortable? Yes. It is a "Butterfly" chair. The supports suspend each corner of the chair. Sitting in the chair feels similar to being in a hammock. The suspended design allows movement or rocking and side to side movement. The aluminum support rods are not felt at all.
Is it strong? I'm about 230 lbs. The chair was weight tested and passed fine. The fabric covering is the stressed part of the chair, more so than the support rods. It seems strong enough, and the seams and assembly looks very good. The support rods are much thicker than normal tent polls. Since I purchased my chair from REI, if I have any issues I know I have REI behind me.
Cons? Yep. This chair is low to the ground. It is almost the same as the Alite monarch chair in that regard. For me, it is still hard to get into and out of. I need to use one hand to support myself.

Is it a beer spiller? Not if you start with an unopened beer, sit, then open.

 

[maddog5150]

This looks to be pretty similar also. Got this on my wish list....