How to Choose a Camp Chair
Alite Monarch Butterfly Chair
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Light enough for backpacking and designed to balance on its 2 rubber feet, this compact camp chair lets you rock back and forth to relax after a long day on the trail.
Shop similar products- At only 1 lb. 4.8 oz., the Monarch Butterfly Chair is light enough to take along on backpacking trips; stows in its 4.5 x 12 in. stuff sack for easy carrying and storage
- Chair sets up quickly and easily using an aluminum hub and pole system similar to the design found in many lightweight tents
- Balancing on the 2 rubber feet allows you to rock forward and back
- Lightweight nylon fabric features breathable mesh panels on the sides
- Alite Monarch Butterfly Chair has a maximum capacity of 250 lbs.
Imported.
View all Alite Camp Chairs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Unfolded Dimensions | 23 x 21.5 x 17 (H x W x D) inches |
| Folded Dimensions | 4.5 x 12 inches |
| Seat Height | 7 inches |
| Weight Capacity (lbs) | 250 pounds |
| Seat Material(s) | Ripstop nylon |
| Frame Construction | Aluminum |
| Weight | 1 lb. 4.8 oz |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Crazy looking thing actually works!
lacouyon12 years ago
I was looking for a foldable chair to take backpacking and camping when I came across this two legged contraption. I decided to give it a shot and try them out at New Orleans Jazzfest this past weekend and couldn't have been more pleased with the chair's performance.
Jazzfest has a maximum size backpack you can bring on to the Fairgrounds so size was a major concern because I didn't want to be lugging a couple of large bag chairs around. These fit the bill to a T. Was able to carry two chairs in the backpack with more than enough room for everything else.
People would see my cousin and I kicked back in these chairs and come over and ask about them. Then I would show them the bag they're packed in and and almost to a person their mouths would be open not believing the chair we were sitting in actually broke down that small.
If you want to have a chair to sit in and be lighter than 2 lbs., this is the chair for you. It doesn't take that much coordination to sit in it.
lacouyon
Shreveport, LA
89 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Alite has gone out of business
After5 years ago
Loved mine until I had a problem with one of the legs on day 2 of a 10 day backpacking trek. When I got home I reached out to Alite and received a response that said they would get back to me. After waiting a few weeks I reached out again and received the out of business e-mail.
After
USA
8 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
UL Doug
Torrance, CA
One of a kind
11 years ago
From a backpacking standpoint this chair would not be considered minimalist but for a day hike or short backpack trip it is perfect. Unlike what a previous reviewer stated, this is the ONLY chair that CAN be used on a slope. I sat in this chair on the side of a hill in Griffith Park all day while waiting for a view of Space Shuttle Endeavor. I have also slept in this chair. Think about it. As long as you don't pull your knees to chest and lean back, it is almost impossible to fall over backwards. This chair very comfortable as you can find the perfect back angle by simply leaning forward or backward. Highly recommended.
Yes , I recommend this product
Gear trekker
New York
Love it!
11 years ago
Definitely a comfort item, but well worth it in my book. I've been backpacking for years - in the past with 40-50 lb loadouts. Gear has gotten so light, that I'm happy to be under 30 lbs. in my book, as long as I'm in the 25-30 lb loadout range, comforts like this are well worth it. This chair is far more comfortable than the lighter alternatives and certainly far better than no chair at all after a long hike and/or around camp after the rain has soaked everything around you. This chair sits in my car when I'm not on the trail, so it also gets plenty of use around town (sans the beach - doesn't work great in the sand).
Yes , I recommend this product
Murphy73
North Carolina, United States
Amazing Chair
11 years ago
This is one of my favorite purchases so far. I haven't had it long so I can't attest to it's long term durability, but the functionality is amazing. I've used it on a rock, a log, sand, a very steep side of a creek bank and have never sat more comfortably. There are no weird pressure points or bars jabbing you and you can rock in it without tipping over. It's fast to set up and break down and it's so light that I even take it on my day hiking trips. Even it it only lasts a few seasons it's been worth it. I do recommend getting some type of pad to sit on with it when you are using it in cold weather. Your back/butt can get pretty chilly up off the ground like that with no insulation. I'm so happy with it I will be buying another as a back up just in case.
Yes , I recommend this product
Chasing Spring
Austin, Texas
Bicycle Tourist Loves To Cook
7 years ago
I just ordered my second A-Lite Monarch Butterfly Chair. My first chair lasted six years with daily use. I consider this chair to be indispensable. I am on a perpetual bicycle tour of America and I love to prepare my meals along the way. Most of the time there is no picnic table to be found. I can place my yoga mat on the ground next to this chair and presto, I have a nice comfortable place to cook. After lunch, I sit in the chair under a shade tree with a cup of coffee and my Kindle. This chair is so comfortable I once fell asleep in it. I still didn't fall over but I woke up with a start! This chair is a crucial part of my bicycle touring life style.
Yes , I recommend this product
lacouyon
Shreveport, LA
Crazy looking thing actually works!
12 years ago
I was looking for a foldable chair to take backpacking and camping when I came across this two legged contraption. I decided to give it a shot and try them out at New Orleans Jazzfest this past weekend and couldn't have been more pleased with the chair's performance. Jazzfest has a maximum size backpack you can bring on to the Fairgrounds so size was a major concern because I didn't want to be lugging a couple of large bag chairs around. These fit the bill to a T. Was able to carry two chairs in the backpack with more than enough room for everything else. People would see my cousin and I kicked back in these chairs and come over and ask about them. Then I would show them the bag they're packed in and and almost to a person their mouths would be open not believing the chair we were sitting in actually broke down that small. If you want to have a chair to sit in and be lighter than 2 lbs., this is the chair for you. It doesn't take that much coordination to sit in it.
Yes , I recommend this product
Big Jim B
Midwest
Very happy - better than I expected
12 years ago
I bought this chair for a 10 day backpacking trip, and overall it worked great. It was well worth the small investment. I'm 6'3, 245 lbs, so I'm at the top of the size range for the chair, but I didn't have any issues with capacity or stability, and never felt like the chair was going to collapse on me. If you are worried about the need to balance the chair, don't be. After a few uses the balance becomes completely 2nd nature. I didn't even think about having to balance, and this gave me a great chance to rest my back. Good product, very happy overall.
Yes , I recommend this product
eyewanders
PNW
still our favorite all these years later - 5 stars
1 year ago
Just had to leave a review for these out of love. :D My wife and I still have an use our original Monarch chairs both bought in 2012 before anyone was making anything like this for the most part. I think the newer Helinox Zero is finally one that is SLIGHTLY lighter and with four legs rather than the Alite 2-leg design... we prefer the two leg. You just get more position choices and can rock for goodness sake. White lable operations and every chinese manufacturer and other outdoor gear maker got on this train and Alite clearly didn't make it. It's a shame, but just know that pretty much all the UL chairs (if you can consider any chair UL) began with this absolutely amazing little backpacker. We've had ours at festivals, picnics, backpack trips, baseball games, music venues, car camping trips, backyard, deck... on and on and on for over a decade now and they're still going. Awesome chair. We also have a larger REI camp boss and a Big Agnes chair as well - far larger both of them - which are great for what they are, but the Alites are still the tiny little kings. Can't tell you how many weird looks and questions we got about these for the first 2 or 3 years we had them. They've even been left in hot summer and freezing cold cars more often than they should have and STILL they have held up which impresses me that much more today. (Fingers crossed my review doesn't jinx them!) Just stellar little outdoor creations... The first of their kind. We love our Monarchs!!
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
Bonnie SF
San Francisco, CA
Requires good balance!
12 years ago
Being able to lean back and relax on a multi-day backpacking trip really appealed to me, even though it meant carrying an extra 16 oz. This chair has only two legs, and is a few oz lighter than the version with four legs. It also seats you a couple of inches higher than the four-leg chair, which I liked. I really wanted to love this chair, but I found it uncomfortable because I had to balance all the time. Could not just relax. Also, I could not comfortably eat a meal while sitting in it. I am sending it back and getting the four-leg version, even though it is a bit heavier and lower.
No, I do not recommend this product
Doghauler
Boise, ID
Love these backcountry rocking chairs!
4 years ago
So admittedly they take a little getting used to - getting into and out of them can be a little clumsy and you're likely to flop over backwards once or twice (but you're only one foot off the ground so no harm done). Once you get the hang of them they are amazingly comfortable around a fire. I've had two of these for many years and for a while they were impossible to find. Worth every penny and a real treat to have in the backcountry - more comfortable than a foam mat or crazy-creek style chair. Mine have held up great. Also nice for picnics and outdoor venues requiring low-backed chairs.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
HowdyHo
New Orleans, LA, United States
Worked awesome for my pregnant wife
8 years ago
Bought this product for my pregnant wife while hiking in Zion. I did a bunch of research to make sure I bought the best one and am so glad I went with this one. The key feature is that you can sit on nonlevel surface without being uncomfortable. We carried it all over Zion and pulled it out whenever she needed to sit down in a comfortable chair. Its super light weight and easy to put together. She had no trouble balancing on the two buttons. Ill be honest, I fell over the first time I sat in it, but have a perfect record from there on. She loved and only wished we bought two so that I could sit comfortably.
Yes , I recommend this product
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