User Review: Alite Monarch Chair

Summary

One of most innovative and popular accessories of recent times, the Alite Monarch Butterfly chair is a hot item that you'll probably want to add to your camping kit.

I really love this chair and it always becomes the center of attention on my trips, inspiring everyone to have to try sitting in it and at least one or two to go home and buy one.

I was an early adopter when I tried one at REI last summer...it was just so comfortable and unique. I thought the price was steep then and since it's gone up $20 in retail. But I'd still have to say it's worth it. The chair's popularity speaks volumes...100s of reviews and videos online, and good luck finding a used one on ebay.

If you can try it out first, do so because it's not for everyone. But it does make many happy and is quite versatile, despite what some say. For instance, it's performed reasonably well even in sand (yes, it does sink some but placing flip-flops under the legs will prevent this). And even though I usually pack pretty light, I've found the excuse to take this along on short backpacking trips. It is my one luxury item, and it sure is nice to have in camp.

I have used mine so much that I've already had a mishap...while cooking my dinner, I got up to get something and the wind blew the chair over my stove. Luckily my dinner didn't spill but the chair suffered two small burn holes. Oh, that was painful but the sling still holds me with no problems and the ripstop fabric has prevented the holes from getting bigger. Now the chair has character.

My main point to this story is that I contacted the company and they sent me a new sling, just in case...for that reason alone I will be buying more of these chairs as gifts for friends. So don't worry about having issues because Alite stands firmly behind their products. (I have no relation to the company)