Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Alite Monarch Chair

Alite Monarch Chair

bookmark_border
Where's the price?
To negotiate the best possible price for our customers, we agree to hide prices prior to logging in.
607 requests
Product Description
At 1.3 pounds, Alite’s classic Monarch chair is the lightest the company has made to date. The aluminum frame, two-legged design, and nylon sling contribute to its slight weight, so you can take it camping Read More

search
close
gdoteof
103
Jul 27, 2017
I really wish they had a picture of someone sitting in this thing; I really don't see how you can just throw a 2 leg chair out there and not mention anything about it or show how to use it. so weird
planb10113
352
Dec 18, 2017
We shouldn't have to search other places of the web to find a picture showing the item in use when Massdrop is trying to sell it. Yes, Google exists and it's easy to search things, but that is beside the point. With such an uncommon design, there should be an image of the chair in use. No picture of anyone sitting in it is like trying to sell a folding knife with only a picture of it folded.
Motorrad
2898
Dec 19, 2017
planb10113Well, Veruca, this really shouldn't be a problem for someone with as much time to waste as you. Cheers!
EmmaL
55
Feb 5, 2018
I am tempted...so tempted.... Were it not for the new Helinox Zero chair, I wouldn't hesitate. But now I'm in a conundrum over whether to get this Alite Monarch, or wait for the Helinox Zero chair - albeit it's bound to be quite a bit more expensive but I suspect I will prefer the 4 legs and higher seat height. Anyone have both chairs with some thoughts?
Cardamomtea
588
Aug 18, 2018
EmmaLI don't have this Alite chair, but I tested it at REI and I preferred four-legged chairs.
I have since purchased a Moon Lence chair at ~2lb ($32 on Amazon, almost the same as the Helinox Chair One that retails for $100 but is about $70 right now at discount sites). I also purchased a Helinox Chair Zero (1.1lb) when it was on sale (it retails for $120, I paid $90).
I love both of these chairs. I actually use the Moon Lence a lot at home (as a patio chair, or a chair by the door to sit in whilst putting on shoes). It is larger and thus a bit more comfortable than the Chair Zero (a 6' tall 185lb man finds the Moon Lence comfortable). Since it cost less and is more durable, I'm not worried about overuse at home.
I save the Chair Zero for backpacking. I find it to be comfortable and have adequate room in the seat, but I am a 5'3" 110lb woman, so YMMV. It was so nice on my last trip to bring the chair to the lakeside and have a seat while I was treating water. It made that task enjoyable! I will likely try and cut weight elsewhere in my pack (maybe carry 500ml less water, and stop to treat water more often?) in order to take this "luxury item" with me on all my backpack trips.
I'm actually thinking about buying another Moon Lence chair so both my partner and I can sit on the patio at the same time (we have IKEA patio chairs but these are much more comfortable). Also I bought a collapsible table from them, and had an issue, so I contacted their customer service. I wasn't expecting a good experience (there are a gazillion Chinese companies on Amazon hawking similar chairs), but they really took care of me. In fact it would be awesome if Massdrop could partner with them.
E_cho
6
Apr 10, 2019
CardamomteaThanks for the detailed and thoughtful review! It is so helpful!
kalrnux
18
Jul 26, 2017
I like to call this chair a campfire sobriety test.
I've had my Monarch chair for almost a decade now. I've taken it backpacking, car camping, picnicking, to BBQs and parties at friends' houses, and on an 1000+ mile offroad motorbike trip across Oregon. And it still makes me smile every time I sit in it. I actually find it more comfortable than conventional 4-leg chairs, because I can recline backwards in this one without fear of breaking the back legs. I'm a minimalist when it comes to packing, but this chair is the one luxury item I won't leave without.
BabySeal
36
May 26, 2017
I've got one and I love it. It packs up small enough for motorcycle camping trips. And it's comfortable; like a hammock for your backside.
I have been using it for about three years now and haven't had a single issue, despite being a big guy.
BabySeal
36
May 26, 2017
Yes, though it's about as hard as sitting on a log.
You can lean WAY back before you feel tippy. It's got a very low centre of gravity.
Daaa
94
May 28, 2017
Yep. It's kinda fun!
gdoteof
103
May 26, 2017
two-leg design? you have to balance? I am confused
FalseMyrmidon
4
Jul 26, 2017
Funny to see this categorized as 'ultralight'. I don't think most ultralight hikers carry chairs?
Motorrad
2898
Nov 1, 2017
FalseMyrmidonI did not see that part in the rule book for ultralight. It is in the guidelines for weight-weenies, though.
AverageAmerican
25
Feb 17, 2019
FalseMyrmidonWith my chair, it weighs a little more than this one, my base weight is just under 14lbs. Think that's considered UL. I could be wrong. But considering my first backpacking trip several years ago I carried about 60lbs, I'll happily take my chair.
Tompetz
52
May 26, 2017
Once you sit on it, the balancing happens due to the geometry and limits of your anatomy. It works very well. Not sure I would want to sit if I was really drunk because getting up and getting down clearly would pose some challenges. That said, it works extremely well and is VERY comfortable.
wooden
45
Aug 5, 2018
Wow, what a price! Just bought two of these from REI a few weeks ago... $70 a pop. Wish I had known Massdrop would be picking them up!
Sugar_Free
365
Aug 6, 2018
woodenDoesn't REI have a good return policy? You could always return them and save yourself $60
Motorrad
2898
Nov 1, 2017
These chairs are awesome for those lounging activities where you absolutely, positively can not fall asleep.
obiwankenobi
78
Jul 26, 2017
I'm 6'3" 230lb with wider back and larger thighs. Would this be comfortable? Unfortunately the closest store I could try it out at is over an hour drive away.
rkhpa
52
Jul 27, 2017
obiwankenobiI'm 6'1" and 220lb. The chair is still pretty comfortable to for me to sit in. I wouldn't want to sit in it for hours at a time but for quick stops on trail, eating a meal or watching the sunset it's really nice and compared to sitting on a log or something it's really, really nice.
ChurchillW
423
Sep 27, 2017
obiwankenobiI find on sand, you need to place something underneath it to prevent the feet from sinking into the sand after a while. A regulation ultimate disc is just big enough and disperses the weight so you don't sink into the stand.
Showing 30 of 57
Related Products