One of most innovative and popular accessories of recent times, the Alite Monarch chair is a hot item that you'll probably want to add to your camping kit.
Pros: lightweight; compact; comfortable; fun; quality
Cons: everyone will want to sit in it
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 the summer they came out...it was just so comfortable and unique. I thought the price was steep then and since it's gone up even more. But I'd still 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 shoes 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've used mine so much that I've had a few mishaps...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. But the ripstop fabric prevented the holes from getting bigger and I am still using the same sling years later.
My main point to this story is that I contacted the company and they sent me a new sling, just in case the burned one gives out eventually. So don't worry about having issues because Alite stands firmly behind their products. I now own three of these chairs and have bought others for family and friends. I have yet to meet someone that has been disappointed with theirs.
