You know I like techie type gadgets and gear. So before my trip I went to REI and had the usual look around. I wanted a chair, a new small frying pan etc. Weight and size on anything is important to me. My camping gear in total could probably fit in a carry-on suitcase and that including the stove, pots, tent, mattress, bag etc. You don’t have much room on a motorbike and weight is weight. So imagine my delight when I found this great new chair. Looks like nothing. A sort of bucket with two legs. Yes you balance yourself in it.
It’s the Alite Monarch Butterfly Chair at REI.com And comfort doesn’t come that cheap. $59.95.
# At only 18 oz., the Monarch Butterfly chair is light enough to take along on backpacking trips; chair stows in the included 4.5 x 13 in. stuff sack
# 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
# Chair has a maximum capacity of 250 lbs.
You can also sit on the ground and use it as a backrest. I found it easy to add to my kit. It was even better sitting with my feet up on a rock. Not sure I’d carry it hiking – every 18oz adds up. Still instead of carrying a bigger chair on the bike this seemed like just the number. The downside is… you may be a little lower than your fellow campers in big chairs and getting out or up is a little more difficult. It’s better than a stool any day.
Guess I’m one of the guys that buys slightly weird stuff like this. Oh well.
