A good chair is a must-have item for the serious motorcycle camper. Sure, you could always scrounge around for a nice hard rock to sit on if you’re the ascetic type, but I like to reward myself with something a little more comfortable after a long day of riding. My search for the right chair took several months, and I’ve even discussed this very subject on this blog before, but now my search is at an end.
Allow me to introduce the Alite Monarch Camp Chair.
Your eyes do not deceive you: this slick little chair only sports two legs.
Among those with a taste for the finer things in life (*cough*BMW riders*cough*), the Kermit Chair reigns as the King of the Motorcycle Camping Chairs. It’s as plush as a Cadillac and costs almost as much.
Can this two-legged upstart seriously compete with the venerable Kermit Chair?
On Paper Comparison
Let’s compare the Monarch Chair and the Kermit Chair based on their published specifications:
| Criteria | Monarch Chair | Kermit Chair | Stacy’s Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 18 oz | 84.8 oz | Monarch |
| Packed Size | 4.5 x 4.5 x 13 inches | 4 x 6 x 22 inches | Monarch |
| Open Size | 22 x 21.5 x 17 inches | ? | not enough data |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 350 lbs | tie1 |
| Seat Height | 7 inches | 11.5 inches | tie1 |
| Legs | 2 | 4 | Kermit |
| Price | $59.99 (USD) | $129 + $14 shipping (USD) | Monarch |
The Monarch Chair weighs 1/5th as much, packs down to 1/2 the size, and costs less than 1/2 as much as the Kermit Chair.
Real-World Use
The first thing you notice about the Monarch Chair is how tiny it is, especially if you’ve ever seen a packed-up Kermit Chair.
The Monarch Chair is amazingly light, weighing in at a svelte 18 ounces. In comparison, the Kermit Chair weighs 5.3 pounds. Even more of a surprise: the REI Trail Stool, my trusty companion on many a backpacking and motocamping trip, weighs exactly the same as a Monarch Chair but is nowhere near as comfortable.
The Monarch Chair consists of two basic parts: the fabric “sling” seat and the support poles. The seat is made of 210D ripstop nylon fabric while the poles are made out of 7075 aluminum. The materials are quality, and the construction is also very well done.
The support poles are connected with springy shock cord like the poles of a modern backpacking tent. Setup is as easy as snapping the pole joints into place and inserting the color-coded pole ends into the matching corners of the seat. Once you get the hang of it, it’ll take you less than 30 seconds to put the chair together.
And is it comfortable? Allow my lovely model to demonstrate:
To sit in the chair, use a hand to hold the chair upright and steady, then plop your butt down into the seat. Your legs provide the “front legs” for the chair. It’s very stable, and the sling seat is super comfortable. Plus, the mesh inserts help keep you cool.
I’d say she looks pretty comfortable, don’t you think?
At first I was hesitant about the 2 legged design, but after using the chair for a few hours I found that I really like it. I love that I can rock way back in the chair before it’ll tip over. It’s perfect for propping your feet up on a log or next to a campfire.
Not only is the Monarch Chair ideal for backpacking, it’s so small and convenient that you can take it almost anywhere. I’m looking forward to not having to lug a full-size folding chair around the next time I go to a picnic, softball game, or outdoor concert. Take note: if you use your Monarch Chair in public, be prepared to answer lots of questions from curious onlookers.
The Monarch Chair doesn’t have the cachet of the Kermit Chair, but it packs tiny, weighs nothing, and costs less than half as much. For motorcycle travelers that don’t have the luxury of luggage space, it’s worth your serious consideration.
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I have never gone camping (bike or otherwise). I think bike camping is something I would like to get into. It just seems like a big investment. Tents, sleeping bag, fancy chairs, etc.
PS…Someone needs to do some yard work! heh.
Yard work is a lost cause right now — the grass is growing almost 2 inches a day. Eek, it’s aallliiiveee!
It’s been a long time since I’ve paid full price for a piece of camping gear. I bet I could outfit someone for motorcycle camping for less than the cost of 5 nights in hotel rooms.
Hmm, that sounds like a challenge…
You guys do live in a rain forest. I will trade you. Its already 100 degrees here in SC.
That was the exact conversation I had this weekend. A couple night of camping the gear pays for itself compared to hotels.
You left out an important test…how easy is it to sit down in the chair once you’ve gone through a nice bottle(s) of red/white? Might be fun to try…just make sure to have the camera ready
Great info! My daughter and I were discussing camping chairs a few weekends ago. The Monarch looks intriguing. The fact it has two legs looks to be a bit of a compromise for me. At the end of the day I like to kick back and have a beer or two in front of the camp fire. Do you think the Monarch would be ‘adult beverage’ friendly?
@Mike P.: Motocamping can be cheaper in the long run, but you’ve got to like camping in the first place or you won’t have much fun. Good gear does help, though.
@LifeOn2Whls and @Ken: I’m beginning to sense a theme here…
I’m not a big drinker so I can’t say for sure. I guess it’s all about how much you move around? The Monarch Chair would probably be all right if you tend to park yourself next to the keg. If you constantly get up for whatever reason, a more stable chair might be better for ya.
That being said, I’ve seen plenty of *ahem* mishaps around a campfire regardless of the specific chair involved.
Looks intriguing. I’ve seen them online but never in person but I am looking for something besides the “sports chair” (used as a prop in today’s Dilbert) as they are a bit large and heavy.
Thank you for the review and yes, the lovely model does indeed look pretty comfortable and relaxed.
Great review. The Monarch Chair certainly has the Kermit beat in the packed size and weight. If I didn’t have already have a Kermit I would consider the Monarch. The one thing the Kermit has over the Monarch is the test of time, Mine is going to be 12 years old this July and looks much the same as when I bought it.
I must admit that the packed size is very enticing, I may have to visit the REI store this week.
GAW
Nice comparo! I’ve tried the Monarch in an EMS store. I was apprehensive and I probably looked like a spaz getting into it, but yeah, it was surprisingly comfy and stable.
I have had a Monarch for a year. It is great. The awkwardness of using it diminishes after a few tries, even after a few beers. And it’s great fun to do wheelies in. Light, rugged and easy to carry, and really draws some looks in the park.
The only caution I would have for people is to try it before you buy it. REI has them. I didn’t buy mine from REI since they donate money to anti OHV causes, but that’s my axe to grind.
Try it on because I don’t think it will be a good fit for a large posterior. Anyone with a waist larger than 38 may need to look elsewhere.
It you fit it, get it. I like mine a lot.
Thanks so much for the in-depth review. I’ve been looking for a decent chair to add to my motorcycle camping gear, and your review was the one that pushed me over to the monarch side.
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