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Alite Mayfly Chair 2.0

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Alite Mayfly Chair 2.0

TheBeardedCakeasaur

Jun 25, 2018

Verified Buyer

GAH. My original post got eaten when I tried to add pics. I'm annoyed as shit, as I wanted to post a thoughtful review.
Quick version: 5'11, 165lbs, lean. Used backpacking and kayak camping so far, roughly 200 miles on a backpack over 10 mini-trips, and 6 nights via kayak. Pros: small, light, comfy for me. Cons: sits low, seems to be stretching out so I sit even lower, my black rubber feet fall off every time I use it.
3.5 of 5. Adding pics below of my buddy, who's the owner of the blue chair in my first pic.

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TheBeardedCakeasaur

Jun 25, 2018

TheBeardedCakeasaur

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Msilverhammer

327

Jul 1, 2018

TheBeardedCakeasaurSo, what is the best chair in the opinion of anyone reading this question?

By best chair I don't mean a five pound chair that you carry around car camping, and use in a campground, or picnic area, or anywhere else; I mean what is the best chair that you could use to take on a backpacking trip?

Obviously the chair must be light, and compact, probably two pounds or less, but at the same time be able to support at least 250 pounds, and preferably 300, so as to have added durability over the long haul.

I know a lot of hikers are short, and slightly built guys, in the sub 200 pound range, as well as most women hikers, but there are some of us guys who are over 6 feet tall, and up in the 225 to 250 range, and some above that from what I have seen.

There have been many times where I was hiking, backpacking, kayaking, where I would have liked to have a chair to sit in while at my camp.

Usually I had to try and find a log, or to sit on some big rocks, or boulders, but that kind of got old after awhile, and there is no real comfortable position with back support.

Sometimes you can set up your hammock as a chair if you are a hammock camper, but probably still not as good as a chair.

Sometimes after taking my boots off when crossing streams, I would have liked to have had a chair that would allow me to be positioned in a more elevated position while pulling my socks and boots back on my feet.

If I could not find the right log, or rock, then laying on the ground not so efficient, or comfortable.

Even if you are in good shape, putting on your shoes gets more difficult with age. LOL

FInally, what could be better than eating your supper, and then taking a nap in the chair while in a scenic and remote spot,; with only the sounds of the wind blowing through the trees, the singing and chirping of the birds and squirrels, and the babbling of a brook to lull you to sleep?

I would love to hear back from all of you on suggestions, and recommendations for a great backpacking chair.

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TheBeardedCakeasaur

Jul 1, 2018

MsilverhammerI feel like choosing which chair is best is very much a personal preference... so you're better off finding what's best for you versus others opinions -- as this is what they're basing it on. Only speaking from my own chair experience, here... The A-lite MayFly and Monarch both have a max-rating of 250lbs. The REI Flex-Lite states max of 300lbs. Here's a few shots of both at the same time. For me, I prefer the A-lite for the ability to lean back, but as you can see in my other pictures, I'm practically squatting at 5'11. My buddy is 6'1, and around 200lbs. I don't think I'll be falling asleep in a backpacking chair, ever, YMMV -- they're just too small for that = use a hammock if you want this ability, haha. You can see how much higher the REI chair sits. Both feel comfortable around my shoulders, and both are comfortable as seats. The REI, due to the legs, has a habit of sinking into soft ground, and you can't really jostle side to side or else you might tip it. You'll also want relatively flat ground for it due to this. The A-Lite is a lot more stable, but is harder to get in and out of due to how low it sits, but can be sat in while on sloping ground. It also comes with, albeit small, a removable front leg piece. When removed, it's a shorter version of the Monarch. I like both for different reasons, but I prefer the A-Lite overall. I prefer the Monarch's Height, but it lacks the front legs of the A-Lite, and thus, is not free-standing. I use my chair as a shelf or a place to throw my backpack or other items I want off of the ground when I'm hammock camping or tent camping. Even though I have a hammock when I'm using it, my bug net is separate and I like to keep it closed... to keep bugs out. Unless I'm going far or as light as possible, I will still take the chair even when I have the hammock. On top of that, where I go most often, there are Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads... and they're always on/around the rocks and logs. I sat next to this guy 3 weeks ago on this log to rest right before setting up my camp about 10 feet from here. I prefer my chair.

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Msilverhammer

327

Jul 1, 2018

TheBeardedCakeasaurThanks for taking the time to provide such a detailed response and review.
I have looked at numerous chairs, and one problem seems to be that they lack full back support and height.
It looks like the Duralounge might help solve that problem.
It comes in at around 2.2 pounds, and supports 300 pounds.

Check out a review I found on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQMblYtqbkA
Here is the Amazon page for the Duralounge.
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Outdoor-Portable-Lightweight-Breathable/dp/B075H6KKZJ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=basiplumrep09-20&linkId=7741247c7af17c679cf67b6f55af0bfd
Your thoughts if any would be welcomed.

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TheBeardedCakeasaur

Jul 1, 2018

Msilverhammerthe A-Lite and REI give me plenty of back support, but my head sticks out over the top. The only problem, if it's a problem for you that is, with the chair you've listed is size and weight. That's a pretty bulky looking chair, and is 2.2lbs. If you're willing to carry a larger/bulkier item, then carry it. Before I started letting him borrow one of my REI Flex-Lites, my buddy was regularly carrying a very old collapsible stool that weighed around 6-7lbs. That's insane to me for backpacking in terms of weight, but he didn't seem to mind. Other people would think I was insane for taking a chair in the first place, even if it's only 1.5lbs give or take. Hike your own hike, as they say. You can shave weight elsewhere to make up for the extra.

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Msilverhammer

327

Jul 1, 2018

TheBeardedCakeasaurFor some reason, your comments are the only ones that are getting lost on Massdrop.
I see them in my inbox, and when I click the link Massdrop indicates that they can't find your comment.
Anyway, I read the part about the weight, 2.2 pounds which folds up really compact, and is similar to the Alite chair, but has a 300 pound capacity.
The best feature seems to be the higher back support, and

that nice memory foam pillow.
Yea, I am OK with 2.2 pounds.
Check out this additional video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQMblYtqbkA

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TheBeardedCakeasaur

Jul 1, 2018

Msilverhammer**That does look like a nice chair, though. Test it out and let us know how it goes!

TheBeardedCakeasaur

Jul 1, 2018

TheBeardedCakeasaurMy A-Lite fits into the water bottle pockets of every pack I own = it packs down small and doesn't weigh too much. I'm starved for space in my packs depending on if I take the dogs, or the Lady, so it fits what I need without bulking me up too much.

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