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Camp Chairs?


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Viewing 25 posts - 26 through 50 (of 81 total)
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  • #1897066
    David K
    Member

    @aviddk

    Locale: SW Oregon

    "Those of us in Oz will find the Alite Mantis = Helinox Chair One. We scored a couple from the first batch – for our upcoming 3 month trip by sea kayak. Comfort is sensational! Weight is around 900g"

    The Alite Mantis is the Real Deal and totally worth the weight. Call them our guilty pleasure if you must, but my wife and I wouldn't consider going without them.

    #1897107
    John Donewar
    BPL Member

    @newton

    Locale: Southeastern Texas

    @ That Other Jack Elliott, ;-)

    "As a guy who has one (1) fused ankle and (1) titanium knee…"

    "I'll get a camera crew to follow me on my next backpack and see if I can't get enough data for analysis and embarrassment".

    IMHO just the fact that you are out there backpacking and hiking precludes any possibility of embarrassment.

    My hiking buddy also has issues with one of his ankles and an orthopedist told him, "Never stop hiking".

    Party On,

    Newton

    #1897109
    R K
    Spectator

    @oiboyroi

    Locale: South West US

    That Helinox looks like it's taller than the Alite Mantis. A little heavier too but still reasonable. Might be a good option given Mr. Elliott's criteria.

    #1897112
    Donna C
    BPL Member

    @leadfoot

    Locale: Middle Virginia

    The Alite Mantis is on sale thru Amazon. Heck..I might get one!

    #1897144
    Jack Elliott
    Member

    @jackelliott

    Locale: Bend, Oregon, USA

    Hm, so the Alite Mantis is looking pretty interesting at this point.

    Does anyone have a photo of the Alite Mantis' frame broken down and bundled for packing?

    Only because while the Alite Monarch's aluminum framework–a bunch of nicely-machined tubes and fittings held together with shock cord–doesn't fold flat: there's this central cross fitting that prevents the cluster of tubes and bits from being collapsed into a nice neat bundle. Not a real problem of design or reliability, and not a hassle to pack, but it just looks aesthetically…stupid. To save weight I don't use the provided cordura-like stuff sack, but just bundle the collapsed frame with a couple hair bands.

    #1897195
    Donna C
    BPL Member

    @leadfoot

    Locale: Middle Virginia

    Here….and read the comments as well.

    YouTube video

    #1897208
    Jack Elliott
    Member

    @jackelliott

    Locale: Bend, Oregon, USA

    LOL — at 1:18 you can see what a wonderfully angular mess of parts the broken-down frame looks like. Oh well, it's a minor matter.

    #1897210
    Stephen Barber
    BPL Member

    @grampa

    Locale: SoCal

    Actually the Monarch looks the same unfolded, but I've had no problems with it.

    FWIW, over on HammockForums.com there is a design for a MYOG chair composed of a long strip of fabric (+/- a pad)/ The top of the fabric strip is supported by two trekking poles, your butt sits on the lower part of the fabric on the ground, and you lean against the top section. I think I've got the directions saved as a word document – if you are interested, PM me your email, and I'll send it to you (or anyone else).

    #1897211
    Randy Nelson
    BPL Member

    @rlnunix

    Locale: Rockies

    Looks like you still have to squat down to get into it. Is that going to work for you?

    #1897213
    Jack Elliott
    Member

    @jackelliott

    Locale: Bend, Oregon, USA

    It's not the assembled shape of the chairs I'm commenting on, it's the remarkable tangle of tubes that make up the unassembled frame.

    As a fellow with a metal knee and a fused ankle — I believe I've mentioned this before? — sitting flat on the ground is not very comfortable. First, those of us with these physical "features" can neither kneel, squat, nor sit cross-legged, meditation style. Sitting flat on the ground with one's legs stuck straight out in front becomes tired real fast. And don't even get me started on how much of a pain it is to get down on or up from the ground.

    #1897218
    Brian Keith Gunter
    Member

    @bkgunter

    Locale: Midwest

    I have the Monarch and love it.

    If you find a "once in a trip perfect spot" to set up the chair its great. A tree behind, to avoid the "fallback", a rock or stump to the side to avoid the "crash and burn", or the firm terra to prevent the "titanic", its the most camp comfort I have found for my old ankles, beat up knees, and post "under the knife" back.

    Well worth the 1.3 lbs for my weekend to weeklong trips.

    #1897223
    Lou Gehrig
    Member

    @lou4gehrig

    #1897224
    Stephen Barber
    BPL Member

    @grampa

    Locale: SoCal

    Cane Seat

    Only 28 oz – less than the Alite, acts as a trekking cane (!), no sitting on the ground! Plus it's cheap – only $28 at Amazon! What more could you want????? ;-)

    #1897229
    David K
    Member

    @aviddk

    Locale: SW Oregon

    The Mantis can be set up or taken down in one minute. We rarely stop without taking the time to shake out ours. We store them in the side pockets of our backpacks so they are easy to access. The huge advantage of course is that you really can relax your back. My wife can scooch down in hers and have her head supported by the back. Everytime we sit in ours we think they are totally worth the carry weight.

    #1897269
    David K
    Member

    @aviddk

    Locale: SW Oregon

    First I wanted to point out that the weight with cover is 1 lb. 11 oz. Here are couple of pictures that may help the OP.

    Alite Mantis Frame

    Alite Mantis packed without cover

    #1897295
    Jack Elliott
    Member

    @jackelliott

    Locale: Bend, Oregon, USA

    Looks like my Alite Monarch is going FS and I'm gonna get me a Mantis.

    #1897316
    Stephen Barber
    BPL Member

    @grampa

    Locale: SoCal

    Not the cane seat? Aw, shucks!!!!

    #1897338
    Jack Elliott
    Member

    @jackelliott

    Locale: Bend, Oregon, USA

    Aw, the cane seat is swell, don't get me wrong! And, as you rightly say, the price is right. But I use trekking poles, and sitting like a sack of potatoes on a stool isn't my idea of a good time.

    #1897348
    Stephen Barber
    BPL Member

    @grampa

    Locale: SoCal

    I'd be disappointed in you if you went for it! ;-)

    #1898398
    . Callahan
    BPL Member

    @aeronautical

    Locale: London, UK.

    I can highly recommend the Walkstool Comfort Stool, mine's the 55/22 XL version, and it's well designed and constructed, using quality materials. The seat is a waterproof ventilated mesh and the whole thing's lightweight.

    I bought this stool because I have disabilities which affect my spine and hip, and need seating which is secure, supportive and comfortable, I carry mine in a fabric, padded tripod case that fits like it was made for it.

    Website:

    http://walkstool.com/

    Backpack Gear Test Owner's Reviews: (3)

    http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Camp%20Chairs%20and%20Seating/Chairs/Walkstool%20Comfort%2055/

    Wex Photographic Owner's Reviews: (4)

    http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-walkstool-comfort-55/p1012871

    It's certainly not cheap, but I consider it to be well worth every penny. I also use the Crazy Creek Cradle Lounger (a Sling-Light copy) which is also great.

    #1918245
    TJ Christopher
    BPL Member

    @compel

    New info to resurect this thread.

    Like the OP I had a Alite Monarch chair but didn't find it the most comfortable, so I ended up getting the Alite Mantis and Helinox Chair One both of which I like better though at a weight penalty.

    Stopped by REI for a look around today and spotted this:

    http://www.rei.com/product/829239/rei-flex-lite-chair

    It's a clone of the Helinox Chair One. The only difference I can see is the seat has more mesh in it and the stuff sack is more basic (and probably lighter). Cheaper than the Helinox as well at $64.50.
    REI spec page says 28 oz.
    For reference on my scale the Helinox is 29 oz plus 3 oz for the stuff sack, and the Alite Mantis is 27 oz plus 2 oz for the stuff sack.

    Also of note the Alite Mantis chair is on sale on REI's site at $84.

    #1918274
    John S.
    BPL Member

    @jshann

    #1918297
    Dale Wambaugh
    BPL Member

    @dwambaugh

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    TWO AND A HALF POUNDS? And we quibble over taking TP? Nooooooo

    If you use a CCF pad, or carry a sit pad, there is no more cost or weight to add. With Mother Earth under you and a rock or log at your back, you can sit comfortably. My Z-Seat pad is all of 2oz.

    If you go to 16oz, you can sit in a nice hammock that takes about two minutes to hang. You can lie down and take a nap, or wonder of wonders, spend the night it one if you add some insulation and a tarp.

    Then again, you do need several tons of vertical trees to tie it to :)

    #1918318
    Emmanuel Romo
    BPL Member

    @emman714

    Locale: Southern California

    Kifaru field chair paired with a sit pad or kneel pad.

    #1918319
    Eric Blumensaadt
    BPL Member

    @danepacker

    Locale: Mojave Desert

    Or is there such an animal as a Cuben fabric "chair" envelope into which one can insert a Thermarest inflatable foam matress?

    Maybe a cottage industry maker familiar with Cuben fabric could make some.

    But WAIT, there's more!

    Imagine, a Cuben fabric "chair" envelope for only $99.95. WHAT A BUY

Viewing 25 posts - 26 through 50 (of 81 total)
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