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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

I thought this one was cool at REI.

http://www.rei.com/product/830408/lafuma-micro-pop-up-chair

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 :)

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

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

Edited by Danepacker on 10/04/2012 22:13:59 MDT.

I have to admit, some of those bucket seats look comfortable, but the two pounds, plus, that they weigh is just too much for me to contemplate. I carry a camp stool -- and love it! I like being able to sit up off the ground when fishing along a lake with marshy shores or cooking, and when alongside my tent. I'm willing to carry some weight for something that can support me and do the job, but I just can't justify the benefits of the larger chairs when I compare them to the weight of the REI aluminum tripod stool.

Cuben chair not so good idea.
The material has no elasticity - won't mold to the shape of our nethers
It has no porosity - water will sit on it and soak our nethers
It doesn't hold stitching - soon our nethers will be on the ground
And no, will not depend on Hysol adhesive to hold me up
Leno-Loc works well, at around 5.5 oz/yd.
Would like to find something lighter, but so far, found nothing that will hold up.
LaFuma is now using a vinyl coated mesh that is twice the weight of Leno.
Haven't tried rawhide polyester mesh, only an ounce heavier than Leno, and has uneven stretch on the warp vs weft. Might work though, and with less sag due to the polyester, and less water absorption than nylon.
A one pound self-supporting chair is progressing well, Stay tuned to MYOG.

(And for you smart-alecks out there: I don't need a snapshot of a stump, a log, a rock, a hammock or a chunk of ground: I'm old, my bones are old, my old white a$$ wants comfort.)

Too funny Jack!

I hope you found or can find something you're comfortable in.

My chair weighs 15oz and has a back.

...oh I guess I should mention that the weight is including my 9oz Neo small... so its a 6oz chair... with a back. The BA Cyclone chair. Apparently they dont make it anymore b/c nobody talks about it.

I we fold up the Neo to fit in the chair. My wife doubles the bottom part for a soft seat. I double the back for more back support.

So if you carry a reg size pad you'd have 5" pad under your booty and 5" pad for your back- for a 6oz penalty. IMO a no-brainer.

Have you guys heard of a sling chair? It takes some work, but it's a really light option.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jura-cmCsA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDjBtE43fvs

Edited by justin_baker on 10/06/2012 13:15:14 MDT.

It's called the slinglight or slinglite and has been posted about here often.
International Mountain Equip. in No. Conway NH had a used Big Agnes Cyclone type chair in its consignment basement today.

Sam,

I'm talking about a Cuben fabric ENVELOLPE into which one inserts a Thermarest mattress. Very comfy.

They are sold in most backpacking stores but are made of heavy duty nylon.

Couldn't resist. Used my 20% member coupon for an "REI Flex Lite Chair". Yeah, it's heavy -- 26oz on my scale in the substantial stuff sack -- but it folds up to a compact size (just a little bigger than the Monarch chair) and it's pretty darn comfy. It's a real butt-off-the-ground camp chair.

I doubt that I'll take it backpacking, but I think it will be perfect for kayak trips.

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

Camp Time Roll-Up Pack Stool weighs just under a pound - I've used this off and on for years.

Not sure if you've seen this one, but it looks pretty comparable to the mantis while being significantly cheaper.at 1lb 12oz it's in the same ballpark for weight too.

Edited by jeepin05 on 10/07/2012 09:26:08 MDT.