Even though space is at a premium, I often carry a compact camping chair. It’s the backrest that makes it worthwhile—one of those luxuries at the end of a long riding day that’s easy to justify.

Over the years I’ve owned quite a few different designs, most of which were a little too bulky or heavy, broke too easily, or proved not to be all that comfy. An honorable mention is the Kermit Chair (KermitChair.com), which is one of my all-time faves. That said, the Kermit is still relatively heavy and bulky, so the search for a more ideal compact camping chair continued.

On a cross-country ride last summer, I discovered the Alite Mayfly Chair at an REI just outside of Nashville, TN. It was a brand spanking new design, and although I couldn’t find a review, it fascinated me. So I decided to risk the purchase price, knowing it could be returned if I wasn’t satisfied.

The Mayfly weighs in at a miniscule 1.4 lbs (compared to the 5.3 lbs of the Kermit), and its tiny package (fits in a roll only 4”x11”) unfolds like a high tech origami puzzle. Because of its unusual engineering I was concerned that it might break easily, but it proved to be one heck of a tough gadget. And after months of use, it still looks new.

The real surprise is how comfortable the little chair is—particularly during the long tent-bound hours of rainy days. And because of the chair’s low profile, it’s exceptional in smaller two- or three-man tents. So, if you have to get away from the mozzies, you can now do it in comfort.

Enough said. If you appreciate a good chair, but have space/weight considerations on your bike, the Mayfly has come to the rescue. AliteDesigns.com

MSRP: $89 (with a lifetime guarantee!)