GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker Tenting Chair Evaluation

Backside Line

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a rocking tenting chair that mixes consolation with sturdy building, the GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker delivers on each fronts. It’s the one rocking chair to make the minimize on our greatest tenting chairs information. Senior Content material Editor Ian Krammer’s used the Freestyle Rocker dozens of instances. He likes it for shorter, relaxed automotive tenting journeys the place its soothing rocking movement, powered by spring-loaded shocks, is an opulent strategy to chill out.

This tenting chair has a supportive seat and again, with stable lumbar assist that avoids sagging, so that you gained’t be slouching with this mannequin. The mesh again ensures airflow to remain cool on hotter days, and with a seat top of 19.7 inches, it’s straightforward to get out and in for most individuals. It’s pretty straightforward to arrange and has one of many tallest seat heights on our record – plus, it is available in a ton of patterns and designs. This one’s turn out to be a staple for Ian at barbecues, porch sitting, and flicks within the park. 

However the Freestyle Rocker isn’t with out drawbacks. It’s heavy and packs massive. This one is cumbersome to hold over longer distances, and storage is usually a bit difficult in a trunk and kit room. We’ve discovered the flimsy cup holder is vulnerable to wreck. The seat is barely shallow, so it might not be a terrific match for taller and bigger people, and it could really feel a bit too inflexible for those who choose to recline. And, testing reveals that the chair’s body can get squeaky, requiring a little bit of upkeep to forestall the noise.

Nonetheless, this one is a crowd favourite for rocking a day away.

Consolation

If you happen to like a soothing rocking movement as you sit, the GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker is a comfortable structured seat for hours of kicking again. We just like the spring-loaded shocks. They provide a delicate, rhythmic swaying forwards and backwards that’s luxurious whereas tending the campfire. This one is very nice for folk who like to maneuver a bit whereas they’re stress-free – for instance, Ian is a fidgeter even when lounging. He finds the Rocker very comfy because it satisfies that want for motion.

Of us who need again assist will love the Rocker’s taut seat and again. With a agency seat and good lumbar assist, it doesn’t sag like different chairs, so lengthy sitting periods didn’t break our backs. A breathable mesh design retains air shifting and our backs cool on scorching days. It’s straightforward to get out and in of because of the tall seat top – nearly 20 inches – so it’s successful for folk with mobility points.

The Freestyle Rocker is available in different variations, together with a non-mesh choice in addition to an XL measurement with a better weight restrict. Whether or not you’re lounging on a cold evening at base camp or having fun with a yard BBQ, there’s a model for you.

That stated, there’s a number of issues we don’t love about this chair. The soothing movement is superior, however it’s restricted in how far it rocks ahead. We discover the rocking distance will be underwhelming for those who’re on the lookout for a extra dramatic swing.

On paper, the seat depth is common, however in apply it feels shallower. We like that the backrest is stiffer and upright – it’s a terrific alternative for actions like fishing or consuming meals – however for those who choose slouching and leaning again, it’ll miss the mark.

Lastly, the arm rests are padded polyester wrapped across the metallic of the body. They aren’t as adjustable, extensive, or plush as different chairs. This design provides simply sufficient cushion for our elbows whereas studying a ebook or having a drink – however it could really feel a bit uncomfortable after leaning on them for a very long time.

Sturdiness

The GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker is constructed to face the check of time. Senior Content material Editor Ian Krammer has used this chair exterior for over a yr on tenting journeys, garden live shows, and his lined patio, and it really works nearly as good as new. The sturdy body is constituted of powder-coated metal and helps as much as 250 kilos with out displaying indicators of pressure, injury, or vital put on.

A robust polyester seat and again resist sagging and provides dependable assist, however mesh permits loads of airflow on scorching summer season days. This cloth dries rapidly after being utterly soaked, normally inside an hour or two. The Freestyle Rockers’ lengthy base is steady, and grippy toes deal with completely different terrain and supply additional steadiness. GCI’s high quality extends to parts like pins, screws, and rear shocks for a dependable, long-lasting design. 

Our largest grievance? This one requires a little bit of distinctive upkeep in comparison with others on our record. The struts can squeak or jam after they get moist, soiled or have been in common use. We used the chair for every week in Utah, the place it began squeaking after publicity to sand and rain. To stop squeaking, we gave the chair a fast wash with water and cleaning soap, then added WD-40 (or a silicone lubricant) to the highest of the strut. It’s a minor concern, however may very well be an inconvenience for long-term customers.

Our different concern is with the cup holder. It’s constituted of the identical polyester materials because the chair, besides it’s screwed onto the body. Ian’s testing reveals the fabric across the screw tears and frays after many makes use of. Nevertheless, the remainder of the chair has a few years left in it.

Portability

​​At almost 12 kilos, the Freestyle Rocker isn’t the lightest chair on the market. It additionally earned low marks for its packed measurement – 31 by 26 inches by 5 inches. It’s one of many bulkiest choices we’ve examined, so it’s a little bit of a activity to retailer, and we discover this mannequin is cumbersome to schlep quite a lot of minutes at a time. It stays massive even when folded, so versatility is restricted. For instance – Ian’s stacked three of those chairs in a trunk, and that takes up many of the room. 

Nevertheless, for those who aren’t touring far and you’ve got the area, it’s definitely worth the bulk. The Rocker has a deal with on the facet of the body, so it’s not too dangerous to maneuver round quick distances like across the campsite or yard. If you happen to’re not apprehensive about hauling one thing a bit heavier and larger, this chair is the right method so as to add a little bit of luxurious to your subsequent journey, from the soccer subject sidelines to lazy mornings on the lake.

Ease of Use

One in every of our favourite issues concerning the Freestyle Rocker is its straightforward setup course of. There’s two steps to deploy this mannequin: pull it open, then push down on both facet of the seat till it clicks. As soon as the chair is ready up, it’s tremendous steady. The rocking movement solely takes a slight push off the bottom or a foot. The only cup holder is an effective spot to carry small necessities like a lighter, keys, or a telephone, however it additionally works properly for common sized water bottles and cans, too.

Our largest gripe with this chair is the shortage of storage and the cupholder. GCI doesn’t embody any pockets, so we discover ourselves setting necessities additional away from our seats or on the bottom, which is a bit annoying. Additionally, the material cup holder doesn’t maintain heavy drinks properly. It’s pretty floppy, which results in elevated spillage – Ian’s tipped water bottles, cans, and glass bottles – and is a good match for big water bottles.

That stated, the Freestyle Rocker additionally is available in a model with a useful facet desk that has two cupholders and a spot on your telephone. Nonetheless, we love this chair as once we want a quick setup, a little bit of motion, and a easy function set.

Ought to You Purchase The GCI OUtdoor Freestyle Rocker?

The GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker is our favourite rocking camp chair. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a relaxed, soothing expertise round camp or at residence, its rocking movement from spring-loaded shocks walks a wonderful line between luxurious, consolation, and stability. The sturdy design supplies glorious again assist, making it good for lengthy hours of sitting across the fireplace or when consuming. The tall seat top is accessible and straightforward to get out and in of, particularly for individuals who could battle with decrease chairs. The Freestyle Rocker shines in settings just like the campsite, porch, or yard, the place its bulk and weight are much less of a problem. Those that worth consolation and sturdiness over portability will recognize its stable construct and long-lasting building.

Nevertheless, the Freestyle Rocker is a miss for many who need portability or cushiness in a camp chair. With a heavy weight and a cloth carrying deal with, it’s not the best to maneuver over lengthy distances. The Rocker doesn’t pack down small, so that you’ll want loads of area for storing in a trunk or at residence. The flimsy cup holder detracts from its in any other case sturdy design, and the seat, whereas supportive, feels shallow. We additionally discover the struts want a little bit of occasional upkeep, relying on the place you’re utilizing the chair most frequently.

Nonetheless, we preserve reaching for this chair year-round. For mellow rocking whilst you move the time within the yard, campsite, or tailgating, this factor is a stable decide.

What Different Tenting Chairs Ought to You Take into account?

Discover our information to the perfect tenting chairs to see how the Freestyle Rocker scores towards a few of different faves. And, take a look at these options:

NEMO Stargaze Evaluation: The NEMO Stargaze isn’t a rocker, however it nonetheless affords a dramatic swinging movement due to a singular suspended design, so it’s a terrific different for lounging. We additionally like that it’s extra transportable. The Stargaze is spendy, and takes longer to setup, however it’s a terrific alternative for a premium lounging expertise.

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Evaluation: The King Kong supplies a equally supportive, sturdy and conventional tenting chair design. It lacks the rocking movement of the Freestyle Rocker, however has a a lot larger weight capability of 800 kilos and a wider, deeper seat, adjustable arm rests, and tons of storage.

REI Skyward Evaluation: The Skyward affords the same low value level to the GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker, however with higher air flow, cup holders, and a shorter seat top. It’s ideally suited for campers who desire a stable, basic tenting chair with loads of air flow.