GCI Freestyle Rocker Tenting Chair Assessment

Backside Line

In case you’re in search of a rocking tenting chair that mixes consolation with sturdy development, the GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker delivers on each fronts. It’s the one rocking chair to make the lower on our greatest tenting chairs information. Senior Content material Editor Ian Krammer’s used the Freestyle Rocker dozens of occasions. He likes it for shorter, relaxed automobile tenting journeys the place its soothing rocking movement, powered by spring-loaded shocks, is an opulent option to chill out.

This tenting chair has a supportive seat and again, with strong lumbar assist that avoids sagging, so that you received’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 simple to get out and in for most individuals. It’s pretty simple 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 develop into 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 generally is a bit difficult in a trunk and kit room. We’ve discovered the flimsy cup holder is prone to break. The seat is barely shallow, so it is probably not a terrific match for taller and bigger people, and it will possibly really feel a bit too inflexible in the event you favor to recline. And, testing reveals that the chair’s body can get squeaky, requiring a little bit of upkeep to stop the noise.

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

Consolation

In case you 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 classes didn’t break our backs. A breathable mesh design retains air shifting and our backs cool on scorching days. It’s simple to get out and in of because of the tall seat top – virtually 20 inches – so it’s a success for folk with mobility points.

The Freestyle Rocker is available in different variations, together with a non-mesh possibility in addition to an XL dimension 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 mentioned, there’s a couple of issues we don’t love about this chair. The soothing movement is superior, but it surely’s restricted in how far it rocks ahead. We discover the rocking distance may be underwhelming in the event you’re in search of a extra dramatic swing.

On paper, the seat depth is common, however in follow it feels shallower. We like that the backrest is stiffer and upright – it’s a terrific selection for actions like fishing or consuming meals – however in the event you favor slouching and leaning again, it’ll miss the mark.

Lastly, the arm rests are padded polyester wrapped across the steel of the body. They aren’t as adjustable, extensive, or plush as different chairs. This design offers simply sufficient cushion for our elbows whereas studying a ebook or having a drink – however it will possibly 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 take a look at of time. Senior Content material Editor Ian Krammer has used this chair exterior for over a yr on tenting journeys, garden concert events, and his coated patio, and it really works pretty much as good as new. The sturdy body is constructed from powder-coated metal and helps as much as 250 kilos with out displaying indicators of pressure, harm, or important 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 fully soaked, normally inside an hour or two. The Freestyle Rockers’ lengthy base is steady, and grippy ft deal with totally different terrain and supply further stability. GCI’s high quality extends to elements like pins, screws, and rear shocks for a dependable, long-lasting design. 

Our largest criticism? This one requires a little bit of distinctive upkeep in comparison with others on our record. The struts can squeak or jam once 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 forestall 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 subject, however might be an inconvenience for long-term customers.

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

Portability

​​At almost 12 kilos, the Freestyle Rocker is just not the lightest chair on the market. It additionally earned low marks for its packed dimension – 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 process 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. 

Nonetheless, in the event you aren’t touring far and you’ve got the house, it’s definitely worth the bulk. The Rocker has a deal with on the aspect of the body, so it’s not too unhealthy to maneuver round quick distances like across the campsite or yard. In case you’re not nervous about hauling one thing a bit heavier and larger, this chair is the proper means 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

Certainly one of our favourite issues concerning the Freestyle Rocker is its simple setup course of. There’s two steps to deploy this mannequin: pull it open, then push down on both aspect of the seat till it clicks. As soon as the chair is about up, it’s tremendous steady. The rocking movement solely takes a slight push off the bottom or a foot. The one cup holder is an effective spot to carry small necessities like a lighter, keys, or a telephone, but it surely additionally works nicely 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 embrace 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 nicely. It’s pretty floppy, which ends up in elevated spillage – Ian’s tipped water bottles, cans, and glass bottles – and is a decent match for big water bottles.

That mentioned, the Freestyle Rocker additionally is available in a model with a helpful aspect desk that has two cupholders and a spot to your telephone. Nonetheless, we love this chair as after 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. In case you’re in search of a relaxed, soothing expertise round camp or at residence, its rocking movement from spring-loaded shocks walks a advantageous line between luxurious, consolation, and stability. The sturdy design supplies glorious again assist, making it good for lengthy hours of sitting across the hearth or when consuming. The tall seat top is accessible and straightforward to get out and in of, particularly for individuals who could wrestle 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 respect its strong construct and long-lasting development.

Nonetheless, the Freestyle Rocker is a miss for individuals who need portability or cushiness in a camp chair. With a heavy weight and a material carrying deal with, it’s not the simplest to maneuver over lengthy distances. The Rocker doesn’t pack down small, so that you’ll want loads of house 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 strong 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 in opposition to a few of different faves. And, try these alternate options:

NEMO Stargaze Assessment: The NEMO Stargaze isn’t a rocker, but it surely nonetheless gives a dramatic swinging movement because of a novel 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, but it surely’s a terrific selection for a premium lounging expertise.

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Assessment: 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 Assessment: The Skyward gives an analogous low worth level to the GCI Out of doors Freestyle Rocker, however with higher air flow, cup holders, and a shorter seat top. It’s very best for campers who desire a strong, basic tenting chair with loads of air flow.