Backside Line
Chosen as Intelligent Hiker’s Editor’s Choose, we extremely advocate the GCI Compact Desk 20 as your best option to your subsequent aspect desk. Weighing solely 4 kilos, it’s so mild and folds down right into a compact measurement that we took it on each tenting journey for a whole season, and it at all times proved helpful.
Initially, you would possibly doubt its sturdiness resulting from its light-weight design, however it has a weight capability of 60 kilos and comfortably supported a number of drinks, electronics (together with a laptop computer), and a dinner setup for one on gravel, sand, and snow.
Moreover, it options telescoping legs and adjusts to heights appropriate for subsequent to your truck’s tailgate or low-seated camp chairs when you chill out across the hearth. With a really cheap worth, we imagine this desk is a superb funding.
For extra desk choices, take a look at our gear information to finest camp tables.
How We Examined
We took the GCI Compact 20 on each camp journey all through a protracted winter season within the Rocky Mountains, utilizing it as a drink stand, to maintain our electronics out of the grime, and as a workstation with a laptop computer—amongst different makes use of.
Fast Specs

GCI Outside Compact Camp Desk 20
Greatest Price range Aspect Desk
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.8/5.0
Value:
$40
Dimensions (LxWxH):
20 x 18 x 24 in.
Weight:
4 lb. 13 oz.
Materials:
Aluminum
Weight Capability:
60 lbs
Execs
- Mild
- Straightforward set-up
- Compact
- Telescoping legs
Stability & Sturdiness
Whereas we initially questioned the steadiness and sturdiness of the GCI Compact Desk 20 after we first set it up, we had been amazed by how dependable it turned out to be by the tip of the season.
We took it all over the place, didn’t fear a lot about storing it correctly, and it by no means had a chunk snap off or a leg bend. Its stability was additionally spectacular.
We trusted it as a workstation, arrange our laptop computer on it, used it for drinks, and ate meals on it, and it remained regular in numerous circumstances.
Floor Space & Weight Capability
For a aspect desk, the floor space of the GCI Compact Desk 20 is giant sufficient to arrange dinner for one, carry three to 4 drinks and a Jetboil, play a card recreation, or arrange your laptop computer and nonetheless have room to your Nalgene — all actions we examined on this compact desk.
With a 60-pound weight capability, there may be little you may’t place on it and belief it to carry.
Portability
Whereas the GCI Compact Camp Desk 20 doesn’t include a carry bag, and we want it did, it folds up so skinny you may slide it between virtually something, and it suits virtually anyplace.
The load is so mild that we typically overlook it’s in our fingers as we stroll it to the automotive to pack up. You’ll be able to simply carry this over your head with one arm, or carry it underneath your armpit to unlock your fingers and seize different issues.
Top
The GCI Compact Camp Desk 20 has telescoping legs and two top settings. With a most top of 24 inches, it’s excellent to be used as a workstation or for consuming meals.
We frequently used it at its decrease top whereas sitting round a campfire, because it was the proper measurement to take a seat between two chairs and maintain drinks or cell telephones.
Ease of Setup
We’re extraordinarily enthusiastic about how simple the GCI Compact Desk 20 is to arrange. From its folded place, you merely pull all sides of the tabletop aside, and it clicks into place instantly.
In seconds, this desk is able to use. Simply add just a few extra seconds to regulate the legs.
Ought to You Purchase the GCI Compact Camp Desk 20?
When you’re on the lookout for a aspect desk companion, we firmly imagine the GCI Compact Camp Desk 20 is a useful alternative. Its light-weight design, compact packability, easy setup, and reasonably priced worth make it an important choice.
With wonderful stability and the flexibility to carry every thing from a laptop computer and a number of drinks to dinner objects and a small range, it’s extremely versatile and appropriate for everybody.
What Different Camp Tables Ought to You Think about?
Try our gear information the place we’ve totally examined various kinds of tables appropriate for each kind of camper.
Helinox Desk One Exhausting High Evaluate: For backpackers or campers prioritizing weight and packability over worth, this desk is extraordinarily sturdy and steady.
NEMO Moonlander Twin-Top Camp Desk Evaluate: If worth isn’t a difficulty and also you need one thing distinctive, sturdy, and versatile that matches right into a bag resembling a laptop computer sleeve, it is a nice desk.