Even the most comfortable (static) camping chairs don’t always cut it for folk who enjoy a bit of motion. The best camping rocking chairs can help stop dodgy hips or knees from seizing up when sitting for a long time, and bring significant extra comfort to spectators at sporting events, campers at campsites and folk relaxing on their porches.
If you’re in a rush, our top choice is the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker. It’s a really affordable rocking camp chair. But more than that, it’s got a really interesting design which means the chair rocks but the feet don’t. (This is really great feature for uneven ground or squeaky floorboards which stop normal rocking feet from working).
But there are quite a few rocking camp chairs on the market, with various mechanisms, weights and styles. If the GCI Rocker doesn’t feel right for you, check out there other camping rocking chairs we reviewed:
- GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker (a great “low-ride” rocker)
- ALPS Mountaineering Rocker Chair (really compact and portable – probably the best folding rocking chair)
- Venture Forward Rocking Chair (arguably the most comfortable camping rocking chair)
- Eclipse Rocking Chair
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker – Best Camping Rocking Chair
Specifications
- Weight – 11 lbs 12 oz
- Maximum capacity – 250 pounds.
- Unfolded dimensions – 31 x 26 x 24 (H x W x D) inches.
- Folded dimensions – 31 x 26 x 5 inches.
- Colors – Cinnamon and indigo blue.
- Extras – Padded armrests, weather-resistant materials, cupholder.
- Storage – No storage bag. Chair folds easily, and there’s a handle for carrying.
- Warranty – Limited lifetime warranty.
Verdict
GCI is renowned for creating affordable outdoor gear; this chair epitomizes everything that the brand is trying to achieve. It has two patent-worthy technologies.
The first is the Spring Action Technology; this allows for a smooth rocking motion on any terrain. The second is the Eazy-fold Technology, which makes folding this chair much safer and quicker.
The thought and effort that went into creating this product is inspiring. For such an innovative design to come at an affordable price is truly extraordinary. Most companies would leverage such features to charge their customers more, but not GCI. It’s no wonder why this chair has developed a cult following and can be regarded as one of the most popular camping rocking chairs.
Unlike the Helinox, this chair is better suited to bigger men. It’s wide enough and has sturdy metal supports. The padded armrests are convenient for resting tired arms, and the cupholder keeps your beverage nearby.
The chair comes with a mesh backrest; this feature is essential to providing ventilation on hot summer days. The polyester on the chair has been treated with weather-resistant technology, making it more durable. As a result, GCI offers a limited lifetime warranty on this product.
The camping rocking chair does have some drawbacks. First, it’s quite heavy. It’s nearly three times as heavy as the Helinox; this then affects its portability. It wasn’t designed for backpacking, and only vehicle-assisted campers will find this gear useful.
Availability
You should be able to buy the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker from the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at BassPro >>
- Check prices at Scheels >>
- Check prices at Dick’s Sporting Goods >>
- Check prices at Walmart >>
- Check prices at Camping World >>
Summary
The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is a brilliant option for most. Its affordability, paired with its ingenious design, makes this product very special. This chair won’t disappoint most campers and can be easily stored away under car seats. Whether you’re tailgating or camping, supreme comfort is always guaranteed.
GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker – Best Low Ride Rocker
Specifications
- Weight – 11 pounds, 14.4 ounces.
- Maximum capacity – 250 pounds.
- Unfolded dimensions – 33.1 x 25.6 x 24.4 inches.
- Folded dimensions – 33.1 x 25.6 x 5.5 inches.
- Extras – Padded armrests, weather-resistant materials, cupholder.
- Adjustable features – Uses patent-pending spring technology for rocking motion.
- Storage – No storage bag. Chair folds easily, and there’s a handle for carrying.
- Warranty – Limited lifetime warranty.
- Price – $.
Verdict
At first glance, this looks similar to the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker reviewed earlier. And in most cases, it is. It’s made with the same patent-pending technology and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Its maximum capacity is an impressive 250 pounds, and it also has Eazy-fold Technology.
There are two key differences. The first is to do with the seat height; at only 14.8 inches, compared to the 19.7 inches of the Freestyler, this chair is better suited to shorter people or children. The second difference is with the seat material; the 300-denier ripstop polyester is better quality and will last you much longer. It also has a more premium “feel.”
Because these two products are similar, the FirePit Rocker comes with the exact same cons present in the Freestyle. The weight isn’t really suitable for activities that aren’t vehicle assisted. Most people won’t find this a problem, but this product may not be for you if you have more specialized needs.
Availability
You should be able to buy the GCI FirePit Rocker from the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Sportsman’s Warehouse >>
- Check prices at Field & Stream >>
Summary
A true gem from a reputable manufacturer. It’s unusual for companies to be considerate enough to design products for a particular demographic. This chair has cool features and will be appreciated by people of below-average height. Even if you consider yourself tall, this chair will be great for trips with your children.
ALPS Mountaineering Rocker – Best Folding Rocking Chair
Specifications
- Weight – 17.5lbs
- Maximum capacity – 300 pounds.
- Unfolded dimensions – 24 x 17.5 x 41 inches.
- Folded dimensions – 34 x 10 x 10 inches.
- Colors – Combination of blue and gray.
- Extras – Techmesh Fabric for comfort.
- Adjustable features – Lock mechanisms that allow for safe rocking.
- Storage – Storage bag with shoulder strap.
- Warranty – Limited lifetime warranty.
- Price – $$.
Verdict
The ALPS Mountaineering Rocker Chair comes with a pro-tech powder-coated steel frame that enables a capacity of 300 pounds. It also has locks that fasten onto the ground for safe rocking, ensuring you can lean back without worrying. Couple these two things together, and you have a very reliable piece of equipment that you can use on all surfaces.
The seat features a Techmesh fabric, like the one found in tents, that allows better ventilation during hotter days. The reason it’s one of the best folding rocking chairs is because of its compact design, making this chair easy to store and and one of the best portable rocking chairs on the market.
Unlike the previous two, this camping rocking chair comes with a bag for storage; most people would find this a fantastic selling point, as a bag protects the chair from being damaged.
The chair is manufactured by a reputable company that has a lot of experience — it was founded in 1993 — in performance-driven camping gear. Each product is made with great attention to detail, and this causes them to warrant all their products.
The chair’s price is mid-range; it can’t be considered cheap, but most won’t complain that it’s too expensive. The issue with this chair is a matter of expectation. If you’re paying a little bit more for such a product, shouldn’t it be lighter and more portable? This chair isn’t suitable for backpacking; walking around with an 11-pound weight is quite the load.
Availability
You should be able to buy the ALPS Mountaineering Rocker from the following stores:
- Check prices on Amazon >>
- Check prices at Campmor >>
- Check prices at CampSaver >>
Summary
This delivers on everything it sets out to do. It’s sturdy and durable. It offers reliability that is absent from most products in this price range; you won’t have many complaints when using this rocker. Its safety is a prominent feature. If you’ve had unpleasant experiences with camping rocking chairs before, you’re sure to find this product a suitable upgrade.
Most Comfortable Camping Rocking Chair – Venture Forward Rocking Chair
Specifications
- Weight: 14.5 lbs
- Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Unfolded Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 21 inches
- Folded Dimensions: 36 x 12 x 8-1/2 inches
- Colors Available: Combination of blue and gray
- Extras: Non-skid feet, padded armrests
- Adjustable Features: Removable padding
- Storage: Storage bag with shoulder strap
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Verdict
The Venture Forward Rocking Chair is layered with extra padding for ultimate comfort. As we age, our backs become more sensitive to the surfaces we rest on. If they’re too hard, they can cause muscular irritation for the rest of the day. If they’re too soft, then our posture is compromised. A perfect balance is needed for ultimate comfort, and this chair delivers on that.
The padded armrests are a welcome feature; these help sore forearms after a long day of toil. The chair has a very well-designed steel frame with a maximum capacity of 300 pounds. The roomy nature of the chair shows how it was made for pure indulgence; it’s so delightful one could enjoy an afternoon nap.
The drawback of this camping rocking chair is its weight; this thing is a mammoth load. Carrying around 14 pounds is enough for a light bicep workout. Because of this, it’s not suitable for anything other than vehicle-assisted camping. It doesn’t break the bank, but that doesn’t mean the people at Venture shouldn’t be able to find a much lighter solution.
Summary
A great piece of equipment that will provide a rewarding experience once you’ve set it up. The extra padding is a welcome bonus, which is why this is the most comfortable camping rocking chair.
Eclipse Rocking Chair
Specifications
- Weight – 16 pounds.
- Maximum capacity – 250 pounds.
- Unfolded dimensions – 37 x 21 x 18 inches.
- Folded dimensions – 37 x 12 x 10 inches.
- Extras – Water-resistant, armrests, cup/bottle holder.
- Adjustable features – Collapsible chair.
- Storage – Drawcord storage bag with shoulder strap.
- Warranty – Limited lifetime warranty.
- Price – $.
Verdict
The Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Rocking Chair is constructed for comfort and pleasure. The most compelling feature it possesses is its water-resistant fabric; this is a lifesaver for the days in between camps when it rains. You wouldn’t want your chair to be damp and unusable in the coming days when you change locations.
Most tall people find such camping products uncomfortable; a majority of products on the market are designed for people of average height. The clever use of dimensions that are featured in this chair makes it appropriate for people of different heights.
This chair comes with standard features you would’ve come to expect from the products mentioned in this article. This model, like most others, seems to struggle with the weight of 16 pounds. It provides a more intense bicep workout than the chair discussed above.
Summary
This easy set-up chair is great for camping trips where pure comfort is needed. Once assembled, it’s very hard to find any drawbacks to this piece of camping equipment. Also, weather conditions are unpredictable, and water-resistant tools will ensure you enjoy your time in the great outdoors.
Alternative Rocking Camp Chair – Adapt Any Helinox Chair
Specifications
Not a rocking chair exactly, but an accessory that can adapt most Helinox chairs into a camp rocker. The rocking feet come in 3 sizes: to fit the Chair One, the Chair Two and “XL” (which will fit the Sunset Chair, Chair One XL & Savanna Chair). A set cost just under $50 from the Helinox web shop and will come with its own carry case.
Verdict
I am a massive, massive fan of Helinox chairs. My Chair Zero is probably one of my all-time favorite bits of kit.
Helinox design all their products to be quick to set up. Their chairs use a single internal bungee cord that connects all the poles making it a real breeze to pop up and pop down.
But the thing I love about them most is how lightweight and compact they are. I’ve written about them before as being the best backpacking chair I’m aware of. But you really don’t have to be a backpacker to get the full benefit of a Helinox chair. Heck, since I’ve had kids I’ve hardly set foot more than a mile from a highway! But I still get a lot of use out of mine.
Even when we go car camping, though, space is at something of a premium. Obviously the kids crap comes first. And often the grown ups aren’t left with much space at all!! That’s where I think these chairs fit into the picture. They only weigh a few pounds and they barely take up any space.
The fact that the rocker legs are removable means you the option of a stationary camping chair OR a wonderful rocking sensation. It means they’re super versatile and you can have a single chair suitable for hiking as well as family camping. There’s not much kit that runs the gamut like that.
The frames have an astonishing strength-to-weight ratio meaning they are rated for 250lb -350lb depending on the model.
They aren’t perfect for bigger, heavier people. But they’re still practical. The seat material has enough tensile strength to carry a LOT of weight but width may be a problem for some.
They also aren’t cheap. They tend to be a fair bit pricier than a lot of rocking camping chairs (particularly once you’ve added the cost of the adaptor). But only a few can compete with it on quality, innovation, and portability. The brand is reputable, and its products are meant to last, so if you’re going to use any of these chairs often, then the cost-per-use value will make it remarkably good value.
Summary
With a five-year warranty, it’s very hard to see this product as a risk or a liability. It’s unlikely to fail you, and your trips will be made more pleasurable with a home comfort such as this. Even if you aren’t a backpacker, you can still benefit from the innovation, durability, and compactness that comes with this chair. Fittingly, this product is regarded as the best of the best.
How to Choose the Best Camping Rocking Chair
Choosing the best rocking camp chair is very similar to choosing a normal camping chair. But there are a few specific things to consider which are unique to camping rocker chairs.
The main things you want to look at are:
- Rocking action
- Chair weight
- Ease of storage
- Weight capacity
- Comfort
- Price
Two Different Rocking Actions
A rocker camping chair will typically have one of two different types of action. The first is the classic, rocking chair, bow shape. The other is a spring loaded action with legs that look more like a classic folding lawn chair, but bounces and rocks on its pistons.
The version you choose is very much down to personal choice and aesthetics. You may find that a classic rocking chair style suits you better, as the spring loaded style does require a slightly different approach to sitting and rocking. If you think about it, the classic rocking chair uses gravity and balance for the motion, whereas a spring gets “loaded” before extending; hence the differing physical experiences.
On the other hand, those bow-legs are an awkward shape to store. And so the folding chair design that comes with a spring loaded rocker camping chair is probably easier to find space for.
Chair Weight
Most camping rocker chairs weigh between 10lbs and 15lbs. Unfortunately even the best fold up rocking chair for camping is unlikely be very particularly lightweight. Spring action rocking technology is automatically adding pounds and ounces to a chair.
If you really want a lightweight rocking chair for camping then you should probably look at buying a lightweight camping chair that has a rocker accessory rather than a dedicated camping rocker. Helinox sell sets of detachable rocker feet that are very handy for turning their lightweight camping chairs into rockers.
Conclusion
Nowadays, quality is found everywhere. There are so many good products on the market that choosing one can be overwhelming; this is the dilemma most face, and why buying guides are now essential when trying to decide on the best purchase for you.
The Helinox Chair Two Rocker is clearly on a level of its own. It’s compact and lightweight, opening you up to a wide range of possibilities. You can take it on solo journeys, even without a vehicle; the others are too heavy to take on such trips, being at least three times as heavy as the Helinox.
Despite sharing this significant flaw, the other products reviewed are worth a mention. Most notably are the products from GCI: the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker and the GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker. Both of these feature innovative technology and will ensure you remain comfortable and safe while rocking. More importantly, they’re the cheapest products on the list.
The idea behind camping is for escapism. The hassle of everyday life can create a cycle of monotony where we’re unable to see what Mother Nature has enabled us to experience. It’s our responsibility to take the opportunity to live a more connected life, allowing for regular moments of escape and introspection.
These moments are best-had rocking in the middle of nowhere while sipping on a beer.
FAQs
Who Sells GCI Chairs?
You can buy GCI chairs from a bunch of different online and offline stores. One of the best places that sells GCI chairs is the GCI store. Other stores that sell GCI chairs include Amazon and Walmart.
What Are the Best Outdoor Rocking Chairs?
The best outdoor rocking chairs are probably made by GCI Outdoors because they’ve really specialised in making outdoor rockers. Other camping chair manufacturers usually also design one or two rocking camp chairs but none of them are as specialist as GCI.
What Is the Best Outdoor Folding Rocking Chair?
The best outdoor folding rocking chair is probably the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker. It comes in a standard size as well as XL. You can buy one with or without a side table. They are extremely comfortable and very reasonably priced.
