Camp chairs · Review
GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker Review (Bought & Tested!)
I bought this chair with my own money and put it through 9 measured tests.
- Setup ~4 sec
- Seat size 17.8 x 16.2 in
- Seat height 11.2 in
- Weight 10.4 lbs
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Test scorecard
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use rocker with decent lumbar support at a reasonable price point, the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker is a good pick. Is it the best GCI rocking chair though? No.
- Easy setup
- Spring-action rocking
- Good lumbar support
- Doubles as regular chair
- Low seat height
If you prefer watching to reading, check out my video here instead.
See the 9 tests
Set Up
1) Release the yellow tab.
2) Locate the four corners (two armrests, two backrests).
3) Grab 2 opposite ends and pull open.
- Setup time ~4 seconds
Pack Away
Pack-away is just the reverse, and it’s equally quick.
- Pack-away time ~5 seconds
Unfolded Dimensions
- Width 32.5inarmrest to armrest
- Length 24.5inback to front
- Height 32.5inground to top
Detailed Measurements
- Seat width:
- Total width 20.9in
- Usable width 17.75in (between the steel bars)
- Seat depth 16.25in
- Seat height:
- Front 14.5in
- Bum area 11.2in
- Backrest height 22.5in
- Backrest width 21.75in
- Recline angle ~17 degrees
Storage
- Cupholder (right armrest) 3.2in diameter, 3.75in deep.
- Phone pocket (left armrest) 3.75 x 4.25in.
Armrests
The armrests are non-adjustable and non-padded, made from the same fabric as the chair.
Rocking Function
GCI uses specific patented spring-action rocking technology, where the back of the chair has pistons that rock you.
Materials & Quality
- Stitching Good
- Fabric Ripstop polyesterno denier rating
- Frame Powder-coated steel with simple rivets
- Pole thickness:
- Front (round) 0.71in
- Back (flat) 0.83–0.99in
Portability
- Weight 10.4lbs
- Packed size 39.25 x 7.5 x 6.5in
- Shoulder strap Built-in, non-padded, non-adjustable
Pros & Cons
Now, what are the pros and cons, and would I recommend the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker?
Easy setup and pack away
It takes just 4–5 seconds to set up and pack away — the GCI Pod Rocker, by contrast, takes 5 times as long.
NoteThe fast setup and pack away is because this chair doesn’t come with a carry bag.
Better lumbar support than most chairs
The taut seat slouches just 3.3in, whereas many chairs sag 5–7in. Less sinking = better lumbar support.
Good rocking function
The patented spring-loaded pistons rock you smoothly and gently.
Doubles as a regular chair
Sit forward and the back lifts, and you’ll be supported by the 2 front feet plus the piston feet (pictured below):
Inexpensive
It sits in the same price range as some Coleman chairs, which is cheap for a rocker.
Lifetime warranty
It is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Seat sits much lower than marketed
The tested seat height is just 11.2in, far below the marketed 17in.
Overall recommendation
Get the Kickback Rocker if you want an inexpensive, easy-to-use rocker with solid lumbar support. However, if you have trouble getting out of low seats, don’t get this.
Bonus – MUST Read!
I tested the Kickback Rocker against 20 other camping chairs. See where it ranks in my Best Car Camping Chairs guide.
Or, check out the Kickback Rocker:
Every figure above is from my own testing — measured by hand, bought with my own money.
