GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Review (Bought & Tested!)
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Summary: The GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker is a lounge-type rocking chair with a scoop shape. This provides less back and neck support than typical flat-seat chairs, so I didn’t particularly enjoy it (but that’s just my personal preference!).
RELATED: The 21 Best Camping Chairs
I’ll link to my YouTube review here when it’s done (TBA)
Check out the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker:
1. Set Up
To set up this chair, follow these steps:
- Undo the drawstring at the top of the bag, and release the cinch.
- Pull the chair out of the carry bag (the bag can be tight).
- Stand the chair up on its feet.
- Grab opposite corners of the chair, pull it open until taut, and lock the frame in place.
Setup time: ~23 seconds
2. Pack Away
To pack away the chair, follow these steps:
- Grab opposite corners again and pull everything together into a bundle.
- Lay the chair on the ground to compress the fabric.
- Place the feet into the bag first.
- Stand it up on its feet while folding the rest of the fabric in, and shake the bag gently.
Pack away time: ~45 seconds (including getting it back into the bag)
3. Unfolded Dimensions
As for the unfolded dimensions, here’s what I measured:
- Width: 29.75in (75.6cm) from side to side
- Length: 28.6in (72.6cm) from back of chair to front of seat
- Height: 33.3in (84.5cm) from ground to top of chair
4. Detailed Measurements
Now, if you want more detailed seat measurements, here is everything to know. The bucket-style shape affects how you sit in terms of height and depth.
- Total seat length: 27.25in (69.2cm)
- Seat depth: 14.5in (36.8cm)
- Front seat height: 17.75in (45.1cm)
- Actual seat height: 11.2in (28.5cm)
- Backrest height: 25.1in (63.8cm)
- Recline angle: 25 degrees
5. Storage Options
As for storage options, this chair has specific pockets:
- Phone pocket: 4.25 x 4.5in (10.8 x 11.4cm).
- Cupholder: 3.5 x 3in (8.9 x 7.6cm). Can cinch for tightening to prevent spilling.
The cupholder fits all types of cans, bottles, and thinner thermoses, but does not fit a 1-liter Nalgene bottle.
6. Armrests
One feature this chair has are armrests, which I found problematic for comfort:
- Design: Flat-surfaced armrests on two sides that slant downwards.
- Comfort: Too much pressure on the elbow.
7. Rocking Function
This chair features a spring-loaded rocking function with pistons at the back:
- Mechanism: The metal tube goes into the piston when sitting back, pushes out when rocking forward (spring-loaded).
- Stability: Doubles as a normal camp chair using two front legs; stable without tipping due to wide piston feet at the back.
You can only use the rocking function when your feet are on the ground. You cannot cross your legs and keep rocking like a traditional rocker.
8. Ventilation & Breathability
For ventilation, there are only 2 small mesh slits in the chair:
- Slit Size: 2.5in (6.4cm) longest width x 9in (22.9cm) longest length
- Mesh Percentage: ~2-3% of total fabric area
9. Materials & Quality
As for materials, the build quality is generally solid:
- Fabric: Ripstop polyester (no denier rating specified)
- Frame: Stainless steel with plenty of cross-poles
- Pole Thickness: Front poles ~0.83in (2.1cm), Back poles near pistons ~0.91 to 0.99in (2.3 to 2.5cm)
- Stitching: Decent all around the chair
10. Portability
As for portability, the carry bag has a shoulder strap:
- Chair weight: 11.8lbs (5.4kg)
- Bag weight: 5.1oz (~0.3lbs / 0.14kg)
- Total weight: 12.1lbs (5.5kg) (Marketed: 11.7lbs)
- Packed size: 41in x 8in x 5.5in (104cm x 20cm x 14cm)
11. Warranty
GCI Outdoor provides your typical warranty coverage on this chair:
- Warranty Type: Lifetime warranty
- Coverage: Covers manufacturing defects and frame integrity over time.
12. Pros & Cons
Now, what are the pros and cons, and would I recommend the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker Chair?
Pro #1 – Great Rocking Feature
Uses pistons at the back where the metal tube goes into the piston when you sit back, then pushes out when rocking forward. Very relaxing but limited to feet-on-ground use.
Pro #2 – Doubles as a Normal Chair
Front 2 legs help this chair double as a normal camp chair because when you sit near the front, it’s supported by four-legged stability
Pro #3 – Seat is Very Wide
Seat width comes in at about 27 inches. This was so big I could cross my legs on the seat, and it didn’t feel too cramped compared to standard chairs.
Pro #4 – Relatively Tall Backrest
Backrest height comes in at 25 inches. Because I’m not very tall (5’3”/160cm).
Con #1 – Poor Lumbar Support (Bucket Shape)
This chair has a bucket-style shape supposed to cradle your body. However, when you sit down, the seat sinks in (~6 inches sag), knees are higher off the ground, and you’re permanently reclined at 25 degrees. Not great for lumbar support compared to flat-seated chairs.
Con #2 – Seat Height Much Lower Than Marketed
Marketed seat height is 20.1 inches, but the actual sit height came in at just slightly more than 11 inches. It is not great for people who have trouble getting out of low seats.
Con #3 – Not Ideal for Summer Use
If you’re using this chair in summer, it can get warm after some time because there’s not a lot of ventilation apart from the two mesh slits, totalling only ~2-3% mesh coverage on the entire chair.
Overall Recommendation
Overall, though, I think pros definitely outweigh cons for specific use cases (emphasis on this!).
The GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker is a great chair if you’re looking specifically for a lounge chair with a rocking feature. But do not get this chair if you need lumbar support, and if you have difficulty getting out of low seats.
13. Bonus – MUST Read!
I know this because I tested the GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker against 20 other camping chairs. Check out my Best Camping Chairs article to find out.
Or, check out the Pod Rocker:
