NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair Review (Bought & Tested!)

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Summary: With its full range of rocking motion, and a whopping 46-degree angle of recline, the NEMO Stargaze is quite a tough chair to beat in this category. I really liked using it.

RELATED: The 21 Best Camping Chairs

I’ll link to my YouTube review here when it’s done (TBA)

Check out the NEMO Stargaze:

1. Set Up

The entire setup is pretty straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Lay out the 4 leg poles on the ground, plus 2 longer seat poles.
2. Follow all shock-cording and insert all poles into the pole joints.
3. Check that white direction marks are fully inserted (no white lines visible at the top).
4. Grab the chair fabric, clip it onto the metal buckles at both widths.

Setup time: ~43 seconds

2. Pack Away

To pack away the chair, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the headrest isn’t too high up (or it won’t fit back into the bag).
2. Press on the buckles at both widths to remove the fabric from the pole tips.
3. Place the chair fabric on the ground; it’ll naturally fold in half.
4. Break down all the poles and put them into the bag first.

Pack away time: ~52 seconds

3. Unfolded Dimensions

As for the unfolded dimensions, here’s what I measured:

• Width: 37.5in (95cm) from pole tip to pole tip
• Length: 28in (71.1cm) from back of chair to front of seat
• Height: 40.5in (102.9cm) from ground to top

4. Seat Size

Now, if you want more detailed seat measurements, here is everything to know. The seat size depends on the weight of the person sitting in this chair and how much it folds down.

• Seat width: 22in (55.9cm)
• Seat depth: 19.1in (48.5cm)

5. Seat Height

As for seat height, there is a slight difference between the empty measurement and where you actually sit:

• Empty seat height: 11.5in (29.2cm)
• Actual seat height: 10.25in (26.0cm)
• Marketed Spec: 12in (30.5cm)

6. Backrest & Headrest

Now, for the backrest height and adjustable headrest:

• Backrest height: 30in (76.2cm)
• Backrest width top: 24in (61cm) at the widest point
• Backrest width bottom: 19.5in (49.5cm) near bottom
• Recline angle: 25 degrees (fairly reclined)

7. Reclining Function

Now, moving on to one of the most important features, we’ve got the reclining feature:

• Neutral Position: 11° (when not using reclined function)
• Maximum Recline: 57° (deep angle for relaxation)

8. Rocking Function

The next important feature is the rocking function due to how the chair attaches to the frame:

• Attachment: Only via 2 steel buckles at the widths
• Range of Motion: Full range of motion; I found that I could swing quite a bit with this chair.
• Motion Type: Hammock-like feel where the chair can still gently rock even if feet are off the ground (unlike GCI chairs, which require feet on the ground).

9. Armrests

Another feature we’re going to look at is the non-adjustable armrests.

• Material: Thin metal tubings covered with a thick layer of fabric
• Comfort: Quite thin, but comfy enough for most uses. Taller users can also use the tensioned straps as armrests, too (though less comfortable).

10. Storage Options

For storage, we have 2 pockets/cupholders:

• Pocket Length: 4in (10cm)
• Capacity: Fits bottles up to a 1-liter Nalgene (3.5in diameter / 8.9cm). Not great for cans when rocking due to spill risk.
• Features: Bottom of pocket is mesh for drainage. Cinch at the back adjusts diameter to fit just about anything (sunglasses, phone, etc.).

11. Mesh

As for the amount of mesh on this chair, here’s how I measured it:

• Seat Mesh Coverage: 78.9% (15 of 19 inches)
• Backrest Mesh Coverage: 63.3% (19 of 30 inches)
• Total Mesh Coverage: 43.6% across the entire chair

In a temperature test:

• Starting Temp: 77°F (25°C)
• 1 Hour Later: 78.6°F (25.9°C)
• Increase: 2%

The other parts of the chair are covered in fabric, but it’s quite thin and didn’t get too hot either. There is also padding at the front for extra comfort for the knees, which also didn’t get too hot.

12. Materials & Quality

For this next test, here’s a quick list of everything I looked at:

• Stitching: Good all around the entire chair.
• Fabric: Recycled 900D Polyester.
• Mesh: Monofilament mesh (very strong type).
• Poles: Aircraft-grade aluminum (0.87in / 2.2cm thick for feet, 0.91in / 2.3cm for bars holding up chair, 0.95in / 2.4cm center bar).
• Zipper: Not branded, but worked perfectly well.
• Stability: Very stable. Wide enough feet spread.
• Warranty: Comes with a lifetime warranty.

13. Portability

For portability, the packed size dimensions come in at about:

• Chair weight: 7.8lbs (~3.5kg)
• Bag weight: 0.6lbs (~0.3kg)
• Total weight: 18.4lbs (~3.8kg) (Marketed: 7.9lbs / ~3.6kg)
• Packed size: 27in x 9.25in x 8.5in (68.6cm x 23.5cm x 21.6cm)

14. Best Reclining and Rocking Camp Chair?

How does this NEMO Stargaze compare to other rocking camp chairs like the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker and Pod Rocker? Below is a breakdown of key differences across categories.

Comparison Table: NEMO Stargaze vs. GCI Models

Differences	NEMO Stargaze	GCI Kickback	GCI Pod Rocker
Rocking Range	Full	Partial	Partial
Hammock-Motion	Yes	No	No
Angle of Recline	11-57°	17°	25°
Backrest Height	30.0in	22.5in	25.1in
Pillow	Yes, adjustable	No	No
Seat Size	22.0 x 19.1in	17.8 x 16.3in	27.3 x 14.5in
Mesh	43.6%	0%	2%
Weight	8.4lbs	10.4lbs	12.1lbs
Packed Length	27.0in	39.3in	41.0in
UV Protection	Yes	No	No
Weight Capacity	300lbs	250lbs	250lbs
MSRP	$250	$70	$80
Setup	43 seconds	4 seconds	23 seconds
Pack Away	52 seconds	5 seconds	45 seconds
Regular Chair Use	Yes	Yes	Yes
Seat Height	10.3in	11.2in	11.2in

Rocking Range & Hammock Motion

The NEMO offers a full range of motion (100%). GCI models use spring-loaded pistons, resulting in partial rocking (~50%). Crucially, the NEMO features hammock-motion, meaning it rocks even with feet off the ground due to attachment via 2 steel buckles. GCI chairs require feet on the ground to move.

Angle of Recline

The NEMO adjusts from a neutral 11° (368mm) to a deep recline of 57°. This is fully adjustable via tensioned straps. GCI models have fixed angles: Kickback at ~17° and Pod Rocker at ~25°. You cannot change these once set up.

Backrest Height & Pillow

The NEMO has the tallest backrest at 30in (76.2cm), extending past my head for a headrest. GCI models fall short of neck height (Kickback 22.5in / 57.2cm, Pod Rocker 25.1in / 63.8cm). Only the NEMO includes an adjustable pillow; others provide none.

Seat Size & Comfort

NEMO seat size (22 x 19.1in / 55.9 x 48.5cm) is roomier than the Kickback (~17.8 x 16.3in / 45.2 x 41.4cm). The Pod Rocker has a wide seat length (27.3in / 69.3cm) but shallow depth (14.5in / 36.8cm), making overall dimensions less comfortable than the NEMO for lounging.

Mesh Coverage & UV Protection

NEMO leads with 43.6% mesh coverage, keeping it cool in summer. GCI Kickback has 0%, and Pod Rocker ~2%. Additionally, NEMO fabric is UV-resistant; some reviews note that GCI fabric can disintegrate after extended sun exposure.

Weight, Packed Size & Price

NEMO packs smaller (27in / 68.6cm length) and weighs less (8.4lbs / 3.8kg total). GCI models are bulkier (~39–41in / 99–104cm). However, NEMO MSRP is $250, significantly higher than Kickback ($70) or Pod Rocker ($80).

Set up & Pack Away

NEMO setup takes longer (~43 seconds) compared to GCI’s instant unfold (~4–5 seconds).

Regular Chair Use

NEMO has constant, slight swaying due to a 2-buckle suspension. GCI chairs double as sturdier regular camp chairs for table use, thanks to front legs that stabilize without rocking motion.

Seat Height

And a con that all these chairs have is that they don’t sit very high at all, coming in at between 10 and 11 inches each. So, don’t get any of these chairs if you have trouble getting out of low seats.

Overall Recommendation

The NEMO Stargaze is a great chair if you’re looking specifically for the best reclining and rocking camp chair with premium quality. Just note the expensive price.

15. Bonus – MUST Read!

I know this because I tested the NEMO Stargaze against 20 other camping chairs. Check out my Best Camping Chairs article to find out.

Or, check out the NEMO Stargaze: