There’s no shortage in options when it comes to camp chairs. Unless, of course, you want something other than a small folding chair that can barely support your weight or a more robust one with seriously questionable portability. The Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury hopes to offer a different option.
Styled like a cross between a rocking chair and a recliner, the chair provides an entirely fresh sitting experience at camp, all while collapsing into a compact bundle that’s actually pretty portable. No, it’s not the kind of portable that you can squeeze inside a backpack, but for car campers, tailgaters, and anyone else who won’t be hiking on foot for extended periods, it should make for a seriously viable option.
The Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury sports a suspended design that hangs the sides of the seat and backrest on an aluminum frame, similar to other air-rocking chairs. This allows it to provide that smooth rocking motion without requiring a flat surface to rest on, so you can enjoy rocking on your chair even on top of rocks, sand, and mud. It has four independent legs, too, so it should be able to set up on most uneven surfaces without a problem.
Auto-reclining hardware immediately leans you back and stretches out the seat as soon as you adjust your body accordingly, so there’s no need to pull down a lever, rotate a knob, or do anything else to get it to recline. And, yes, it pops right back up in the same intuitive manner when you shift your weight in such a way that you want to sit upright. We’re guessing the name comes from the fact that the chair puts you in a very relaxing reclined position that’s probably ideal for cloud-watching and stargazing, although most people will probably just use it to take a nap without having to roll out the sleeping mat.
If you’re wondering about the “luxury” part of the Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury name, that’s because there are three types of Stargaze chairs in the line. The defining feature in this model is the integrated headrest, which should support your head like a comfy pillow for those times you want to take a refreshing nap at camp. Unfolded, the whole thing measures 45.5 x 36 x 25.5 inches, all while packing down to a compact 24 x 7 inches (length x diameter).
It has a seat made from nylon waterproof mesh, so your body can breathe as you lounge in the chair, apart from resisting the buildup of bacteria from water and sweat. And, no, that mesh chair isn’t flimsy, as it can easily support up to 300 pounds of weight. Padded armrests ensures you can lay down your arms on a comfy surface, while an integrated cup holder lets you keep your drink nearby within easy reach. There’s also a stash pocket sized to hold a tablet, a book, or a magazine.
Want one? The Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury is priced at $219.95.