Nemo Moonlite Camping Chair Review
The Nemo Moonlite ($160) is a standout compact camping chair that has a trick up its sleeve. Not only is it light enough for backpacking, durable, and impressively stable for its size, but it also features a recline system that lets you fine-tune your lounge angle. That’s something few ultralight camp chairs offer, but the Moonlite’s low seat height and snug dimensions might not work for some users, and its setup takes more effort than a standard camp chair. If you prioritize portability, adjustability, and comfort in a tiny package, though, the Moonlite is a top-tier pick for everything from powering down after a backcountry epic to post-ride parking lot beers.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Weight
2 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions (W/D/H)
20 x 20 x 26 in.
Seat Height
10.5 in.
Weight Capacity
300 lb.
Pros
Cons
Nemo Moonlite
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Camping Chairs.
The Nemo Moonlite doesn’t look like much at first glance, but it delivers an impressive level of comfort for a chair that disappears into your pack. Its standout feature is the recline system: a pair of pull straps on either side on either side of the chair (in lieu of arms, which the Moonlite lacks) lets you lean way back to stargaze or dial the angle more upright for mealtime. That adjustability alone gives the Moonlite a leg up over most scoop-style chairs in the ultralight category, such as the Helinox Chair One (which is the same weight as this chair).
The semi-flexible mesh seat is another highlight. It conforms to your body shape and offers excellent airflow, which I appreciated whether I was drying out by a fire or taking a break from fishing by the river. Compared to the REI Co-op Flexlite Air, the Moonlite felt more ergonomic and breathable, though it’s over a pound heavier and $60 more expensive. My camping partner agreed—the Nemo Moonlite is one of the most comfortable chairs we’ve used that you can actually carry into the backcountry.
That said, the Moonlite is definitely not one of the more expansive camping chairs I’ve tested. Its 10.5-inch seat height makes it quite low—even the aspirationally named Kelty Lowdown, at 12 inches, is higher—and while that helps with stability, it’s not the easiest to get in or out of, especially after a long hike. And with seat dimensions of just 20 by 20 by 26 inches, users with larger body types might feel cramped. We still give the recline system and the comfy mesh material high marks, though, so if you can fit into this chair the Moonlite is worth taking on your next trip.
Despite its small stature, the Nemo Moonlite holds fairly steady on most surfaces. Its low seat height helps keep your center of gravity close to the ground, and the leg design—with flat rear feet and rounded front feet—adds a bit of reassurance on uneven terrain. It’s not immune to tippiness if you lean too far off-center—no compact backpacking chair is—but it held firm when I shifted around or reclined fully.
Keep in mind, though, that it doesn’t come close to matching the stability of models with larger, wider bases, and (much) heavier designs. Chairs that fit that description range from the enormous Yeti Trailhead to the more normal-sized REI Co-op Campwell, but then again you won’t be taking either of those anywhere near the backcountry. Compared to similar lightweight competitors such as the Chair Zero or the Flexlite Air, the Nemo Moonlite feels more solidly planted. I wouldn’t use it on a steep hillside, but for typical camp settings, it holds its own just fine.
The Nemo Moonlite’s aluminum hubs and poles grant it a strength-to-weight ratio that’s one of the best among the camping chairs we’ve tested. Its 300-pound capacity is fairly standard for the category, but when you factor in its sub-2-pound build that math gets a lot more impressive. Durability is a little less outstanding. The seat fabric is a high-tensile polyester mesh that resists water and conforms to your body nicely—but it’s still mesh, and like all mesh materials, it’s inherently more vulnerable to snags or rips than solid fabric. I didn’t have any issues during my testing, but I’d be careful with the chair around sharp rocks or pet claws.
Compared to the Helinox Chair One, which combines mesh with solid panels, or the Big Agnes Big Six, which features a coated solid fabric throughout, the Moonlite trades some of that long-haul ruggedness for breathability and flexibility. Still, for a chair this light, the durability is pretty much right in line with my expectations.
The Nemo Moonlite takes a little effort to set up. As with all scoop-style compact chairs, you’ll need to build the frame and stretch the seat over the corners. Its ball-and-socket connection system is tight and secure, which is great for stability but makes breaking the chair down a bit of a chore until you get the hang of it. Still, the chair snaps audibly into place once everything’s lined up, so you always know when it’s locked in.
Thankfully, the Nemo Moonlite’s recline system is intuitive and easy to use. Just tug the side straps to adjust, and you can stop wherever you like. That’s the only real “feature” this chair has—there are no cupholders or pockets, but that’s par for the course with this type of ultralight chair.
Here’s where the Moonlite earns its keep. Weighing just over 2 pounds and measuring a compact 4 by 4 by 14 inches when packed, it’s among the most portable camping chairs we’ve tested. It’ll slip easily into a backpack—even a medium- or large-size daypack—or duffel bag, and it takes up virtually no space in your car. I’ve started leaving it in my trunk permanently, and it’s come in handy everywhere from Little League games to quick sit-down trailhead lunches. The included carry case is zippered and features a handle, making it easy to grab and go. (I do wish the case had a shoulder strap, but that’s a minor nitpick.)
Compared to the REI Co-op Flexlite Air, which is 14 ounces lighter, I’d still go with the Moonlite for the comfort and recline system alone. And, as I mentioned earlier, the Chair One weighs the same but is also less feature-rich. If you’re looking for something even more stripped down, Nemo makes the Moonlite Elite, which weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces and packs even smaller for even higher-mileage backpacking.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Recline System
The Moonlite’s biggest advantage is its adjustable recline system, which allows you to dial in your seating position with simple side straps. It’s a rare find on camping chairs this light and compact, and you’ll probably appreciate it even more when you’re in full lounge mode deep in the backcountry
Minimalist Design
No armrests, pockets, or cup holders here—just a taut mesh seat and four aluminum legs. If you’re after convenience extras, you’ll need to size up (and weigh yourself down more).
Helinox Chair One ($100): A Cheaper Chair, but no Recline
Costing $60 less than the Moonlite, the Helinox Chair One has a nearly identical size and weight, making it a more economical option. The major tradeoff, though, is the lack of an adjustable recline system like the much-appreciated one on the Moonlite. Other differences include a mostly solid 600-denier polyester seat with mesh panels instead of all-mesh fabric, plastic instead of aluminum hubs, and standard corner pockets in place of ball-and-socket connectors. But the Chair One’s thicker seat material and DAC aluminum frame can hold 20 pounds more than the Moonlite, and its seat height is higher, which may appeal to taller folks. Its set up and take down is also virtually identical, with a seat that attaches to a shock-corded frame. All in all, if the adjustable recline isn’t a feature you think you’d use often, you’d do just fine with the less-expensive Chair One. For more, read the Chair One review.
Big Agnes Big Six ($200): Larger Seat, Higher Price: Versatility First
If the Moonlite is too compact for your liking, the Big Agnes Big Six is 6 inches wider, 14 inches taller, and has a seat that’s nearly twice as high, giving you more room to relax. In fact, our 6-foot-3 tester reported that he could comfortably lean back and rest his head on the Big Six’s dedicated headrest—another component that the Moonlite lacks. The Big Six’s larger size, however, carries a 1-pound, 2-ounce weight penalty and a bulkier packed volume, reducing its portability compared to the Moonlite. It also lacks any features, including the adjustable-recline system that the Moonlite boasts, which makes the Big Six's already steep $200 price tag even harder to justify. Unless you’re looking for a relatively compact chair with the largest seat possible, the Moonlite remains the more portable—and wallet-friendly—choice. For more, read our review of the Big Agnes Big Six.
One of the best compact chairs on the market, the Moonlite is a comfortable, stable, and portable model, complete with an adjustable reclining system that lets you relax at just the right angle. Campers who prefer a large chair will want to look for another option, but for everyone else, it's a clear winner.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
The Chair One helped revolutionize what a portable and lightweight camping chair could look like. While its minimal design isn’t for everyone, it’s still a great choice for folks who are looking for a compact, supportive, and durable seat.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
The Big Six is too heavy and bulky for backpacking and too pricey and complex to be a practical choice for most campers, landing it in an awkward middle ground. Still, its superb construction and comfortable seat help redeem some of its flaws.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Is the Nemo Moonlite for You?
The Nemo Moonlite is a thoughtfully designed backpacking chair for campers who value low weight, a small packed size, and the ability to lean back with ease. It’s not on the cheap side of things, and its setup is more involved than many other models we’ve tested, but many of those competitors either aren’t as comfortable or can’t accompany you on far-flung adventures. If you’re willing to put in a little effort to assemble it, it delivers a stable, breathable, and adjustable experience. The recline system and ball-and-socket seat attachments help it stand out from other ultralight designs, and it strikes a good balance between support and packability. True, it’s not ideal for large folks, or for anyone looking for high-backed, plush comfort. Even so, the Moonlite is a capable companion that punches well above its weight class.
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