Nemo Stargaze Camping Chair Review
We’re not going to pretend the Nemo Stargaze is a budget buy—it’s a $250 camp chair, after all. But you’re paying for more than just a place to sit. With a suspended hammock-style seat, an intuitive auto-recline system, and one of the most stable builds we’ve tested, this is a chair that delivers genuine comfort, and perhaps even a little luxury. Sure, it’s heavy, but it’s also not the bulkiest chair in the category and we think it generally lives up to its cost. Besides, who can put a price on kicking back and taking in the heavens?
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Weight
8 lb. 11 oz.
Dimensions (W/D/H)
37 x 27 x 41 in.
Seat Height
12 in.
Weight Capacity
300 lb.
Pros
Cons
Nemo Stargaze
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Camping Chairs.
My first reaction to the Nemo Stargaze was a genuine “Oh wow.” I’ve tested plenty of camp chairs, but this one immediately stood out due to its unique design. The seat hangs like a mini hammock, suspended between the chair’s two aluminum arms, and it rocks and reclines so naturally that I practically forgot I was sitting in a structured frame. I didn’t feel the Stargaze’s metal skeleton beneath me at all, and nothing pinched, poked, or compressed awkwardly—a minor miracle for a sling-style chair. This novel approach to rocking is a far cry from the ones used by models such as the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker, which has a spring-loaded mechanism. Both chairs let you sway gently, but only the Stargaze lifts you away from all the hard components.
The Nemo Stargaze’s seat combines a polyester rim with a monofilament mesh center that kept me cool on warm afternoons and dried quickly when I plopped down in it with damp clothes. But the real magic, along with the suspended seat design, is its auto-recline system. I could lean back and the whole thing would just shift with me—no adjustments, no locking levers, no fuss. I could easily sit upright to snack or chat, then return to laid-back lounging without ever thinking about it.
I’m 5-foot-6 and around 140 pounds, and I found the Stargaze’s dimensions (37 by 27 by 41 in.) pretty ideal. The seat depth let me settle in without sliding forward, and I liked the adjustable headrest for customizing support. That said, the chair does sink deep and the width isn’t huge. I didn’t feel cramped, but I can see how someone with broader hips might. Compared to ultralight camping chairs such as the Helinox Chair One, and even more standard models such as the REI Co-op Campwell, this was on another level—comfort-wise, it felt closer to a backyard hammock than a packable chair.
Despite its floating design, the Nemo Stargaze proved more than adequately stable. I’ll admit I hesitated the first time I leaned back, especially on uneven ground, but once I got rocking, I realized how solid the frame actually is. The chair uses aircraft-grade aluminum with support bars nearly twice as thick as those on most backpacking models, and the base is wide—around 1,000 square inches, by my rough estimate.
Even when I shifted my weight, leaned, or twisted, the chair didn’t budge. The center of gravity is low—when reclined, the seat sits about 7 inches off the ground—and that helps keep things in the right place. I used the Nemo Stargaze everywhere from flat patios to soft sand and had no issues. (In contrast, I’ve tipped myself right over in the Helinox Chair One before while just trying to rock gently.) This chair let me sway as much as I wanted without that sense of impending doom.
I had high expectations for a $250 chair, and they were mostly met. The Stargaze’s frame feels bombproof, with thick aluminum supports and robust metal hinges at key stress points. After a week of use—around campfires, on sandy beaches, and at a chilly overlook above Mount Rainier—the chair still looked brand new apart from some dust on the legs.
The seat’s monofilament mesh is tougher than it looks, and the carry case was a step up from most other ones I’ve encountered: It’s zippered, has an adjustable shoulder strap, and is clearly designed to last. The Nemo Stargaze is rated to 300 pounds, which puts it in the middle of the camping chair pack, but it felt stronger than several lighter rockers I’ve tested such as the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker, which has a 250-pound weight limit. It ranks quite below the Yeti Trailhead, though, which is rated to 500 pounds. I’ve come to expect moving parts to fail eventually, but this chair gave me no red flags.
This chair isn’t hard to assemble, but it does take more time than most to put together. I had to slide each aluminum arm into the base, then clip the seat into place; everything fits precisely, but it was a little fiddly until I got the hang of it. Once built, the Stargaze’s parts make a satisfying snap and feel totally secure. Still, compared to fold-and-go chairs like the REI Co-op Campwell or Trailhead, this one takes longer and requires more attention. The payoff, of course, is in the experience once it’s set up. That seamless recline and rocking motion really did make me forget about the extra setup time. Just don’t count on being the first one seated at camp.
At 8 pounds 11 ounces, the Nemo Stargaze isn’t a grab-and-go model for long walks or backcountry missions. But it’s not designed for that, and it doesn’t weigh as much as some of the other large, comfortable camping chairs we've tested. (The GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker weighs 10 lb. 9.6 oz., for example, while the Yeti Trailhead is 13 lb. 4.8 oz.) The whole thing breaks down into four parts—legs, two arms, and the seat—and packs into a 27-inch-long zippered case that was easy enough to toss in my trunk.
Where the Stargaze got a tad annoying was actually after I’d set it up. Once the chair is assembled, it’s not the easiest to reposition. One night, I set it up a little too close to the fire, and when the smoke started blowing in my face, I tried to shift it—beer in one hand, of course—and realized I needed both hands to lift it properly. It’s not a big deal, but definitely worth noting if you like to rotate your seat with the sun or shuffle around often.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
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.
Auto-Recline
The chair’s auto-recline is the star here. It just works, with no adjustments or fiddling. The Stargaze’s headrest adds a touch of adjustability, and the chair’s rocking motion is the most hammock-like I’ve experienced in a freestanding design.
Storage and Cup Holders
There aren’t any traditional cup holders on the Nemo Stargaze, which is a bit of a letdown. Instead, I used the two side pockets to stash my phone and keys—and occasionally a can, which promptly tipped over when I reclined too far. Lesson learned. I would’ve appreciated a rigid or strap-on cup holder for the suspension bar, especially given the chair’s price.
Yeti Trailhead ($300): Go Ultra-Premium
The $300 Trailhead takes the cake as the most expensive chair we tested. But unlike the Stargaze, whose cost is mostly justified by its unique design, the Trailhead doesn’t exactly earn its ignominious distinction. It doubles down on a traditional, slightly reclined silhouette and super-burly construction (this is the heaviest camp chair in the roundup by far). Instead of polyester or mesh, the Trailhead features Yeti’s FlexGrid fabric, which conforms to your body and evenly distributes your weight for added comfort. Its steel frame also supports up to 500 pounds (200 more than the Stargaze), and the Trailhead’s single-piece design means its setup is simpler and quicker. However, it doesn’t rock and it lacks extras like stash pockets or an adjustable headrest (it does have a cup holder), so it’s underwhelming compared to the Stargaze in this battle of expensive camp chairs. To learn more, check out our Trailhead review.
GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker ($85): A More Traditional—and Cheaper—Rocker
Like the Stargaze, the Kickback Rocker lets you gently rock as you relax. However, instead of a hammock-like design, it uses a spring-loaded system to deliver a smooth, controlled motion. The Kickback also has a more traditional silhouette with solid armrests, and it comes equipped with both a cell phone pocket and a cup holder that won’t spill your drink as you move (something the Stargaze can’t say). However, this chair lacks the Stargaze’s adjustable headrest and auto-recline capabilities. At 10 pounds 9.6 ounces, it's about two pounds heavier, but it has a much simpler setup process that doesn’t require any assembly. Finally, the Stargaze is nearly three times the price of the Kickback, so unless you’re really gunning for the former’s features, the latter should serve you just fine—and leave room in your budget for camp snacks. For more, read our review of the Kickback Rocker.
With its rugged build, rocking chair comfort, and impressive feature set, the Stargaze stands out from lesser competitors. While its storage options and portability aren’t winning traits, we still think this chair is worth its hefty price tag.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
The Trailhead offers an undoubtedly premium outdoor seating feel, highlighted by exceptional stability and comfort. However, it's difficult to look past its eye-popping price tag, especially considering some awkward design choices and surprising omissions.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
What’s even more impressive than the Kickback’s smooth and easy rocking motion is how affordable this chair is. We have some misgivings about its seat, but it’s a quality chair that you can relax in for hours—provided you don’t have to carry it very far.
Comfort
Stability
Durability
Ease of Use
Portability
Sustainability
Is the Stargaze for You?
We’d recommend the Stargaze to anyone who prioritizes comfort and innovation over quick setup and minimalist weight. This is a hammock-lover’s dream camp chair—ideal for campgrounds, patios, or anywhere a regular chair just doesn’t cut it. The build quality is excellent, the stability is unmatched for a rocker, and the auto-recline is a small luxury that makes a big difference. Just know that it’s not a grab-and-go solution: Setup takes some thought, and it’s a bit of a pain to move once you’re sitting. But if you’ve got a little patience and a desire to fully lounge, the Nemo Stargaze is worth the investment.
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