GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20 Review

Bottom Line

Chosen as Clever Hiker’s Editor’s Pick, we highly recommend the GCI Compact Table 20 as the best choice for your next side table. Weighing only four pounds, it is so light and folds down into a compact size that we took it on every camping trip for an entire season, and it always proved useful.

Initially, you might doubt its durability due to its lightweight design, but it has a weight capacity of 60 pounds and comfortably supported multiple drinks, electronics (including a laptop), and a dinner setup for one on gravel, sand, and snow.

Additionally, it features telescoping legs and adjusts to heights suitable for next to your truck’s tailgate or low-seated camp chairs while you relax around the fire. With a very reasonable price, we believe this table is an excellent investment.

For more table options, check out our gear guide to best camp tables.

How We Tested

We took the GCI Compact 20 on every camp trip throughout a long winter season in the Rocky Mountains, using it as a drink stand, to keep our electronics out of the dirt, and as a workstation with a laptop—among other uses.

Stability & Durability

While we initially questioned the stability and durability of the GCI Compact Table 20 when we first set it up, we were amazed by how reliable it turned out to be by the end of the season.

We took it everywhere, didn’t worry much about storing it properly, and it never had a piece snap off or a leg bend. Its stability was also impressive.

We trusted it as a workstation, set up our laptop on it, used it for beverages, and ate meals on it, and it remained steady in various conditions.

Surface Area & Weight Capacity

For a side table, the surface area of the GCI Compact Table 20 is large enough to set up dinner for one, carry three to four beverages and a Jetboil, play a card game, or set up your laptop and still have room for your Nalgene — all activities we tested on this compact table.

With a 60-pound weight capacity, there is little you can’t place on it and trust it to hold.

Portability

While the GCI Compact Camp Table 20 does not come with a carry bag, and we wish it did, it folds up so thin you can slide it between almost anything, and it fits almost anywhere.

The weight is so light that we sometimes forget it is in our hands as we walk it to the car to pack up. You can easily lift this over your head with one arm, or carry it under your armpit to free up your hands and grab other things. 

Height

The GCI Compact Camp Table 20 has telescoping legs and two height settings. With a maximum height of 24 inches, it is ideal for use as a workstation or for eating meals.

We often used it at its lower height while sitting around a campfire, as it was the perfect size to sit between two chairs and hold beverages or cell phones.

Ease of Setup

We are extremely excited about how easy the GCI Compact Table 20 is to set up. From its folded position, you simply pull each side of the tabletop apart, and it clicks into place immediately.

In seconds, this table is ready to use. Just add a few more seconds to adjust the legs.

Should You Buy the GCI Compact Camp Table 20?

If you’re looking for a side table companion, we firmly believe the GCI Compact Camp Table 20 is a valuable choice. Its lightweight design, compact packability, simple setup, and affordable price make it a great option.

With excellent stability and the ability to hold everything from a laptop and multiple drinks to dinner items and a small stove, it’s highly versatile and suitable for everyone.

What Other Camp Tables Should You Consider?

Check out our gear guide where we’ve thoroughly tested different types of tables suitable for every type of camper.

Helinox Table One Hard Top Review: For backpackers or campers prioritizing weight and packability over price, this table is extremely durable and stable.

NEMO Moonlander Dual-Height Camp Table Review: If price is not an issue and you want something unique, sturdy, and versatile that fits into a bag resembling a laptop sleeve, this is a great table.