GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Camping Chair Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a rocking camping chair that combines comfort with sturdy construction, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker delivers on both fronts. It’s the only rocking chair to make the cut on our best camping chairs guide. Senior Content Editor Ian Krammer’s used the Freestyle Rocker dozens of times. He likes it for shorter, relaxed car camping trips where its soothing rocking motion, powered by spring-loaded shocks, is a luxurious way to relax.

This camping chair has a supportive seat and back, with solid lumbar support that avoids sagging, so you won’t be slouching with this model. The mesh back guarantees airflow to stay cool on hotter days, and with a seat height of 19.7 inches, it’s easy to get in and out for most people. It’s fairly easy to set up and has one of the tallest seat heights on our list – plus, it comes in a ton of patterns and designs. This one’s become a staple for Ian at barbecues, porch sitting, and movies in the park. 

But the Freestyle Rocker isn’t without drawbacks. It’s heavy and packs large. This one is cumbersome to carry over longer distances, and storage can be a bit challenging in a trunk and gear room. We’ve found the flimsy cup holder is susceptible to damage. The seat is slightly shallow, so it may not be a great fit for taller and larger folks, and it can feel a bit too rigid if you prefer to recline. And, testing reveals that the chair’s frame can get squeaky, requiring a bit of maintenance to prevent the noise.

Still, this one is a crowd favorite for rocking an afternoon away.

Comfort

If you like a soothing rocking motion as you sit, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is a comfy structured seat for hours of kicking back. We like the spring-loaded shocks. They offer a gentle, rhythmic swaying forwards and backwards that’s luxurious while tending the campfire. This one is especially great for folks who like to move a bit while they’re relaxing – for example, Ian is a fidgeter even when lounging. He finds the Rocker very comfortable as it satisfies that need for movement.

Folks who want back support will love the Rocker’s taut seat and back. With a firm seat and good lumbar support, it doesn’t sag like other chairs, so long sitting sessions didn’t break our backs. A breathable mesh design keeps air moving and our backs cool on hot days. It’s easy to get in and out of due to the tall seat height – almost 20 inches – so it’s a hit for folks with mobility issues.

The Freestyle Rocker comes in alternative versions, including a non-mesh option as well as an XL size with a higher weight limit. Whether you’re lounging on a chilly night at base camp or enjoying a backyard BBQ, there’s a version for you.

That said, there’s a few things we don’t love about this chair. The soothing motion is awesome, but it’s limited in how far it rocks forward. We find the rocking distance can be underwhelming if you’re looking for a more dramatic swing.

On paper, the seat depth is average, but in practice it feels shallower. We like that the backrest is stiffer and upright – it’s a great choice for activities like fishing or eating meals – but if you prefer slouching and leaning back, it’ll miss the mark.

Finally, the arm rests are padded polyester wrapped around the metal of the frame. They aren’t as adjustable, wide, or plush as other chairs. This design gives just enough cushion for our elbows while reading a book or having a drink – but it can feel a bit uncomfortable after leaning on them for a long time.

Durability

The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is built to stand the test of time. Senior Content Editor Ian Krammer has used this chair outside for over a year on camping trips, lawn concerts, and his covered patio, and it works as good as new. The sturdy frame is made from powder-coated steel and supports up to 250 pounds without showing signs of strain, damage, or significant wear.

A strong polyester seat and back resist sagging and give reliable support, but mesh allows plenty of airflow on hot summer days. This fabric dries quickly after being completely soaked, usually within an hour or two. The Freestyle Rockers’ long base is stable, and grippy feet handle different terrain and offer extra balance. GCI’s quality extends to components like pins, screws, and rear shocks for a reliable, long-lasting design. 

Our biggest complaint? This one requires a bit of unique maintenance compared to others on our list. The struts can squeak or jam when they get wet, dirty or have been in regular use. We used the chair for a week in Utah, where it started squeaking after exposure to sand and rain. To prevent squeaking, we gave the chair a quick wash with water and soap, then added WD-40 (or a silicone lubricant) to the top of the strut. It’s a minor issue, but could be an inconvenience for long-term users.

Our other issue is with the cup holder. It’s made from the same polyester material as the chair, except it’s screwed onto the frame. Ian’s testing shows the material around the screw tears and frays after many uses. However, the rest of the chair has many years left in it.

Portability

​​At nearly 12 pounds, the Freestyle Rocker is not the lightest chair out there. It also earned low marks for its packed size – 31 by 26 inches by 5 inches. It’s one of the bulkiest options we’ve tested, so it’s a bit of a task to store, and we find this model is cumbersome to schlep more than a few minutes at a time. It stays large even when folded, so versatility is limited. For example – Ian’s stacked three of these chairs in a trunk, and that takes up most of the room. 

However, if you aren’t traveling far and you have the space, it’s worth the bulk. The Rocker has a handle on the side of the frame, so it’s not too bad to move around short distances like around the campsite or yard. If you’re not worried about hauling something a bit heavier and bigger, this chair is the perfect way to add a bit of luxury to your next adventure, from the soccer field sidelines to lazy mornings at the lake.

Ease of Use

One of our favorite things about the Freestyle Rocker is its easy setup process. There’s two steps to deploy this model: pull it open, then push down on either side of the seat until it clicks. Once the chair is set up, it’s super stable. The rocking motion only takes a slight push off the ground or a foot. The single cup holder is a good spot to hold small essentials like a lighter, keys, or a phone, but it also works well for average sized water bottles and cans, too.

Our biggest gripe with this chair is the lack of storage and the cupholder. GCI doesn’t include any pockets, so we find ourselves setting essentials further away from our seats or on the ground, which is a bit annoying. Also, the fabric cup holder doesn’t hold heavy drinks well. It’s fairly floppy, which leads to increased spillage – Ian’s tipped water bottles, cans, and glass bottles – and is a tight fit for large water bottles.

That said, the Freestyle Rocker also comes in a version with a handy side table that has two cupholders and a place for your phone. Still, we love this chair as when we need a fast setup, a bit of movement, and a simple feature set.

Should You Buy The GCI OUtdoor Freestyle Rocker?

The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is our favorite rocking camp chair. If you’re looking for a relaxed, soothing experience around camp or at home, its rocking motion from spring-loaded shocks walks a fine line between luxury, comfort, and stability. The sturdy design provides excellent back support, making it perfect for long hours of sitting around the fire or when eating. The tall seat height is accessible and easy to get in and out of, especially for people who may struggle with lower chairs. The Freestyle Rocker shines in settings like the campsite, porch, or backyard, where its bulk and weight are less of an issue. Those who value comfort and durability over portability will appreciate its solid build and long-lasting construction.

However, the Freestyle Rocker is a miss for those who want portability or cushiness in a camp chair. With a heavy weight and a fabric carrying handle, it’s not the easiest to move over long distances. The Rocker doesn’t pack down small, so you’ll need plenty of space for storing in a trunk or at home. The flimsy cup holder detracts from its otherwise sturdy design, and the seat, while supportive, feels shallow. We also find the struts need a bit of occasional maintenance, depending on where you’re using the chair most often.

Still, we keep reaching for this chair year-round. For mellow rocking while you pass the time in the backyard, campsite, or tailgating, this thing is a solid pick.

What Other Camping Chairs Should You Consider?

Explore our guide to the best camping chairs to see how the Freestyle Rocker scores against some of other faves. And, check out these alternatives:

NEMO Stargaze Review: The NEMO Stargaze isn’t a rocker, but it still offers a dramatic swinging motion thanks to a unique suspended design, so it’s a great alternative for lounging. We also like that it’s more portable. The Stargaze is spendy, and takes longer to setup, but it’s a great choice for a premium lounging experience.

ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Review: The King Kong provides a similarly supportive, durable and traditional camping chair design. It lacks the rocking motion of the Freestyle Rocker, but has a much higher weight capacity of 800 pounds and a wider, deeper seat, adjustable arm rests, and tons of storage.

REI Skyward Review: The Skyward offers a similar low price point to the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker, but with better ventilation, cup holders, and a shorter seat height. It’s ideal for campers who want a solid, classic camping chair with plenty of ventilation.