Rocking chairs are not only comfortable, they are also fun to use. Adapting one to be used outdoors is a weird and wonderful exercise, and I’m glad that the creative minds at GCI went through with it. They are calling it the Firepit Rocker, which is exactly what I intend to use it for. For over a decade, I have been using a myriad of what I call the umbrella chair, due to how it collapses into a long skinny bag. These chairs are adequate, but lack the comfort and durability required by the outdoor community (see the photo of me mocking my old busted chair, miles from a replacement at Lake Powell, Utah).
Here I am at Lake Powell, UT mocking a former camp chair.
The Firepit Rocker is built from a powder-coated steel tube frame and wrapped in a durable, ripstop canvas fabric sure to provide years of use. The vent located in the back provides plenty of airflow to prevent a sweaty back in muggy conditions. There’s a cup holder located on the right size that is big enough to hold larger water bottles -or beer, definitely beer.
Rocking is achieved by hinging the front legs and supporting the rear with a pair of springs -similar in appearance to the springs found on the front fork of most mountain bikes. These springs compress and return freely without making a sound.
The springs are smooth and completely silent.
The load rating for this chair is listed at 250 lbs. I weigh a sprightly 225 lbs and it never creaked, flexed or groaned at my heft. The springs still had several inches of travel despite being roughly 90% of the maximum weight. Leaning back lowers the seat for a more reclined and relaxed seating position which it easily maintains. It’s very comfortable.
I honestly didn’t think I would find myself rocking, but I couldn’t help it. Seriously. I feel rather silly saying this, but it’s kind of fun.
Here I am, much happier and well supported. Sorry I'm not better looking.
I’ve only just begun testing this chair, but I have a feeling it’s going to sit by many campfires for a long, long time.
Features as listed by GCI
Folds flat for storage
Includes convenient carry handle for easy transport
Easy to open, close and carry
Powder-coated steel frame
Mesh backrest
Beverage holder
Supports 250 lbs
Open size: 25.6 x 5.5 x 33.1 in
Unit weight: 11.9 lb
Limited lifetime warrant
MSRP: $60
For more information on the Firepit Rocker, visit gcioutdoor.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on this website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”