Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

If you’re wondering what makes the  NEMO Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair different from your current camp chair, you’re not alone. We had that same question ourselves. And as we came to find out, there’s actually quite a lot separating the Moonlite from your average, run-of-the-mill camping chair.

For starters, the Moonlite offers a seamless transition between full upright support and a more relaxed reclining position that’s perfect for kicking back after a long day. It’s also made from an incredibly packable and lightweight mesh material that practically molds to your body when you sit down. NEMO even went so far as to rethink the shock-corded frame structure that so many companies use, shaving weight without sacrificing durability. That means you can count on this chair for years to come.

But is this a must-have addition to your gear closet? We got our hands on one to help you find out.

Features

Reclining Design

Adjustable straps on either side of the chair make it easy to find a comfortable position. When pulled taut, the Moonlite settles into a naturally upright position, perfect for eating or playing cards. By simply pulling the tabs located by your elbows, you can lean back and enjoy a more reclined position, which is great for stargazing or lounging fireside.

Forged Aluminum Hubs

Replacing the plastic hubs found on most foldable camp chairs, the Moonlite sports a more durable aluminum design. This offers the same shock-corded design that you know and love from previous iterations of folding camp chairs, without the risk of having to duct tape a broken hub back together mid-trip.

Asymmetric Mesh Seat Material

The custom-engineered mesh material conforms easily to any shape or size, maximizing comfort for anyone sitting in the Moonlite. Importantly, this also helps to reduce weight, making this portable chair something you won’t hesitate to bring along whether you’re car camping or headed on an overnight backpacking trip.

At the Campsite

We’ve owned and used more than our fair share of portable folding chairs, so it was easy for us to bust out the Moonlite and have it set up in less than a minute. But for anyone unfamiliar with these types of camp chairs, NEMO made assembly easy by riveting the back legs permanently into place, so you never end up with a backward seat.

NEMO also added ball-and-socket attachments at each corner, making it simple to secure the chair to the frame. This also allows the seat of the chair to rotate slightly with the movements of your body. That particular detail might seem trivial, but it alleviates pressure points where the chair meets the frame, which is a huge plus if you plan on sitting in this chair for more than five minutes at a time.

But the setup was just the appetizer. Sitting in the Moonlite was the main course, and it did not disappoint. The seamless mesh is supremely luxurious to sit in for long periods of time, comfortably conforming to your body, rather than you having to conform to the shape of your seat.

And the two-way buckle that lets you recline on command? It’s far from a weight and price-inflating gimmick. The reclining feature gives you just enough room to relax and recline at camp, without making you feel like you’re going to fall over by leaning back too far.

What We Like

• Reclining Feature: Taking note of the success of the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Camp Chair, the Moonlite gives you the option to lean back your seat a little, while remaining lightweight and easily packable. The adjustable pull tabs on either side of the chair allow you to customize your upright support based on what you’re doing.

• Mesh Seat: We didn’t know we wanted a camp chair made using seamless mesh material, but now that we know it exists, we’re not sure we can go back to our old ways. This material conforms to just about any shape and size, meaning you can worry less about being uncomfortable and more about relaxing after a long day spent playing outside. Not to mention that this design provides awesome ventilation on hot summer afternoons.

• Lightweight Design: Shaving weight is not always easy, especially when you’re trying to build something comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. But NEMO was able to do so by using a lightweight mesh material, varying pole diameters, and a minimalist design. This makes the Moonlite plenty lightweight to be considered on the list of backpacking chairs you might actually throw in your kit.

• Carry Bag: We often see companies provide a stuff sack or carry bag for their gear that is far too small. This holds true for camp chairs, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, etc. So when we clumsily wrapped this chair back up and found out that the chair would fit in the carrying case without a problem, that was just the icing on the cake for us.

What Could Be Improved

• Strap Positions: When fully reclined, the straps do find themselves positioned under your arms, which could rub you the wrong way if you aren’t careful, especially if you’re of a broader build. It’s something that’s easily avoided by wearing a layer, but nevertheless, it’s something you’ll want to look out for.

• Chair Height: At times, it can feel a little unruly trying to settle into the chair. When assembled, the base is 13.5 inches off the ground, which is still higher than the Helinox Chair One at 10.5 inches off the ground. That said, there are times when it’d be nice to not feel like we’re doing a full squat just to get into the chair.

Conclusion

The Moonlite gets our seal of approval, full stop. We can try to nit-pick all day, but in truth, it’s the best lightweight camping chair that we’ve had the pleasure of taking for a spin around the campsite. All of the built-in features are not only well-designed but also are something that you’ll actually use at camp. The minimalist construction belies the sturdy design that offers a stable seat on even the roughest surfaces.

This chair might be a bit more than you initially set out to spend on a packable camp chair, but we can assure you, it’s worth every penny.

About Campman

Campman is an outdoor retail store located in Salt Lake City, Utah, that specializes in gear and equipment for camping, skiing, backpacking, climbing, and everything in between. We understand that the difference between a bad memory and the adventure of a lifetime can come down to the gear you take with you when you head outdoors, and we want our customers to have the best experiences possible. When it comes to getting outside, we get it, and we’ll get you the gear you need to get there.

About the Author

Dan Goodman

Most of the year, Dan can be found chasing the best climbing conditions he can get his hands on, and in the dead of winter, he’ll settle for chasing powder on his snowboard. He’s constantly seeking out better gear, testing new climbing shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more to make his life in the outdoors a bit more comfortable. When he’s not outside putting his gear to good use, he’s writing about the products that he knows best.