Imagine combining the best of your favorite rocking chair with your regular camping chair! This is the simplest way to understand the benefits of a rocking camp chair.
The chair is portable while offering the comfort of a standard rocking chair. Choosing one with a rocking mechanism that can function on uneven camping ground surfaces is important.
Because I am always out camping, I strive to be as comfortable as possible. Nothing makes me happier than rocking on campgrounds after a long day. However, it took some trial and error for me to identify the best rocking camp chair. I wouldn’t want the same to happen to you.
So, I have written this article to ensure that you don’t go through a lot of hustle to figure out the best fit for you. I explain the two types of rocking camp chairs, their features and benefits, and how to pick the best.
Read to the end to discover which safety measures you should consider when using one of these chairs and answers to some of the common questions about them.
What are the Different Types of Rocking Camp Chairs?
Most rocking camp chairs have a cloth seat and backrest for support and are made from a durable material like steel or aluminum.
Some have two curved bands (rockers) attached to the bottom of the chair. The bands connect the legs on either side. Others have spring mechanisms. These chairs offer a range of reclining positions and are ideal for relaxing outdoors.
Folding Rocking Camp Chair
A folding rocking camp chair combines the relaxing motion and comfort, and the convenience of a foldable camping chair. It folds for easy storage and transportation. Most folding rocking camp chairs will come in a carry bag. The rocking chair is compact and folds nicely.
A folding rocking chair has a chair stand, two little poles that give your chair sturdiness, and the base is all included in the carry bag. The seat can support someone with a weight of up to 330 lbs.
Check out the video below from the Skills2Survive YouTube channel below to learn more about the rocking camp chair:
Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
An outdoor freestyle rocker has a different mechanism than your regular rocking camp chair (rockers or curved legs). It has a special mechanism that typically uses springs or a combination of springs and coils to rock back and forth smoothly.
Their manufacturers take optimal body alignment into account, enabling you to sit comfortably for long periods. The armrests, backrests, and seats are all padded and have ergonomic designs. That makes the freestyle rocker chair heavier, less portable, and possibly not the best option if your vehicle needs more storage space.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) encourages ergonomics designs for chairs to prevent musculoskeletal disorders whose total annual costs reach $45-$54 billion.
So even better, choose the freestyle rocker folding chair. The YouTube channel Trail and Kale has a great review of the GCI Outdoor Freestyle chair:
Features and Benefits of a Rocking Camp Chair
The features of rocking camp chairs make them perfect for camping. These features set the chairs apart from indoor ones. Rocking camp chairs have several benefits, so if you consider yourself a camper, you should buy one.
Features
Although they may not all have the same physical appearance; most rocking camp chairs have similar parts. Knowing their various parts makes it easier for you when buying replacements.
| Parts | Characteristics |
| Seat | -When you sit down, it supports your weight. |
| -Can be flat or slightly depressed to accommodate the curves of your body. | |
| -You can add padding for some extra comfort. | |
| -Wood, woven (cane or wicker), or fabric stretched over the seat structure are all common materials. | |
| Legs | -Supports the seat and gives the chair some stability. |
| -They have a locker assembly at the bottom. | |
| -Some have curved supports or decorative railings acting as rockers on the bottom of the chair. | |
| -Some chairs have their backs stretched up their legs, forming a part of the back. (Stile-extended portion of the leg). | |
| Arms & Backs | -Used to support your elbow as you relax or to grip while standing up to gain leverage. |
| -Some chairs have armrests while others don’t. | |
| -While some chair arms are made of separate parts, others are created by looping the rocker up and around to form arms. | |
| -A weaving framework between two rails or a solid component (slats or spindles) usually serves as the back. | |
| Rails | -They bind the rocking chair’s seat, back, and legs together. |
| -The section uppermost along the top of the chair back is called the top rail. | |
| -The side rails travel downward from the top rail to the seat. | |
| -Spindles or a spat are on the chair back, located between the side rails – a flat piece of wood shaped by curving. | |
| -The seat rail is where the chair’s legs and back attach to the seat. | |
| Rockers | -The chair’s bottom has curved sections that allow it to rock back and forth. |
| -The arm and rocker are often made from the same material. | |
| -Some other chairs have rockers attached to the bottom of the legs. | |
| -You must set the rocker correctly for your chair to rock comfortably. |
Benefits
Here are some benefits of a rocking camp chair:
- Rocking is a mild form of exercise. Hence, the rocking chairs’ rhythmic motion stimulates blood flow and oxygen to joints all over the body. Thus, lessening joint pain and inflammation. Those with back problems can benefit most from it. So, to relax after a long day of hiking or traveling, make a cup of coffee from the best coffee maker for rv, and then sit in your rocking camp chair.
- While camping, you might still want to do some reading. Why not read your book while relaxing in your rocking camp chair, which provides you with the ideal body posture?
- Want to nap while still enjoying the sun’s rays? Take a nap in your rocking camp chair. You don’t have to drag your sleeping bag for this. You can have greater comfort if you get the best folding rocking chair.
- Thanks to the chair’s gently rocking motion, your brain will release endorphins while you relax. Your body becomes more relaxed and feels healthier thanks to these hormones.
How to Choose the Best Rocking Camp Chair?
You must choose the best rocking camp chair for the optimal rocking experience. To find one such chair, you should consider several factors.
Material
Your rocking camp chair material must be strong and resistant to weather elements. The material for the camp chair’s legs should allow it to rock safely even on uneven ground. You can choose wood, metal, and plastic for your rocking camp chair.
Avoid softwood because even after applying varnish or a protective coating, a rocking camp chair made from this type of wood – also known as pine – cannot endure severe weather conditions. Softwood can easily damage or dent.
Hardwood, such as oak, mahogany, and teak, is preferable. It is robust and hard to dent or scratch. Although more expensive than softwood, hardwood is naturally more tolerant of weather conditions. Regular restaining or revarnishing is ideal.
Another choice is metal. Though metal is known for rusting, some types are highly resistant. These are mainly alloys with very minimal iron. The most common metal used to make rocking camp chairs is aluminum. It is low maintenance, sturdy, and lightweight.
Plastic is simple to clean as you only need soap, water, and a moist cloth. It is perfect for outdoor use because it is water and rust-resistant. Among all the other materials, it’s the cheapest. However, plastic rocking camp chairs lack elegance and style, fade rapidly, and exhibit signs of wear and tear. They are so lightweight that the wind readily blows them away.
Portability
The rocking camp chair’s portability depends on its size. You need a comfortable chair, which is also easy to carry. Additionally, it must fit properly in the vehicle. Are you driving an RV, a minivan, a pick-up truck, or an SUV? Choose a size that will be convenient to fold and store in your car.
For ease of transport, a rocking camping chair should be lightweight. Choose a small-compact rocking camp chair with a foldable design for simpler storage. The better if you can get a rocking camp chair with a bag or a strap.
Accessories
Choose a rocking camp chair with as many extras as possible because you want to be comfortable while camping. A rocking camp chair with cup holders will be excellent as you only have minimal access to furniture when camping. You can keep your phone, pocket radio, and snacks in storage pouches or side pockets as you rock and relax.
Your rocking camp chair should feature ergonomic designs, padded seats, and cushioned backrests to support your body in the best possible way. For added comfort, choose chairs that have lumbar support and movable headrests.
You can shield your head from intense sunlight with a collapsible sunshade.
Safety
Your safety should be a top priority while camping. An injury might result from using a rocking camp chair that lacks stability. An outdoor rocking chair for camping should be built solidly to endure the various outdoor environments and terrains.
Choose a rocking camp chair with wide bases to remain stable on soft and uneven surfaces. Stabilizing features or non-slip feet on rocking chairs prevent them from wobbling or toppling over.
Easy set-up
You want to set up your rocking camp chair as quickly as possible. Therefore, pick a rocking camp chair that will be easy to assemble and set up.
Conclusion
Choose a rocking camp chair if you want the ultimate outdoor seating solution. Consider one made of a durable, weatherproof material that can rock on uneven surfaces, is portable, quick to fold, safe to prevent injuries, and simple to set up.
Need more space to accommodate all your camping gear plus the rocking camp chair consider acquiring a small toy hauler.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What are the key features of a rocking camp chair?
One of its key features is a rocking camp chair’s capacity to rock even on uneven terrain without knocking you over. It should be built solidly to support your weight.
Your rocking camp chair should be simple to fold and store in your vehicle. Its size should be portable while supporting your weight and suiting your body size.
How to choose the best rocking camp chair for outdoor activities?
When selecting the best outdoor rocking camping chair, choose one with weatherproof material. Although I don’t expect you to rock in the snow, the chair ought to be able to resist some light rain and direct sunlight.
A rocking camp chair shouldn’t be so narrow that you can’t comfortably fit or too wide that you can’t reach the arms. Consider the chair’s height to be comfortable when rocking.
Sixteen inches is ideal for short people and 17-17.5 inches for taller people. You should be on the ground while sitting on a rocking camp chair. Additionally, it must be light enough to be portable without being too light to be easily blown over.
What are the benefits of using a rocking camp chair while camping?
One of the benefits of using a rocking camp chair while camping is that it makes it easier to unwind after a long day of activities. Instead of using your sleeping bag, you can take a noon nap while rocking in the sun.
An outdoor freestyle rocker can serve also serve as a dining chair. You can avoid the inconvenience of lugging a lot of furniture if you use a rocking camp chair with cup holders and side pockets for your beverages, phone, and snacks.
Are there any safety considerations to keep in mind when using a rocking camp chair?
There are, indeed! Never attempt to rock a rocking camp chair or any other rocking chair while standing up. Do not somersault, either. To avoid slipping off, don’t rock over an uneven surface.
You risk falling out of your rocking chair and getting hurt if you swing too fast. With your weight on it, a rocking camp chair with fragile joints or composed of weak materials can easily break.
