Here at Muddy HQ we have reviewed plenty of chairs, some that are static, some that also recline, but we’ve never reviewed a chair like this Nemo Stargaze which is a camp chair, rocking chair and a reclining hammock-style chair all in one.

This version is an updated version of the Stargaze, but as it was my first time coming across this Nemo chair I couldn’t tell what it was like before they improved it, but I can definitely say, “Damn, it’s comfy! “

Both of us in the Mud Life team aren’t exactly small, over 6 foot and a bit wide, which means that a lot of the pack-away chairs are quite low in the back and never really wide enough for us, but this chair has curved upright poles that have been engineered for the broad-of-shoulder, and the extra width creates extra room for the elbows to tuck in, or there are padded arm rests if you want to splay out. The padded headrest can be moved up the back via two wide velcro strips, so even the likes of us will be able to feel supported.

Designed for a low centre of gravity, the chair has a rather wide stance and sturdy feet, which makes it much more stable on uneven surfaces like sandy beaches and rocky terrain. Getting into the chair the first time needs a little bit of finesse, but once you’ve figured it out it’s a doddle.

I mentioned the broad shoulder bit, but is is also suitable for the broad-of-bum? As a woman of generous proportions sometimes I can feel a little squeezed by camp chairs, but not in this, as it has a lovely wide seat that you almost melt into, and there was even enough room for me to use the 2 built-in pockets/cupholders at the front edge.

Once in the seat, this is where this chair truly excels.

Push your bottom back into the seat and you can sit up for eating, and chatting (note: you are closer to the ground than a traditional camp chair, so although it is great for campfire cooking and eating, it isn’t tall enough if you like to sit up at a table to eat), then when you want to totally chill out and just stare at the stars (hence the name), all you do is push backwards with your upper half and the tilting backrest converts the chair into a hammock-style swinging chair. You can easily fine-tune how deep you want to go by adjusting the pressure of the push.

I can honestly say this was a game-changer for me.

To get anywhere close to this feeling of total relaxation in a camping evironment I have had to bring a very large reclining camp chair that took over a lot of space in the car, but this chair folds neatly away into its own compact carry bag. It’s not the smallest bag, probably equivalent to the length of a violin case and about one and a half times as tall, but it is a huge improvement to the recliner.

How easy is it to put up?

The chunky aircraft grade aluminum suspension frame, which can easily handle up to 21 stones, has anodised poles that are connected together, and flipped up into place, via connecting elastics. They slot easily into place with no effort, and the one piece seat, made from non-absorbent monofilament mesh, connects at the tip of each of the 2 upright poles.

A quick note - the top connectors have a little push mechanism that you need to use to make sure the seat is firmly on - I didn’t figure this out straightaway, so when I went to place my bum in the seat, I went crashing unceremoniously to the ground, much to the amusement of the security guys at a 4x4 show who were curiously watching me set this up for the first time.

Back to the mesh seat, it resists bacteria, withstands sun exposure, and quickly drains away any rain water, so no nasty musty smells or damp britches.

It may seem a tad on the pricey side, but if you get the chance to test out one of these chairs I reckon you’ll be its next owner, it is that brilliant, though be warned, you may miss out on some campfire conversations due to some comfy, stargazing-induced slumber.

Available in 5 colours worldwide, but currently only 3 seem to be available in the UK - Black Pearl (UK) , Pelican Grey (UK), Silt/Citron (UK), Blue Horizon, Lagooon