Advnture Verdict
The GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger sets the bar high for comfort when you’re sitting around at camp. The Zero Gravity mode creates complete weightlessness for tired muscles, and when you are ready to sit up, the side lever and convenient cup and phone holder make it easy to join the party.
Pros
- +
Versatile positions for sitting and reclining
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Mesh backrest for ventilation
- +
Comfortable head pillow
- +
Heavy-duty design can hold 300lb
Cons
- -
Fairly heavy
- -
Bulky in a packed car or van
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GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger: first impressions
Comfort is important after a long day of hiking, and this chair is particularly good if you’ve spent long hours exploring. GCI Outdoor has a range of chairs and rockers alongside all of their camping products, and the Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger may be one of the most notable for its comfort-focused technology. Two modes – freeform and zero gravity – are easily accessed with simple movement of the right side handle.
‘Zero gravity’ means you can allow your entire body to recline into a weightless position, and if you want to stay upright you can do so and have your legs elevated or not.
The Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger includes an adjustable headrest, which can be moved up and down the entirety of the chair back, and can be locked in position for as long as you like. The combination beverage and phone holder keeps essentials close even while you’re in full lounge mode.
GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger: in the field
We tested the GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger at 18 hours of Fruita – an overnight endurance mountain bike and camping event in May at Highland Lake State Park in the Colorado desert. My husband Bobby started his riding season strong with a team for the event, and he was happy to report that the GCI Outdoor Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger kept his legs in recovery mode whenever he wasn’t biking.
When you really need to rest, the lounger’s zero gravity mode takes all pressure off of your muscles and joints. It’s comfortable enough to sleep in, and the pillow can be easily adjusted around your head for extra support. Moving between positions is really easy with the large side handle, and it’s nice to have a morning coffee or cold drink in the holder so you can be hands-free when you’re reclined.
This chair is larger and heavier to transport than more compact camping chairs, but the extra effort in getting it to camp is worth every ounce. Really there’s nothing like putting your legs up after a long day of outdoor activity, and the Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger delivers in the comfort that it offers.
The mesh backrest is nice for warmer weather as it provides ventilation, and all the surface materials are generally easy to clean. Bobby was using it in segments during the team bike race, and while he did get the chair pretty dirty, sweat stains and grime came right off with a simple all-purpose cleaner and rag.
- Best camping chairs: take comfort to the next level at camp
Kim Fuller is the co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective based in Vail, Colorado. Jaunt’s family of print and digital magazines includes YOGA + Life, Spoke+Blossom and Covered Bridge. Kim started her career in media as a freelance journalist and has contributed to a number of national and regional publications, including Elevation Outdoors, 5280 Magazine, The Denver Post, Outside, Advnture, Gear Institute, SELF Magazine, Wanderlust Journal and The Infatuation. Kim spends most out-of-office hours seeking sunshine and singletrack, teaching yoga around town, dining with friends or planning her next adventure. Stay connected through @lifeinfull on Instagram and scope the mags at jauntmediacollective.com.