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Woman sitting in Nemo Moonlite camping chair

Nemo Moonlite Camping Chair Review

Angelique Herring bio photo
Andrew Shults bio photo
Jul 23, 2025
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Our Take:
4.2/5

The Nemo Moonlite ($160) is a standout compact camping chair that has a trick up its sleeve. Not only is it light enough for backpacking, durable, and impressively stable for its size, but it also features a recline system that lets you fine-tune your lounge angle. That’s something few ultralight camp chairs offer, but the Moonlite’s low seat height and snug dimensions might not work for some users, and its setup takes more effort than a standard camp chair. If you prioritize portability, adjustability, and comfort in a tiny package, though, the Moonlite is a top-tier pick for everything from powering down after a backcountry epic to post-ride parking lot beers.

Comfort

Comfort

4/5
Stability

Stability

3/5
Durability

Durability

3/5
Ease of Use

Ease of Use

3/5
Portability

Portability

5/5
Sustainability

Sustainability

5/5

Weight

2 lb. 2 oz.

Dimensions (W/D/H)

20 x 20 x 26 in.

Seat Height

10.5 in.

Weight Capacity

300 lb.

Pros

Light and packable enough to take into the backcountry.
Mesh seat conforms to your body, and ball-and-socket connectors reduce pressure points.
Highest strength-to-weight ratio of any chair we tested.

Cons

Low seat height makes it harder for tall users to get in and out of it.
More involved setup than single-piece chairs, and sometimes difficult to break down.

The Nemo Moonlite doesn’t look like much at first glance, but it delivers an impressive level of comfort for a chair that disappears into your pack. Its standout feature is the recline system: a pair of pull straps on either side on either side of the chair (in lieu of arms, which the Moonlite lacks) lets you lean way back to stargaze or dial the angle more upright for mealtime. That adjustability alone gives the Moonlite a leg up over most scoop-style chairs in the ultralight category, such as the Helinox Chair One (which is the same weight as this chair).


The semi-flexible mesh seat is another highlight. It conforms to your body shape and offers excellent airflow, which I appreciated whether I was drying out by a fire or taking a break from fishing by the river. Compared to the REI Co-op Flexlite Air, the Moonlite felt more ergonomic and breathable, though it’s over a pound heavier and $60 more expensive. My camping partner agreed—the Moonlite is one of the most comfortable chairs we’ve used that you can actually carry into the backcountry.

Lounging at camp in Nemo Moonlite camping chair

That said, the Moonlite is definitely not one of the more expansive camping chairs I’ve tested. Its 10.5-inch seat height makes it quite low—even the aspirationally named Kelty Lowdown, at 12 inches, is higher—and while that helps with stability, it’s not the easiest to get in or out of, especially after a long hike. And with seat dimensions of just 20 by 20 by 26 inches, users with larger body types might feel cramped. We still give the recline system and the comfy mesh material high marks, though, so if you can fit into this chair the Moonlite is worth taking on your next trip.

Despite its small stature, the Nemo Moonlite holds fairly steady on most surfaces. Its low seat height helps keep your center of gravity close to the ground, and the leg design—with flat rear feet and rounded front feet—adds a bit of reassurance on uneven terrain. It’s not immune to tippiness if you lean too far off-center—no compact backpacking chair is—but it held firm when I shifted around or reclined fully.


Keep in mind, though, that it doesn’t come close to matching the stability of models with larger, wider bases, and (much) heavier designs. Chairs that fit that description range from the enormous Yeti Trailhead to the more normal-sized REI Co-op Campwell, but then again you won’t be taking either of those anywhere near the backcountry. Compared to similar lightweight competitors such as the Chair Zero or the Flexlite Air, the Moonlite feels more solidly planted. I wouldn’t use it on a steep hillside, but for typical camp settings, it holds its own just fine.

The Nemo Moonlite’s aluminum hubs and poles grant it a strength-to-weight ratio that’s one of the best among the camping chairs we’ve tested. Its 300-pound capacity is fairly standard for the category, but when you factor in its sub-2-pound build that math gets a lot more impressive. Durability is a little less outstanding. The seat fabric is a high-tensile polyester mesh that resists water and conforms to your body nicely—but it’s still mesh, and like all mesh materials, it’s inherently more vulnerable to snags or rips than solid fabric. I didn’t have any issues during my testing, but I’d be careful with the chair around sharp rocks or pet claws.


Compared to the Helinox Chair One, which combines mesh with solid panels, or the Big Agnes Big Six, which features a coated solid fabric throughout, the Moonlite trades some of that long-haul ruggedness for breathability and flexibility (read our Big Six review). Still, for a chair this light, the durability is pretty much right in line with my expectations.

Setting up Nemo Moonlite camping chair

The Moonlite takes a little effort to set up. As with all scoop-style compact chairs, you’ll need to build the frame and stretch the seat over the corners. Its ball-and-socket connection system is tight and secure, which is great for stability but makes breaking the chair down a bit of a chore until you get the hang of it. Still, the chair snaps audibly into place once everything’s lined up, so you always know when it’s locked in.


Thankfully, the Nemo Moonlite’s recline system is intuitive and easy to use. Just tug the side straps to adjust, and you can stop wherever you like. That’s the only real “feature” this chair has—there are no cupholders or pockets, but that’s par for the course with this type of ultralight chair.

Setting up Nemo Moonlite camping chair frame

Here’s where the Moonlite earns its keep. Weighing just over 2 pounds and measuring a compact 4 by 4 by 14 inches when packed, it’s among the most portable camping chairs we’ve tested. It’ll slip easily into a backpack—even a medium- or large-size daypack—or duffel bag, and it takes up virtually no space in your car. I’ve started leaving it in my trunk permanently, and it’s come in handy everywhere from Little League games to quick sit-down trailhead lunches. The included carry case is zippered and features a handle, making it easy to grab and go. (I do wish the case had a shoulder strap, but that’s a minor nitpick.)


Compared to the REI Co-op Flexlite Air, which is 14 ounces lighter, I’d still go with the Moonlite for the comfort and recline system alone. And, as I mentioned earlier, the Chair One weighs the same but is also less feature-rich. If you’re looking for something even more stripped down, Nemo makes the Moonlite Elite, which weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces and packs even smaller for even higher-mileage backpacking.

Unzipping Nemo Moonlite camping chair storage bag

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Longevity

Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand.

Recline System

The Moonlite’s biggest advantage is its adjustable recline system, which allows you to dial in your seating position with simple side straps. It’s a rare find on camping chairs this light and compact, and you’ll probably appreciate it even more when you’re in full lounge mode deep in the backcountry


Minimalist Design

No armrests, pockets, or cup holders here—just a taut mesh seat and four aluminum legs. If you’re after convenience extras, you’ll need to size up (and weigh yourself down more).

Woman carrying Nemo Moonlite camping chair

Helinox Chair One ($100): A Cheaper Chair, but no Recline
Costing $60 less than the Moonlite, the Helinox Chair One has a nearly identical size and weight, making it a more economical option. The major tradeoff, though, is the lack of an adjustable recline system like the much-appreciated one on the Moonlite. Other differences include a mostly solid 600-denier polyester seat with mesh panels instead of all-mesh fabric, plastic instead of aluminum hubs, and standard corner pockets in place of ball-and-socket connectors. But the Chair One’s thicker seat material and DAC aluminum frame can hold 20 pounds more than the Moonlite, and its seat height is higher, which may appeal to taller folks. Its set up and take down is also virtually identical, with a seat that attaches to a shock-corded frame. All in all, if the adjustable recline isn’t a feature you think you’d use often, you’d do just fine with the less-expensive Chair One. For more, read the Chair One review.


Big Agnes Big Six ($200): Larger Seat, Higher Price: Versatility First
If the Moonlite is too compact for your liking, the Big Agnes Big Six is 6 inches wider, 14 inches taller, and has a seat that’s nearly twice as high, giving you more room to relax. In fact, our 6-foot-3 tester reported that he could comfortably lean back and rest his head on the Big Six’s dedicated headrest—another component that the Moonlite lacks. The Big Six’s larger size, however, carries a 1-pound, 2-ounce weight penalty and a bulkier packed volume, reducing its portability compared to the Moonlite. It also lacks any features, including the adjustable-recline system that the Moonlite boasts, which makes the Big Six's already steep $200 price tag even harder to justify. Unless you’re looking for a relatively compact chair with the largest seat possible, the Moonlite remains the more portable—and wallet-friendly—choice. For more, read our review of the Big Agnes Big Six.

Nemo Moonlite ($160)
Woman sitting in Nemo Moonlite camping chair
4.2/5

One of the best compact chairs on the market, the Moonlite is a comfortable, stable, and portable model, complete with an adjustable reclining system that lets you relax at just the right angle. Campers who prefer a large chair will want to look for another option, but for everyone else, it's a clear winner.

Weight
2 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions (W/D/H)
20 x 20 x 26 in.
Seat Height
10.5 in.
Weight Capacity
300 lb.
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Comfort

4/5
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Stability

3/5
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Durability

3/5
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Ease of Use

3/5
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Portability

5/5
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Sustainability

5/5
Helinox Chair One ($100)
Helinox One camping chair set up
3.8/5

The Chair One helped revolutionize what a portable and lightweight camping chair could look like. While its minimal design isn’t for everyone, it’s still a great choice for folks who are looking for a compact, supportive, and durable seat.

Weight
2 lb. 2 oz.
Dimensions (W/D/H)
20.5 x 20 x 25.5 in.
Seat Height
13 in.
Weight Capacity
320 lb.
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Comfort

3/5
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Stability

3/5
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Durability

3.5/5
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Ease of Use

2.5/5
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Portability

4.5/5
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Sustainability

2.6/5
Big Agnes Big Six ($200)
Big Agnes Big Six camping chair set up on coastal cliff
4.1/5

The Big Six is too heavy and bulky for backpacking and too pricey and complex to be a practical choice for most campers, landing it in an awkward middle ground. Still, its superb construction and comfortable seat help redeem some of its flaws.

Weight
3 lb. 3 oz.
Dimensions (W/D/H)
26 x 24 x 40 in.
Seat Height
20 in.
Weight Capacity
300 lb.
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Comfort

3.5/5
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Stability

4/5
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Durability

4.5/5
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Ease of Use

2/5
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Portability

4/5
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Sustainability

1.8/5

Is the Nemo Moonlite for You?

The Nemo Moonlite is a thoughtfully designed backpacking chair for campers who value low weight, a small packed size, and the ability to lean back with ease. It’s not on the cheap side of things, and its setup is more involved than many other models we’ve tested, but many of those competitors either aren’t as comfortable or can’t accompany you on far-flung adventures. If you’re willing to put in a little effort to assemble it, it delivers a stable, breathable, and adjustable experience. The recline system and ball-and-socket seat attachments help it stand out from other ultralight designs, and it strikes a good balance between support and packability. True, it’s not ideal for large folks, or for anyone looking for high-backed, plush comfort. Even so, the Moonlite is a capable companion that punches well above its weight class.

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