Staff Review: NEMO Stargaze EVO-X Camping Chair
A Summer Spent in the Stargaze
This summer I finally got my hands on the new Nemo Stargaze EVO-X chair, and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time. We had a stretch of great weather over the summer, and the chair came with me almost everywhere – the garden, the beach, BBQs at friends’ houses. It’s safe to say it became a bit of a sidekick for the season. I never owned the previous version, but always wanted to. When I heard about the EVO-X I immediately said I’ll be getting two of those. I’ll explain the difference two further on. First, how have I got on with the chair over the summer?
One of the first places I used it was at a family gathering. While the adults were chatting, one of the younger kids became quite fascinated by the gentle swinging motion of the chair. She climbed in, curled up, and within ten minutes was fast asleep. Seeing her so comfortable really hit home just how relaxing this chair is. It’s not often you can say a camping chair doubles as a nap spot for kids, but the Stargaze managed it with ease.
Another memorable use was at the beach. Usually, beach chairs are a faff to carry and awkward to set up in soft sand. Or I take my Helinox Chair Zero with me, which is a fantastic chair for its intended use, but it’s not that comfortable after hours sitting virtually on the floor. With the Stargaze, setup was almost laughably easy: pop it out of the high-quality carry case, expand the chair and hear it lock into place, and sit, it’s that simple. The wide feet helped stop it sinking into the sand, and once I leaned back into the recline, I felt properly supported. I could sit for hours just listening to the sea while gently swaying with my favourite crime thriller in hand.
In the garden, it quickly became my evening ritual to set the chair up on the patio and read whilst the sun sets. That hammock-like sway is addictive, and the headrest makes it easy to just switch off. Even after a long day, the chair has a way of making you feel instantly relaxed.
The EVO-X Upgrade – What’s New?
I’d used the original Nemo Stargaze in the past, my boss actually has a couple of them, and while it was impressive, it had a couple of quirks. It could feel a little less stable on uneven ground, and the setup required a bit more patience threading poles and locking hubs into place.
The EVO-X version smooths out both those points. Nemo have upgraded the frame with wider, sturdier legs and reinforced hubs, which not only improve durability but also make the chair feel rock-solid even on softer or uneven surfaces. More importantly, they’ve streamlined the setup and takedown process. Instead of wrestling with multiple pieces, you simply pull the chair straight out its carry bag, swing the frame open, and hear it lock into place. Packing it away is just as simple – fold, collapse, and slide it back into the case. It’s genuinely one of the easiest premium chairs I’ve ever assembled, and it was this reason alone when I first heard about the EVO-X I said, I’ll take two of those please!
The seat fabric has also been redesigned – it’s more breathable, dries faster, and has stronger stitching in high-stress areas. These changes might seem subtle, but they add up to a noticeably more refined experience.
In short, the EVO-X isn’t just a cosmetic refresh; it’s a meaningful update that improves stability, longevity, and day-to-day useability. Nemo clearly listened to customer feedback and refined the chair to make it more reliable and effortless in real-world use.
Design & Build Quality
The Stargazer EVO-X isn’t just about comfort; it’s a genuinely well-thought-out piece of kit. The materials feel premium – the seat is durable but soft against the skin, the headrest is perfectly positioned, and the stitching is robust. The swinging frame and auto-recline system work smoothly without needing adjustments or fiddling; you simply lean back and let the chair find your perfect angle.
The included carry case is another standout. It’s sturdily built with a quality strap that makes short walks from the car to your chosen spot easy. Now, this is not an ultralight chair – at over 6kg it’s not something you’ll be hauling up a mountain (Trekitt marketing team, is that a content idea?!). But for car camping, van living, days out or just moving it around the garden, the shoulder straps makes it manageable.
Specs Recap
| Weight | 6.7kg packaged |
| Max Capacity | 136kg (300lbs) |
| Packed Size | 102 x 27 x 21.5cm |
Where It Excels (and Where It Doesn’t)
The Stargaze really shines when you’re looking to relax – reclining at a campsite after a long hike, sitting around a BBQ, or enjoying an evening in the garden. The sway and recline make it far more versatile than a standard camp chair, and it feels closer to lounging in a hammock than sitting upright in a seat.
That said, if you’re after something lightweight to hike with, this isn’t it. The bulk and weight put it firmly in the car-camping category. Upright sitting is also less natural than reclining, so it’s better for lounging than say, eating at a camping table. However, I did do this with the chair and whilst not it’s optimum position, it’s totally manageable.
Final Verdict
After a full summer of use, I can honestly say the Nemo Stargaze EVO-X has been one of my favourite purchases, even my wife approves (which if you knew her you’d know it’s hard to achieve with outdoor/camping gear). It’s versatile, incredibly comfortable, and well-made. Whether it was helping a little one drift off to sleep at a family party, keeping me perfectly comfy on a sandy beach, or offering the best seat in the garden on warm evenings, it’s proven itself over and over.
Compared to the previous version, the EVO-X feels sturdier, more refined, and better suited to long-term use. It’s a genuine upgrade, I will be bringing this version to my boss’ next BBQ party just to play the one-up card.
It’s not the lightest or cheapest chair, but the comfort and quality justify both. For car campers, families, and anyone who values a genuinely relaxing chair for outdoors and at home, the Stargaze EVO-X is a winner.
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