GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Director’s Camp Chair with Side Table is an innovative design from a renown brand, and it comes with a great price tag.
Key features & benefits
- Folding chair.
- Patent-pending design.
- Solid armrests.
- Folds slim.
- Side table.
What type of chair is this
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Director’s Camp Chair has been on the market for several years already. This is a folding construction of a particular type – it needs some small assembly.
The upper part of the back is such that the frame detaches from the rest of the chair but it remains attached to the structure through the sling. You simply fold it inside of the seat and then fold the main part from both sides towards the center, this is how the chair is packed.
The chair is with solid armrests and this is why it remains large when packed; the folded dimensions are 32 x 21.5 x 4.25 inches (82 x 55 x 11 cm). Here you see why they use the term ‘slim-fold’ in the name of this chair, it is indeed only 11 cm thick when folded, but see the other two dimensions.
You also have a side table as the title tells you, so this is some hard plastic and quite large. I have included this chair in my list of chairs with side table.
Who is it for
Capacity-wise, the chair supports 250 lb (113.6 kg) of the weight. This is quite a modest value and if you need something for heavy users, check this long list with folding chairs.
Weight-wise, with its 11.7 lb (5.3 kg) of the weight, it is on the heavy side, but this is still rather typical for such chairs. You will see below how it compares with some other chairs of such a type.
Size-wise, the dimensions and proportions of this chair are good, 24 x 21.5 x 37.5 inches (61 x 54.5 x 95 cm). The seat is at 19.5 inches (50 cm) above the ground, so this is a rather high chair and with a full back support.
You have seen its dimensions when folded, so to transport it to your camping place you will need a car. Note that you do not have a stuff sack, but there is a handle on the side to carry it around.
Materials & construction
This is a powder-coated steel chair with bars instead of feet, this is why it is so heavy. Such a design allows you to use it on any surface, it will not sink considerably even if used on the sand. The legs are with nylon cups for the floor protection, so you can use this chair even in a large family camping tent.
The padding on the armrests is quite minimalist, some polyurethane foam, but you have at least something between your arm and the steal. The sling is polyester and nylon mesh on the back, there is no padding here.
The side table is a hard plastic and it is with an integrated cup holder. Please see more in this short video:
My rating, pros & cons
As of the moment of writing this text, there are 38 reports from Amazon customers and the chair has received a 4.4/5 average rating which is also very exceptional. See how I rate it:
My rating breakdown of the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Director's Camp Chair with Side Table:
-
Weight - 5.5/10
5.5/10
-
Dimensions - 7.8/10
7.8/10
-
Packed size - 4/10
4/10
-
Capacity - 7/10
7/10
-
Comfort - 9.5/10
9.5/10
-
Craftsmanship - 9.7/10
9.7/10
Overall
My final rating for this chair is Very Good:
Pros
- Very stable on any terrain.
- Padded solid armrests.
- Unique design.
- Great price.
Cons
- Large when folded.
- Heavy.
User Review
( votes)Specifications
- Type: folding chair.
- Weight: 11.7 lb (5.3 kg).
- Capacity: 250 lb (114 kg).
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 24 x 21.5 x 37.5 in (61 x 54.5 x 95 cm).
- Folded size: 32 x 21.5 x 4.25 in (82 x 55 x 11 cm).
- Seat height: 19.5 in (50 cm).
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Director’s Camp Chair vs Competitors
In the table below you have this GCI Chair side by side with two others built in the same style, this might help in making an informed decision. Please follow the links for more details.
Weight,
lb (kg)
Dimensions
(W x D x H), in (cm)
Packed size,
in (cm)
Capacity,
lb (kg)
Frame
Cup holder
Storage pouches
GCI Slim-Fold Director's Chair
11.7
(5.3)
24 x 21.5 x 37.5
(61 x 54.5 x 96)
32 x 21.5 x 4.2
(82 x 55 x 11)
250 (114)
steel
yes
no
Kamp Rite Director's Chair
14
(6.35)
24 x 20 x 38
(61 x 51 x 96)
37 x 22 x 7
(94 x 56 x 18)
250 (113)
aluminum
yes
no
Stylish Camping Director's Chair
6.13
(2.78)
23.6 x 15.7 x 32.7
(60 x 40 x 83)
32.6 x 18.5 x 6
(83 x 47 x 15)
350 (159)
aluminum
yes
yes
Final thoughts
This GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Director’s Camp Chair with Side Table is an incredible value/money combination. It also has some unique features, but it remains a bit bulky when packed although slim as its name suggests.
This chair has been around for a number of years and I have seen many people satisfied with its performance. There can be no unpleasant surprises with such an item that has been so much tested by users.
With such a brand that specializes in the camping chairs – did you know that the GCI letters in the name stand for ‘great chair innovations’, so you have one here.
You might want to check also their GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker chair and GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker chair.
Thank you for reading. In the table above I gave a couple of alternatives in the case you need to see more, and much more you will find if you check in the category Camping Chairs here in the site.
Please use the comment box below if you have a question or comment. I wish you a nice day.