The Quick Verdict
Bottom Line: The Zempire Moonbase isn’t for fast-and-light wild camping, but if you are car camping or setting up a basecamp, it is one of the most comfortable, enveloping chairs on the market.
It truly feels like bringing your living room sofa into the outdoors.
Pros & Cons
Why Trust This Review?
I’ve been testing the Zempire Moonbase on recent trips out in various locations and scenarios, using it as my primary basecamp chair after long days on the fells etc.
I sourced this chair from Outdoor World Direct. In a retail landscape dominated by massive, faceless corporations, I always prefer supporting independent, family-run UK businesses.
They’ve been family-owned and operated since 1999, and that personal care really shows in how they source their gear.
During the period I have been using this chair it has been left in the rain and the morning dew, real world uses.
Specs at a Glance
|
Feature |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Weight |
6.9 kg (15.2 lbs) |
|
Max Capacity |
120 kg (265 lbs) |
|
Frame Material |
Powder-coated 16/19mm steel tube |
|
Seat Material |
Padded 600D polyester |
|
Seat Dimensions |
60 x 60 cm |
|
Packed Size |
108 x 48 x 20 cm |
Out on the Trail: Real-World Performance
Comfort and Size
They call it the “Moonbase” for a reason—this chair is huge.
The 60x60cm padded 600D polyester seat creates a deep tub design that completely surrounds you, effectively blocking out the evening chill on your back and sides.
It’s so accommodating that you will likely find Pete or Malc curled up in it the absolute second you stand up to tend to the camping stove.
Durability & Weather Resistance
The powder-coated steel frame feels bombproof. There is no flex or sinking feeling when you drop into it.
The 600D polyester is tough enough to withstand getting tossed into the back of the car alongside wet hiking boots and tent poles.
The material was so easy to wipe clean when clumsy with a drink or to remove the muddy paw marks.
Ease of Use
Despite its massive footprint when open, the single-action folding mechanism is brilliant.
It collapses down inwardly (like a standard camping chair, rather than folding flat). However, be aware of the packed dimensions. At over a metre long when packed, you have to be strategic about how you pack the car.
Who is this for? (And who should skip it?)
Perfect for: Car campers, campervan owners, or anyone setting up a basecamp for a few days who prioritizes absolute comfort over packability.
Skip it if: Space in your vehicle is highly limited, or you need something lightweight to carry further than from the car to the tent pitch.
How It Compares
Zempire Moonbase vs. Standard Camping Chair
While a standard £20 folding chair will keep you off the ground, the Moonbase is an entirely different category of furniture. You sit in the Moonbase rather than on it.
If you only camp once a year, a cheaper, smaller chair is fine.
But if you spend consecutive evenings outdoors and suffer from a stiff back after a long hike, the upgrade in padding and structural support here is night and day.
Final Thoughts & Where to Buy
If you have the boot space to transport it, the Zempire Moonbase is a campsite luxury that is incredibly hard to give up once you’ve tried it.
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