This review dives deep into the Oztent King Goanna Hotspot Camp Chair, examining whether its impressive features live up to the hype. We explore its suitability for various campers, analyzing its robust construction, spacious design, and unique heated seat functionality. From its impressive weight capacity and durable materials to the convenience of integrated storage pockets and an adjustable lumbar support system, we leave no stone unturned in assessing its practicality and comfort. This in-depth analysis considers both the advantages and drawbacks, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers.This comprehensive review covers setup ease, pack size, and long-term durability based on extensive real-world use. We scrutinize the performance of the included heat packs, exploring their benefits and limitations, including their reusability and the potential discomfort when cold. Ultimately, we aim to help you determine if the Oztent King Goanna Hotspot Camp Chair is the right investment for your camping needs, considering its price point and the potential need for additional accessories. Read on to find out if it's worth the hype!
Pros And Cons
- Roomy, suitable for larger individuals
- Double-layered fabric with foam padding for comfort and warmth
- Strong diecast feet
- Thicker, stronger frame than most quadfold chairs with no flex
- Heated pouches provide warmth, especially on cold nights
- Shorter people may have trouble with feet reaching the floor
- Drink holder is ineffective
- Only comes with one heat pack; additional packs are expensive
- Large pack size may not be suitable for all camping setups
- Comfort leads to others wanting one, increasing storage needs
Read more: Top 5 Square Camping Tables for Your Next Adventure
Who is the Oztent King Goanna Hotspot Chair For?
The Oztent King Goanna Hotspot chair is ideal for solo campers or pairs. Its sturdy build and spacious design make it perfect for larger individuals. However, its size might be a challenge for those with limited vehicle space, like hatchback owners. Caravans and camper trailers offer more suitable storage.
Consider your camping style and group size. If you frequently camp solo or with one other person, this chair's comfort and durability are significant advantages. For larger groups, multiple chairs could become bulky. The chair's size might also influence your decision on how much space you need.
Features and Specifications
This camp chair boasts a robust powder-coated hammertone steel frame and durable 600 denier nylon fabric. It weighs 7.1 kg (including heat packs) and supports up to 200 kg. Its packed dimensions are 104cm x 24cm x 28cm, while the set-up dimensions are generous, ensuring ample seating space.
The chair comes with several pockets, including four designated for the included heat packs (hot spot pouches). These pockets provide added functionality for storage. The design prioritizes comfort and strength, which are reflected in its weight capacity and construction materials.
Setup and Notable Features
The Oztent King Goanna chair features a quadfold design for quick and easy setup. The included bag conveniently fits within a dedicated pocket on the chair, serving as a headrest. Four additional pockets run along the back, specifically designed for the heat packs.
The adjustable lumbar support system provides personalized comfort by pulling the back of the chair in. Adjustable armrests with a strap mechanism offer further customizability. The drink holder and additional storage are practical additions for camping convenience.
The Hotspot Pouches: Heating and Cooling
The included heat packs utilize non-toxic sodium acetate, providing warmth for about an hour (although I found it to last longer). They can also be used to cool the chair by refrigerating or freezing them. The packs are reusable up to 500 times, requiring boiling to reset. However, the hard solid state in both hot and cold states might be uncomfortable.
While the heating function is a unique selling point, the solid state of the pouches when cold presents a potential issue. It is recommended to remove the cold pouches to avoid discomfort. Consider whether the heating functionality is a necessary feature given its limitations and the added cost of additional packs.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Roomy design suitable for larger individuals; double-layered fabric with foam padding for enhanced comfort and warmth; durable diecast feet; sturdy frame with minimal flex; and enjoyable heat packs for added warmth on colder nights.
Cons: Shorter people may find their feet don’t reach the ground; ineffective drink holders; only one heat pack included (more must be purchased); large pack size; and the additional cost of more heat packs if needed.
Durability and Reparability
Over six months of use, the chair showed no signs of damage or breakage, despite the reviewer's weight (74 kg) and the chair's high weight limit (200 kg). Replacement parts like bags and feet are readily available on the Oztent website. Standard bolts and rivets are easily sourced at hardware stores if needed. Severe damage may require a full replacement.
The chair's robust build suggests longevity. The availability of replacement parts simplifies potential repairs. Oztent's website provides resources and contact information for additional support, minimizing the risk of significant long-term issues.
Tips and Additional Information
Ensure heat packs are fully submerged and boiled for optimal reset. This prevents premature re-crystallization. Reset pouches before use and activate them shortly before needing warmth to maintain heat for extended periods. Consider the optional table accessory for added convenience while eating and drinking, although remember the bracket is sold separately.
These tips aim to maximize the chair's functionality and longevity. The optional table accessory provides added usability, but note that additional parts may be needed to install it properly.
Final Verdict
The Oztent King Goanna Hotspot chair is a comfortable and durable option, particularly for larger individuals. The heat packs are a nice-to-have feature, but not a necessity for all. The chair's size and weight might be unsuitable for some users. Its overall quality is excellent, but whether it's the *right* chair depends on individual needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase depends on individual needs and preferences. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, focusing on factors such as storage space, user size, and desired features like the heated seats. Consider the additional costs for more heat packs and the optional table if those features are appealing.