What was recalled
In February of 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall involving specific models of outdoor camping chairs manufactured by NEMO Equipment. If you have ever enjoyed the comfort of a portable, reclining chair while camping, hiking, or watching an event outdoors, you may be familiar with this brand’s popular line known as the Stargaze series. This recall specifically targets three variations within that family: the Stargaze Recliner, the Stargaze Recliner Low, and the Stargaze Recliner Luxury. These are not standard folding camp chairs; they are designed as lifestyle seating options that offer a swinging and reclining motion, intended to provide a more relaxed experience in the great outdoors compared to rigid, upright seats.
To help you identify whether your chair is part of this specific recall, it is important to understand exactly what these products look like and how they were distributed. The chairs feature a sturdy aluminum frame that supports a seat made from black and gray monofilament mesh. This mesh material was chosen for its durability and breathability, making the chairs suitable for warm weather activities. The entire unit is designed to be lightweight, with each chair weighing between five and seven pounds, allowing users to carry them comfortably over long distances. For easy transport, each chair comes packed in a black, padded carrying case, which helps protect the frame and fabric during travel.
Visual identification is straightforward if you know what to look for. The chairs were available in four distinct color options: birch leaf green, graphite, verdigris (which is a shade of teal), and Sedona (a vibrant red). A key identifier on the product itself is the model name, which is printed directly on the pocket located on the inside right side of the seat. Additionally, you can verify the brand by looking at the back of the seat, where the NEMO name and logo are stitched into the fabric. These details are crucial because the recall does not apply to all NEMO products, only these specific Stargaze reclining models.
The distribution channel for these recalled items is also quite specific. According to the recall notice, these chairs were sold exclusively at REI, the well-known cooperative retailer specializing in outdoor gear and sporting goods. If you purchased a reclining camping chair from NEMO but did not buy it through an REI store or their website, it is likely not subject to this particular recall action. The recall was initiated on February 20, 2018, meaning any units sold prior to that date are the ones under scrutiny. While the notice does not provide a total count of the exact number of units involved in this specific batch, it emphasizes that consumers who purchased these items from REI during the relevant time period should take immediate steps to verify their product and participate in the remedy program.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a seemingly simple but critical structural failure: the straps that hold the seat of the NEMO Stargaze chair in place are prone to breaking or detaching. These chairs are designed as portable swinging and reclining seats, relying heavily on tension and connected hardware to support your weight while you sit, lean back, or swing gently. When those connecting straps fail, the integrity of the entire seat collapses. This is not just a minor inconvenience where the chair looks messy; it is a sudden loss of structural support that can cause you to fall out of the chair unexpectedly.
The danger lies in the mechanics of how these chairs are used. Because they are designed for relaxation, camping, and outdoor leisure, users often assume a position of trust in the equipment. You might be leaning back to look at the stars, adjusting your posture, or simply shifting your weight while settling in. In that moment of relaxed reliance, if the strap holding the seat fails, there is no warning. The seat can drop away from the frame or detach entirely, leaving you unsupported. This abrupt loss of balance is what creates the fall hazard.
Falls from elevated seating positions like these camping chairs can lead to a variety of injuries, even if the ground appears soft. You might land on your back, hips, or wrists as you try to catch yourself. Common injuries associated with such falls include sprains, fractures, bruising, and cuts from nearby rocks, branches, or the chair’s own aluminum frame. While the company has only received one report of a chair breaking and no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm is real because the failure mode is unpredictable. One moment the chair is stable, and the next, the connection point gives way.
It is important to understand that this hazard affects the core function of the product. The Stargaze chairs are built with an aluminum frame and a monofilament mesh seat, which are generally durable materials. However, the points where the straps connect the mesh to the frame are the weak links in this specific design. If those connections degrade or fail under normal use, the chair cannot perform its primary job: keeping you safely seated. This is why immediate action is required. Continuing to use a chair with compromised straps is like walking on ice that looks solid but may crack at any step. The risk is not about whether it will happen every time, but that it can happen without warning during a moment of relaxation.
We encourage you to treat this hazard seriously. Even if your chair currently looks fine, the strap failure mechanism may be present in units that have not yet shown visible signs of distress. The best way to protect yourself and your family from this specific fall risk is to follow the remedy outlined below. Do not wait for a strap to visibly tear or break before acting. Prevention is always safer than dealing with the aftermath of a fall.
Who is most at risk
The Stargaze Recliner series was designed for outdoor enthusiasts who value comfort and portability, making its primary user base anyone who enjoys camping, tailgating, beach days, or backyard relaxation. Because these chairs were sold exclusively through REI, a retailer known for high-quality gear, the typical owner is likely someone who prioritizes durability and experience in the outdoors. However, the specific nature of the hazard—straps failing during use—creates a unique set of risks that extend beyond simple product failure. The most immediate concern lies with anyone who relies on the chair’s reclining function for support or relaxation. When the straps fail, the seat can collapse unexpectedly. This is particularly dangerous for older adults or individuals with balance issues, mobility limitations, or those recovering from injuries. For these users, a sudden drop from a seated position can lead to fractures, head injuries, or other serious trauma that might not occur if they were standing on stable ground.
Children are also at significant risk, though for different reasons. While the chairs are marketed as lifestyle camping seats, they are not toys. A child sitting in a reclined position relies entirely on the integrity of the fabric and strap system to stay upright. If the straps give way, a child may fall forward or sideways, potentially striking their head against the ground, rocks, or hard surfaces common in campgrounds or parks. Furthermore, children may not have the reflexes or strength to brace themselves against a sudden collapse, making them more vulnerable to impact injuries than an adult who might instinctively try to catch their weight.
Another group at risk includes people using these chairs in uneven or unstable terrain. The Stargaze chair is designed to swing and recline, which requires a relatively flat and stable surface to function safely. On soft sand, muddy ground, or sloped hills, the chair’s center of gravity shifts more dramatically. If the straps fail while the chair is tilted on such surfaces, the fall can be more violent and less predictable. Additionally, users who are deeply relaxed or perhaps even napping in the chair may not notice the initial signs of strap wear or stress until it is too late. The lack of reported injuries to date is fortunate, but it does not eliminate the potential for severe harm to anyone relying on this specific mechanism for support and comfort.
It is also worth noting that the hazard affects anyone who has attempted to adjust the chair’s position frequently. The reclining feature puts additional stress on the connection points between the frame and the mesh. Users who have been adjusting the angle often may be more susceptible to a sudden failure if the straps have become fatigued over time. Therefore, the risk is not limited to a specific age group but applies to anyone who has used the chair’s full range of motion, especially in conditions that place extra strain on the materials.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a NEMO Equipment Stargaze Recliner, it is important to verify whether your specific model is part of this recall before taking any action. Because these chairs were designed for portability and outdoor use, they can look very similar to other camping gear on the market. However, there are distinct physical characteristics and labeling details that will help you confirm exactly what you have. The first step is to identify the brand. You should look for the NEMO name and logo, which is attached to the back of the seat as a stitched logo. If this branding is missing, it is not one of the recalled chairs.
Next, you need to determine the specific model type. The recall covers three specific variations: the Stargaze Recliner, the Stargaze Recliner Low, and the Stargaze Recliner Luxury lifestyle camping chairs. These are portable swinging and reclining outdoor chairs featuring an aluminum frame. To distinguish them from other products, check the seat material. The recalled chairs have a black and gray monofilament mesh seat. They are relatively lightweight, weighing between five and seven pounds, which makes them easy to carry but also means they may feel lighter than standard heavy-duty camping chairs.
To confirm if your chair is included in this specific recall, you must locate the model name printed on the pocket on the inside right side of the seat. This is a crucial detail because the recall applies only to these specific identifiers. Additionally, check the color of your chair. The recalled items were sold exclusively at REI in four specific colors: birch leaf green, graphite, verdigris (teal), and Sedona (red). If your chair is a different color or was purchased from a retailer other than REI, it is likely not part of this recall.
Finally, look at the carrying case. The recalled chairs come in a black, padded carrying case. While having the case does not guarantee the chair is recalled, it is consistent with the product description provided by NEMO Equipment. If you have a chair that matches all these descriptions—the NEMO stitched logo, the aluminum frame, the black and gray mesh seat, the model name on the inside right pocket, the specific colors, and the REI purchase history—you should stop using it immediately and contact the company for a free replacement.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of these chairs, the most critical action you can take is to stop using it immediately. This is not a suggestion; it is a necessary safety precaution. The recall was initiated because the straps on the chair seats have been identified as a potential failure point. When those straps give way, the structural integrity of the chair collapses, leading to a sudden fall. Even if the chair looks fine on the outside, the internal stress points may be compromised. By continuing to sit in it, you are risking injury from falling. Please set the chair aside in a safe location where children or pets cannot accidentally use it until you have resolved the issue with NEMO Equipment. Next, you need to initiate the remedy process provided by the manufacturer. NEMO Equipment is offering a free replacement chair to all affected consumers. This means you do not need to pay for shipping or handling fees associated with getting your new chair. To get started, you should contact NEMO Equipment directly. You can reach their customer support team by calling 800-997-9301. The support lines are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or have specific questions that are easier to type out, you can send an email to journey@nemoequipment.com. When you contact them, be ready to provide details about your chair, such as the model name and color, to help them verify your eligibility quickly. Alternatively, you can manage this process online, which may be more convenient depending on your schedule. Visit www.nemoequipment.com and look for the "Recall Safety Information" section. There is also a dedicated page for this specific recall at https://www.nemoequipment.com/stargaze-recall/. These websites will provide you with all the necessary details to process your replacement request without needing to wait on hold. Following these steps ensures that you are covered under the company’s safety commitment. It is important to complete this process promptly so that you can enjoy your outdoor activities again with a chair that has been verified as safe and structurally sound. Do not delay, as the risk of strap failure remains present until the replacement is in your hands.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that you own one of the recalled NEMO Equipment Stargaze chairs, the most important thing to know is that you are entitled to a complete remedy at no cost to you. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and NEMO Equipment have coordinated to ensure that consumers do not bear the financial burden of this safety defect. Specifically, the official remedy for this recall is the provision of a free replacement chair. This means that NEMO Equipment will send you a new, safe unit to replace the defective one in your possession. They are not requiring you to pay for shipping, nor are they asking you to return the broken or potentially dangerous chair first before receiving the new one. The process is designed to be as seamless and stress-free as possible, allowing you to get back to enjoying the outdoors without worrying about the cost of resolving the issue.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact NEMO Equipment directly. They have established several convenient channels for consumer support during this recall period. You can call their dedicated recall line at 800-997-9301. This phone line is staffed by representatives who are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to provide specific details about your chair in writing, you may also email them at journey@nemoequipment.com. For those who prefer to handle things online, NEMO has created a dedicated section on their website for this issue. You can visit www.nemoequipment.com and navigate to the "Recall Safety Information" page, or go directly to https://www.nemoequipment.com/stargaze-recall/ for all the necessary forms and instructions.
When you reach out to NEMO Equipment, it will be helpful to have your chair’s specific details ready. Although the remedy is a standard free replacement, having this information on hand can speed up the process. You should locate the model name, which is printed on the pocket on the inside right side of the seat. Additionally, note that the NEMO name and logo are stitched onto the back of the seat. While you do not need to mail these parts in, knowing your specific model helps ensure you receive the correct replacement unit that matches your original purchase configuration.
The "why" behind this remedy is straightforward: the straps on the chair seats can fail, creating a serious fall hazard. A repair is not offered because the structural integrity of the mesh and strap connection cannot be guaranteed to be restored to safe levels through temporary fixes. Therefore, a full replacement is the only viable option to ensure your safety. By accepting this offer, you are removing a potential danger from your camping gear and ensuring that your future outdoor experiences are secure. Please do not delay in contacting them; the sooner you act, the sooner you can relax knowing your equipment is safe.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to want to hold onto a piece of gear that you have grown comfortable with, especially one designed for relaxation and enjoyment like the NEMO Stargaze Recliner. You may be thinking that since the chair still looks intact on the outside, or because you haven’t used it heavily yet, the risk is minimal. However, ignoring a safety recall is rarely a harmless delay; it is an active gamble with your physical well-being. The core issue here is not just about the chair looking worn out—it is about the structural integrity of the suspension system failing under load.
The specific hazard identified in this recall is that the straps on the chair seats can fail. These straps are the primary support mechanism for the monofilament mesh seat and your body weight. When these straps degrade, snap, or detach from the aluminum frame, the support structure collapses instantly. This does not happen gradually in a way that allows you to catch yourself. It happens with suddenness. If you are reclining, leaning back, or shifting your weight while using the chair, a strap failure can cause the seat to give way beneath you. The result is an unexpected and uncontrolled fall to the ground.
The consequences of such a fall are rarely trivial. Even if you land on soft grass or dirt, the impact can lead to sprains, fractures, or head injuries, particularly if you lose your balance entirely. If you are using the chair at a campsite near uneven terrain, rocks, or fire pits, the risk multiplies significantly. A fall from a reclining position can result in lacerations from nearby objects, bruising, or more serious trauma depending on how you land. While NEMO Equipment has received only one report of a chair breaking and no reported injuries to date, this silence is not a guarantee of safety—it is simply the absence of confirmed data. Relying on the fact that "no one has been hurt yet" is dangerous because it assumes your specific unit will behave exactly like those that have not failed, ignoring the reality that manufacturing defects or material fatigue can affect any single chair at any time.
Furthermore, there is a psychological and practical toll to ignoring the recall. You may find yourself using the chair with hesitation, constantly checking the straps or avoiding certain positions of recline. This undermines the very purpose of buying a luxury camping chair: to relax without worry. Instead of enjoying the outdoors, you are left anxious about your seat’s reliability. By continuing to use a recalled product, you are essentially maintaining a latent danger in your recreational routine. The remedy offered is free and immediate, removing any financial excuse for keeping a potentially unsafe item. Choosing not to act means choosing to accept the possibility of injury and the loss of peace of mind, both of which are far more costly than simply contacting NEMO Equipment for a replacement.