Long gone are the days of the mesh-weave folding lawn chair and a simple blanket. Portable camp chairs swarmed onto the picnic scene years ago, and Ravinia-bound Metra riders have been dodging the shoulder-slung contraptions ever since. The newest versions include rockers, double-wide love seats and kid-sized chairs featuring the latest cartoon characters.
Here are a few for the next family outing:
BIG BUBBA, BY TRAVELCHAIR
$32.97, Erehwon Mountain Outfitter, 1000 W. North Ave. (also in Kildeer and Bannockburn)
The daddy of all camp chairs has it all: cupholder, footrest and headrest. Durable fabric and easy setup. Holds up to 300 pounds, but this thing is heavy to carry. Two backpack-style straps would make it easier on the back.
BEST BUY
BIXIE BUTTERFLY UMBRELLA CHAIR
$12.99, Target
Scoring huge on the “adorable” scale, this pint-size chair is perfect for the pre-school set. That umbrella might even block a little rain and sun.
CRAZY KIDZ CHAIR, BY CRAZY CREEK
$22, Erehwon Mountain Outfitter
Crazy Creek’s simple, comfortable camp seats are popular with the backpacker set. Their kid-size seats (for ages 2-6) come in fun patterns, are easy for children to carry and include pockets on the back for a water bottle and other goodies.
