The 10 Best Tailgating Gear, According to Guys Who Love to Tailgate

It’s not a tailgater without proper drinking vessels. These stackable cups from Corkcicle are the best we’ve tried, effortlessly portable, plenty durable, and sleek as ever thanks to their stainless steel makeup. The four-cup set is so good you’ll want to get another batch, upgrading your party cups for something a little more post-college.

These are great for any number of beverages, insulate just enough, and can be reused time and time again, making them teammates with the environment. They fit cleanly into cupholders and can be thrown into the dishwasher when the final whistle is blown.

But a great cup goes above and beyond the call of duty. The Eco Stackers also boast sharp design, with excellent grip and a silicone base that won’t slip, even when the weather becomes questionable. The volume is large enough for even a big pour of beer and the trio of color options makes them quite easy on the eye.

Read more: Best Travel Mugs

A big part of the tailgating experience is getting amped up for the match. It’s hard to do so without a proper playlist, preferably playing through a mobile speaker with robust acoustics. Fortunately, Sonos has come through with a major assist. This gadget is extremely portable while offering the kind of sound you would associate with something much bigger and more stationary.

The speaker is lightweight, voice-activated, and even waterproof. Even better, it drops the bass and touts 10 hours of battery life. That’ll get you and your crew very much in the mood for the big game ahead.

Pros

• Stylish
• Easy set up
• Great packing case

Regular fold-out chairs are out, stylish ones are in. This option from Helinox blends a midcentury minimalist aesthetic with some serious functionality. The chair could not be more portable, packing neatly into a carrying case. The canvas backing us as strong as oak and the vegan leather patches add a pleasing touch.

The frame is so sophisticated you’d think you’d need a manual to set the chair up but it snaps into place in seconds. Sure, there are many portable chairs, but this is portable furniture, refined and ready for anything. You’ll wish you could pack it into the game and sub it in for the rigid stadium seats.

Read more: Best Camping Chairs

Football season and other summer and fall sports bring all the elements. Week one could be a scorcher, while week three is a monsoon. Weatherproof your car with this slick awning, a portable shelter that will keep you cool and dry.

The awning packs up in a travel bag and when assembled, is both waterproof and UV-repellent. Setup takes a mere minute, and a universal design means it works with just about any vehicle. The aluminum poles are rust-proof, which is great when the weather isn’t so much. And when the sport season subsides, you can keep giving the awning reps by using it while camping.

Pros

• Clean burning
• Fast cooking times
• Includes pizza stone

Going to the game requires some games beforehand. Ladder ball is a choice option, and all the better when it’s a classy wood set like this one. Credit to corn hole, you’re a standup game, but ladder ball is a bit more involved and includes cool-looking frames that break down and pack up easily.

We love that it’s made of New Zealand pine wood, and is only ten pounds in weight. And while it’ll no doubt be a hit at the tailgater, it’s also great in the backyard or at the campsite.

Read more: Best Yard Games

Tailgating and grilling go hand in hand. But leave dragging your giant backyard barbecue to your buddies. Instead, pack a gadget built for the road, like this portable Traeger unit. You get all of the wood-fire goodness no matter what the destination.

The temperature control is through the roof and the setup even comes with a meat probe. That’s a recipe for perfectly-cooked burgers and dogs even away from home. What’s more, it heats up to 450 degrees and can handle a full rib rack, should you be so inclined. Compact, pellet-based, and reliable, this is your new favorite tiny grill.

Pros

• Durable
• Tremendous power
• Compatible with many appliances

Going away from home does not necessarily mean leaving the grid. And with a tailgater, you’re going to need the juice, so show up prepared with this solar generator. It delivers in all of the ways a top brand should, with a user-friendly setup and more power than you would imagine. (800W output). Durable and made for the outdoors, this puppy can power everything from a projector to a coffee maker to a portable refrigerator. That means you can bring some of those beloved creature comforts of home to the tailgating site. All from the power of the sun.

Read more: Best Solar Generators