Do Game-Day Better This Season With These 15 Tailgating Gear Upgrades

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.

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A built-in thermometer measures internal temps, which you can monitor via a digital display just above the cooler’s latch. The unit holds 36 cans, plus two ice packs, meaning seconds or thirds for your whole unit. And all that insulating tech comes in a decidedly classic-looking cooler which comes in a slick metallic finish.

It comes with a carry strap and cotton canvas tote and the thin walls really are impressive, affording toughness without any excess bulk (although not quite a collapsible hard-sided cooler, we admit). That makes it exceptionally portable, not to mention the fact that the thing plain gets colder faster (and stays that way longer) than most coolers in its class. Bonus points for the ability to open the cooler from either side with a single hand.

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Charge this voice-enabled party starter in its dock, then take its full 24 hours of battery life anywhere. It’s waterproof, drop-proof, and switches from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth without missing a beat. That means it will go hard all season long, delivering Sonos’ signature boisterous acoustics and tasteful design. Your fellow fans deserve way more than the tinny sound whispering its way out of most portable speakers. Go big, or go home.

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Solo Stove has done it again with this release, a dialed-in size that lights some three times faster than previous models. The smaller frame makes it easier to transport and at just 23 pounds, it’s an easy squat when it’s time to take it out to the game or haul it back home.

We’re not entirely sold on the smokeless claim for the fire but there’s no denying the ease of use, great flame reach, and tidy, compact build of the bonfire. It’s far and away the easiest way to bring that campfire to your tailgate and the primitive and deeply satisfying form of entertainment that comes attached, whether by cooking over the top or just plain staring into the flames while warming your paws.

Oh, and there are fun add-ons, like a pizza oven, if you really want to max things out. And be mindful of burn bans out there, it’s still wildfire season.

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 sports season subsides, you can keep giving the awning reps by using it while camping.

Tailgaters need their cups. The best vessels are the ones that insulate and show your true fan colors, like this NFL-edition Rambler. You can keep that morning coffee hot or that afternoon beer ice cold while repping your team and avoiding any kind of splash back thanks to the MagSlider lid. Dishwasher safe and never hanging on to odors from past fills, this is your adult-level Dixie cup, NFL-approved and ready for a memorable Sunday.

Both Yeti and the NFL Shop have Yeti-made NFL gear, plus Yeti’s collegiate shop.

The Kamado Joe Jr. is a great size for travel and can pretty easily become your cooking fixture at the tailgate. While a little heavy, it’s petite in size and turns out some of the most even cooking surfaces in all of the charcoal realm. The slow chunks of charcoal, combined with the thick ceramic build and superior venting translates to the best pork shoulder, ribs, and steaks in your group. Grab it by the legs in transit and it’s like carrying a small briefcase.

There’s a reliable thermometer up top, a sturdy cast iron base below, and in between, an excellent circular grill grate that sits atop a warming tile. It delivers just the right amount of charcoal flavor. A grate allows you to add more charcoal while cooking and with 150 square inches of cooking space, you’ve got a decent amount of culinary real estate to work with.

Here’s a fine surface that won’t break the bank and will rather stylishly hold your food platters, grilling gear or drinks station. It’s a breeze to set up, requiring only an unfold and an extend of the legs. When not in use, it breaks down super flat and can be stowed away in between other things or even under a seat. And no need to be shy when stacking things on the table itself, as it can handle 60 pounds with ease.

Like so many things on this list, this table does great at the campsite as well. And if you do use it for things hot off the grill, as you should, note that it touts a heat-resistant surface so you need not worry about hot pads or damaging the colorful surface.

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 cornhole, 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 10 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.

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