Tailgating Essentials: Gear Up For A Winning Game Day
Comprehensive Collection of Tailgating Necessities, Ascertained Through Our Thorough Examination
Southerners know that tailgating's serious business. Nailing the perfect tailgate setup means having the right gear - durable, portable equipment that enhances the experience, not holds it back! We've tested countless products, including portable grills, can coolers, and more, to bring you the absolute best. Add these items to your tailgate arsenal, and you'll score big this football season.
Top Picks
Crown Shades One Push Pop-Up Canopy - $150 at Amazon
A must-have for any tailgate, especially in the Southern heat. This canopy offers welcome relief from the sun while making it easy for your guests to find your setup. When tested, it had quick setup, UPF 50+ protection, and excellent airflow that made it stand out. With over 20 color and pattern options, find one that suits your team's style!
Office Star Center-Folding Portable Table - $145 at Amazon
A folding table for your tailgate spread is another essential. This table from Office Star Products is sturdy, spacious, and easy to set up solo - just unlock, unfold, and snap the legs into place. During testing, it held steady on uneven ground and didn't wobble, even with a loaded cooler on top. Cleanup is also a breeze, making it worth its weight.
Coleman Camping Chair - $47 at Amazon
Comfortable and functional, this camping chair from Coleman keeps you comfy and cold drinks within reach. During testing, we loved its wide seat and built-in cooler that holds up to four cans. It's cozy enough for long tailgates, and the wide seat supports up to 325 pounds. Despite being a bit tricky to repack, it's a small price to pay for a chair and a cooler in one!
Best Pop-Up Canopy
Crown Shades One Push Pop-Up Canopy ($150 at Amazon)
A shady spot is crucial for any tailgate in the hot Southern sun. The Crown Shades One Push Pop-Up Canopy is our favorite for its quick setup, UPF 50+ protection, and excellent airflow. Setup is a breeze - unfold the frame, push the center button, and extend the legs - and it even handles light rain without an issue. The canopy comes complete with guy ropes, stakes, and weight bags for long days outside. Best of all, you can find one that matches your team's colors with over 20 color and pattern options.
Dimensions: 8 x 8 feet, 10 x 10 feet | Material: 150D PU-coated fabric, steel frame | Weight: 36 pounds | Release Mechanism: One-push center lock
Best Folding Table
Office Star Center-Folding Portable Table ($145 at Amazon)
A folding table for your tailgate spread is another essential. This table from Office Star Products is sturdy, spacious, and easy to set up solo. During testing, it held steady on uneven ground and didn't wobble, even with a loaded cooler on top. Cleanup is also a breeze, making it worth its weight.
Open Dimensions: 72 x 28.8 x 29.5 inches | Seating Capacity: Four to six people | Weight: 34.2 pounds | Material: Metal frame, resin top
Best Folding Chair
Coleman Camping Chair ($47 at Amazon)
Stay comfortable at the tailgate with this functional camping chair from Coleman. We tested various camping chairs and loved this one for its wide seat and built-in armrest cooler that holds up to four cans. It's cozy enough for long tailgates, and the wide seat supports up to 325 pounds. Despite being a bit tricky to repack, it's a small price to pay for a chair and a cooler in one!
Material: Alloy steel, mesh | Chair Dimensions: 24 x 37 x 40.5 inches | Folded Dimensions: 37.9 x 7.1 x 8.1 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
Best Tailgate Grill
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill ($419 at Amazon)
What's a tailgate without a grill? You'll want one that's made to travel yet doesn't skimp on cooking area, which describes our favorite tailgate grill, the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill. It folds and unfolds one-handed, and the large wheels and pull handle make it easy to roll across grass, gravel, and pavement. The spacious cooking surface fits eight to 10 burgers at a time, so you can feed your whole tailgate crew. The single temperature knob and reliable igniter are easy to use, and cleanup is a breeze with pre-oiled grates.
Dimensions: 43.6 x 87.2 x 23 inches | Cooking Area: 320 square inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Power: 13,000 Btu/hour
Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill ($100 at Amazon)
For smaller tailgates, a tabletop grill can offer plenty of functionality. At just 13.5 pounds, the Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill is easy to carry one-handed, and the fold-out legs lift the grill for safe tabletop use. We were able to fit about six burgers or chicken breasts on it at one time, making it perfect for smaller groups or when you just need extra grill space. The ignitor isn't the most reliable, but this grill's value and portability make up for the inconvenience.
Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 11.5 inches | Cooking Area: 160 square inches | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Power: 6,500 Btu/hour
Best Portable Smoker
Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill ($480 at Amazon)
Everyone loves ribs at a tailgate, and the Traeger Tailgater makes it possible to smoke them on site. Unlike most smokers, the Tailgater is built to travel with foldable legs, wheels, and a handle. In testing, the 300-square-inch cooking area fit about 28 wings, making it a solid choice for most tailgate crowds. It's also incredibly versatile, with the ability to grill, smoke, roast, braise, or bake. The temperature control is simple and precise, with 5-degree adjustments up to 450°F, and the electric auto-start ignition makes firing it up a breeze on game day.
Dimensions: 37 inches x 36 inches x 18 inches | Cooking Area: 300 square inches | Weight: 62 pounds | Power: 19,500 Btu/hour
Best Tailgate Generator
EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Generator ($1,099 at Amazon)
In the South, it's common to skip the tickets altogether and watch the game right from the tailgate, and for that you'll need a portable generator that can power a TV (along with your other devices). The Delta 2 Max is up to the task. In testing, it powered a pellet smoker, fan, and camera charger and even handled a 55-inch TV, Dyson air purifier, and MacBook Pro all at once without breaking a sweat. Despite its compact size, it packs serious power, though at 50 pounds, it's a bit heavy to move solo. It fits easily in a vehicle and charges quickly – about 1.5 hours via a wall outlet. You can also use a car outlet or solar panel. The app offers setup help and advanced features. For powering your whole tailgate, it's a reliable and versatile choice.
Fuel Type: Battery, solar | Wattage: 2400 watts | Weight: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 9.7 x 20 x 12.2 inches
Best Cooler Bag
RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag ($119 at Amazon)
Available in sizes from 12 to 40 cans, the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler is built to fit any crew. It keeps drinks cold all tailgate long thanks to the heavy-duty shell, closed-cell foam, and a puncture-resistant liner. In testing, it matched a pricier cooler's performance without the high cost. The leak-proof zipper seals tightly (though it takes a little effort to open), and the wide top makes loading and unloading beverages easy. Plus, the top handle and shoulder strap make it comfortable to tote from the car to your tailgate spot.
Capacity: 12, 20, 30, or 40 cans | Ice Retention: 24 hours
Best Can Cooler
BruMate Hopsulator Duo ($25 at Amazon)
Stay refreshed at the tailgate with the BruMate Hopsulator Duo - it keeps your 12-ounce cans ice-cold while protecting your hands from the chill. And it doubles as a tumbler as well! In Southern heat, it kept drinks cold for hours, making it a tailgate must-have. Just keep in mind that not all finishes are dishwasher safe, so check before tossing it in.
Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 8.7 ounces | Capacity: 12 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Some patterns
Best Casserole Carrier
OXO Good Grips Insulated Bakeware Carrier ($30 at Amazon)
Bringing hot dishes to the tailgate just got easier with the Oxo Good Grips Casserole Carrier. It fits snugly against a standard 9-by13-inch casserole dish, and the insulation keeps food warm. The sturdy shoulder strap also makes it easy to tote, and the zippered pocket is great for holding utensils or extras, though it's a little tight. If you have access to a power source, we also recommend the HotLogic Expandable Food Warming Casserole Tote, which has a hot plate to keep food warm.
Size: 16.9 x 4.5 x 11.2 inches | Material: Recycled material with aluminum fabric lining
Best Outdoor Blanket
L.L.Bean Puffer Blanket ($79 at L.L.Bean)
For those late-season games, a portable, weather-resistant blanket is a worthwhile investment. The L.L.Bean Puffer Blanket is our favorite outdoor travel blanket. Insulated with recycled polyester, it's lightweight, cozy, and packs down into a pouch about the size of a 40-ounce tumbler, so it's easy to stash in your car or bag. The snaps let you wear it like a cape, making it great for keeping warm while you chat or watch the game outdoors.
Size: 54 x 74 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Care: Machine wash, dry flat
Best Portable Drink Dispenser
BruMate BackTap ($200 at Brumate.com)
For serving big-batch drinks like sweet tea or lemonade at the tailgate, you'll need a travel-ready drink dispenser. The BackTap is perfect for tailgates, offering easy portability with backpack straps and a metal handle for carrying. The vent plug on the lid quickly releases pressure, speeding up the flow (though we found it can dribble a bit after dispensing). Not only that, but it doubles as a cooler, so you can fill it up with ice and add bottles or cans too.
Its large size makes it ideal for big tailgate parties, though it can be heavy when full. This portable unit keeps drinks flowing smoothly while you enjoy the game or grill with friends.
Material: Rotomolded thermoplastic | Capacity: 3 gallons | Size: 13 x 14.8 inches | Weight: 13 pounds
Best Mini Slow Cooker
Courant 1.6-Quart Slow Cooker ($40 $30 at Amazon)
A mini slow cooker can hold warm dips at a precise temperature during the tailgate. Out of all those we tested, the Courant was the clear winner – it heated cheese sauce to perfection in about 40 minutes without scorching the cheese. Plus, the 3-foot power cord gives you plenty of setup flexibility in crowded tailgate areas, making it easier to find the perfect spot for serving.
Capacity: 1.6 quarts | Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.7 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Inner Pot Material: Ceramic
Best Buffet-Style Slow Cooker
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel 3 x 2.5 Quarts Triple Slow Cooker ($79 at Amazon)
This triple slow cooker lets you serve up chili, queso, and baked beans all at once – no need to juggle separate dishes. Each 2.5-quart basin holds enough for a crowd, and the locking lids stay secure on the go and stand open during serving. It's a bit heavy when full, but the handles make it easy enough to carry from the car to the tailgate table.
Capacity: (3) 2.5-quart pots | Dimensions: 23.5 x 7.7 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 11.1 pounds | Inner Pot Material: Nonstick aluminum
Best Portable Slow Cooker
Black+Decker 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker ($75 at Amazon)
Perfect for transporting hearty game-day dishes like chili or grape jelly meatballs to the tailgate, the Black+Decker 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker features a locking lid and large handles for secure carrying.
It cooked shredded chicken to juicy perfection in just two hours during testing. We especially liked the included chalk for labeling dishes with ingredients or allergy info right on the pot – a definite plus when you're serving a crowd.
Capacity: 7 quarts | Weight: 14.6 pounds | Inner Pot Material: Stoneware | Inner Pot Dishwasher Safe: Yes
More Essentials We Have Our Eye On
While all of the above products have been tested either in our lab or at home by our team, there are a few key categories we haven't yet tested. Below, you'll find some additional recommendations based on our research.
GoSports Classic Portable Cornhole Set
Cornhole is the most famous tailgate game of all, so we couldn't leave it off our essentials list. This lightweight cornhole board set weighs less than a pound and easily folds flat for storage or transport in the included carrying case. It also comes in lots of different design options to fit your tailgate theme.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Speaker
A quiet tailgate is no fun! Keep the energy high with a portable Bluetooth speaker. We recommend the Wonderboom 4, which allows you to sync two speakers for even bigger sound. Its 360-degree sound ensures music fills the space no matter where you place it. The hanging loop makes it easy to suspend from a pop-up canopy, and its waterproof build means it can handle any unexpected rain showers.
RTIC 52 Quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Hard Cooler
While we do have a soft-sided cooler on our list, bigger tailgates may benefit from a larger cooler. This hard-sided cooler from RTIC is lighter than rotomolded coolers of the same size and comes with wheels and a pull handle for easy transport from trunk to tailgate. With a capacity of 78 cans, you're sure to keep your whole tailgate crew refreshed and ready for the game.
Why Trust Southern Living?
Melanie Fincher is an editor at Southern Living specializing in shopping content, with nearly six years of experience testing and reviewing products. A proud University of Georgia alumna and Athens native, she's no stranger to tailgating. Melanie curated this list of top-tested tailgating essentials, drawing from both lab and at-home testing.
- The Crown Shades One Push Pop-Up Canopy with a price of $150 at Amazon is a must-have for any tailgate, offering UPF 50+ protection, quick setup, and excellent airflow.
- The Office Star Center-Folding Portable Table, priced at $145 at Amazon, is a sturdy, spacious, and easy-to-setup table that can hold coolers and hold steady on uneven ground.
- The Coleman Camping Chair, available for $47 at Amazon, keeps you comfy with a wide seat, built-in cooler, and supports up to 325 pounds. Despite its tricky repack feature, it's a small price to pay for a chair and a cooler in one.
- The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill, priced at $419 at Amazon, is the ideal tailgate grill, with a large cooking area that fits eight to 10 burgers, easy one-handed setup, and reliable ignition.
- The Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill, priced at $100 at Amazon, is a compact tabletop grill that can fit about six burgers or chicken breasts and is easy to carry, despite occasional issues with the ignitor.
- The Traeger Tailgater Pellet Grill, available for $480 at Amazon, is a portable smoker with a cooking area that fits about 28 wings, making it a suitable choice for most tailgate crowds. It's versatile, with the ability to grill, smoke, roast, braise, or bake.
- The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Portable Generator, priced at $1,099 at Amazon, offers the power needed to run a TV and other devices, and it fits easily in a vehicle. It charges quickly via a wall outlet, car outlet, or solar panel.
- The RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag, priced at $119 at Amazon, keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and is available in various sizes to fit any crew. It features a leak-proof zipper and comfortable shoulder strap.
