We are officially in week one of the college football season. So if you’re reading this, you’re already behind.
Going to the tailgate is arguably the most important part of the day. It sets the energy and tone for a great Saturday. Now I don’t care if you go to SEC games or to some Division III school. Tailgating is tailgating, and you need to be locked in.
I picked six tailgating essentials from Acme Tools that I would want in my vehicle before leaving for the stadium.
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Every legitimate tailgate needs hot food. A bag of chips and lukewarm grocery-store dip are not going to cut it.
The Weber Traveler brings 13,000 BTUs of pure grilling power, so you can whip up pancakes for the early risers and steaks for the heroes. It stays on its cart, folds up like a Transformer, and actually fits in your trunk.
That means fewer separate pieces to pack and less fumbling around while everyone watches you struggle with the grill. Bring the burgers, brats and propane. Weber handles the rest.
YETI Roadie 32 Wheeled Hard Cooler
I shouldn’t even need to pitch this one. Are you just not going to show up with a cooler?
The YETI Roadie 32 can fit up to 50 cans without ice and includes a dry-goods basket for food that you would rather not have floating around at the bottom of the cooler.
Its retractable Periscope handle and puncture-resistant NeverFlat wheels make it easier to move through parking lots and crowded tailgating areas. I would rather roll a loaded cooler than carry one while pretending my lower back feels fine.
YETI TrailHead Camp Chair
You can stand around for six hours if you want. I’ll be sitting.
The YETI TrailHead Camp Chair supports up to 500 pounds and uses flexible fabric designed to provide support without creating annoying pressure points. It includes a carry bag that can be worn like a backpack, plus a cup holder that attaches to either side.
The wide GroundGrip feet also provide better stability on grass, gravel and other uneven surfaces. It is a serious chair for people who take sitting seriously.
Turtlebox GRANDE Speaker
If I’m running aux, I’m not showing up with the little speaker from my kitchen counter.
The Turtlebox GRANDE reaches up to 126 decibels and provides more than 40 hours of battery life. It is built for crowds of up to 100 people, while Party Mode lets you connect additional compatible Turtlebox speakers if one somehow is not enough.
It is also IP67 waterproof, buoyant and designed to resist drops, crushing and dust. So when the downpour start, you don't need to start feaking out.
Just remember that sharing a parking lot does not give you permission to play “Mo Bamba” seven times before kickoff. Use all 126 decibels responsibly.
EGO Nexus Escape 400W Inverter Kit
Eventually, someone’s phone will hit 3%. It will probably happen five minutes before they need to display the game tickets or worse, if they’re running the speaker.
The EGO Nexus Escape provides 400 watts of continuous power and 800 watts of peak power. It includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger, along with a 120V outlet, two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.
It will not power the entire stadium, but it can keep phones, laptops and compatible lower-draw electronics running. Always check the power requirements of a device before plugging it in.
Ben’s Natrapel 6-Ounce Insect Repellent
Nobody remembers bug spray until the mosquitoes start treating the tailgate like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Natrapel uses a DEET-free formula with 20% picaridin and provides up to 12 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks. The continuous spray also makes it easy to apply without spending half the morning fighting with the bottle.
Just make the purchase, toss it in the truck, and forget about it until you need it. You'll look like a savior when you pull this thing out.
bonus GRILL
If I wanted everyone in the parking lot to know that I take tailgating more seriously than my actual job, this is the grill I would bring.
The Hitchfire Forge 15 mounts to a hitch receiver, saving valuable trunk space for coolers, chairs and everything else. Its pivoting swingarm still provides access to the back of the vehicle, while the grill can be removed and used on a tabletop.
Twin 7,500-BTU burners provide 15,000 BTUs across an 18-by-22-inch cooking surface, giving you enough room to feed approximately eight to 10 people. It also includes two hideaway prep tables and a built-in bottle opener.
Show up with this thing and you are no longer just attending the tailgate. You are now responsible for feeding it.
