Compact Tailgate Party Gear 2020

One of the greatest challenges in hosting a Tailgate Party can be getting your gear – think chairs, food, games – there. Some manufacturers have already though of this and many items are designed to make your trip easier.

Let’s start with chairs:

The Tinya Ultralight Chair

The Tinya Ultralight chair is small but strong
The Tinya Ultralight chair is small but strong

OK, so strictly speaking, this is a camping and fishing chair, but it is lightweight and ultra-compact. It has comfortable fabric which breathes and doesn’t stick to your butt when you are hot. The binding around the edges of the folding chair (trim detail) comes in enough colors so you can match to your team or preferences. (Orange, blue, red, black, green, navy, gray, purple – you choose). Nice! And when folded up this comfy chair takes around the same amount of space as a drink bottle. The details are: 2 pounds in weight, unfolded size is just 20.1×25.9×19.7 inches and folded size 13.4 x 5.1 x 4.3″ in its portable pack. The feet are extra-large and made from a non-slip plastic. Even nicer! Better still is their 12 month guarantee.

It’s my favourite in the ultra-light class and is also competitively priced. You can buy a few of these for the cost of a normal chair.

Perhaps you need something larger, say, if you or your buds are classed as , well, ‘husky’? Here’s the thing for you.

The KingCamp Heavy Duty Compact Chair with Side Table.

Let’s celebrate our husky beeriness by buying a chair that suits us perfectly. This one will support up to 300 pounds in weight. The KingCamp has a side table and a carry handle and packs super flat.

The KingCamp Heavy Duty Chair

There are no negatives about the frame which is strong but lightweight aluminum and the cover also has a wicking effect. Its 600D stretch Oxford fabric is reinforced at the back and bottom . It does not get slimy and sweaty to sit on for long periods. Can be easily washed and beer will just float off. I am pretty sure about that as I don’t spill much beer. I make a point to have it go in exactly the right direction. Down the little red lane past the toothy cave of my mouth. Here are the stats. Seat height 18. 5”, width 20. 5”, weight 11. 9 lbs. There’s a side table with a space for your booze. Yes, this is a little more expensive than the Tinya but it will last a lifetime and like that little one, is guaranteed. There’s a place for both in your tailgate party kit.

The KingCamp is quick to open and shut

Now to shelter.

The Tailgate Tailbrella Hitch Umbrella Canopy

Most tailgate party parking lots are way too small for all your fun. OK so some of us go with a gang and we pool our parking spaces and share one large canopy in the center. But that is not always possible. Parking Management can fine their customers for not sticking to their designated lots. This is a solution to providing that patch of shade/shelter in your lot. The Tailbrella easily attaches to your hitch and the large-sized umbrella (9 feet) is almost as good as a canopy.

The Talbrella on an SUV
The Tailbrella on a Pickup

The umbrella is 9 feet wide, is water resistant and has a tilt-feature to follow that sun. The color options cover pretty much any team. The makers call it a ‘portable patio’ and that is an apt description. Packs away neatly and takes very little space. All you do it provide your vehicle with a hitch attached.

We will add to this as we find more of these clever, compact products to make your party the best ever without all the hassle. We are in the process of doing our regular update of links, products and better buys for you. So keep checking back !

Happy tailgating!

Happy 2019 ! 6 Tailgate Party Gear Reviews for NY.

Best tailgate party gear for 2019 – the list will grow over the year !

Every year, I go hunting for some new tailgate party gear or ideas to make your tailgate party an awesome experience.  Just remember that I add Facebook quickie reviews almost daily so do check them out as mostly they are linked to discounted prices.  All the items below are bargains at the moment (even at non-discounted prices believe it or not) , and remember, I will keep an eye on their special offerings over the next months.

So what will 2019 bring to the tailgate party? Comfort is high on the list in your tailgate party gear pack, especially on the east coast where any ways to stay warm get a vote.

1. The Heininger 5995 Propane Fire Pit

Heininger Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit

Heininger Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit

It’s hard to get a bonfire going in most parking lots – there are rules. Most just don’t allow it and if you are also grilling, you don’t want your drunken buds hanging around you while you flip those chops.  A fire pit can be a great solution as part of your tailgate party gear to lock out the cold.  The Heininger is operated by gas and those small propane two buck bottles do just fine for the time you will need it or you can connect up via its built in 10 foot hose. It is light weight which is a real bonus in selection of tailgate party gear to minimize what you need to pack and carry. It’s very quickly set up and its diameter is 19 inches, which makes for a convenient little hot-spot in the parking lot.  Gets great reviews and has a warranty relating to customer service so be sure to lock that in when you buy. No smoke so that is a big environmental plus. It makes a great gift for anyone with a backyard, a camper or of course, a tailgate party dude. Discounted at the moment and highly recommended – for outdoor use only and very versatile with good looks so you can even use it on an apartment balcony as well as being excellent tailgate party gear.

2. Shot Taker Scoop Ball Set 

Shot Taker Scoop Ball game

Shot Taker Scoop Ball game

Look, everyone knows scoop ball – it’s for kids at the beach, right?  But when you add the Shots to scoop ball then it suddenly becomes an easy game to pack and play at your tailgate party.  After all, it’s not called ‘shot taker’ for nada.  Putting this one out there as it is lightweight for ease of packing in your tailgate party gear box (you could fit in two or three sets) and discounted at the moment to kick of 2019. It will make a refreshing change from cornhole.

3. Marchway Ultralight Folding Chair

Marchway Ultralight Chair

Marchway Ultralight Chair

This is probably the lightest chair on the market and is designed for quick set-up and for taking as little space as possible in your tailgate party gear box, while offering a high degree of comfort. The Marchway chair has a heap of high-tech features and also, a very wide range of colors so you can theme to your team as it were. Including its handy cover, it weighs around 2 pounds so you can easily transport with your tailgate party gear. It’s ergonomic and has breathable, ripstop nylon fabric so you won’t be too sweaty when your team is losing. A 250 pound bubba can fit OK and won’t collapse. Great joins design will ensure safety.

Marchway Ultralight Folding Chair joins

Marchway Ultralight Folding Chair joins

A very original and acceptable gift as well.

4. PartyPong Beer Pong Table – Optional Cup Holes and LED lights (Football Field )

Beer Pong Table NFL version

Beer Pong Table NFL version

Well, I thought I had seen everything in beer pong table designs but this is a knockout. A table is essential tailgate party gear of course and one that doubles as a games table as well as food holding is excellent. Optional are cup holding holes and you get to order the light system and design you want.  No special price, sadly, but I think they are so amazing and fun that you could shell out for one of these. You’ll need to buy batteries to operate the impressive light array.  This model has an attached beer pong cup holder and 6 balls and the finish is designed to repel the damage from any drink of your choice. Well, maybe not Grappa. So they tell me.

5. Kegco HBK209S – 3-keg Dispenser

Kegco HBK209S-3 Keg Kegerator

Kegco HBK209S-3 Keg Kegerator

This is a kegerator that you may want to leave at home and dispense into large insulated growlers on tailgate party day.  Again, a kegerator is really the spine of tailgate party gear and if you are a fan of beer, this is the best way to make drinking affordable. The Kegco 3-keg is large and heavy but I am thinking that its benefits would be obvious to any beer lover.  You can use it for your fave beers or homebrews of all shades (dark to pale) and really, you can be assured of a never-ending supply.  The great thing about this one is that it has 5 stars review-wise and that rarely happens with kegerators. So it must be above average.  I know buyers who just whine about the beer they pull from their kegerators and the thing is, they didn’t really read the instructions.  There’s a technique, and also the sellers are happy to direct you to youtube clips and info that is sourced from happy owners so you CAN master these beasts. I would say, make 2019 your year of Kegerator ownership.  

You will save a fortune !

6. U-Keg 128 oz. Growler for Craft Beer 

U-Keg 128 oz pressureized Growler

U-Keg 128 oz pressurized Growler

The beer you make/buy for your kegerator can be dispensed into one of these Growlers from U-Keg and transported anywhere without loss of texture. It’s so easy to use and you will be assured of perfect beer no matter where you travel.  So I would advise at least one, and preferably two of these in your tailgate party gear pack to get you through the game.

It is a great gift for tailgaters and makes the day when you can have ‘draft’ beer all day.

2019 should be an amazing year for sport as a lot of money has been directed into developing sites to make them more attractive to folk who want to actually go there to soak up the atmosphere in the best possible way.  Parking spaces are wider at some stadiums and if you can get the same sites for each game, you can co-ordinate with your pals to maximize the fun space and bunch up the car space.

Once again, don’t forget to check our tailgate party facebook posts as they keep abreast of current price-savings and some news that may interest you.

Happy tailgate partying in 2019 !

Rawhide.

Customize your NCAA Tailgate Party with Team Decorations

Here’s a conundrum.  At tailgate parties in College Football Arenas, there is a huge mix of young students and those of over-21 drinking age.  It’s not fun to serve Shirley Temples to everyone there, is it?  But there are enough adults to make sure that the youngsters are safe so I’m thinking that it’s OK to combine drinkers and non-drinkers in the same tailgate party.  Yet a lot of the fun comes from customizing your party, dressing it in your team colors across the whole spectrum of tailgate party gear. The young guys certainly know how to dress the part.  

 

Dressing The Part in Team Colors is for Gals and Guys and not just clothes.

So maybe it’s not JUST about the booze.  It’s about the fun, the tailgate party prepping and the look of your site. Counted at the end of the summer season of 2016, there were 774 colleges and universities that have football programs. On average about five a year teams are added and nobody seems to leave.  So you can NCAA for football till your wallet runs dry as there are so many ways to show your team spirit. Firstly I would say dress for your team and then check out all the other stuff you can find that screams team.  At the very least you can slip on a crew shirt and the one above comes in a huge range of team colors with logos.  Below are a few ideas to start you thinking about how you can make your tailgate party so much more fun (and you can re-use them for the whole season or beyond).  I have noticed that most are very reasonably priced and buying online will save you a trip to the big-box party store.

Glitter Gear Nebraska Cornhuskers Official NCAA 3/4 Zip Pullover Track Jacket

Cornhuskers Official NCAA Track Jacket.

Cornhuskers Official NCAA Track Jacket.

Jackets that wear their hearts on their sleeves (metaphorically)  are available in all team stylings. This is one for the gals. They are surprisingly inexpensive so you can buy one for multiple team loyalties if you have a divided family.  Hey, who has ALL their kids in the same college these days? Follow the links to a heck of a range of bargain clothing for your NCAA team.

Then customize your eats and drinks:

The Memory Company NCAA Virginia Tech Gameday Ceramic Platter

The Memory Company NCAA Virginia Tech Gameday 2 Ceramic Platter

The Memory Company NCAA Virginia Tech Gameday Ceramic Platter

Don’t just use a plain white platter – go for a team one.  This will make you stand out from your NCAA adversary in the parking lot!

Start with an NCAA Tablecloth.

This one is 8 feet long and you can track down your team’s version through amazon by clicking here: 

Rico NCAA Michigan Wolverines 8-Foot Table Cover

Rico NCAA Michigan Wolverines 8-Foot Table Cover

You can even just buy your team’s fabric and custom make your own table cloth, banner or blanket.

Collegiate Fleece University of Alabama Fabric

Collegiate Fleece University of Alabama Fabric

The one above is fleece but you can find all kinds of fabric – even cotton, to make skirts and dresses.  Pretty versatile for the next step which is to:

Decorate your tailgate party site whether in a parking lot, a park or just in the back yard.

College Flags and Banners

College flags and banners

College flags and banners

This one is 13″ x 18″ and you can even hang them around your garden.  Go here and navigate to your own team’s banner from the pictures below the listing. There are heaps to choose from.

You can also hang team ornaments around your site.  Or keep them for the holiday tree.

NCAA Ball ornament - Florida State

NCAA Ball ornament – Florida State

Wearing your heart on your sleeve for your own team shouldn’t be dismissed – it is essential (IMHO).  And while you are there, make sure you have a good repertoire of team songs to hammer out when you’re, well, hammered.

 

 

Best 5 New Tailgate Party Products for 2018 reviewed

I just found this stuff while browsing amazon.com (full disclosure – I have an affiliate agreement with them but I am honest in my reviewing).  Most of it is new or newish but I certainly had not seen it before.

First, let’s go hi-tech for the lazy tailgate party host.

Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaner

Meet the Grillbot Automatic Grill cleaner.  This is the equivalent of a Roomba but for your grill.

Grillbot on BBQ

Grillbot on BBQ

The Grillbot only weighs around 3 pounds but has all the scrubbing power you need to use after cooking up a storm.  We would recommend using after each batch of whatever you are grilling to keep that grill-top (grate or flat-top, even small electric grill) from building up cross-flavors and old fat and charcoal.  You can set the Grillbot and forget it.  It will beep when the cycle is finished. Of all the New Tailgate Party Products for 2018, these are my faves.

Grillbot comes in 4 colors

Grillbot comes in 4 colors

Push button with an LED light, it also has a carry case.  I will be buying a swag of these for my beer buds whose barbecue hygiene is, well, not ideal.  With this little gadget you can get the job done while you are enjoying the party.

Grillbot showing size

Grillbot showing size

It’s powered by a rechargeable battery and definitely takes the sweat out of the scrubbing, getting in between those grill grates quite nicely.  Afterwards, just wipe down with a paper towel and cook the next course or pack the grill away for the next game. HINT: If you wear the Grillbot brushes out, it is easy to replace them and they are always available.  In fact, all parts are replaceable in case you leave them at the tailgate party. Also the weatherproof case you can buy as an optional extra is worth the small money it costs.

I’d say this is one of the hottest items of 2018. This is what the Grillbot looks like underneath:

Grillbot - what it looks like under

Grillbot – what it looks like underneath

 

Party King Grills PKG-VJV-6412 SWING’N Smoke Varsity Grill Package, Includes Varsity Grill, Varsity Cradle and VERSArm LT Swing Arm

Party King Grill

Party King Grill – perfect for Parking Lots

And now here’s a way to deal with shrinking parking lots and small parking spaces yet not sacrificing the size of the grill.  It’s the Varsity model from Party Grill.  We’ve seen trailer hitch groills before but not at this standard which features an innovative way to attach their large 3-burner grill to the trailer hitch of your vehicle and it takes up minimal space.  Party King Grill people have invented a whole package of complementary grill tools so the whole kit and caboodle is transported on the back of your car.  You just park, swing the Party King Varsity Grill out to the side, light up, get your food from the trunk and everything is close at hand.  A brilliant idea that really does fit the ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ category.  Party King Grills Varsity 6412 Package – Medium Grill and Standard Arm. The Varsity 6412 is one of the most popular hitch mount tailgate grills on the market and that is understandable as it is solid and well-built. The medium sized Varsity grill has only been released recently and that, in my estimation, is the best model for tailgate parties. It can also be used independently as a portable tabletop grill by detaching it from the arm. It’s also fully stainless steel and the Varsity grill has predictable and accurate cooking temperatures while still achieving the searing top temperatures of larger models. The Party King Varsity Grill includes fold up side shelves and quick attach grill mounts and there are numerous attachments that you can get to grill your own way. The surface for cooking is 11.25″ x 18.5. 

It’s from a reliable company that delivers good, old-fashioned personal service and that’s great to know.  It”s a product that is recommended for any vehicle from compact upwards and frees up so much space in your trunk.

HyperGear Beast XL Rugged Portable IPX6 Waterproof Water Resistant Dustproof Outdoor Indoor Wireless Bluetooth Speakers  

HyperGear Beast XL Rugged Portable IPX6 Waterproof Water Resistant Dustproof Outdoor Indoor Wireless Bluetooth Speakers

HyperGear Beast XL Rugged Portable IPX6 Waterproof Water Resistant Dustproof Outdoor Indoor Wireless Bluetooth Speakers

The Hypergear Beast Bluetooth Speakers are resistant to splashes (yes, even from beer) and well engineered as compact, dust-proof yet high quality ways to play music (or a feed from your computer – eg. The Game) at your tailgate party.

We have been lugging our Block Rocker around for years and now it’s time to go compact.  So for 2018, we will carry more food and less music gear.  It has incredible sound for a bluetooth model and an impressive bass. Go to this link and you will get an amazing discount !

Alfrescamore Pizza Oven from Cuisinart with integrated stand

Alfrescamore Cuisinart Pizza oven and stand

Alfrescamore Cuisinart Pizza oven and stand

Here’s a pizza oven that I noticed at my bud’s place lately and I was surprised to hear that it was from Cuisinart as it is poles apart from their sweet kitchen appliances.  The Cuisinart Alfrescamore pizza oven is so ideal for tailgate parties as it has an integrated stand, runs on gas, is not heavy and you can also add wood chips to ensure that smokey taste. Any flavor you want.

The pizzas look realistically Italian and taste just fantastic.  You can cook them fresh during the tailgate party rather than risk the cardboard flavor of most boxed fast-food items.

Pizza fresh from the Oven

Pizza fresh from the Oven

Selling for a great price at the moment.  So stock up on all the ingredients you enjoy and craft pizzas while you watch the game at the tailgate party.

Now to the games: from experience, this is one of the best giant beer pong games around:

Giant Beer Pong Edition – BucketBall

You need something that is easy to pack, compact but enormous and not going to break and this seems to be the one that everyone is using.  (Some are too big to transport).  This one is not brittle and will give you seasons of fun.

Bucketball Giant Beer Pong Combo Pack

Bucketball Giant Beer Pong Combo Pack

And no, you do NOT have to drink a bucket of beer. Stick to the red solo cups.

We will add to this list as we get around the parking lots and see just what everyone is using this year to make sure that their tailgate party is the best it can possibly be.   So do watch this space and see what we have been able to discover.

Happy Tailgating !

 

RIP Keith Jackson, Sportscaster and Voice of NCAA

It is your duty, Ladies and Gentlemen, to raise a glass to this champion of sportscasting.

RIP Keith and may you inspire others to love the game.

Happy New Year AKA ‘National Bloody Mary Day’ – Make a Bloody Mary Smoker Style

They tell us that Jan, 1 is actually National Bloody Mary Day so here’s a recipe with a twist. It uses a smoker and some great flavors.

There’s no better bloody mary recipe than the smoked version adapted from one on Steve Raichlen’s site.  It’s great to use your smoker if you have one already or use this recipe as an excise to go out and buy one.  They have dropped a lot in price since being released.

But before you go, check out the items you need to make this amazing (and healthy) drink that will kick start your Jan. 1 like no other.

The Smoking Gun

The Smoking Gun

A hand-held Smoker such as The Smoking Gun is essential and you will find heaps of ways to get the maximum use out of this great gadget from smoking meats, whole meals, salmon and trout, ice-cream to peaches and everything in between:

Tall glass rimmed with your fave rimmer eg. Demitri’s Rim Shot 

Demitri's Bacon Rim Shot

Demitri’s Bacon Rim Shot

Demitri’s has other flavors as well so a bit of experimenting is advised. They all go well.

Fill a tall glass with ice and the juice of a lime, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a dash or 5 of Frank’s Original Red Hot

Frank's Original RedHot

Frank’s Original RedHot

or Sriracha

Sriracha

Sriracha

and a teaspoon of prepared horseradish.

Strain the prepared cocktail mix into a pitcher BEFORE adding the vodka and apply the Smoking Gun. Pour back over the ice and proceed with the vodka.

Fill the glass half-way with vodka and then top up with 50% Clamato and 50% a quality tomato juice.  Taste and adjust seasonings -maybe add some freshly ground black pepper.

Garnish with a crisp celery top that doubles as a swizzle stick. Accompany this with a tray of nibbles such as Polish sausages or other smoked meats, salami, sharp cheeses,

Breakfast for one on Tailgate Party Day ? !!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving Tailgating !

Wherever you are, have a safe and happy thanksgiving with family and friends. May the gratitude and blessings we express around our shared tables today spread to the whole community!

Thanks for reading our blog and I hope we can keep you informed about all things tailgating in the months to come.

 

Rawhide and Family.

Our Hearts Go Out to Victims of Harvey

When you’re tailgate partying, spare more than a thought for the victims of Harvey. There are some very direct and immediate charities worth supporting such as www.houstonfoodbank.org/ which is on the ground with a massive force of volunteers from USA-wide.  Your money will be spent for immediate care and they are in it for the long haul as well. No big salaries are paid. They have low running costs and every dollar donated to the Houston Food Bank provides the equivalent of three meals for an individual over and above the already functioning SNAP program.

So that makes more sense than donating to some of the ‘Big Box Charities’ with their high salaries and corporate structure, doesn’t it now?

Maybe your tailgate party guests will help too, so spread the word and see what you can collect at your events.

 

Tailgate Party Attire Doesn’t Have to be Beer Color – What Men Wear.

Tailgating parties don’t have to be restricted to sporting events.  Concerts, even religious meetings attract dyed-in-the-wool tailgaters.  Heck, some people see a crowd and just have to pull into a generous car space in the lot, drag out the BBQ, turn on some loud music and start playing flip cup.  Gals can usually figure out something cute to wear.  But what is the dress-code for men?  Let’s assume that if it is a prayer meet, then attendees will have some kind of level of decorum.  You can still tailgate, party like a crazy person and go right on into the event and beg forgiveness. My friend pre-games at the opera and ballet.  And there’s a fancy-schmancy dress-code including champagne flutes that would never do in one of my parking lots.

Pregaming shirt for the Ladies

Pregaming shirt for the Ladies

But you can’t have her shirt.

Anyway, what do the guys wear? Is there a dress code seeing as how there will be grease splatter and beer-stains?  Which could be the best of it.

Go for comfort, team spirit and durability.  Washable makes sense. Layers for unpredictable weather.

Everyone is familiar with the concept of dressing for the sports tailgate party versus for a music concert.  The simple equation is, for sport, dress for a home or away team.  For music, do NOT dress for the performer, but go coooool till it hurts, finding an appropriate ironic t-shirt if you can.

Below, are some very suitable tailgating outfits for men, and I am talking ‘men who like beer, bacon, bourbon, a level of bawdiness and a mountain of BBQ’.  NOTE to self. Investigate some cool bibs to wear when splashing and dripping that BBQ sauce.  On second thoughts, do those bibs EVER look cool?  Probably not.

Anyway, let’s start with Beer-themed clothing.  You can never go wrong with this. Babies, especially, wear beer themed clothing well, but that’s another chapter.

Cornholer T-Shirt

 

Salute to the game!  No, not the game IN the stadium, the one outside in the car-park.  Designed and printed in the USA, this smart logo shirt is made from pre-shrunk 100% cotton (except for the grey version which is 90%-10% Poly-Cotton) and the collar is ribbed (double-needle) with taped neck and shoulders so that it will not stretch, sag or become misshapen.  The design has been applied using 21st century technology and I am pleased to say, it is eco-friendly.  Heat treatment sets the design and dyes so that it is color-fast.  A high quality product, durable and comfortable yet smart enough to wear to any level of tailgate or home-gate party.

In the range created by this local, high-rated manufacturer, there are many slogans, graphics and designs that have been conceived specifically with the passionate tailgater in mind.  They are also competitively priced and the shapes of the tees and sizes are well in line with today’s styles.  Full range of 16 colors, that will harmonize with your team, and sizes from Small to XXXX-Large can be selected at checkout.

I Like Pig Butts and I Cannot Lie T-Shirt

I like Pig Butts and I Cannot Lie T-Shirt

I like Pig Butts and I Cannot Lie T-Shirt

 

And show your friends you are there for the pork.  Nicely made and finished off and will be durable enough to last for a few seasons of pork rind dribbles and beer staining.

How about an Instant beard?

This Barbarian Beard and Beanie combo is really useful for cold-weather tailgate parties and when the whiskers are full of cheese dip and ketchup, you can just throw it in the wash.

Barbarian Beard and Beanie for Tailgate Party

Barbarian Beard and Beanie for Tailgate Party

There are a few different color combinations, not really in team tones but near enough.  This purple one could do for a Lakers’ tailgate party.  The beard is removable (Velcro) and the only annoyance there is that the yarn can stick to the Velcro easily and tangle up.  But that’s easy to control by tucking it into the hat. Acrylic with 30% wool and the beanie is 100% acrylic.  Bit of fun!

List Hockey Grey Youth T-Shirt

List Hockey T-Shirt for tailgate party

List Hockey T-Shirt to wear to a Hockey Tailgate Party

From Coed Sportwear, this shirt knows more about the game of hockey than most young guys … ‘You might be a hockey player if … your dentist is on speed dial ‘ and so on printed on the front.  100% cotton, the size range is YMDYXL.

Football and Beer in Idaho

This is the iconic Idaho Tailgate Party football/beer shirt.  Will soak up those beer stains no worries. And celebrates the state… of inebriation.

I realize that hunting for t-shirts is like looking for shells on the beach.  There are millions.  Screen printed, 100% cotton for solid colors, the heather colors have between 10% and 35% synthetic component.  Aand tells it like it is.

By far the favorite piece of clothing at tailgate parties is the hoodie.  It has pockets, is usually cut wide enough so that you can layer wearables underneath to insulate you from the cold and that hood is the best invention ever.  Those monks sure knew how to dress in 13th century Europe.  Here is a list of my favorite hoodies for men from small to burly guys.  Everyone looks equally cool in a hoodie.

Pop Over Hoodie – Team Colors

Arizona Cardinals Hoodie

Arizona Cardinals Sunday Hoodie

This will keep you warm in the season and you can drink, eat, spill, whatever and then just throw it into the wash.  Nothing super special about the design but it is not expensive.  This means you can buy a few of these with different teams and conferences. Cotton 80%/Polyester 20%.

Here’s a jacket that says exactly what it means: You are the host with the most.
And you take tailgate parties seriously.

NFL Men’s Repeat Logo Ugly Business Jacket

NFL Men's Repeat Logo Ugly Business Jacket

NFL Men’s Repeat Logo Ugly Business Jacket

As always, when you order this one, you need to select your own team and size.  The range offered is amazing and I don’t know how they keep up!

And if a ‘sports jacket’ isn’t enough for you, then go the whole suit and you’ll be the hit of your tailgate party!

NFL Mens Repeat Logo Ugly Business Suit

NFL Mens Repeat Logo Ugly Business Suit

And would I wear this to the office?  Heck yeah! Well, only if we won that day.

Order a size larger than you normally wear and be aware that these are not lined. They are not luxury suits but a bit of a gag.

But wow, what a splash at the tailgate party when you show up!

Champion Men’s Champion Eco Fleece Full Zip Hoodie

Champion Men's Full-zip Eco Fleece Hoodie Jacket

Champion Men’s Full-zip Eco Fleece Hoodie Jacket

This is a low-priced, plain hoodie and the fabric that makes it up is partly spun from recycled fibers.  Here’s the breakdown of the materials from their label: “Solid Body: 9.3oz, 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester. Oxford Body: 9.3oz, 75% Cotton, 25% Polyester. Granite Heather: 9.3oz, 52% Cotton, 48% Polyester. Solid Trim: 98% Cotton, 2% Sapndex; Oxford trim: 89% Cotton, 10% Polyester, 1% Spandex; Granite Heather.

Easily machine washed it has a reinforced neck (with signature tape) and a smartly lined hood for extra warmth and style.  The fleece will keep you extremely warm and the wind is blocked out by the cotton component.

The hoodie design features a center pouch pocket and coil zippers for a classic look.  This will keep you warm but it’s not not waterproof – the beer will not splash off but eventually soak in to reinforce your inner beeriness.  Comes in lots of colors that will suit your team.

Dakine Men’s Wyeast Jacket

Dakine Wyeast Men's Jacket

Dakine Wyeast Men’s Jacket – waterproof.

This is almost a complete weather control jacket and while it is not in team colors, it really stands out in a crowd but will protect you from everything life can throw at you.  * Mental note: Wear while cornholing.*

Here’s a fully waterproof, has glove hooks at inner sleeve cuff, wrist gaiter and sleeve pass pocket, a regular hood and one handed drawcord system at front of hood,  YKK Aquaguard Water resistant zippers, 2- way opening center front zipper and collar venting System, attached powder skirt with Lycra in case you also want to take it to the slopes, fully taped seams and mesh goggle pocket and much more.

What you need for tailgate parties is something that repels water, keeps the wind out and can be washed after you cover it with BBQ sauce and beer.  (Read the labels for cleaning instructions).

I really appreciate the design of this jacket and know that it can get pretty vicious out there on the lot so you have to dress for extremes.  Buy a size bigger so you can layer with a sweater underneath or a hoodie.

It has a large hood and the tightening cords are well anchored.  The pockets are large and the coat is also vented so that you don’t feel claustrophobic.  The one pictured is quite smart.  If you want to make it into a team jacket, sew on a patch or two.

 

Men’s UA Tactical Fleece Hoody Tops by Under Armour – Navy

Under Armour Men's Storm Tactical Job Fleece Great for Tailgate Parties

Under Armour Men’s Storm Tactical Job Fleece Great for Tailgate Parties

21st century men have discovered that Under Armour’s clothing line is not just for soldiers.  The design elements in this Marine style lightweight thermal shell hoodie are not spectacular but the simplicity and generous sizing are in  line with its Defense contracts.  Charged cotton 80%/Polyester 20% (ie. treated to make it extremely waterproof) does keep water off and after a few months of wearing and washing, you can recharge it with any of the popular DWR sprays. This product will melt when exposed to extreme heat or open flames so don’t stand too close to the BBQ. Cotton-blend fleece, treated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, repels water but stays breathable, for protection from whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Ultra-brushed interior is soft to the touch and traps heat like a champ, keeping you warm without any bulk. Lightweight, 4-way stretch construction improves mobility and comfort. Superior Moisture Transport System wicks sweat to keep you drier, longer. Ribbed cuffs and front pocket deliver stretchable comfort.  These are in limited colors. Add patches …  or look here for team colors (not logos).

MLB New York Yankees Thermabase Full Zip Jacket

MLB NY Yankees Thermabase Jacket

MLB NY Yankees Thermabase Jacket

I think I have tracked down a good price on this classic baseball team jacket (the one pictured being for the Yankees).   For tailgate parties, you can’t do much better than this.  Support your team (Yankees in this case) with this Triple Peak Premier jacket from Majestic. The jacket is designed around Therma Base technology featuring moisture-wicking fabric so that you won’t have that sweaty buildup.  Full-zip, waist to neck, 100% polyester woven tightly for protection, double collar, banded waist-band and hidden cuffs make this a great performer in the car-park.  Four-way stretch fabric gives a windproof and waterproof protection and the classic design will take you from party to game and back again.  The left sleeve features an authentic team logo.  It is an Official garment with genuine team color-blocking.

Other features include:

Soft fleece lining

Locker loop

Quality embroidery

2 side seam ventilation zippers

2 front pockets

Olympic collar

At this time of the year when people are trying to put heatwaves behind them, they can sometimes sell fast, so get your order in quickly.  Specify your team and size.  If you intend layering clothing beneath (ie. if you live in somewhere freezing like North Dakota and feel the need for extra clothes) buy a size up.

MLB Detroit Tigers Shut Out Full-Zip Hooded Fleece Jacket, Navy

Detroit Tigers Hooded Jacket

Detroit Tigers Hooded Jacket

Dakine Wyeast Men's Jacket

Dakine Wyeast Men’s Jacket

Detroit Tigers Hooded Jacket

Detroit Tigers Hooded Jacket

This is the Detroit Tigers MLB Spring 2013 Fleece by Majestic, that fine designer and manufacturer of team-wear.  It’s available in all sizes and for all teams so tick the right boxes in your order at checkout. It features  a Felt Tek patch for your team and the large hood can be tightened to shut out the wind.  It’s light enough to wear under a waterproof jacket and the company says that will guarantee almost Arctic protection.  That’s what you need in a carp-park when you are iced in with chilly beers.  That and a rack of juicy ribs or some pulled pork.

Don’t forget to accessorize.

EZ Drinker Drink Vest

12-pack EZ Drinker Drink Vest

12-pack EZ Drinker Drink Vest

Here’s the 12-pack that has never seen the inside of a gym. The EZ Drinker Drink Vest is fun and practical, giving tailgaters the ability to tote six cans of their favorite brew to share (or not) with friends!  Just don’t jump up and down while wearing it.

Made of waterproof black fabric, the belt fastens firmly in the back and features front and center personalization which can be ordered at checkout. Show up wearing this (filled with interesting brewskis) and you will create a sensation.

 

On that note … don’t forget to dress for success.  Good luck to your teams and …

Happy Tailgating, folks !

 

Review: Best Kegerators and Gear for Your Homegate Party – Big is Better in 2018

Big is Better at the Homegate Party

We all know that when it comes to Best Kegerators and Gear for Your Homegate Party – Big is Better in 2018.  The Homegate Party is catching on in many areas for a few reasons with people who preferred to tailgate party joining in and doubling up: terrible east coast and southern weather, kegerators, expense of reserving a parking space for the day, restrictions on what you can use and the limit on how much you can fit in your vehicle. These days, sports fans want kegerators.  These are fabulous ways to have your beer and drink it too, and at small cost. While there’s nothing quite like actually being there for the tailgate party scene, if you prefer to homegate party, you can set it up so well that you can make it a memorable (read *fun*) day from start to finish.  Maybe by the pool … But mostly, this post is a general wrap about stuff that is way too big to be classed as portable.  Such as kegerators. We will add to it as we check out more and more useful products.  And yes, there’s NOTHING like the atmosphere of an all-in tailgate party. But homegating is a viable and manageable alternative – or do both. As well, we would love to hear about your experiences with the Homegate Party scene!

Weber Summit 7470001 by the pool for Homegating

Weber Summit 7470001 by the pool for Homegating

Essentially, the gear is similar.  However, you can be sure that nobody is going to stop you from setting up a smoker, a whizz-bang grill and pizza oven and blast the world with the loudest speakers money can buy.  After all, you’re in your own backyard or man cave. Scale is 9/10ths of the law – you can have Really Big Stuff at a homegate party.

Let’s start with the centerpiece of all tailgate parties or homegate parties – the grill.

As, for most homegating, the grill can be either built in, gargantuan and therefore, too big to take to parking lots, not portable or just dependent on charcoal or woodfire for fuel (which is banned in many lots), we are going straight to the grills that are the stuff dreams are made of.

The Weber Summit 7470001 670 Gas Grill for your homegate party

Even Weber calls this the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ and ‘The Top of the Line’. High praise and a lot of positive reviews on many sites.  I have not had the privilege of test-running one of these, but there’s always hope.  I have to be content with fondling them when spotted at Orchard, Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Weber Summit 747 closed

Weber Summit 747 pack shot !

Here is the grill I fantasize over.  It has a whopping 769 inch cooking surface. OMG, those steaks!

Summit with masses of homegating food

Summit with masses of homegate party food

This particular Weber BBQ grill has the number 747 in it – seems to be the jet class of BBQs in every way.  Note that the one pictured is a natural gas model requiring plumbing of a gas line to where you want to use it (by the pool man-cave or outdoor kitchen) but there are many versions that run on propane.  I love the natural gas version of this Weber for home.

It features

6 Snap-jet individual ignition controls – 6 large burners.

Sear Station

Side burner

A smoker burner and smoker box

Built in thermometer

Built in cart and a space for your tank if the propane model. Accessories shelf.

Rear mounted infra-red rotisserie burner

Cast aluminum construction of all cook boxes – this features cooking grates, burner tubes, Flavorizer Bars, and the grease management system. Angled just right, the Flavorizer bars catch drippings that smoke and sizzle, adding flavor to your food. Any drippings not vaporized by the Flavorizer bars follow the slope of their unique angle and are funneled away from the burner tubes, down into the grease management system. No more carcinogenic flare-ups that give the meat a smell of kerosene.

There are many design aspects of this amazing grill that are exclusive to the Weber company.  It will last a lifetime and create homegate party memories. Mostly, you in a Chef hat!

Weber Summit with Rotisserie

Weber Summit with Rotisserie

10 foot flexible hose included

Built in lighting illuminating the cooking surface.

Weber Summit with night lights

Weber Summit with night lights

It is worth reading the feedback on selling sites as it is so positive. People say this is the best investment they have ever made for outdoor cooking.  A Kegerator is the ideal companion.Read our article on Kegerators here.

Note that Made in America (Illinois) Weber Summit does require some assembly as it is only partially built in the box.  But it is easy stuff and you and your buds can knock the chore over in no time.  You have to factor in the extreme weight of the grill and all its components.  When you have it delivered, lay it all out on the floor of your garage and check that everything is in the box.  Try to put it in assembly order.  (This is an Ikea hint!)  And speaking of hints, Ms. Rawhide says ‘Just don’t break out the beer till it’s time to raise a celebratory brewski and christen the monster. Never drink and assemble.’

The Smoker

OK, so you CAN just use the Weber Summit for your smoking as well, but I believe it is sheer luxury to maintain a separate machine for each purpose.

The Bradley Smoker 33.5″ model

For starters, this is an electric smoker.  That’s different! But this is a large model.

Bradley Smoker 33.5

Bradley Electric Smoker 33.5″ gives you more time for drinking

 

You could also look at a wood-fired smoker but hear me out first … an electric smoker takes the chore out of feeding the moster with logs or charcoal.  That can easily consume the day and really, it’s all about the sport, the beer, the games, the beer, your friends, the beer and the food …and the beer.  Not the slaving over a hot smoker. The Bradley Original Smoker makes home smoking a doddle (as they say in the UK). With an automatic wood feeder system and consistent, accurate temperature control, you achieve the perfect smoke without the argument with the machine. The automatic wood bisquette feeder system enables clean, continuous smoke for up to eight hours without re-fueling.  That’s enough time to drain the kegerator, no?

The interior is easily-cleaned stainless steel

Interior of the Bradley Smoker

Interior of the Bradley Smoker

The controls are at the side which makes them very accessible.  The Bradley site has lots of valuable hints and specifications.

We reviewed a full range of smokers and a few other accessories here.

There’s a lot of info and we do keep it updated as much as possible.  Let us know about any broken links or products that have had problems and we will follow it up straight away. Some suppliers remove products or have issues with supply and don’t let us know.

Games for The Homegate Party

Giant Yard Pong – a Massive version of Beer Pong

Giant Yard Pong for Homegating

Giant Yard Pong

Why settle for a normal sized Red Solo cup for a game of beer pong when you can have a set of these buckets? They are fun for the backyard game and wow, check out the expressions on the faces of your friends when you fill one with beer!  So you can get an idea of scale, here’s a photo of a whole set and how easy it is to transport it.

Yard Pong in carry bag

Yard Pong in carry bag

This is the classic game of beer pong only with a massive set up.  The buckets are sturdy and the balls float so it’s OK to take this to the beach or play around the pool.  Whether you drink that bucket of beer is up to you …

Giant Stacking Tower Drinking Game for Your Homegate Party

Giant Stacking Game with Drinking Instructions

Giant Stacking Game with Drinking Instructions

Here is that block stacking game with a twist.  Each of the 60 pieces of this stacking tower/tumbling game has a drinking instruction on it. It has a nifty carry bag so in theory, you CAN take this with you, but it is so large (up to 4 feet depending on whether you start it on an additional crate or not) that it really plays better at home.  Note that this is not Jenga nor affiliated in any way with that original game. But it is made of nice lumber and no splinters.

10 x 10 AB Canopy with Wheeled Carry Bag

Large Canopy

Large Canopy

Even for Homegating you may need some additional shelter or shade.  This range of canopies has umpteen colors to match your team and is easy to put up and take away.  In other words, you can transform your yard into a parking lot-style haven using this very practical splash of color to decorate and show your team spirit.  It also has its own leg weights so that the wind will not be a problem.   Start with this, a grill and a kegerator and work your way out with all the accessories you need to throw the best tailgate party ever but at home!

Ion Audio Job Rocker Bluetooth Speaker

Ion Audio Job Rocker Bluetooth Speaker

Ion Audio Job Rocker Bluetooth Speaker

Get a great audio speaker! This Ion Audio Job Rocker Bluetooth Speaker  ticks  all boxes for a tailgate party at home.  Great sound, it streams all your great sporty music via bluetooth including your streaming services.  It also has radio in FM & AM. Lots of outputs, and a 12V input jack so that you can charge this from your car.  It also has 2 power outlets for powering lights or gadgets, charging your phone.  Plus the battery will see you through for plenty of hours.  The orange color means it won’t get lost amongst your party gear and hey, you can also use it on site at work so it’s a tax deduction. Sort of.

Football Serving Tray – disposable.

Football Serving Tray

Football Serving Tray

I love these disposable tailgate party trays.  Ms. Rawhide bought some of these last year and filled them with snacks and goodies.  They are a perfect centerpiece. They are made of food-safe 400 gsm cardboard which is strong enough to hold any dry foods. Don’t fill them with dips – put a foil or plastic packet inside it or do as Ms. Rawhide does and use a Ziploc bag.

What do you like to do at your Homegate Party?  Let us know via the comments section and we will add them.  We will continue to update this article as we find specific products to recommend.

Happy Tailgate (Homegate) Partying!

Rawhide.

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