It’s that time of year again — football season’s in full swing, and that means one thing: tailgating. You know the drill: good food, cold drinks, a solid playlist, and a group of friends who can talk smack like nobody’s business. 

So, whether you’re a veteran of the tailgating scene or just dipping your toes in, here’s everything you need to create the ultimate pre-game party. 

1. Portable Grills and Cooking Surfaces: Fire Up the Feast

If you’re not grilling up a storm at your tailgate, are you even tailgating? But let's be real — not all grills are created equal. You’re looking for something that’s compact, sturdy, and won’t leave you playing the "how the heck do I clean this thing" game for hours after the tailgate is over.

Enter stainless steel grills- we love a Blackstone griddle to get cooking done in bulk. These bad boys are portable, easy to clean, and provide a cooking surface that is massive. BUT- Your trusty Coleman camping stove also does the trick!

2. Coolers & Drinkware: Keep It Cold, Keep It Classy

What’s a tailgating party without cold drinks, right? But here’s the thing — not all coolers are created equal. If you’re still lugging around a monster cooler that takes up half your trunk and requires a team of people to carry, it’s time to upgrade. Enter the PARKIT Voyager Cooler — the cooler that makes sure you never have to leave your seat for a cold one again.

The PARKIT Voyager fits perfectly underneath the seat of the PARKIT Chair, and holds 15 cans. That’s right — 15 cans of whatever your drink of choice is, easily accessible without having to get up or dig through a maze of ice and forgotten snacks. It’s like having your own personal beverage assistant, minus the actual assistant. The cooler’s insulated and sturdy, so you’re not constantly worrying about melted ice or soggy drinks. Plus, it fits perfectly into the tailgating lifestyle — rugged, practical, and sleek.

Pair that with stainless steel drinkware — because if you're not using metal cups, what are you even doing? Stainless steel keeps your drinks colder (or hotter) for longer, and they’re built to survive more than just one tailgate. No more plastic cups that crumple in the wind or break when you drop them. These are the real deal. Plus, they look way cooler.

3. Tailgating Furniture: Comfort Meets Convenience

You’re going to need somewhere to sit, because standing up for hours while you’re eating and watching the game isn’t as fun as it sounds. Now, we could suggest a regular folding chair, but let’s face it — you're not here to be basic. You need something that makes a statement. Enter the PARKIT Chair: the ultimate tailgating chair that combines three essentials into one.

This bad boy is a chair, a cooler, and a backpack, all rolled into one convenient package. Think about it: you get a comfy seat to lounge in while you catch the game, a cooler tucked neatly under the seat for easy access to cold drinks, and a backpack to haul all your other tailgating gear (snacks, extra jackets, your friend who always forgets something).

It’s the chair you didn’t know you needed, but now can’t imagine living without. And let’s be honest — the extra room in your vehicle is a nice bonus.

Pair that with a tailgating table that’s functional, sturdy, and just the right height. You’ll need a surface for your food, drinks, and, if you’re feeling fancy, maybe a game of cards.

And don’t forget about the tailgating canopy or pop-up tent. You never know when the weather will decide to turn on you, and the last thing you want is to get caught in a downpour with a soggy burger. A pop-up canopy will give you shade during those hot games and shelter during the rainy ones. Plus, it sets up in about five minutes, so you can spend less time wrestling with poles and more time sipping on your drink of choice.

4. Grilling Accessories and Cooking Tools: The Devil’s in the Details

Having the right grill is half the battle, but the real magic happens when you have the right tools. And we’re not just talking about a spatula and tongs. If you really want to step up your tailgating game, consider investing in a stainless steel toolset that includes everything from long-handled tongs to a meat thermometer. Because, let’s be honest, if you’re not grilling your steak to perfection, you’re just not trying.

Consider a portable smoker box or cast iron skillet for more advanced tailgating meals (yes, we’re talking about those killer breakfast burritos you’re about to cook up at 7 AM). A portable sink for hand-washing is also clutch, especially after handling raw meat. Plus, it’s nice not to have to run all the way to the restrooms just to rinse off.

5. Tailgating Games: Keep the Fun Going

Because what’s a tailgate without a little competition, right? Sure, watching the game is fun, but why not add some extra excitement with a few games of your own? Cornhole, ring toss, and giant Jenga are all fan favorites, but don’t forget to bring some backup games in case you end up with a bunch of people who suddenly want to dominate in beer pong.

The key here is durability — you want games that can survive multiple tailgates and a bit of roughhousing. Invest in quality, weather-resistant sets so you won’t be dealing with a game set falling apart halfway through the second quarter.

6. Lighting & Entertainment: Keep the Party Going After Dark

As the day winds down and the sun sets, you’ll want to make sure your tailgate doesn’t turn into a dark, chaotic mess. Grab some solar-powered string lights or LED lanterns to brighten up the party. And if you plan on cranking up your pre-game playlist (because who doesn't love a good tailgating playlist?), bring along a portable Bluetooth speaker that can withstand a little rough weather.

After all, tailgating isn’t just about food and drinks; it’s about creating an atmosphere. With the right lighting and tunes, your tailgate becomes more than just a pre-game ritual — it’s an event.

7. Trash & Waste Management: Leave No Trace

No one likes a litterbug, and if you’re going to throw down an epic tailgate, you better have a plan to clean up after yourself. Keep your tailgating spot looking sharp with a collapsible trash can or a set of large trash bags.

Toss in some wet wipes and hand sanitizers for easy cleanup, and boom — your tailgate’s as clean as a whistle. And hey, it’s just good karma to leave the parking lot in better shape than you found it. Plus, no one wants to deal with a mess at the end of the day.

8. Tailgating Gear for All Weather: Be Prepared for Anything

Football season is a roll of the dice — one minute you’re basking in sunshine, and the next you’re drenched in rain. That’s why you need to be ready for anything with weather-resistant jackets, foldable ponchos, or even a heated blanket for those chilly night games. Pack some extra layers for the crew, because no one wants to be the person shivering in the corner because they didn’t check the weather forecast. A waterproof tarp can also be a lifesaver if things get particularly nasty. Be prepared, stay dry, and keep tailgating like a pro.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Tailgating Setup Awaits

Tailgating isn’t just about the game; it’s about making memories, sharing good food, and hanging out with people who know how to have a great time. The right gear makes all the difference — from the PARKIT Voyager Cooler and PARKIT Chair to your stainless steel drinkware and grilling tools, each piece of gear brings something to the table (literally).

So, take this season by storm. Pack up your gear, grab your crew, and get ready to create some unforgettable moments before the game even begins.

To make sure you’re fully prepared for game day, here’s a recap of the coolest tailgate gear you need:

The Tailgating Essentials:

• PARKIT Chair (Chair, cooler, and backpack combo — because who wants to juggle all that gear?)
• PARKIT Voyager Cooler (Holds up to 15 cans, easily accessible under the seat)
• Portable Grill (Stainless steel, compact, and easy to clean)
• Grilling Accessories (Long-handled tongs, infrared thermometer, smoker box, and a cast iron skillet)
• Stainless Steel Drinkware (Tough, stylish, and keeps drinks cold for hours)
• Tailgating Table (With built-in cup holders and extra prep surface)
• Pop-up Canopy/Tent (For shade, rain protection, and a little extra room)
• Bluetooth Speaker (For that perfect pre-game playlist)
• String Lights or LED Lanterns (Keep the vibe going when the sun sets)
• Tailgating Games (Cornhole, giant Jenga, ring toss — you name it)
• Trash Bags & Collapsible Trash Can (Leave no trace behind)
• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer (Because, you know, things can get messy)
• Weather Gear (Ponchos, extra layers, and heated blankets for chilly nights)
• Portable Sink or Water Station (For hand-washing and quick clean-ups)
• Extra Snacks (Because you never know when someone’s going to get hungry again)
• Cooler Packs & Ice (For keeping those drinks nice and cold)