Table of Contents
- The Importance of Proper Preparation
- Layering Up: Apparel for Cold Weather Tailgating
- Shelter: Staying Protected from the Elements
- Heat Generation
- Keeping Your Food Warm and Ready
- Power Solutions
- Music
- Ground Insulation and Decor
- Safety Equipment
- Final Thoughts
The Importance of Proper Preparation
When the air turns crisp and the chill starts to bite, true tailgating fans know that the party doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops. Cold weather tailgating is an art form, and it requires careful preparation and the right gear to ensure everyone stays warm, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the day.
Layering Up: Apparel for Cold Weather Tailgating
Jackets and Boots
The first line of defense against the cold is a well-insulated jacket and warm waterproof shoes. Jackets with warm insulation and, most importantly, windproof are great options. And for the feet, winter snow boots work the best but any shoe that will keep your feet warm and dry works great as well.
Shelter: Staying Protected from the Elements
Pop-Up Canopies with Sidewalls
A sturdy pop-up tent with attachable sidewalls that shield you from wind, rain, and snow is essential.
I find that using clear plastic tarps works really well for blocking the wind and rain and provides good insulation to keep heat in and the cold out. The clear plastic material also allows the warm rays of the sun to shine in, keeping the interior bright and cozy.
Heat Generation
Portable Propane Heaters
But portable propane heaters are the most essential element to the whole setup and are a tailgating game-changer in cold weather. Our go-to options are the Buddy Heater, Propane Tank Top Heaters, and a Propane Fire Pit. These little heaters are powerful, and efficient and can keep the interior area cozy for hours.
Electric Heated Blankets and Gloves
For extra coziness, bring electric blankets and heated seat cushions. These battery-powered wonders are perfect for adding personal warmth when you’re seated or standing around.
Heated gloves are perfect for keeping your hands warm especially when heading into the game. They really are a game changer and do an amazing job keeping the hands and fingers noticeable warm and comfortable.
Keeping Your Food Warm and Ready
Food Warmers
Crockpots are perfect for keeping stews, dips, and other hearty meals hot and ready to warm up your belly throughout the day.
Portable propane grills are great for not only cooking up burgers and dogs but they also add an extra layer of warmth to the area.
One of my favorite food warmers is the electric chafing dish. It can keep a variety of food items warm while providing an organized way for guests to grab and go without having to fumble through torn aluminum foil.
And to keep those beverages toasty, we love to use high-rated insulated cups and koozies.
Thermos Containers for Hot Drinks
Hot drinks are a cold-weather essential. So whether it’s coffee, tea, or hot cider, a good thermos will keep your beverages steaming for hours.
Power Solutions
Portable Power Stations
A reliable power source is crucial for maintaining the food warmers and other electronics throughout the day. We like to use a combination of battery powered power stations and generators to achieve this.
A good 2000-watt inverter generator usually will be sufficient to power everything but it’s always best to have a portable battery power station for auxiliary power just in case.
Music
Bluetooth Speakers for Cold Weather Parties
No tailgate is complete without music. Rugged, weather-resistant Bluetooth speakers ensure your playlist keeps going strong, no matter the weather.
Our go-to bluetooth speaker is the JBL Charge. It’s small enough to travel with without taking up to much space but it also has great sound and the battery lasts for hours.
Ground Insulation and Decor
Outdoor Rugs and Mats
Outdoor rugs and mats add warmth to the area by insulating your feet from the ground and they can add a bit of style to your tailgating area. They also help keep the mud and snow from getting tracked into your seating area.
Safety Equipment
Fire Safety and Propane Use
And whenever using propane heaters, fire pits and gas generators, it’s always important to follow fire safety guidelines. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave open flames unattended.
Final Thoughts
With the right gear and a little preparation, cold-weather tailgating can be a lot of fun. The key is staying warm, comfortable, and safe while embracing the unique challenges and joys of the elements.
