Tailgating Day: Top Notch Game Day Recipes, Packable Chairs and Tables, and Amazing Portable Cooktops

Sep 7, 2024

Football season is back, baby! We’re happy as a clam to have our favorite sport back on our TVs, our weekend itineraries, and of course can’t wait to throw a tailgating party with our friends. Whether you’re a sports parent sharing in the fun with your kids’ football team or you’re cheering on the teams at your college student’s university, tailgating is where it’s at! Today’s blog highlights some fantastic recipes that will feed a crowd and includes make-ahead and allergen friendly options for friends and family with special dietary restrictions.

And of course, having great food, great drinks, and great company is going to make it even more memorable. (Plus, these recipes and gear pack up well to take over to enjoy with your Bears season tickets, too.)

Best Camping Stoves for Tailgating and Portable BBQs

The Everest portable cooking stove from Camp Chef’s Mountain Series is a real winner. It has a strong flame that works well in windy conditions, it cooks evenly, and holds up well to regular wear and tear and frequent cookouts. It utilizes propane and has an auto-ignition system. 12lbs carry weight.

The Eureka Sprk Camp Grill offers plenty of cooking space with a compact size that’s convenient to travel with. It utilizes a Butane canister and gives you up to 90 minutes of cook time. 8.8lb carry weight.

Serious tailgating chefs and camping enthusiasts will rejoice over the large size and durability of the Snow Peak Takibi Fire and Grill. With adjustable heat options this stainless steel grill allows you to use wood or coals, and adjust the height of your grill surface for optimal cooking heat. 23.8lbs carry weight.

Packable, Portable Tailgating Recipes that Feed a Crowd and Then Some (Low-Prep, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Make Ahead Options included)

Convenient, Comfortable Tailgating Gear

All the tailgating recipes in the world are no good if you’ve got nowhere to serve ‘em and eat ‘em! We’ve got three great camping table options that are great for on the go families for weekend sports games, as well as stadium friendly packable tables.

The AHB Picnic Table is the option if you’re the delegated tailgating chef. Featuring a foldable frame and easy-to-clean surface, this camp table also includes a storage organizer underneath. Pop your picnic wares at the bottom for guests to grab and go, and leave the top surface open for prepping and serving!

There’s a reason the Lifetime 5ft Folding Tables are bestsellers at your local value club warehouse. This table is a classic standby thanks to its durability, fold-and-carry handle, high-density and easy-to-clean surface. It’ll easily hold the whole tailgate party as well as several gallons of gatorade at your kids’ weekend tournament.

The CampLand Aluminum Table has adjustable heights and is perfect for tailgating as well as camping and outdoor bbqs. It’s only 10lbs to carry but holds just over 60lbs, making it a great option for beverages and trays of foods.

You can’t have a good tailgating sesh without some comfortable seating! Whether you’re hanging out with other sports parents at your kids’ games, pulling up to the stadium for a Bears game, or you’re chilling out at your alma mater to root for your team, these portable chairs are comfortable, accessible, and conveniently portable.

The Parks Project offers several options in packable seating including this Saguaro Cacti Fold Up Chair. Why we like it: durable, comfortable, holds up to 275lbs, includes arm rests, proceeds go to supporting our National Parks system.

REI Co-Op’s FlexLite Camp Chair comes in multiple patterns and options. Why we like it: it holds up to 250-300lbs depending on your fabric choice, lightweight and easy to carry, folds up into a convenient pack roll that’s about the size of your kid’s Stanley water bottle!

Kelty’s Lowdown Chair is available via REI and comes in two colors. Why we like it: includes adjustable arm rests, padded storage bag, slightly reclinable, holds up to 350lbs, includes a cupholder!

Wren’s lightweight Folding Camp Bench gives you two-for-one seating with a very sturdy aluminum frame and bamboo armrests, Why we like it: folds flat, car-friendly storage, built-in carry handle, holds up to 400lbs.