Accessories

More Unbeatable NCAA Accessories for Tailgate Parties in 2016-7

NCAA Accessories for tailgate parties updated for 2016-7

NCAA fans are often the most passionate of all the conference groupies. They are either still in school, straight out of school, devoted parents, alma mater fans in every area – oh, you know why you love the team! You can show your love in so many ways, but what better way than by following the guys around – one tailgate party at a time? What? You can’t get to every match? I believe that if you are an NCAA fan – and let’s just start with football (I’ll get to the other sports) you can go crazy with selecting NCAA accessories to liven up your tailgate party. For the BEST tailgate party set up, start small and work your way up to the big items. Say, with selections from the list below of my picks for the best NCAA Accessories for tailgate parties. Most are small enough to transport to a tailgate party in a normal vehicle. They get you in the mood with little cost and effort involved.

Well, at least you can home-gate, decorating your yard, man cave or even your balcony with appropriate fanliness. This can be as tiny as a themed napkin. These NCAA themed napkins of course, weigh almost nil and you can tuck them into your kit as padding.

More great NCAA tailgate party accessories – napkins

Or as excellent as a kegerator with a fan tap!

The NCAA beer taps cover most teams and add a real touch to the top of your beer tap.

Miami Dolphins Beer Tap for Kegerator – Great Football accessory – This is NFL but the company makes NCAA examples too.

This can be bought to match your team so check out the range.

Whether you are a fan of the Broncos, Bears, Cougars, Volunteers, Chippewas or Huskies, or any of the other 100+ exotically named NCAA football teams, there is some great branded merchandise out there that will enhance your tailgate party. And that’s not even looking at all the other sports, basketball, hockey, baseball and so on. At any given time someone somewhere is rooting for an NCAA team because they attend that college, their kids do, their Pappy or Gramma did or they just prefer the name or colors. NCAA fans are passionate and loyal. They love their logos, colors, names and mascots. To say nothing of the cheer squads. Anyway, they like to wear their hearts on their sleeves and take those emblems to their tailgate parties. So here are a few ways you can do that.

Firstly, my golden rule (and don’t call me a party pooper) ‘no piracy’.

Only purchase fully licensed gear. Such as this excellent hat, by Adidas.

NCAA Accessory Miami Hurricanes Women's Adjustable Slouch Cap

NCAA Accessories Miami Hurricanes Women’s Adjustable Slouch Cap

This way, you can support your teams and also you have a guarantee of quality. The pirate stuff is mostly cheaply made crap anyway as the teams have a standard to which manufacturers need to adhere. The money from licensing goes back to the teams and overall, I think it raises the standard of the games.

Note that the items I list below are generally available for all the top teams. If your team is at the bottom of the conference ranking, then it is possible they don’t have all items – but most teams have at least some. So just follow the links and specify your desired team at checkout.

Where do you start?

Start with a chair and while you are sitting in it, check out the rest of the list! We have a number of chairs on specific listings but what I am looking at here is a couple of inexpensive ones. The logos on these are nicely screen-printed in both cases.

NCAA Louisiana State Fightin Tigers Folding Canvas Chair

NCAA Accessories – start with a chair

Super cheap, takes up little space (it’s 22” x 22”) but it’s nicely made, this little chair is a great gift for any avid fan. Comes ready packed in its own carrying case and folds away compactly. It is also comfy enough to prop in all day and has a space for a drink built in to it. Ships fast and efficiently. The fabric is 600 denier polyester.

The makers say that it will seat up to 225 pounds. Note that the cup holder is for a right-hander only with the space on the arm rest. If you drink left handed, you may want to check out another chair or sit on this one backwards. The logo is on front AND back of the headrest. It is light to carry and folds to almost nothing so easy to transport.

NCAA Sports Folding Chair NCAA Team: Army / US Military Academy Black Knights

NCAA Accessories – Wide chair with side table and holders

I like the look of this officially licensed Black Knights folding chair – the polyester fabric is actually padded for additional comfort over a lightweight aluminum frame. The removable, adjustable shoulder strap makes for easy carrying.

Here’s another good feature – a 300 pounder can slump in this NCAA themed chair and it has an extra 5 inches across the seat to give you lots of room.

The overall height from top to bottom is 24” and side to side it is a broad 33.25”. It weighs 11 pounds.

AND there’s a nifty fold-out side table. You can line up a few of these with the tables in between for a really functional effect.

You get a lot of bang for your buck on this compact, folding chair and side table. Of course, it is available for other teams and there is a narrower version.

NCAA 4 Piece Barbecue Set

NCAA Accessories – 4 piece Barbecue Set

It’s great that even the essential BBQ set comes with a team logo. This officially licensed NCAA collegiate product has 4 pieces and the team logo is laser etched into the spatula blade with the team logo on each handle. The metal is stainless steel and these will last a lifetime of tailgate partying. You need to take BBQ tools if you are BBQ-ing so you may as well get the ones that shout NCAA ‘TEAAAAAAAM!’.

NCAA Folding Picnic Table

NCAA Accessories – compact folding table and benches

Here’s a nifty, compact folding picnic table you can use indoors and outdoors and I reckon it has so many uses you’ll be glad you bought it. I have a couple of these (with different logos/team affiliations) and they are light framed Aluminum alloy construction with tough as nails sturdy ABS Plastic on top. Altogether it weighs only 20 pounds and you can seat 250 pounds of weigh on the fold-out seats and 20 pounds of beer, mac’n’cheese and nachos on the table top. Oh, and Kale chips for the hipsters.

Length is 32 inches, Width is 36.375 inches and it is 26.5in high. That’s a good size for most folk from kids to adults and when it is time to pack up after the tailgate fun has finished, it is only 4 inches wide and 26 x 33.5 inches, slots into any car trunk and takes up little storage. It is available in many colors to suit your school’s logo.

The good thing here is that it has a lifetime warranty! It is smallish – no fatty boom-bahs at this table so look for something tougher for those burly guys. But if it breaks, the manufacturer has a good name for quick and easy no-fuss replacement.

Lots of NCAA football team logos can be selected just as decals and you can just replace the ones you don’t need.

NCAA Accessories Round Tailgate Party Table – Logo Brand

NCAA Accessories Round Tailgating Table

The Logo Chair company was founded as a real garage manufacturing company in 2001 by Bill McCauley and his family near Memphis, Tenn.. Logo Chair Co. was one of the first companies in the U.S. to hold a Collegiate Licensing Company license and that was for a folding chair. In less than a year, Logo moved into their first warehouse and expanded their products to include stadium seats, personal bags, tents, blankets, games, and more. In addition to the NCAA license, they acquired the MLB license for roughly half of their product line in 2005. For the past five years, Logo has been a top 10 non-apparel licensee for CLC and currently ranks No. 3. Now based in Franklin, Tenn., Logo continues to be an industry leader for new and unique tailgating and team spirit products. Because the McCauley family understands the whole tailgating/fan culture, their items are designed perfectly for that use but they also can be great for many other functions. They fold really well and are easy to store.

This is a highly recommended table made of heavy-duty 600-denier polyester. Licensed NCAA logos and colors and screenprinted logo make it a wow for a fan and it has 4 cup holders. In other words, your red solo cup won’t blow off the table mid-beer or mid-game. They drop perfectly down, fitting into the holders. Makes game playing easy. It comes with carrying case as you can easily fold it up into almost nothing for easy transport. And you can clean it easily too!

Dimensions: 30 diam. x 24 H inches.

NCAA Iowa NCAA Iowa Hawkeyes 24 Can Soft Sided Cooler

NCAA Accessories – 24 can soft-sided cooler

I must admit to being a cooler junkie. I take ‘em shopping when buying cold stuff too and when we go on Puerto Vallarta vacations as melting is always on the cards for all food in Mexico. I have a range of coolers from soft-sided to the Yeti range and the Colemans I have had since scouting days. (well, I sometimes stashed beer in there).

Anyway, this one is a nice looking, well-made team logo style soft sided cooler that holds 24 cans. The liner that has any potential contact with food is FDA approved material so you won’t get any off flavors if you choose to carry food in it.

The embroidered logo on the front is smart and durable and the adjustable carry strap makes toting it easy. A nice feature is the caribiner which can hold your keys, bottle opener and so on or a leatherman tool and it also has mesh carrying pouches on each side.

It measures 12.6 x 9.9 x 3.7 inches and weighs under 3 pounds and folds down when it is empty for easy storage.

So consider this for that scaled down tailgate party where everyone brings drinks and their own meal. It will all fit in very nicely. Ideal for apartment dwellers and it still shows your team allegiance off well.

Montana Griz Portable Football Barbecue

NCAA Accessories – Montana Grizzlies Portable Football BBQ

Here is the ultimate NCAA football BBQ. It actually IS football shaped but is a good size portable grill that has a cooking surface of 20″ X 12.5″. It stands 18” from ground to top of lid and from handle to handle, measures 23 inches.

There are five logos on this grill – one on each side of the lid, and one on each of its three handles. These logos have been applies in a 600 degree burner so that all the colors and logos are hard core. It is a unique concept to BBQ IN a football! It is very heavy duty and yet portable and compact. Limited edition.

It operates with charcoal so check with your parking lot or tailgate party venue whether they allow charcoal grilling or whether you need a gas BBQ. Some apartments for instance, will not allow naked flames on balconies.

It’s perfect for game day, for a gift to that sports fan and has been designed in such a way as to minimize the spilling of ashes during transport.

On the top of the lid there is even a great feature of real white metal laces across the ‘football’ – very arty and definitely worth knowing about for that über-fan guy who appears to have everything. (but you can bet he doesn’t have one of these).

Specify your logo at checkout.

College “Line” Logo Fleece Throw Blankets

NCAA Accessories -College Line Logo Fleece Blanket

Here’s a lightweight but warm NCAA football themed blanket which you can use at a tailgate party in many ways or you can decorate your team-themed house or man-cave with throws over the sofas. Nice NCAA accessories in many logos so check before you order whether your team’s is in stock. It measures 50” x 60” and is 100% polyester which means you can treat it roughly and it will forgive you. Sit on it, snuggle under it or use as a tablecloth. It’s a terrific gift too and is inexpensive enough to bring along as a hostess/host gift to any tailgate party or event.

Nebraska Husker NCAA Artisan Wine Glass

NCAA Accessories – Nebraska Cornhuskers wine goblet

Here’s something really off the wall – it’s a hand-painted one-of-a-kind Artisan Wine Glass featuring NCAA team logos. This is really for the die-hard fan who prefers wine over beer. It’s a specific market but the product is so interesting that I wanted to include it. The exterior only is painted – just plain glass interior so that the wine does not degrade the image. It is FDA and Prop 65 compliant.

The detail and workmanship are impressive and as people are always looking for great gifts for tailgate fans, you wouldn’t go wrong with this for the man-cave or the location tailgate event. They are collectible and cover most NCAA logos. Dimensions are: 12 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches.

NCAA Great American NCAA 1 Liter Macho Mug

Well, from the sublime to the … oh never mind!

NCAA Accessories – Liter Beer Mug

This 32 ounce NCAA themed drinking mug is the largest officially licensed sports mug in the universe as far as we or Stephen Hawking can tell. It’s 7 inches tall and half as wide.

Decorations on it are in hand-crafted metal, featuring your team logo, and it’s made in the USA. None of that cheap sweat shop trash! Anyway, it’s big enough to drown your sorrows if your team loses.

Oregon Ducks Stud Post Domed Earrings with NCAA College Sports Team Logo

NCAA Accessories Cloisonné Stud Post earrings

Now a cute one for the Ladies.

Stud earrings are subtle and more stylish NCAA accessories to demonstrate your team lerv and these hard enamel/cloisonné post/studs make a great gift. Or just a self-indulgent NCAA team purchase for the gals. Officially licensed for sure.
We are assured they are top quality by wearers. They won’t make your ears go black as they have surgical grade posts. Note that there is also a dangle version and your team is sure to be represented – I have included the Ducks just to keep the Oregonians happy.

Duke Blue Devils NCAA License Plastic Plate Vanity Car Graphics Sign Tag Officially Licensed NCAA Merchandise

Duke Blue Devils NCAA License Plastic Plate Vanity Car Graphics Sign Tag Officially Licensed NCAA accessories

A license plate does not have to go on a car – you can place in on your coolers, your tables or your tailgate party canopy.

Here’s a durable plastic NCAA license plate measuring 6” x 12” featuring the official team logo and full color graphics with 4 pre-cut mounting holes.

Just a fun bit of decoration with this elegant NCAA accessory!

NCAA Accessories – 5’x8′ Ulti-Mat Floor Mat (Rug)

NCAA Accessories – Logo rug

If you don’t have enough seating at the tailgate party, these are really good NCAA accessories. A high quality decorative 5 x 8 foot Ulti-Mat suited for indoor and out, perfect as an area rug or floor mat and available in all team livery, it features the team logo (specify yours and check availability at checkout before placing the order). Fan Mats have been selling these for some time – locally made in USA and high quality with all printing by Chromojet. Colors are true and of course, officially licensed.

Technically, it is 100% nylon with non-skid Duragon latex backing which can be machine washed.

Measures 5’ x 8’ and it is the largest tailgater floor mat area rug available. This fits nicely within a parking lot car space and will set your area up nicely.

No need to do anything more than roll out this rug to mark out your territory, gentlemen!

Logo Chair NCAA Pinwheel 9 x 9 Pop-Up Canopy

NCAA Accessories – Popup canopy

There are two types of Logo tailgate tents. A 28 pound one and a 50 pound one. Go for the better quality tent. The frame is so much more sturdy than the 28 pound tent and honestly, the light ones don’t take too much erecting and dismounting. It will drive you nuts after a while. I do always recommend quality, especially where an extra $50 will make such a difference. Anyway, I don’t need to tell you that in peak NCAA season the addition of a nice shelter at your tailgate party can really make your day. Stay out of the sun, rain, wind with this little treasure. Usually, I recommend the California Palms brand but that is not as easily transportable as this one. This fits in a vehicle easier. And as I always say, test run it and practice putting it up before you arrive at the party.

NCAA Accessories – Fan Collection Hard Case Cover for Samsung Galaxy S4

NCAA Accessories – Samsung Galaxy S4 case

Made from durable material. Select your own logo at checkout!

This fitted hard shell plastic/rubber case is covered with an easy-to-grip fabric that is printed with your favorite design in bright, true inks. It has access to all sensors, ports, and controls on your phone/ipad.

NCAA Accessories – Basketball Champions 2-piece Carpeted Car Mats 18″x27″

NCAA Accessories Car Mats – order your team logo

Protects your vehicle’s flooring while showing your team pride with car mats by FANMATS which fit all cars, trucks, SUVs, and RVs and are made of 100% nylon face with non-skid vinyl backing. The officially licensed mat is chromojet painted in true team colors and designed with a large team logo and are proudly Made in the USA and not expensive to buy

NCAA College 2014 Team Logo Football Look Bottle Coolie Koozie Cooler 2-Pack

NCAA Accessories – Football Koozie 2 pack

Designed to look like a laced up football, these koozies are …cool. Very cheap little gift for a fan friend. Leather look and feel.

NCAA College 2014 Team Logo Color Can Kaddy Holder Koozie Cooler 2-Pack

NCAA Accessories 2016 Koozies

Here’s yet another cute koozie to add to your collection. We have a heap of these to match all conferences. Not sure how we got them all. Probably gifts. But they are all really useful and there have been occasions when they have all been in use at the same time. You never know!

NCAA Accessories – Wheeled Portable Travel L-Shape Umbrella Basic Bar

NCAA Accessories – portable wheeled bar

A steel frame means that your booze and food will not collapse under the weight of all the deliciousness. There are 49 levels of shelving plus an attachable umbrella, a drop-in food-grade cooler and it all packs into a deluxe and compact travel bag with wheels. And it sets up fast with a few flicks of the wrist. You can wheel it or sling the bag over your shoulder – even a kid can carry it. Cooler Measures: 24″ x 11″ x 10″.

Here are the measurements:

63 inches long. 44 inches high. 70 wide. The depth of the bar top is 18 inches. It is L-shaped and very attractive.

Make sure that your team is represented in the list when you get to checkout. The logo and colors are printed onto the 500-D Polyester skirt (logo on front) and you pretty much have a full bar without that gi-normous cost but with a discount right now. It is water and sun proof so the weather won’t beat it to pieces. Note that a few additional shelves will make this even more awesome but the shelves that are provided should be enough and they lock into place. It’s easy to clean too. Treat it gently and it will last for years. Get two and keep one for the man cave and leave one in your trunk for tailgate party football season.

NCAA UCLA Bruins Kickoff Cheese Board

NCAA Accessories – football shaped cheeseboard

The more the merrier with your team branding, right? So here’s a great cutting board that celebrates fandom and fun, available in all logos. It’s dark renewable bamboo, made to the shape of a football and has a laser engraved logo with pale bamboo inlays. There’s a neat groove around the edge to catch any liquid. Measurements are 20-1/4 by 12 inches. A perfect host/hostess gift or essential equipment for slicing those limes to insert into your Corona bottle.

NCAA Portable Stadium Seat

NCAA Accessories – compact bleachers padded seat

Sick of sitting on the butt-numbing bleachers when you get into the actual match? Two remedies for that … don’t go in, just stay at the tailgate party. Or invest in one of these polyester canvas seats which are even useful for extra seating at the tailgate party. It’s a well-designed portable stadium seat in team colors and has a digital print team logo. The padded seat has above average support for your back and you can relax rather than shifting from buttock to buttock through the whole game. It’s tough, light to carry, made to last and you can wipe it clean. It has multiple pockets and folds into an easy-to-carry tote. Polyester canvas. If your backside will fit into a space 17″ x 15″ x 3″ then this is for you. Very inexpensive for the many years of comfort they provide.

Picnic Time Picnic Time Collegiate Reclining Ventura Seat

NCAA Accessories – Ventura padded Recliner seat

Here’s a different version which folds into a space of 20 Inches x 2 Inches x 32 Inches. It has 6 recline positions and the steel frame x 300-D polyester combo means it is built to last. I can think of many uses for this. Suits home-gating as well as you can line these up on a low garden wall around the BBQ area for a heap of inexpensive and easily stashed extra seating. Or take it to the beach. Very comfy. Oh of course, officially licensed. Note that if you are over 175 pounds it may not fit you and you may want to lay off the mac’n’cheese this season if you want one of these comfy little beauties.

NCAA Metallic Travel Tumbler

NCAA Accessories – Travel mug with team logos

This NCAA branded stainless steel tumbler is well made. Heavy and steady. Not likely to tip over. Great with hot or cold drinks from beer to water to hot coffee but wash by hand so that the color is still vibrant down the track. Dishwashing machines can ruin these printed logos. As usual, follow the links to find your team logo.

Florida State University FSU Seminoles College Football Oyo Mini Figure Lego Compatible NCAA Licensed

OYO Mini Lego compatible figurine

This is an Oyo Sports Toy Mini Figure which is not LEGO but is compatible. These are great party favors. At present there are only 21 NCAA teams represented but check them out well before you hit that finalize purchase button. Oyo Figures measure almost 1 3/4″ tall. Each package includes the player, football, helmet and facemask, water bottle, football cap, rectangular stand, and a unique OYO DNA number. My gut tells me they will be the new collectible. They are really charming and are great for decorating the bar with too. SO what if kids love ‘em??? That’s just a side effect. The unique ball design snaps onto the figurine’s hand and allows your OYO to grip and throw. Your mini player can cool down with the attached water bottle after making the great play. Knees and elbows swivel and bend. Each OYO comes with a stand, so that you can collect and display on any flat surface. Or, snap your stand onto a building block grid and build your own NCAA (or other conference) scenes! Super cheap so you can buy a heap!

NCAA Oregon State Beavers Mascot Bobblehead

NCAA Accessories – Mascot Bobblehead

OK, where would life be without an appropriate bobblehead? These are great, you can find most teams represented and they add to the fun of the tailgate party, homegate party, man-cave or sporting themed BBQ. Check for your team but most are represented. Note that they are made in China these days so delivery can be a little slow so stock up at the start of the season and get those decorations and novelties in place in a timely manner.

Most of all, no matter what conference(s) you support, the more branding for your team, the more singing of team songs, wearing of team gear and saluting of team mascots, the better your day will be. Oh and a few cheer-leader moves are just great at the end of the day after the imbibing of chilled amber fluid from a finely tuned kegerator has occurred!

Tailgate party on!

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Filed Under: NCAA Tagged With: Accessories, College, NCAA, Supplies, Tailgate Party

The Best Beer & Booze Accessories For Tailgate Parties updated for 2017

By Rawhide

We’ve written a lot about the trials and tribulations of getting your vittles, beer & booze to the tailgate party. One of my buddies says that instead of this being a chore, you need to use the exercise as a way of adding random fun to your game plan. OK, so we have been quite serious about our tailgate party equipment so far. Technical. Scientific. But you want to get straight to the point: What are the best beer & booze accessories for your tailgate party?

Beer and Booze Accessories are fun !

Smuggle it:

Beer & Booze accessories – How to bring your beer to where it isn’t supposed to be … Secret Flask

What if one of you stumbled upon this site and want something not quite so somber? You like to have fun with your beer and with your guests. Of course, ‘fun’ is what a tailgate party is all about. So here are a few things you could unexpectedly pepper your party with to spice up the day. It’s just a list of nutty stuff that will make transporting food and drink to the parking lot, the stadium, the man cave, your buddy’s place or anywhere good sport is played (by others) easy.

Such as the secret flasks which allow you to take your ‘sunscreen’ wherever, whenever. Might not be convincing at a night game though.

Don’t feel you have to buy the whole list. Don’t use them all on the same day. Just an occasional burst of craziness will do. After all, timing is everything. So, here are the best beer & booze accessories for your tailgate party madness!

The iFlask – just like a real iPhone.

Beer & Booze Accessories – the iFlask

Here’s one you can’t make calls on but it will give you as much entertainment in a ‘difficult’ venue as a real iPhone. Not sure whether the security guys are on to this trend yet. They are cheap enough so that if you have to surrender it at the door, no sweat. It holds nearly 5 oz and has a built in bottle opener. Stainless steel frame and light-weight non-toxic ABS plastic. No data plan. Just a tailgate party plan.

The WineRack

Beer & booze accessories – The Wine Rack – bring that wine to the P & T meeting and be done with it.

Here’s a novel and eye-catching way to bring the booze into the party, to keep it close to your heart, as it were. You’re looking at a stunning rack … OK, it’s really a comfortable sports bra with polyurethane bladder which holds 25 ounces of your favorite beverage. There’s a long drinking tube with easy-to-use on/off valve to control the flow and of course the enhancing effect is obvious. And impressive. And just to show you how new-agey and egalitarian I am, guys who like to dress up can use one of these.

It’s also super handy for those picnics held in communities that ban alcohol. Who’s gonna risk patting you down for a booze check? It’s all washable and comes in sizes 34C to 38C. Not big enough for most beefy guys but the ladies can tote the beverages. A couple of usage notes: test it with water prior to use (you’re gonna want to wash it well anyway) and if you find you have any leaks, either return for a refund or just remove the tap part on the hose and put a little Teflon tape around it to strengthen the seal.

But imagine the howls of laughter when Grandma turns up wearing it and sucks on her Pimm’s while playing cornhole. Worth any amount, I’d say, not just the few bucks it actually costs. In fact, you could buy a few and fill them with different liquids and pass them round the whole party.

Don’t overfill it or you could burst the bladder. Just use a backup rack.

You can use it to tote warm fluids which would be handy in mid-winter. Just remember that there is a health issue with anything dairy that is not kept at the right temperature. And the visual pun of that would be way too obvious. Mamacita’s chicken soup would be more appropriate.

The Beer Belly

Beer and Booze accessories – The Beer Belly

This polyurethane bladder looks like a beer belly when worn under your shirt (change to a larger sized shirt for the day, preferably a team shirt in “burly’). It holds up to 80 ounces of any hot or cold beverage. It fits any person up to 6 feet 8 inches tall and up to 40-inch waist – male or female. Yes, women can have beer bellies too…

It is easily cleaned and it is just for novelty use. Seems a bit flimsy in construction but that’s OK for a few belly laughs!

Note that you need to drink the booze very fast as it will warm up quickly. Not sure how you can combat that problem apart from quick and efficient downing of the liquid within. OK for hiking but it’s not sturdy like those Camelbak bladders. It also may take a bit of pre-washing to get the neoprene smell and taste out of the beer. Probably better for spirits such as vodka and a rinse out with vodka will remove the vinyl taste fast. Again, treat any leaks with plumbers’ Teflon tape.

Go Pong The Booze Belly – Concealable Flask

Beer & Booze Accessories – Go Pong Booze Belly

This one is small, only 750 ml. (a pint and a half) but if you resent the gouging at the concession stands for a beer, you can use it to sneak in your own brew.

Food grade materials so that will be a comfort to some but most people who want to buy this item aren’t really all that concerned with a few chemicals from a GuangZhou factory.

To use it, pour from the retractable spout. It’s not a suck-through-a-straw model which is a mercy as beer through a straw can have its own problems and side effects. OK, it’s a glorified beer bong in that case …

Test it before filling with beer. Check for off flavors and flush with vodka (well, not much – but if you don’t want to waste the vodka, save it in a jar, put a vanilla bean in it and you have an acceptable flavoring). If you have leaks, use the Teflon tape or place the whole thing in a large Ziplok bag. Come to think of it, maybe you could just use a Ziplok bag.

Booze-holding binoculars

Beer and booze accessories – these binoculars hold booze

Believe it or not, these binoculars hold 2 x 8 ounce serves of your fave booze. It probably wouldn’t pass a careful gate check and you definitely shouldn’t try this with the TSA. I would class this one as a novelty item, stocking stuffer only and you would get one or two uses out of it before heaving it out. However, if you are sick of waiting in lines for your booze at concession stands, it is very inexpensive, useful and if you are careful and can extend its life to a few tailgate parties and stadiums, you will more than pay for it in just a few uses by filling with your own beer rather than paying the inflated costs on site. Plastic – so read the above notes on preparation and cleaning.

Drinker Beer and Soda Guzzler Helmet

Beer and Booze Accessories – 2 can Guzzler Helmet

The stock-standard cartoon boozer helmet with straws leading down to the mouth, this model now comes in five colors (2016) and does just what it claims. Holds two cans (be careful when putting them in their holders as they can tip over – you need to retain the balance),

It delivers booze in an effortless way, hands-free, leaving you to play your tailgate party games at the same time, thus doubling the fun. Homer Simpson would be proud to wear this cap. One size fits all. You can order it in a range of colors. Unusual for a novelty item, it even has a one year guarantee! Again, any leaks can be handled with the addition of a small piece of Teflon tape, that white trash fix-up staple. So cheap you can buy one for all your mates. Where would we be without it?

Yeti Roadie 20 Quart Cooler

Beer and Booze Accessories – Yeti Roadie Cooler

So here’s a little extra for you. Remember, most of us only go where beer can be overtly brought in. Yetis are great coolers, there’s no denying that. And after all, what tailgate party would be a success without the conspicuous imbibing of a brewski? So if you want to flaunt the best darn cooler in the world, this range should do it. The Yeti brand of coolers is pretty awesome. They are engineered like no other version of cooler I have found. I’ve been checking them out lately and it seems like today’s groovy vendors at farmers’ markets choose these to keep their products cold. Then they go home, repack with beer and off to the tailgate party. This 20 quart capacity model is a smallish one, but is modular and really easy to pack no matter how small your car. Yeti is fully guaranteed, beautifully designed and functional. The Yeti guys have also created a heap of accessories to make the storage and packing simple and secure. There are dividers, which will keep your food apart and easy to access, tie-downs to keep everything secure and even a Yeti bottle opener.

You’d feel pretty stylish kitted out with this whole pro cooler gear.

The coolers feature a special material which doesn’t sweat on the exterior. They are a joy to transport. Each cooler is rotomolded and tough to the core. It is exclusively designed with Bearfoot™ feet which stops the box from slipping. Easy to drain and clean after the tailgate party too.

Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler

Beer and Booze Accessories – Yeti 75 Tundra Cooler

The 75 quart model is outstanding and you can fit everything inside and it is wheelable but heavy duty so the wheels don’t snap off mid party. Allow for the weight in your vehicle. You can use it for transporting both hot items or cold including ice cream. One of the vendors at our neighborhood market sells popsicles from hers and they never melt.

It is worth trawling through the Yeti range to figure out which one suits your tailgate partying needs best. This one is solid and heavy duty. Just bear in mind the size of your vehicle and where you will stash it when party season is over. But then, for most of my buddies, that season is all year round and it stays in the living room. At worst, you can line ’em up and use them as a coffee table if you happen to buy the big size. 3 in a row. Now there’s a novel thought. Or sit on them at the tailgate party.

Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Water Bottle and 64 ounce Beer Growler

Beer and Booze Accessories 64 oz Growler

For some people, a growler is all they need to supply drinks at a tailgate party. If everyone brings a growler, there’s enough for all. There are some excellent designs on the market but the Hydro Flask is the best I have seen and really does what the company claims. You can swing by your favorite boutique brewer and have it filled up with your hipster amber liquid and it will last up to 12 hours without losing its zing. The key is to make sure your growler is well insulated and easy to carry at the same time. The Hydro Flask is premium grade 18/8 stainless steel, double walled and comes in some cool colors fabricated from matte finished powder coating. Note that you can actually keep water or beer cold for up to 24 hours (though you will lose the fizz a bit after 12 hours). I take one of mine to Puerto Vallarta to keep beside the bed, to use for pure water for teeth cleaning and midnight rehydration and even there in the tropics it has kept cold for 24 hours. Alternatively, you can fill it with some hot, strong coffee to swig at the end of the tailgate party for that all-important sobering up process.

Hydro Flask is an ethical company and donates 5% of sales back to charity of your choice. Perhaps Alcoholics’ Anonymous ….

No BPA because there is no plastic involved and a Lifetime guarantee.

The addition of the Juglug handle is highly recommended.

Beer and booze accessories – Juglug handle

Designed for the Wide-Mouth Hydro Flask Bottles and specifically the Flip Top cap, the JugLug handle makes it easy for you to carry your bottle with you wherever you go. JugLug fits 18oz Wide Mouth, 40oz, 64oz flasks or any other flask with a similar diameter mouth. (Note: These are placed under the lid of the bottle not around the body/neck of the bottle). JugLug is not part of the Hydro Flask company, just a clever accessory company and you can use this carrier with other similar shaped bottles.

Here’s their legal disclaimer which I had better include just for the heck of it.

“JugLug, LLC is not affiliated with Hydro Flask or any other flask/bottle manufacturer. JugLug products are intended for use with multiple bottle manufacturers. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Use of trademarks does not imply any affiliation or endorsement of JugLug, LLC by Hydro Flask or any other trademark holders, nor does it imply that these trademark holders endorse JugLug LLC’s products. JugLug, LLC does not endorse the use of any other product.”

Bundle-81 Electric Cruzin’ Cooler

Beer and booze accessories – Cruzin’ Electric Cooler

I’d like to find the guy who invented this little gem and shake him by the hand. How great is this? Could it be improved? Well, maybe by making an entire train out of it by attaching more ‘carriages’ (coolers) and filling them with beer and excellent food. I have mentioned other mobile Cruzin’ Coolers in the past but the latest models are sublime.

This little beauty is not just for beer and booze. Make every second one a heater and fill it with mac’n’cheese and other goodies, say, some warm tortillas, and the fixings for some tacos and your tailgate party is made effortless. Some Borrego Barbacoa, frijoles, chopped onion, sliced cukes, shredded cabbage, limes, cilantro, pickled red onions and habanero peppers, tomatillo sauce…. Aw gee, I’m salivating at the very thought. Then, my friend, you can park anywhere on the lot and ride over to where your friends have their vehicle parked and you can be the bringer of all things jolly and fine. No more arguing over spaces in the lot before the tailgate party commences.

Don’t leave it sitting in the sun as the cooler part of it will be affected. The manufacturers will guarantee that it cools to around 40 degrees lower than the exterior temperature so if you are tailgating during a scorcher, here’s what you can do. Wrap the box in a space blanket or two at the party site, or put up a canopy to create some shade. This isn’t an issue if you are at a parking lot where there is plenty of shade available. Note that you can buy replacement batteries and I recommend purchasing a couple extra, keeping them on charge so that the party is always ready to kick in.

Party Pal Portable buffet table with beer can holder.

Beer & Booze Accessories – Party Pal almost hands free drink and food holder

This is an innovative gadget that combines your foodplate with a beer holder. OK, you CAN put sodas in there but we think a can of beer works well. This leaves one hand free for eating and you can also use this on your lap, standing, sitting the lawn, on a blanket or other places where there are no tables. It’s all BPA free and dishwasher safe – no more paper plates! You can get them in a large range of colors so you can match your team logo. Great for the picnic set. Strong and cheap ! They will pay for themselves in what you save in paper plate purchases.

Keeping it Classy Sassy Koozie

Keeping it Classy Sassy Koozie for tailgate parties

Beer Bucket in your Team colors

Beer & Booze accessories – Buffalo Bills Beer Bucket

Got beer? Put it in a bucket at your tailgate party – a bucket for every table. Also, the bucket can double as a way to clean up the trash or just when the beer comes up again.

Ohhhh, no photo for that eventuality.

There are quite a few beer & booze accessories and we will update the list as we find more that are worthy of being at our tailgate party. meanwhile, be cool and tailgate party on!

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Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: Accessories, Beer, Booze, Tailgate Party

The Best Food Coolers & Warmers Reviewed

By Rawhide

Call it what you like – ‘Ice chest’, ‘Ice box’, ‘Car Fridge’, ‘Esky’, ‘Chiller’, ‘Cooler’, you name it, the box you carry your food in needs to work its butt off. The best tailgate party tip is to find a box that can transport the goods at the correct safe temperature, be easy to lift, wheel and withstand a bit of rough-and-ready treatment. The best food coolers and warmers are reviewed below but as the range expands and contracts, don’t forget to come back and read about all the new items and the ones that are discounted just in time for tailgate party season.

Best Coolers and Food Heaters for tailgate parties

Without the box, your beer is warm, and who likes warm beer outside the British Isles???? Nobody of course. Ideally, a cooler needs to fit in the back of your vehicle and a bonus is if it is strong enough to double as seating or flexible and compact enough to fold up to store in your house. Oh, those last two are mutually exclusive. Don’t sit on a flexible cooler especially when it is full of deviled eggs. Power is optional, in fact it is an affordable option these days. Yet, most coolers just do their job with the addition of ice in the right quantities and will get you through anything from one to five days as long as you don’t keep opening the lid. Buy a cooler that is made of food grade plastic rather than a cheap knockoff that may pollute your food. The powered models can keep you on the road, tailgating from city to city. Don’t laugh. I know people who do just that! The ice filled ones can be managed to do the same though so below are some really good buys and some hints on how to manage your portable food carrier.

Just remember when you are packing the car to allow for the weight of the cooler. Most large ones weigh around 20 pounds on their own, before you add those 16 dozen cans of beer … before you buy, take a tape measure to the trunk of the car and figure out how many of these you can comfortably fit in. So, that’s enough of an intro! Now read on for the reviews of the best food coolers and best food warmers!

The Best Food Coolers & Warmers Reviewed

Let’s start with the coolest of coolers, the Cruzin’ Cooler.

Cooler Review: Crazy Coolers Motorized Cooler

Best Coolers and Food heaters – Crazy Cooler with motor

OMG, so you didn’t get the parking space you wanted in the lot! You’re not next to your mates. In fact, you are way over the other side. Heck, that has to be a long walk. Oh no, and you have a large cooler packed full of sublime amber fluid and hey, it was your turn to bring the ribs. Sit on this little beauty. Start it up and cruise your way to Tailgate Party Heaven. Crazy Coolers created these innovative motorized coolers that kind of sound like a lawn mower or mo-ped when they are running. They feature unique all-terrain tires, a 2HP 4-stroke engine, 48L Cooler and that combo can be a full bar on wheels. Just don’t speed while driving it. The cooler is fine too, but really, aren’t you just buying this one for the fun?

Cooler Review: Bundle-47 Electric Cruzin’ Cooler

Cruzin Cooler Electric Scooter

Here’s the Greenie, Tree-Hugger Tesla style version …. OK, so it’s not a Tesla. It’s from Cruzin’ Coolers and they are the guys who started this mobile cooler ride-on craze.

NOTE TO SELF: Add to Wishlist for Christmas, Birthday, hey any day with ‘day’ in it.

There are 300 watt and 500 watt versions and the whole kit and caboodle weighs around 64lbs..-Nicely finished with aluminum and chrome on exposed metals, it also features a built in cup-holder and an overall quality design and manufacture.

The Top speed is 13 mph.- This model holds 24 x 12oz cans with ice.

Rider Capacity is limited to 250 lbs.-It has easy brake and throttle control and is great personal transportation.

Compatible with: Cruzin Cooler Powered Coolers, Cruzin Cooler Coolagons.

It also has accessories such as this neat cover tailor-made for the Cruzin’ Cooler. which comes in a couple of nice colors.

Too lazy even to drive the Cruzin’ Cooler? Then sit in a chair and tell the drinks to come to you:

Cooler Review: Interactive Toy Concepts Radio-controlled Cooler

Remote Controlled Cooler

This is a Canadian invention. Why am I not surprised? This elegant radio – controlled, battery powered Cooler, lets you just sit back and take the controls on your next beer delivery. Its insulated sides keep your drinks cold for the big game, 12 bottles at a time, allowing the RC Cooler to cater your friends’ drinking needs without you doing more than jiggle the controls. Ice-cold precision: 30′ RC range; 4 sturdy and stable sure-grip wheels; Bottle-cap shaped controller.

Send it back to the kitchen for refills if you need to.

It’s collapsible down to only 6 1/2″ h. for easy storage but I am thinking you’ll be getting this one out every weekend and using it a lot.

NOTE: Uses 6 C batteries in cooler and 2 AA batteries in remote (batteries not included). You may want to get a stash of rechargeable batteries to avoid the cost and pollution of replacements.

Dimensions: 12″ diam., 14″ h. Weighs 3 lbs., 10 ozs.;

OK, now to the serious stuff.

Cooler Review: Coleman 54-Quart Steel-Belted Cooler

Coleman 54 Quart Steel-Belted Cooler

This tough-as-nails Coleman was designed for camping but it is great for tailgate parties – strong enough to sit on. Kind of retro in appearance, it holds 85 cans so you and your three best friends will be set for a day of tailgating. This could very well be the best food cooler of them all!

Its stainless steel handles are covered in grippy rubber making it is a breeze to pick up, at least when empty. The retro look isn’t just for decoration: the steel (which is painted) makes it super tough and easy to clean. It is rust-proof, leak resistant and the drain hole is designed for ‘no-tilt’ emptying. Hinges and screws are also steel and tough. Locally made, from USA and foreign made components, it is guaranteed and anything that breaks under normal wear can be replaced. The latch and gaskets make it seal securely which means cold stays in much longer.

Measurements: 26” x 18” x 17”

Cooler Review: Coleman 62 qt. Xtreme Cooler

Coleman 62 qt. Xtreme Cooler

The Coleman 62 qt. Xtreme Cooler features Xtreme 5 technology and the capacity to hold up to 85 cans. It features two-way handles for easy lifting and carrying, a tow handle and its rustproof, leak-resistant channel drain allows for no-tilt draining. The lid is hinged and high-quality plastic construction from Xtreme 5 technology with Thermozone insulation makes it durable. The corners are curved to prevent the gathering of bacteria as it is simple to wipe out after use.

Wheels are ‘all terrain’ making it a perfect choice for tailgating.

Dimensions: 31.5 x 17 x 15.5 inches (W x H x D)

Sturdy for sitting on, but maybe not Bubba and his sister, Ten Ton Tessie…

Cooler Review: Coleman 100 qt. Xtreme Wheeled Cooler with Tow Handle

Coleman 100 qt Xtreme Wheeled cooler

Next size up holds up to 160 cans. Wow, this tailgate party is getting better by the minute! Very durable, again the ice won’t melt for 5 or even 6 days. A couple of these will see you through – one for drinks, one for food. The insulated walls are 2 inches thick and the snug insulated hinged lid has a gasket seal. It has two tough all-terrain wheels and the tow handle will make dragging it around the parking lot a breeze. Though sand may be a struggle for the wheels particular when the cooler is packed high with brewskis.

HINT: Look after that seal on the lid. Just as you clean the gasket seals of a refrigerator, do the same with these and they will last for many years. Don’t let your guests leave the lid ajar. You need to be quite tough closing it to preserve the cold temperature.

Dimensions: 36.5L x 16.75W x 18.25H inches.

Drain plug works well. Very efficient cooler nicely designed for tailgate party use. Buying from this local company is an advantage as their after sales service is great (for instance, if the handles break, they can be replaced easily and fast).

Good value for the price at the moment.

Cooler Review: Coleman 120-Quart Xtreme 5 Cooler

Here’s a massive cooler that, according to description, will keep ice for 5 days. Looks the same as all the others in the range but enormous. Good seating. The way to do this is to pre-chill everything you put in there and also make the ice you put in there quite dense. For instance, you can freeze a deep aluminum pan full of water and put it, pan and all in a large Ziploc plastic bag which you seal well. This stays cold for days. Or you can buy various sheets of refreezable gel packs. In a parking lot at a tailgate party, despite up to 90 degree heat, 190 cans of beer or the equivalent food will stay chilled. Or buy two and pack those 190 beers and use the other cooler for food. Be sure to measure the space in your vehicle allowing for the hinges of the trunk. This cooler is tall enough for wine bottles to be packed, standing.

Another nice feature of this outstanding cooler is the hinged lid with its can holders. It’s rustproof and has the Coleman designed drain so it is practical for dealing with cleaning and letting out melted ice. The 2 large all-terrain wheels make it simple to transport and tugging its tow handle is a breeze. It’s tough and OK for your guests to sit on. A handy feature is that you can tether additional stuff to the top and the lid has been designed to fit cords to fasten items (dry goods, other small boxes). You can buy these cords separately. The interior has no toxic CFCs, HFCs, or HCFCs. Made in the USA. Full warranty.

Dimensions: 39.75 by 13.75 by 19 inches (L x W x H) (Exterior), 32 by 12.5 by 15 inches (L x W x H) (Interior).

Cooler Review: Igloo Polar Cooler (120-Quart, White)

Igloo Polar Cooler

This cooler only fits 188 cans – aw gee! It’s another version of the 5-day ice-keeper and I see a lot of these in use though I have never owned one. I know that they keep fish and meat frozen for days, so beer should be a cinch. It doesn’t have wheels but it is probably the toughest one around. It has snap-fit latches to keep the warm air out. Very tough walls and well insulated.

I have seen these stacked 2 high made into an amazing table with contributions from all the party guests who coincidentally, happen to have bought the same cooler. It’s 36 inches high (a stack of two) and you can bank them up and throw a team logo cloth over them. Good for playing tailgate party games if you have enough of them! Just get the food out BEFORE you set the table. Just over half price at the moment so snap one up before they sell out.

Dimensions: 38.3 x 18 x 18.5 inches

Cooler Review: Koolatron 18 qt. Compact Cooler

Koolatron 12V compact cooler

If you have any foods that are particularly vulnerable to heat spoilage then maybe you need a plug-in cooler. The Koolatron Kooler is very useful to keep food and drinks cool while traveling or at the tailgate party parking lot and you can plug it in to your accessories socket. (The unit cannot be left plugged in to the cigarette lighter in the car for more than 4 hours or it will run the car battery flat. There is an optional battery saver adapter that will shut off the unit if it overtaxes the car battery).

It’s narrow enough to slip behind the driver’s seat on the floor but has a good capacity at the same time. As it has powered cold, the addition of any ice is not necessary but I just like to put a couple of flexible thin gel packs (frozen) at the top or on the side that may heat up during the drive.

Items to be placed in it should be cool before filling the cooler. The empty unit will cool about 10 degrees an hour to about 40 degrees lower than the ambient temperature around it. It will maintain any pre-cooled contents at that temperature while plugged in. Check the manual for cooling times.

The optional AC power adapter (Koolatron Muti-Purpose Adapter 110VAC to 12VDC ) is useful – plug it into the wall and cool down the box for 12 hours or more. A slab of ice or gel pack is also a good idea. Anything you put it in should be fridge cold or frozen. Note that it will keep things cold not freeze items or cool things down (except by using ambient temperature) A refrigerator thermometer would be a good little accessory for this unit. An extension lead from your cigarette lighter helps too.

The Koolatron is also a food heat source, keeping hot foods hot. Again, set the temperature before you put the food in. I also throw in a few of those small hand warmers having first heated them in the microwave. Pizza, mac’n’cheese and other delicacies will stay hot for hours.

18 quarts is not a huge capacity but between this and your drinks cooler(s), you should cover all bases.

Tailgate Hotbag Side Loading

Tailgate HotBag – Side Loading food warmer

We all have our large coolers and they double as seats and tables in many cases. But this is a range of soft-sided insulated boxes that will keep food hot. They plug into your 12V outlet (and have a long lead). That outlet was once known as a cigarette lighter). Without flattening your battery it will keep your home-cooked food piping hot at 165 – 170 degrees F for several hours. The bag is made from 1000 denier rugged nylon with thickly insulated walls and base and is lightweight and very easy to keep clean. Just wipe it over after use. Designed to be easy to carry and the food slides in through the side so you can access it sort of the way pizza delivery guys get the pies out. Full instructions are included and these come in a range of sizes. If you are tailgating at Metlife, for instance, and cooking on site is not an easy option, then take your pre-cooked corn dogs, hot wings, mac’n’cheese and so on and keep them safely hot in this excellent box. There are no negatives!

Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 5.5 inches ; 3.3 pounds

Then there’s this Large Side Loading Electric Tailgate Hotbag which is perfect for lots of light weight foods that can be stacked such as sandwiches, pizzas or rolls. Bring enough hot food for the whole gang and keep it hot all the way to the tailgate party, even if it’s hours away. The dry heat does not let the food get soggy.

Tailgatea HotBag – LARGE side loading

More food warmers great for transporting your hot food.

Food Warmer Review: Tailgate Hotbag Side Pocket

Medium sized Tailgate HotBag Side Pocket

It’s lightweight, has a handy shoulder strap for easy carrying and large pockets on each end. Heats to 165 degrees to keep your food oven hot from kitchen to tailgate party. Nice for a casserole or pot of mac’n’cheese and you can put bread or condiments in the pockets.

Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 9 inches ; 5 pounds

Review: Black & Decker TC212B Travel Cooler & Warmer

Black & Decker Cooler and Warmer

Black & Decker 12 Volt Travel Cooler & Warmer with 12 can/2.3 gallon capacity. Powers from vehicle accessory outlet. Thermo-electric systerm keeps food cold or warm. Low voltage auto cut-off prevents coolers from draining vehicle battery.

Thermo-Electric System cools down to 40°F below ambient temperature and heats up to approximately 120°F

Plugs directly into vehicle’s or boat’s 12 volt DC outlet or any other 12 volt power supply

Rests on vehicle seat, tailgate, hatch or floor for easy access during travel

Zippered side storage and accessory pouch

Dual can/cup holder

Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 14 inches.

Heavily discounted at the moment.

Cooler Review: Koolatron 12V 48-Can Voyager Cooler

Koolatron 29 qt Voyager Cooler

This is a nice, streamlined cooler/warmer which holds 48 cans and the only difference between this and the other Koolatrons is the size, shape and color. You can stand a wine bottle up in this one.

Heats as well as cools.

NOTE: DO NOT cover up the fan/exhaust outlet. It needs to be able to breathe in and out.

NOTE: Don’t use melting ice in these machines – the gel pack sealed sheets are the best. It will operate best when you avoid opening the lid too many times and also pack it to avoid air gaps. Put chilled items in to retain the cold and hot items in to retain the heat. Again, I noticed that these are heavily discounted at the moment.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 16 x 15.4 inches

12 pounds

Review: Coleman 40-Quart PowerChill Hot/Cold Thermoelectric Cooler

Coleman PowerChill Hot/Cold Thermoelectric Cooler

Keep your food warm OR cool, and strictly speaking, you don’t need ice or a freezer pack. The Coleman 40-Quart PowerChill Hot/Cold Cooler uses electricity to keep your food at the right temperature. Set to Cool mode it cools down to forty degrees below the surrounding temperature; on Warm, it heats to 110-140 degrees above the surrounding temperature. Just plug it into your car’s 12-volt outlet – it has a long lead and even longer ones can be purchased. Also purchase the 110-volt AC adapter (sold separately) for use in the home which is, as mentioned earlier, essential for pre-cooling the unit overnight or in between uses. The PowerChill 40 Quart can hold 44 cans, plus snacks. The interior tray helps keep everything organized, and you can use the PowerChill upright, cabinet-style like a hobbit-sized fridge, or horizontally, chest-style. The door can be converted to open from the left or the right, so it’ll work well in your available space. 1-year limited warranty. These plug in miniature fridges used to be really expensive but there is a great range these days at affordable prices and this is one of my favorites. If you are tailgate partying in, say, Phoenix, a few sheets of gel icepaks will help keep the sun’s effects off your tailgate. But in general, it is fine without any assistance. Also is discounted right now just in time for the 2016-17 NFL season so move quickly if you want one at a good price.

Dimensions 15.7 x 17.8 x 24 inches

Koolatron Multi-Purpose Adapter 110AC to 12 Volts DC ( Model AC-16)

You definitely need one of these so that you can pre-chill the container overnight prior to the tailgate party Big Day. See notes on this process! Also if you are homegating in the back yard, it’s a really useful item to save you trips to the kitchen and back and can be plugged into the wall wherever your tailgate party is located.

Cooler Review: Koolatron 26-Quart Soft-Sided Electric Travel Cooler

Koolatron 26 qt Soft Side Bag Cooler

The Koolatron D25 Soft Bag Cooler can be taken anywhere, like the car, to picnic sites, hotels, offices, and more. For even more convenience the D25 plugs into all 12V cigarette lighters. The Koolatron D25 Soft Bag Cooler comes with an easy-to-carry adjustable shoulder strap, and holds up 32 x 12 oz cans. An optional 110V adapter is available for home use. The Koolatron D25 Soft Bag Cooler also has a convenient cord storage compartment when not in use. Cools to 16.5 degrees C or 30° F below the ambient temperature.

What I love about this is its ability to organize me with pockets and compartments for everything. Tailgating is the ULTIMATE picnic and that is what this great little, lightweight cooler guarantees. Bottles of pop, no, make that growlers, can stand up and you can tuck the food in all around it. The long lead means you can keep it plugged in for at least a couple of hours if you have a good battery in your vehicle. Stuffed eggs, for instance, require a really cool temperature or they can be a sure way to spending the day in the porcelain palace in the throes of a Technicolor yodel. Avoid tummy trouble and keep the food really cold!

Dimensions: 9 x 17.5 x 15 inches

Now a few pretty items for the ladies to put their cupcakes in!

Wheeled Picnic Cooler for 4, Houndstooth

Wheeled Picnic Cooler for 4 – many patterns available

This fully-equipped picnic cooler combines a removable wheeled cart, as well as a unique, divided cooler with separate sections for wine and food. Leaning towards the chic rather than tailgate party ruggedness, it has a leak-proof cooler which includes an easy drink access panel in the lid, a hand grip, an adjustable shoulder strap, and an extra front pocket. The wheeled cart has strong retractable handle like a suitcase and is easy to remove when not needed. Designed and assembled in the USA it has a Lifetime warranty. The cooler comes with a combination corkscrew, cheese knife, wineglasses, plates, napkins, flatware, wheeled cart and has a stylish pattern on the outside. Dishwasher-safe plates, flatware and glasses (glasses top rack) are included; hand-wash and dry wood accessories though and only spot-clean bag and cooler; machine-wash and dry napkins. Nice gift for the tailgate party gals! High enough to stash a wine bottle or two.

Dimensions: 17.25″ x 14.5″ x 13.5″

Thermal Food Carrier, Trellis Blue

Ascot style picnic carrier – for the gentlewomen at your tailgate party

Despite its feminine appearance it features sturdy construction just like my cousin Meryl. Thermal Shield insulation make this colorful food carrier essential for transporting food such as casseroles, cakes, rolls, and more hot or cold. It also zips fully open for easy packing. Lifetime warranty. Discounted at the moment for tailgate party season!

Dimensions: 4″ x 18″ x 11″

Trunk Organizer and Cooler Set, Chevron

Trunk organizer and cooler – style and substance

Dimension: 12″ x 23″ x 14″; folded, 12″ x 14″ x 3″

You might find this trunk organizer useful.

It’s a durable three section trunk organizer with removable Thermal Shield insulated cooler and despite its glamorous looks it is great for keeping sports gear, cleaning supplies, and groceries organized. Two large outer sleeve pockets. Foldable when not in use to maintain trunk space. Designed in the USA. Lifetime warranty. Tailgate party season discount!

Happy tailgating!

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Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, Cooler, Review, Tailgate Party

The Best Hangover Cure Pills

By Rawhide

Trust me! I’m a doctor! No, I’m not. Not even a chiropractor. But I do know that when one over-indulges in the demon drink, there is generally a price to pay and you’ll be looking for the best hangover cure pills out there. That errrrrrghhhhhh feeling in the morning. Perhaps preceded by a bit of a Technicolor Yodel around midnight. A bit of hugging the porcelain followed by intense dehydration.

Is it worth it?

Hell yeah! If you like tailgating.

Help is at hand, of course. There are thousands of hangover cures, and most of them relate to replacing electrolytes, fluids and salts as quickly as you can and ingesting vitamin B.

Here are the 5 best hangover cure pills that (anecdotally) my friends and I have found fast and effective and not too expensive. My disclaimer is that I haven’t done any double blinds on these or scientific testing. It’s just that these seem to tick all the boxes of helping the human body manage alcohol and don’t have any toxic effects on their own. Read all labels and make sure that you are not taking something that clashes with your own medication. Oh, that’s probably alcohol …. But seriously, folks, if you are on ANY medication, consult your doctor, take these pills, label and pack with you and make sure that you do not risk any side effects and bad interaction between the ingredients of your RX and your supplement.

FYI, a lot of these supplements contain ‘prickly pear’ extract. Prickly pear is actually Nopales, as eaten in most homes in Mexico. If you over indulge in the green de-thorned cactus paddles either as a salad or cooked, I guarantee you will be on the toilet for many a session. Eating too much gives you the squits. OK, there. I’ve said it. That could be a good thing – expel all the alcohol vertically rather than crouched over the bowl offering prayers to the porcelain god.

Most have been Tailgate Party/Vegas-tested and that is as scientific as it gets.

1. PreToxx for Hangovers & Liver Support (45 Vegetarian Capsules with Prickly Pear, Milk Thistle, Cysteine, and Electrolyte Blend)

PreToxx for Hangovers & Liver Support

Prevention being better than cure, I introduce to you a liver health supplement that claims to ease you through the drinking by making your liver stronger and more able to filter out the toxins. This seems like a good idea. Kind of like having your liver do pushups before the tailgate party. All of the above pointers apply. It supports liver function using prickly pear and milk thistle extracts mixed with electrolytes. Not a drug. PreToxx cannot claim to prevent or affect alcohol intoxication and the usual ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ warnings must be read and internalized along with a tequila shot. Hey, we all know someone who can take turns at being the designated driver! Not for pregnant women but I’m guessing alcohol isn’t either.

The ingredients are: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Thiamine HCl (Vitamin B-1), N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear Extract), Milk Thistle Extract, Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B-6), Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B-12), Calcium (Amino Acid Chelate), Magnesium (Amino Acid Chelate), Chloride (Sodium Chloride), Sodium (Sodium Chloride), Potassium (Amino Acide Chelate), Manganese (Amino Acide Chelate). You take 3 of these and a large glass of water before the booze-up and 3 more before collapsing into your coma after the tailgate party. If you take one a day, it is supposed to support a healthy liver. It prevents dehydration. You can read the full explanation of how each of the ingredients works on the brochure. Many users have claimed that this is an excellent hangover preventative as long as you keep taking the pills. Ceasing the pill-popping may cause the hangover to creep up on you! Also, be sure to swig an occasional glass of water during the night. You will avoid the body aches and post-drinking anxiety by keeping hydrated.

Note: the pills have a really strong vitamin odor probably from the huge quantity of vitamin B in the mix. Flatulent users, beware. You will never get away with blaming the dog while on these pills.

2. Pregame Hangover Pill – 60 Capsules, 100% Natural Ingredients

Pregame Hangover Pill

Pregame hangover pills prevent hangover symptoms including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. This product works as a hangover cure by restoring essential vitamins and minerals that are depleted while drinking alcohol. Pregame is manufactured in the U.S. in a FDA-inspected GMP compliant facility.

If you are under a physician’s care or taking medication, consult your healthcare professional.
The ingredients in the Pregame Hangover pill are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Potassium, Milk Thistle, L-Cysteine, and Prickly Pear Extract.

This one doesn’t require you to take umpteen pills. You just take one capsule of Pregame with at least 8oz of water before your first drink. After your first few drinks take another capsule with 8oz of water. For maximum effectiveness take an additional capsule with 8oz of water after your last drink. They don’t have the stench either. Many users swear by these as they prevent the headaches usually the killer after a long tailgate party with a few rounds of flip cup. If you are nervous about this, I would say have a weekend experiment when you do not have to get up next day. Drink like crazy, take the pills and see how you feel. Well, that is very scientific.

3. Drinkwel – The Multivitamin for People Who Drink (With Kudzu Flower, Milk Thistle, N-acetyl Cysteine)

Drinkwel – The Multivitamin for People Who Drink

90 pills to a bottle is 30 servings so you need 3 to get you through a drinking session. This has similar ingredients but there is also artichoke leaf and kudzu flower as well as a range of botanicals, Amino acids such as N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) to help process alcohol induced toxins and a heap of superfruit extracts including Acerola, Schisandra, Goji, and Açai berry. Vitamins B & C to top it off. It is a soy base. Not for pregnant women. Doesn’t prevent irrational behavior while drunk so use with caution. Check with your doc if you are nervous.

The ingredients include Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E (as d-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate), Thiamine (Vitamin B1) (as Thiamine HCL), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3) (from Inositol Hexanicotinate), Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCL), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Biotin, Pantothenic Acid (as d-Calcium Pantothenate), Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide), Zinc (as Zinc Gluconate), Selenium (as methylselenocysteine), Copper (as Copper Amino Acid Chelate), Manganese (as Manganese Ascorbate), Chromium (as Chromium Polynicotinate), NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine), Taurine, L-Theanine, Kudzu Flower powder, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) extract 5:1 (seed), Rhodiola Rosea extract (root), Artichoke Leaf powder, Green Tea extract (leaf), Acerola Berry extract 4:1, Bupleurum powder (root), Schisandra extract (fruit), Acai Berry (Euterpe oleracea) extract 4:1, Goji Berry (Lycium chinense) powder (root bark), Betain HCL – quite a mouthful!

The whole idea is to take one of these every day and your liver will withstand the effects of alcohol and 3 before and after you have been on the booze. People like this one as it is not made by Big Pharma. and it works even at high altitudes. No headaches! A side effect can be a feeling of high temperature so stay cool when you go to bed, ditch the blankets and turn on the air con.

Cost effective. Follow the instructions carefully. Of all the many reviews and critiques and anecdotal tales about this Drinkwel pill, most have been positive and this pill comes up better than most. Drinking lots of water, even having water by the bedside is recommended. Made in USA.

4. Dihydromyricetin (Hovenia Dulcis Extract) Scientifically Proven to Prevent Hangovers

Dihydromyricetin

This is American made as well. Tested carefully for purity. It works by reducing the affect alcohol has on the brain’s GABA receptors and damge to the liver caused by over-indulgence at places like tailgate parties. The GABA receptors are a class of receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system. But you knew that, didn’t you?

The ingredient listed is 300mg of pure Dihydromyricetin (DHM) per capsule. This is a flavonoid component of herbal medicines extracted from oriental raisin Tree.

The method of using is to take 1-2 capsules before consuming alcohol, and 1-2 capsules each three drinks thereafter, to reduce feelings of intoxication and/or to support healthy liver function. A couple more pills immediately before falling asleep. Drink water with each pill.

Again, this is highly reviewed and praised for its effectiveness and people claim it counteracts the effects of tailgating. Students love this one as it sounds very scientific. You need to do your own experiment with this before going crazy with booze. Set your safe level and know just how it affects your body. You still won’t be able to drink and drive as your BAC will be unchanged by this medicine or any of the others listed here. You will just feel not as drunk and your hangover will not be as severe. Drink lots of water.

Worth checking out!

5. Zaca Recovery Patch, 6 Pack (With Milk Thistle, Prickly Pear, Vitamin B’s, N-acetyl Cysteine, Vitamin C and More)

Zaca Recovery Patch

People who cannot take pills seem to like these. The ingredients are similar to the tablets but in the form of a patch.

With all the hangover cures available on the market these days, I did not think the ones using a patch would be in the least effective. How on earth, I wondered, could the extracts seep through my skin fast enough to counteract a high speed game of dizzy bat?

Ingredients are Prickly Pear, Milk Thistle, B1, Lipoic Acid, B5, B3, Taurine, Lycopene, NAC, Magnesium, Vitamin C, very similar to all the above pills in fact I can’t see much difference. Except that you don’t have to take up valuable stomach space that could be used for beer and bacon by eating a handful of pills.

Oddly enough, it works. It is a lot less stress than downing the pills before and after the drinking. Just slap on the tiny Zaca patch which is only 1” square! Leave the patch on for 24 hours for maximum effectiveness. Remember to have an occasional glass of water in between all the fun stuff and you will be fine in the morning. Good for prevention of altitude sickness.

It’s guaranteed but there has been no testing in clinics and all reviews and data are anecdotal. It is actually very, very hard to test hangover cures. I have offered my services but nobody has taken me up on that yet.

Happy tailgating!

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, beverage, Cure, Hangover, Pill, Tailgate Party

The Best Canopy Chairs For The Tailgate Party

By Rawhide

OK – so we all know that the weather is bananas these days. Most parking lots either have freezing weather or the sun is pelting down so hard that you almost could forget the grill and BBQ on the hood of the car. You need shade, shelter and comfort. I have been looking at canopy chairs lately and thought I would pass on to you my findings. There’s lots of information here as well as the all important list of the best canopy chairs for the Tailgate Party.

My first finding is that they are generally well made and a little more expensive but that you should have them for a while. When making your selection, check how long the warranty lasts. Some are thirty days, others are a year. Some fold really small and others not so much. So I have chosen a small but nice selection of good chairs. There is only one better than this lot and that is reflected in its price. My take on that is that when tailgating, you need something that if it gets hit by a slumping drunk and snaps in two, you won’t have sent so much money on it that you are devastated. Pick the road well-travelled with chairs.

In general, these are a folding chair with the added bonus of a folding canopy that slips into either a separate bag or the canopy itself. You can forget the umbrellas and still have some shade. And really, they are not much more expensive that chairs sans roofs! These are all mid-range cost-wise so it’s really not a great concern if they degrade after a couple of years of beer-soaking, drunken slouching and collapsing. Heck, it’s a small price to pay for fun. The five I have chosen each have specific advantages, such as color range, compactness, large size, price, but all are worth buying. Check them out and ultimately, choose the one that suits your tailgate party style.

The Best Canopy Chairs For The Tailgate Party

Bravo Sports Quik Shade Chair

Quik Shade Fully Adjustable Folding Chair with Carrying Bag

Quik Shade Fully Adjustable Folding Canopy Chair

As well as having the benefits of a shady canopy, this chair has a wide, oversize seat. It hasn’t escaped me that there is more demand for chairs for people who, shall we say, represent the Hippoglottamus genus, being somewhat Rubenesque. Size ‘Big’n’tall’. Hefty. This chair is perfect and has a high capacity and will support more than 200 pounds.

It folds very easily into a compact bag which is the canopy (with a shoulder strap for comfy carrying) and features a patented design which allows the sun shade to be raised, lowered and tilted either side in the flick of a wrist. It is designed to block the sun from any angle and once clicked into position it is held taut. If you don’t need to use the canopy, just push it to the rear of the seat.

The canvas-like fabric is tough and moisture resistant and comfier than vinyl or polyester.
Has dual built in cup holders – one for you, one for a friend. Naaah, one for you, one for you after that.. In the tailgate party, sometimes, you just have to think of yourself.

Available Colors: Blue and Green.

Sport-Brella Recliner Chair

Sport-Brella Recliner Canopy Chair

The Sport Brella has a 3 position recline design with a 3 position swiveling umbrella. You can stash up to 4 drinks in its built-in insulated pocket and there’s also a 12oz snug-fitting cup holder and a zipper pocket for the bottle opener, your hone or headphones (there’s a slit to thread it through). Metallic liner gives UPF 50+ protection. The articulating arm moves the canopy into many different positions to adjust shade and you can move it to the other side of the chair and on the umbrella ends, there are tiny safety tips to protect you from poking yourself in the eye.

It has a built-in footrest. Very simple to flip open or shut and replace in its own bag. You’ll appreciate its reinforcing bands of webbing and the fact that it is a tougher grade of plastic and metal at the heart of its construction. It will last for years. All this toughness does take a bit more space in the car/truck but it’s certainly a comfy chair and after the tailgate party, it doubles as a beach chair.

Rated 250 lbs maximum capacity but there are users who say chunkier sitters are OK as long as they are gentle. Comatose, maybe.

Colors? Orange with smart, grey trim, Midnight Blue and Red.

Brylanehome Camp Chair With Canopy

Continuing our search for a tailgate party chair tailored for the more muscular people in your life, we found this portable, tough-construction canopy chair that caters for people up to 350 pounds (stationary weight – not leaping around). Tailgating can proceed without restraint! It’s sturdy as anything on the market and creates a nice patch of shade.

Made of polyester canvas with a seat width of 22 inches. The metal frame is powder coated. The pull down canopy has zip openers to make two little windows.

Dimensions: 61″Hx34¾”Wx37″D.

The cup holder is awaiting your beverage and you can stash things in the storage pouch that is built into the seat.

Colors: Red and blue.

Kelsyus Premium Canopy Chair

Kelsys is a good name to watch for in chairs. The Premium is an upgrade from an earlier model and has a terrific canopy that locks at almost endless angles to prevent the sun from blighting your tailgate party.

For your personal tailgate party style, this one ticks a lot of boxes: again, an oversized seat, this one supporting up to 250 pounds, not quite as large as the previous chair but smartly designed. The manufacturers claim that this one is ergonomic design – there’s a rounded front to make it less angular and therefore, should be more comfortable. Parking lots are not known for their tailgate party comfort apart from what you bring with you and this is a good choice. This canopy is large and you can lock it in place either for sun or shade. Cup holder of course! The fabric is 50+ UPF. The canopy slips over the chair to make a bag for ease of packing away after you have finished partying. Again, a shoulder strap makes it simple to carry back to the car. The frame is powder-coated for extra protection. As well, the well-stitched fabric is stylish and has a mesh panel on the back and seat to keep you cool in the heat. Super easy to clean too. (ie. beer washes off easily …).

It’s a fine, stylish looking chair, one of the best aspects is its color range: there are Lime, Navy and Red versions all with cutting edge trendy grey bases made of its cool, comfortable, easily cleaned fabric.

Bravo Sports Shade Chair With Canopy & Carry Case

Bravo Sports Four Seasons Courtyard Shade Chair with Canopy and Carry Case

The Bravo has been ergonomically designed and suits short or tall people equally. It folds up neatly into a small package into its separate carry bag. There’s a shoulder strap. It only takes seconds to erect and you can slip it into your tailgate party kit without it taking up a lot of room. Note that the fabric is sun repellant, 50+ UPF and the canopy can be angled to many angles to create shade where you want it. There’s the normal cup holder (not two on this one).

Note to anyone over 250 pounds: If you are gentle, you can sit in this but don’t slump into it. If you a ‘Big and Tall’ then choose one of the higher rated chairs.

It’s OK but perhaps a little flimsy and that is reflected in its price.

Colors that I could find included red, blue and black.

Yes, there are some more expensive chairs. But, given the rough treatment that most tailgate party folk will give their furniture, I would go for mid-range and replace it a little more often. The key to this is that at the end of the tailgate party, some people (you know who you are) just don’t seem capable of folding and stashing a chair carefully enough to prolong its life. The Kelsys chair is actually a licensed brand of the famed top of the range Renetto Original Canopy chair which is more expensive but comes in a ton of colors.

The five I have chosen are way more affordable versions and I would say are a better deal for tailgating due to the fact that you will be treating them comparatively roughly. (Or is that just me?)

FOOTNOTE: The weight capacity on these chairs is typically around the 200 pounds rate but do I think you could push that higher. Anecdotally, people of 275+ seem to do OK. No reports of any collapses or injuries.

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, Canopy Chairs, Chair, Tailgate, Tailgate Party

Essential Beer Kegerator Accessories – The Big List

By Rawhide

Everybody knows that beer – the chilling of, the serving of and the serving of again and … make that ‘again’ – is THE most important component of a successful tailgate party. Oh, along with bacon flavored food but that’s another story which we address elsewhere.

Back to the beer and not a moment too soon. The investment in a fine kegerator will save you money. Bulk liquid is better than any investment in a pile of waste – beer bottles and cans which end up in the trash can.

Here’s a list of the essential beer kegerator accessories for those who have invested in a kegerator or want to convert your fridge to one. This is how you will get the most out of your useful gadgets. I figured it just may be helpful for you to have this list here all together as it will save you searching for them. When last I looked, there was no ‘Kegerators Are Us’ chain of stores so please regard this as your personal shopping list and resource which I will update over the months. The actual usage of individual items will depend on your initial purchase, and the list is in no particular order of priority. Again, this depends on your own needs.

HINT: If you are purchasing items which may need replacing on a regular basis, buy multiples up front and avoid costly shipping costs.

HINT: Keep a file of assembly instruction books, company contacts for service.

1. Kegco Ultimate Door Mount Kegerator 2 Tap Conversion Kit w/ 5 lbs Tank – EBUCK2-5T

Kegco Ultimate Door Mount Kegerator 2 Tap Conversion Kit

This is what is says: ULTIMATE! Every part you require for creating your own kegerator is in this awesome kit. Even stainless steel drip trays for that professional bar feel. If you have a small generator, a trailer hitch or you drive a Silverado, you can transport your mega-kego to the parking lot and your friends will gather round like yellow-jacket wasps to an open can of Sprite. Attach all this stuff to a small refrigerator (and these are so cheap at the moment) and your beer serving skills will be ramped up to Pro level. What’s not to love about a continuous supply of draft beer? You might never make it into the stadium, but hey, tailgating isn ‘t really about the game, and with a TV hooked up to the generator, a couple of comfy chairs and food that contains bacon, all’s right with the world. Kegco is numero uno in the keg design and building field so you can bet on good after sales service and advice. Full installation instructions are included so all you have to supply is the BEER and getting that tailgate party happening!

2. Clamp for Regular Auto-Siphon

CLAMP for Regular Auto-Siphon

This clip or clamp attaches to a fermenting bucket or carboy to hold a regular Auto-Siphon in place. If you are a home-brewer, you will definitely need this. It will suit a specific size of auto siphon so when you get to this site, be sure you select the one that gives the most accurate, air-free result. If air escapes from the tubing because of a loose fit, you won’t get that siphon happening so check this from the supplier before finalizing your payment and order. See later note on Keg Lube. It may be all you need for a tight seal.

3. Ball Lock Becker Home Brew Keg Tap MFL Coupler Set

Ball Lock Becker Home Brew Keg Tap MFL Coupler Set

NOTE: Cornelius (‘Corny’) kegs come in two different styles, one being the pin lock the other is a ball lock. The terms ‘pin lock’ and ‘ball lock’ both refer to the way the quick disconnects attach to the Cornelius keg. Here’s a video that explains the difference.

Kegs can be used for home-brew or you can fill them with draft beer or soda. It’s up to you.

This set is not the most upmarket in the range but has all the parts you need to ensure an airtight fit. It features a ball lock system, gas in and out and beer out.

Beer out connection features 1/4″ MFL fitting with 1/4″ Flare Fitting to fit 3/16″ ID Beer Line.

Gas in connection features 1/4″ MFL filling with 5/16″ Flare Fitting to fit 5/16″ ID Air Line. The ¼” MFL fittings allow you to remove your gas/beer lines from the coupler connector easily.

HINT: Be sure that you do not rush the installation and avoid cross-threading screw parts.

Following is a list of bits and bobs you may require over the years. Where appropriate I will make a note, but in general, take them at face value and do your research as to the exact sizes and specifications of the kegerator you use. Things to watch are interior and exterior hose sizes.

4. Pair Ball Lock Disconnects for Corny Kegs 3 Gas 3 Liquid

Again, be careful when you do the connection. These are not heavy duty (made in China) but cheap and OK for those of us who take the care not to cross thread or force the linkage. Some units may require a gasket to prevent any gas leakage. This seems to be a matter of trial and error somewhat. It’s a good idea to have a universal gasket collection on hand just in case.

5. Ball Style Quick Disconnect – Gas

Ball Style Quick Disconnect – Gas

Ball Style Quick Disconnects are used for most Cornelius, (Corny) Pepsi and 7-UP tanks and simply slide over the nipple and connect with a clamp over the hose (just like installing the home sprinkler system. Note to self: must finish that one day. Very easy assembly. This is the Gas end.

6. Ball Style Quick Disconnect – Liquid

Ball Lock Quick Disconnect

Alternative to the above: here is the liquid end and is compatible with Pepsi kegs as well as those tailgate party staples of beer kegs in various formats. Your beer and air line simply slide over the nipple, then use a screw clamp to tighten around the hose. This one is used for liquid. In stock and ready to ship. Features: Ball style. Used for liquid. Specs: Barb outlet fits 3/16″ inside diameter draft hose.

7. B3-23A 20 Plate Beer Wort Chiller Garden Hose x 1/2″ Male NPT

B3-23A 20 Plate Beer Wort Chiller Garden Hose x 1/2″ Male NPT

For home brew kegs:

NOTE

Wort is the sweet infusion of ground malt or other grain before fermentation, used to produce beer and distilled malt liquors.

Wort Chillers are an essential beer-making tool used to cool boiling wort down to a temperature at which you can safely add beer yeast, around 60-80F. However, once the cooling wort reaches temperatures of 130F and cooler there are some bacteria and wild yeast that can survive.

While this equipment relates to home-brew it can equally relate to chilling your keg brew superfast and keeping it bacteria free.

The chiller connects to garden hose width of tubing and runs with a recommended Max Water Flow Rate of eight gallons per minute designed to be effective at a temperature -195°C to +220°C (-319°F to 430°F). This is a pretty essential stage of the brewing process so for those of you whose keg only ever will contain your own brand of ‘Panther Piss’ look no further as this is the cream of the crop.

8. Shank for Draft Beer System: 3-inch

Shank for Draft Beer System

NOTE:

You use the steel shank to connect your draft beer faucet to the beer line jumper. It is required when using a kegerator refrigerator conversion kit. Depending on the height, you may need a longer shank. These are easily available from 3 inches to 14 inches. Diameter is 7/8 inch. (Outside measurement). Just follow the links.

This model is chromed brass and made to a budget but is very satisfactory. If you are looking to go upmarket or it is for professional use, choose stainless steel instead.

Again, follow the seller links to your exact size. Kegerator accessory rule: Measure three times and order once!

9. Draft Warehouse Clear 5-Feet of 3/16-Inch Id Beer Line with Hexnut Assembly On One End

Draft Warehouse Clear 5-Feet of 3/16-Inch Id Beer Line

NOTE: Up to you but, in time, lines do need to be kept hygienic and my preference is to have a few of these standard sized assemblies on hand and switch them out. Dirty hoses will make the beer foam too much. Hoses are just way too difficult to sterilize. Alternatively, you can soak them in baby bottle sterilizer mix but that has its risks and you need to rinse and rinse till the inside of the hose is 100% inert. So when they get gunky, it’s time to biff them out and replace.

Comes standard with 5′ of 3/16″ clear beer tubing and Includes all components required to make a neer or air line connection: ie. hex nut, washer ,tail piece and 5 feet of hose. Be sure to check the sizes of your lines and match with these exactly. If in doubt, fire of a question to the supplier. I have even sent pics from my iPhone. You just don’t want to get it wrong.

10. Portable Keg Dispensing System – W/co2 Charger & 3 Cartridges, Picnic Tap, Pin Lock

Portable Keg Dispensing System

Here is a neat kit that contains all you need to get that beer-a-chilling and on the way to the tailgate party.

Contents are:

Corny CO2 Charger

3 Co2 16g Premium Cartridges

Pin Lock connections (note that on the picture it shows ball lock connectors but these are now not made for this kit).

Squeeze Faucet Picnic Tap (AKA Tailgate Party Tap!)

NOTE: A 5 gallon keg may need 2 cartridges depending on the beverage so maybe buy some spares.

You can also buy the components separately.

10. Kegco O-Ring Gasket Set for Cornelius Home Brew Keg

Gaskets are something I like to keep on hand so check these out – they will be invaluable to prevent gas or liquid leaks.

12. Cornelius Keg CO2 Charger

Cornelius Keg CO2 Charger

Having a few of these as a backup is supposed to be a good idea. They are not expensive and it’s better than being caught with your pants down (metaphorically) … though you can be caught like that at some tailgate parties so they tell me. It is small – pocket sized, made of high quality nylon and brass but doesn’t really review well. It is no substitute for a regulator and the latter is a better investment. However, it is handy for portability especially in a parking lot where tailgate parties need to be transported as light as possible. You need a few of these (suggest 2 – 5) to pump 5 gallons of beer perfectly.

A suggestion is to use the Keg Lube to create a tight seal.

13. Keg Lube

Keg Lube

This lubricates gaskets and ensures a tight seal, no leaks! It is food grade as long as you replace the lid and also use with a Q-tip rather than your finger. It is essential to keep a keg clean!

Note that a lot of criticisms of taps, cartridges and hoses relates to the leakiness. Keg Lube, super cheap, is your best tool against the frustration of leaks and shonky seals.

14. Draft Warehouse Beer Faucet and 4 inch Shank Kit with Black Handle

Draft Warehouse Beer Faucet and 4-Inch Shank Kit with Black Handle

The interesting thing about this is that people seem to use them to adapt all kinds of things to contain drinks. Watermelons, Pumpkins, refrigerators, exercise balls … if you’ve done that, please send us the pictures!

Anyway, this is the part that gives you the ability to tap whatever liquid you put in there. Pumpkin beer ….yummmm. Nah. Not so much.

Chrome plated brass keeps the costs more realistic. Stainless steel is better if you are able to afford it and if you will be really using this heaps.

However, a cheaper version is a pretty acceptable rig for tailgate party dudes.

NOTE:

I know I hammer this a lot but keep it clean! Spray off all the beer before going home. When you get home, take it apart and soak briefly in a food grade bleach solution (1/2 teaspoon to quart of water). Rinse and air dry. Bar quality.

15. The Carbonater

http://www.amazon.com/LiquidBread-The-Carbonater/dp/B0064OKADS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394173317&sr=8-1&keywords=the+carbonator

This handy device is a kind of screw cap for standard plastic soda bottles that allows you to enjoy fresh draft homebrew anywhere. All you do is fill a plastic 2-liter soda bottle with beer and put the Carbonator cap on. Squeeze out the excess air and inject CO2 into the bottle to keep your beer carbonated and fresh. May also be used to force carbonate any beverage. You need a few accessories for the process: The carbonater needs to be connected to a tube with a snap fitting (easily available online) and then connect this to a CO2 regulator which is then connected to a C02 tank from your kegerator.

16. Keg Conversion Kit for Refrigerator (Convert a Standard Refrigerator to a Kegerator)

Keg Conversion Kit for Refrigerator (Convert a Standard Refrigerator to a Kegerator)

So you’ve picked up a neat little refrigerator from the hard trash collection by the kerb. Yaaaaaay. Here’s a great kit that can convert it into a kegerator. It would be great for that basement fridge as you set up the man-cave and plan the home-gate party when the weather is too inclement for tailgating.

This kit easily converts an old refrigerator to a home draft beer dispenser and includes all the hardware you need to be pouring cold draft beer anytime you feel the need. Your friends will suddenly want to come around and see you. Full instructions are included for quick and easy installation. Parts included with kit: 5 feet of beer line with hex nuts, complete beer shank, chrome faucet, Black faucet knob, 5 feet of air line with clamps, double gauge CO2 regulator, faucet brush, faucet wrench, and an American Sankey keg coupler (commonly referred to as the tap). Add to this a pot of keg lube (see above) and you’ll be cooking with gas. No, my mistake, dispensing perfect beer with gas.

NOTE:

For a door mounted kit, see:

17. Kegco Deluxe Door Mount Kegerator Conversion Kit with 5 lb. Co2 Tank EBDCK-5T

Kegco Deluxe Door Mount Kegerator Conversion Kit

18. Double Tap Stainless Steel Draft Beer Kegerator Tower – 3″ Diameter

Double Tap Stainless Steel Draft Beer Kegerator Tower

This is a stainless steel double tap vertical tower for dispensing draft beer. You can play barman at the tailgate party in a very professional way dispensing beers from this amazing system. The taps are chrome plated brass, the tower Stainless Steel and it all looks very pro standing 12 inches plus the height of the taps. Having two lines gives you the freedom to serve two styles of beer. A nice dark Léon from Mexico and a sweet, pale beer from say, Minnesota, Summit Extra Pale Ale. Think about personalizing your taps by adding team themed ones and putting the plain ones on eBay…. Take it on the road if you have access to power or install it in the man cave.

NOTE: There are many beer towers of different standards and specifications available.

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, Beer, beverage, Kegerator, Tailgate Party

The Best Beer Koozies To Keep Your Drink Frosty.

By Tailgator

Keeping beers cold (in your hand) is an important skill at tailgate parties. It has led to the invention of that customizable commodity, the ‘Koozie’. And here’s a list of the best beer koozies to keep your drink frosty for the tailgate party.

Yes, now ‘Koozie’ is a real word, in Urban Dictionary! It’s not too long before someone will open a Koozie exhibit in a museum as the inscriptions, logos, pictures and shapes of these items tell lots of stories about their owners. They’ve come a long way from those old-timey knitted or crocheted drink holders.

Here’s the official definition:

‘A cylindrical insulator for beer can and beer bottles (it probably also works with other beverages in aluminum cans or glass bottles). Usually made from foam and cloth and sold at convenience stores.’

(alternative spelling ‘coozie’)

The beer koozie (koō-zie), “beer hugger”, or “beer huggie” is a misnomer as it is not always used for an alcoholic beverages. Other names are “coastie”, “cozy”[ “coosie”, “coolie”, “coldy-holdy”, “can cooler”, “beer sleeve”, and “bottle jacket”. In Australia it is called a “stubby holder” due to the shape of the 375 millilitres (13.2 imp fl oz; 12.7 US fl oz) bottles of beer being shorter and fatter compared with the more slender 330 millilitres (12 imp fl oz; 11 US fl oz) bottles.

Simply put, the ‘Koozie’ is an insulated, sometimes ornamental slip-on cover to keep a can of beer or other drink cool while hand-held.

Do they work? I’ve tested a heap of these of different types. They are all effective in varying degrees. The very best is not necessarily the most fun and it is:

Thermos Stainless steel can insulator

Thermos Stainless Steel Can Insulator

Yes, it works – it keeps drinks cold for hours, even in extreme heat, the Middle East, Mexico and the Mojave Desert which is what you may want. It’s almost indestructible and holds your cans tightly, almost vacuum sealing them into the Koozie. Icy cold for an hour and cold for two hours and cool for two more hours. It fits into most cars’ drink container (an elastic band will keep that tight or a sheet of paper towel, but really, you don’t need it to be that tight.) The can will sit quite low in the koozie but don’t push it in all the way and it is fine. If you are using non-standard small cans, try putting a paper towel beneath, folded small into a little mat. MSRP = $14.75

But for those who don’t need an extreme beer cooler and prefer that added zing of fun … there are many alternatives. Any party or group of friends wanting a bit of a laugh while enjoying a cold beer is somewhere you can often see a wide range of Koozies. They can be personalized, printed with messages, logos or anything and you will find them among team licensed merchandise such as this Raiders one:

Oakland Raiders Koozie Soda Can Holder

Definitely, you can add to your atmosphere by choosing your Koozie collection with some plan in mind. If you want everything to look like it coordinates with your team, that is an easy task. You can buy Koozies that have you team logo, or just in team colors.

But here are some that really made me laugh. I think they’d be terrific hostess gifts or stocking stuffers. Oh, and you can use them for any cans – mixed spirits, soft drinks, mineral water… some are a little on the adult side though and if political correctness is your thing, you’re not coming to my tailgate party anyway!

A word about their ability to keep beer cold: they do an average job. They are not expected to stay cold for hours, but they do stop your hands from warming the contents of the can and keep the chill in quite efficiently for an hour or more. That is more time than it takes to drink a beer.The plastic can be a little slippery with condensation, but, well, there’s plenty to grab hold of.

Average price is around $9.

DCI DrinKooliez Drink Sleeve Koozie, Assorted

These come in a few different designs and the one shaped like a coconut cocktail with an umbrella on the side cracks me up as does the Don Draper Bourbon glass …

Next is a simple red plastic cup approach. Don’t over-think this one!

Big Mouth Toys Kool Koozie, The Red Cup

The red cup style may just be the ultimate post-modern piece of self-reflexive design. But wait, there’s more …

Big Mouth Toys Prescription / Pill Bottle Drink Kooler

Big Mouth Toys Prescription Pill Bottle Drink Kooler

Think your beer is therapeutic? Now you can make it look the part with this Koozie that looks like a prescription pill bottle. Tailgate party stress will be relieved in an instant!

Big Mouth Toys The Beast Giant Fist Shaped Drink

Big Mouth Toys The Beast Giant Fist Shaped Drink Kooler

Does this one confuse you? At your tailgate party you could embellish the fist adding chains, dog tags, a watch, a bracelet, a hand-cuff or … well, you decide!

Boobzie – Classic Collection

Boobzie Can Koozie

Ah, now we come to the classy ones! They will certainly be a talking point at your tailgate party. The more worthy among us have made a nice link between these and breast cancer awareness while others just state that the combo of breasts and beer is a tailgate party must!

Boobzie – Classic Collection

Boobzie Can Koozie

Insert your own boob joke here (though it’s a bit redundant as the Koozies above and below ARE the joke). Besides, I’ve probably heard them all at some tailgate party or other.

“World Cups” (Sporty collection) Boobzie Can Cover / Koozie

“World Cups” (Sporty collection) Boobzie

Boobzie – Special Occasion Collection

“First Aid” Boobzie Can Cover / Koozie

There are many more in this range and as a novelty with a purpose, they will add some laughs to your event.

Big Mouth Toys Toilet Shaped Drink Kooler

Some drinkers wait until after the party to have their heads in the toilet. With this one, you can remind yourself where you don’t want to end up

Finally, just a word of warning if you have to travel to your tailgate party … don’t take this last one to the airport! It needs no further comment!

Big Mouth Toys Gun Shaped Drink Kooler

Filed Under: Accessories, Beverages Tagged With: Accessories, beverage, drinks, Koozie, Tailgate Party

The Best Small Portable TVs For Tailgate Parties Reviewed

By Rawhide

If you want the best of both worlds, you probably wish you had a TV in your pocket, could double up, watching games in the parking lot while you play those games, chomp on those ribs and swill that cool amber liquid. Elsewhere, I have written out the ‘how to’ list for getting a signal anywhere you travel by investing in a satellite dish and all that goes with it. But here are some small, almost pocket sized screens – personal televisions – that will keep you in touch with the crucial touchdowns, goals and points. Some can be hooked up to your vehicle with a car charge but these are almost always an optional accessory.

I’ve checked them out from the smallest screen ie. phones, to medium (3.5”) to the larger ones 7”. All can be classed as pocket TVs and as a way of catching up with away games when you are in the home parking lot tailgating, most are effective in different ways and OK as backups for emergency power outages. You don’t need to miss a game ever!

Watch TV on a phone’s tiny screen? Everyone does that these days! Or, do they?

1. Siano Meron Mobile TV Tuner for Smartphones & Tablets. Supports DVB-T and ISDB-T

TV Tuner for Smartphones & Tablets

No need for an internet connection but with this gadget you can use your Android or Apple device to watch TV anywhere.

Well, anywhere in Europe, Asia and Africa using DVB-T. Also Japan and South America using ISDB-T. Sadly, USA, Canada, Mexico, Korea or China are out in the cold and not supported so forget this for tailgating. A free SianoTV application from Apple App Store or Google Play lets you to tune in and enjoy your favorite programs. Video: http://youtu.be/itztNQIJybI

Pros: The box plugs in and you can follow the video for instructions on setting it up. Simple.

Cons: NFG for USA, Canada, Mexico, Korea and China. What, no tailgating there? Not even for soccer and baseball? Needs a top of the range Apple or Android to device to run it.

Bottom Line

Forget this one for USA/Canadian tailgating.

In New York, there’s Aereo OTA TV delivered to your Smartphone but that’s still not generally available in the USA.

Watch this space for new updates as Aereo is expanding in the coming year. Oh, and start saving now for a whopping big data plan if you want to watch games on your phone.

The alternative is one of the small, pocket size portable TVs.

2. Belkin Dyle Wireless Mobile TV Receiver for 30-Pin iPhone and iPad in Select Coverage Areas

Belkin Dyle Wireless Mobile TV Receiver for 30-Pin iPhone and iPad

Pros

There are other actual OTA alternatives to the Aereo service. From Belkin Dyle come these two interesting dongles that plug into the power ports of an iPhone or iPad. These are a real TV tuner as well as a telescoping whip antenna, the Escort Mobile TV Receiver and the Elgato EyeTV Mobile TV Tuner. Both use Dyle’s mobile TV app. and both are fully supported by broadcasters. They will work wherever you can receive OTA television and the impact on your data plan is minimal. But of course, you are watching teams running around on a tiny screen. Still, it keeps you in touch with the game-plays. Check to make sure that your tailgate party will be held in the coverage area.

Cons

You have a couple of gadgets hanging off your phone whenever you want to watch TV.

Small screen viewing.

Suited to limited areas only. Be sure to check coverage.

Does not work with Lightning connectors. Is designed for the 30 pin plug on older Apple devices.

No rechargeable battery and short battery life.

The Bottom Line

For using in the parking lot at tailgate parties, it just may not have the channel choices you need. Do you homework and contact the company prior to purchase. And make sure also that it is compatible with your phone.

3. RCA DHT235A 3.5-Inch LED-lit 720p 60Hz TV (Silver)

RCA DHT235A 3.5-Inch LED-lit 720p 60Hz TV (Silver)

Pros

3.5-Inch Bright LED Backlit LCD Display

Receive Free off-air DTV RF Channels

Operate with AA Batteries (X4) or AC Adaptor(opt.)

Real Time Signal Strength Displayed

Weight: 5.6 ounces

VIDEO MPEG-2 video decoding MP at ML, MP at HL ATSC 18 formats.

Audio decoding Digital multi-lingual.

Terrestrial ATSC 8VSB Terrestrial NTSC CH2 – CH69 Embedded Monopole Antenna.

AV OUT Headphone and built-in speaker for audio output and headphones give clear sound.

Receive Current Analog NTSC Channels

Instructions included.

Runs 2 hours without battery change. (use recyclables and keep a stash in the tailgate party kit.)

Digital Closed Captioning complies with E1A-708B.

Additional Features, on-screen program information display.

Direct channel changing DRF

Menu languages English and Spanish

Real-time signal strength display

Auto time setting

Auto channel scan

Channel editing

Time zone setting

Cons

If you use it a lot you can get the AC power adapter or 4 AA rechargeable batteries and a small charger for about $15. But if you use it in an emergency you’ll need to keep some alkaline batteries and hope that the TV stations are still transmitting!

On board antenna is quite fragile. An external antenna can be fitted and you can get around 70 channels. That’s pretty good. Just the antenna is hard to source so you should probably order one at the same time as the TV.

Quite a small screen but then people watch movies on phones so ….

The Bottom Line

Great for picking up different games when say, you are tailgating in one parking lot and you have an interest in another game somewhere else that is being broadcast.

Also it is invaluable as a news gathering source in emergencies, such as Hurricane Sandy. Keep a ton of batteries in your kit1

Watch the game in the parking lot on this color LCD 3.5-Inch Diagonal, 320 x 240 digital RGB resolution that will pick up channels anywhere. AUDIO Dolby Digital Portable and modern, this lightweight TV operates on 4 AA batteries or AC. Batteries on this one can be replaced so that you don’t need to miss the game due to recharging requirements.

Offers high quality reception, signal strength display, on-screen program information and channel displays.

Even though it is small, it is powerful and very useful.

4. Digital Prism 3.5 in Handheld Digital Lcd Tv

Digital Prism 3.5 in Handheld Digital Lcd Tv

Pros

Integrated tuner receives all digital broadcasts.

Has a car charger as well as built in rechargeable battery – this sets it apart somewhat.

Simple little controls.

Cons

Small (3.5”) but maybe you could say ‘compact’ instead.

Battery doesn’t last more than an hour.

Can’t be hooked up to external antenna.

Signal strength is very dependent on location.

The Bottom Line

It’s probably OK as an emergency backup TV for communication in a disaster but won’t see you through a game if you’re tailgating. There are others with a lot more oomph.

5. Sungale ITV430 Kula 4.3-Inch Internet TV

Sungale ITV430 Kula 4.3-Inch Internet TV

Pros

Will theoretically work all over the world.

Is ‘Internet TV’ in an early iteration.

Cons

Was released in 2010 and technology has marched on.

4.3” – low res so is really hard to watch compared with other models reviewed.

Plays video but with no fast forward or replay.

Channels are not updated and so this means that many cannot be reached.

The Bottom Line:

Pay a little more and get a lot more oomph!

6. Eviant T4 4.3″ Portable Color Digital ATSC NTSC LCD TV DTV

Eviant T4 4.3″ Portable Color Digital ATSC NTSC LCD TV DTV

Features:

4.3 “ screen

16:9 ratio

Weight = 7.4 ounces

Portable Color Digital ATSC NTSC LCD TV DTV

Pros:

Has a headphone jack. You can listen while you are flipping those ribs!

Charges with a USB connector. 5 V mini – such as a phone charger.

2 hour battery life

Picks up many TV channels with a scan

Great little backup TV for emergency use in power outages (keep it charged up).

Very inexpensive.

Clear English instruction book for setup supplied

1 year warranty

Cons:

2009 technology.

External antenna supplied but you cannot hook up a ordinary coaxial cable to it as the jack is a mini size.

Very small screen.

Shipping availability – Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.

You cannot hook up a DVD player to this unit.

Sound is not great but is OK with a set of iPod headphones or similar.

3 hour recharge required after battery depletes.

Need to rescan to find channels – can’t manually add them.

Only NTSC – not PAL or SECAM so not good for international travel.

If you move the unit, the aerial may re-select channels or lose picture.

Bottom Line:

As somewhat dated technology, it is competing with the Smartphones but is a very cheap option as something to keep in the tailgate party kit or as emergency backup.

7. RCA DPTM70R 7-Inch 60Hz 480 x 234 LED-Lit TV

RCA DPTM70R 7-Inch 60Hz 480 x 234 LED-Lit TV

Pros

First internet TV – no subscription required for TV channels.

Large 7” screen

LED Backlit LCD Display

Hundreds of channel organized by country, language subject or genres,

Built-in 2 G memory.

Receive Free off-air DTV Channels

Receive Current Analog NTSC Channels

SD Flash Drive and USB supports Jpeg, MP3, MPEG 1,2,4, Divx

Rechargeable non-standard battery included

USB connection – many phone connectors will fit.

480×272 pixels – quite a clear picture for the size.

Comes with a 100-240 vac plug in adapter

Most cable boxes are compatible. Check specs. before buying.

2.5 hours battery life. 3 hours to recharge.

Has a tiny remote

Has a small stand built in

Has coax cable connector space at top left

Card reader slot.

Can be hooked up to DVD

Cons

Small screen

Does not connect to car power input (though may connect to USB cable in modern car).

Not HD

For optimum use, an external antenna will enhance viewing choices. See DTA206 Portable Mini Digital TV Antenna.

The Bottom Line

Value for money, on the market since March 2012 so is already discounted as ageing technology compared with Smartphones and tablets. The RCA 7-Inch ATSC Portable Digital TV is quite pleasant to watch. Football games can be seen end to end on the 16:9 screen. With an embedded ATSC and NTSC hybrid tuner you can enjoy a wide array of live TV plus video. Two built-in stereo speakers, button navigation, and an on-screen menu display are enhance your experience, along with digital closed captioning, parental controls, and a built-in rechargeable battery. As an emergency TV, if you are without power, you need an inverter of some kind to recharge in the car. Effectiveness of channels will depend on your area or you can connect to a satellite box but most users report that they can find a broad selection of channels easily.

8. Supersonic 7″ Portable LCD TV with ATSC Digital Tuner

Supersonic 7″ Portable LCD TV with ATSC Digital Tuner

Pros

7”

16:9 (see the whole ground for games!)

Earphone jack.

Full function remote

Power: UL Approved Adapter:AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz & DC 12 Volt Compatibility

Maximum Power Consumption: 18 Watts

Input Terminals: Component, Audio/ Video/ Audio Headphones

Accessories: Remote Control, AC Adapter, Car Cord, A/V Cables, Rod Antenna and Instruction Manual

Maximum Power Consumption: 18 Watts

Inexpensive.

Supplied antenna is fine, no need to buy an additional one.

Cons

Weighs 2 pounds

Takes 2 hours approximately to charge but battery will burn out if you leave it on charge for more than 3 hours so take care!

Some people have had issues with picking up channels but it seems to work fine.

The Bottom Line

This is a good little unit for using to watch games – it will pick up channels using the external (included) antenna. Good picture and great as an emergency backup in power outages. Nice sized screen for a personal TV. Battery just lasts the length of a game and I would turn it off in ad breaks.

9. Axion AXN-8706 120 Hz 7-Inch Widescreen Portable LCD TV

Axion AXN-8706 120 Hz 7-Inch Widescreen Portable LCD TV

Pros

7” LCD Widescreen is a good size for watching games at tailgate parties from the parking lot.

Built-In rechargeable Li-polymer battery

Built-In ATSC tuner and digital media player.

Has a headphone jack to maximize a lite audio output.

Great reception, color and picture.

Inexpensive. Good for tailgate parties as well as emergencies involving power outages.

Has a little remote. Not really for fat fingers, but does the job OK.

Equipped with USB port and a SD memory card slot plus MP4 capability.

Good in static conditions as the antenna must be attached to a metal surface (magnetic base)

Cons

Broadcasts in 480 only which is low res but pretty much standard for 7” screens.

Car charger not supplied (you can buy one that fits though).

Battery only lasts 2 hours and needs a long charging (overnight).

Can’t use in a travelling vehicle.

The Bottom Line:

Picks up local channels and networks OTA (NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC etc.) rather than cable and 7” is a good, workable size for watching sports from the parking lot while enjoying tailgate parties and this one seems to be less flimsy than most similar small units in this low price range. Nice to have as a backup, too, for emergencies as you can getadditional 12 volt power packs to provide DC power if AC power is out and the battery is flat. Plus you can buy a car charger as an accessory and run it from the cigarette lighter. Very handy unit.

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, Tailgate Party, Televisions, TV

Top 7 Breathalyzers For Tailgate Parties

By Rawhide

Nobody wants to get stung with a DUI after a really fun tailgate party. You might not be falling-down drunk but, if you’re over the limit, you can’t be out on the roads behind the wheel.

Smart folk – whether hosts or guests – have a Breathalyzer with a heap of individually wrapped mouthpieces on hand. This way, drinkers can make sure that they are OK for driving. It’s good to test that level with more than the ‘walk a straight line’ or balance test.

Generally speaking, the Breathalyzers on the market for home use are accurate in a wide range. They are not ‘legally’ accurate. A note of caution, nearly all require a re-calibration to set them to be closer to giving a realistic read, at least every year, but if you are blowing these above the recommended level (and that varies for every model) you should send it back to the maker more regularly. Read the instructions, and don’t depend on solely on them to tell you whether or not you should drive. Note that an hour after stopping drinking, your blood alcohol level continues to rise. So re-test. And those old myths about how masking your breath with a packet of mintie flavored candies will reduce the reading is dangerous. The boost of sugar to your blood can give you a false ‘high’ and you’ll be fine for a moment or two, but it will have no affect of actually lowering the BAC. (Blood alcohol content).

In the available Breathalyzers, there are basically two types of sensors -semiconductor-based or fuel cell-based. The semiconductor-based are the least expensive and are generally inconsistent and not meant to be exact (in a legal reading sense). The fuel cell-based models are more costly but provide accurate and consistent results.

Here are some of the best Breathalyzers we found from each of the two models, ranging from the ‘pro’ styles to the simpler (and less accurate) often key-ring gadgets.

BACtrack Select S80 Breathalyzer Professional Edition

BACtrack S80 Breathalyzer

Highly rated by many users and buyers, the plastic bodied BACTRACK Select S80 uses fuel cell sensor technology (similar to that used by law enforcement officers in the field).

It features a one button operation which allows users to press the power and begin testing in seconds. The 4 digit LCD displays accurate test results in extended format. The pack (6 x 4 x 2 inches) comes already packed in its own case, instructions, 6 mouthpieces and a zippered pocket for stashing some spare mouthpieces and batteries.

It’s a good idea to have those additional supplies on hand, depending on how many guests you are expecting. It’s battery operated (always bring a spare). The reading should take place 20 minutes or more after the last drink or food have been consumed – any earlier, and the reading won’t mean a thing. Provides enhanced linear accuracy and extended battery life. It is designed for continuous temperature checking, user-adjustable warning levels, and internal pump system for breath capture.

Requires annual return to the company for calibration (or 200 – 300 tests) which is an additional $20 plus shipping.

Full instructions should be read and retained.
Testers should take a deep breath before blowing (just as the police will tell you when testing on the road). Then wait for 10 seconds for the display to show up.

Cheaper to buy this than paying a fine, gaining demerits, risking jail or probation and safer than being in an accident and causing harm.

If you are worried about its accuracy, check it on a non-drinker and then on someone who is patently drunk and you will see the difference.

Small enough to be portable but gutsy enough to be accurate and will give you confidence in its performance. Not much bigger than a phone. Keeps a tally of tests completed (so that you can be sure that re-calibration happens in a timely fashion.

Always reset to zero before using. Note that blowing a low reading is not a license to drink more and then go and drive. Drinking and driving is not cool. There’s always someone you can rope in to be the designated driver.

BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer, Portable Keyring Breath Alcohol Detector – The KC 10.

BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer

These small keychain models are cheap and there’s a reason for that. They are not as accurate as the sensor type and many comparison tests have been done. It requires a few AAA batteries but it does give a rough indication of BAC which will warn you not to drive. To give you any reading at all, it does need live, fresh batteries and they only last for 50 or so blows. If you can get a reliable rechargeable battery, use those or it will be costing a lot. Be sure to turn it off in between drinking bouts! Conserve the battery life. It does have an auto cut-off switch but I never trust those.

Full instructions should be read.

Leave enough time between tests for the machine to charge up again.

Note that your BAC will vary according to your size.

As with other breathalyzers, wait the required 20 minutes (no food, no booze) before testing.

This little model – semi-conductor based – needs to be returned to the company every 6 months for calibration. But if you are using it a heap and sharing it, you should send it more often. Just use common sense.

It’s not perfect but it is extremely inexpensive and can be used as a guide only and again, not a legally accurate measurement.

Alcohawk Slim Digital Breathalyzer

One-button, quick operation, small enough to keep in the glove box, handbag BBQ tool box, or tailgate party kit, this is the cheaper version of the Alcohawk range. It uses semiconductor technology as is the case with all these smaller models. Its electronic airflow sensor is designed to harvest a deep lung sample for testing and it measures the BAC within a range of 0.000 – 0.400%. Calibrated for accuracy. 2 digit display. Wait 20 minutes as with any Breathalyzer.

Starter calibration is a little slow to show up (60 seconds) and then you need to wait up to 3 minutes to blow, having taken a deep breath. The wait for another 10 seconds for the result. It works, just takes a bit of time.

You can clean out the mouthpieces and re-use them.

Readings are accurate, but you just need to have a bit of patience.

Fits easily in your pocket to take to that tailgate party with you.

AlcoHawk Pro: Professional Edition Digital Breathalyzer

AlcoHawk Pro: Digital Breathalyzer

Here’s the big brother of the Slimline. It includes 5 mouthpieces, carrying case,wrist-strap for portability, 9 Volt battery, DC car adapter (Plug) , instructions, zipper bag with space for additional batteries and gear making it travel friendly. Uses semiconductor oxide sensor. LED display is easy to read.

Single button operation, it features FlowCheck breath monitoring system for max accuracy and is used in lots of pro situations: police, clinics, schools, concerned parents, employers and tailgate party animals. It is one of the few approved by DOT/NHTSA and FDA.

Follow the instructions and this will be really useful and is small enough to keep near you at a tailgate party without becoming annoying.

Battery life is impressive. The sensor is accurate if the directions are followed.

BACtrack Element Professional Digital Breathalyzer with Fuel Cell Technology

BACtrack Element Digital Breathalyzer

The Element uses xtend fuel cell sensor technology for trusted, accurate results and the process is fast taking only 10 seconds to get a result. Again, it is important to read the instructions before using for the first time. Educate your tailgate party guests on how to make it work. For instance, wait the 20 minutes after eating/drinking, take a deep slow breath and exhale (process is assisted by the revolutionary air pump design). This is claimed to be the smallest and simplest full-feature fuel cell Breathalayzer in the world. Very portable.

Calibration is important and costs $20 a go plus shipping and if you use this for all your guests at the tailgate party, you could easily rack up a heap of blows, ** requiring annual – or more often – returning to the makers. It is still cheaper than a DUI. Don’t think you can avoid this step! Do count your tests and keep an accurate list FYI.

** (around 75 tests according to some users, but 400-500 uses are claimed by BACtrack who say frequent use is advised to keep the sensor moist so don’t keep it packed away, take it out and use it every few days even if not drinking. Take it to your tailgate friends and test it on your friends.)

Note that Breathalyzers are an indication only. For an accurate BAC you need a blood test. Even the patrol car testing kits are just the ‘entry point’ to further checks of your sobriety or otherwise.

Takes 2 AAA batteries (supplies).

The Element has been tested by the DOT/NHTSA (Department of Transportation/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and meets their requirements for a breath alcohol screening device. And because the Element has also received FDA 510(k) pre-marketing clearance, it is available for personal, consumer use as well.

The company BACtrack is seen as authorities in the field of Breathalyzers and the gadgets have starred on CSI:Miami, The Doctors, Dr. Phil, MythBusters and Ask Oprah’s All Stars.

SVAT AL100 Breathalyzer Personal Digital Breath Alcohol Tester Detector Analyzer

SVAT AL100 Breathalyzer

This is a small model, more for fun than accuracy, cheap though. At a tailgate party, or wherever good beers are being enjoyed, I would pay the dollars and get a fuel cell model instead.

Its pros are that it is lightweight, compact and cheap, easy to use and handy in the car.

Its cons are that it is not accurate according to a number of users and really can only be used to give you some indication of the wide range of your BAC.

Considering that such an important issue is being measured, a better model is warranted.

Alcomate AL9000 AccuCell Breathalyzer

The AL9000 is top of the range of these portable units, using the more durable, reliable and scientifically accurate fuel cell technology (electrochemical).

It’s DOT approved with high degree of accuracy. It features an easily read, large, 4-digit decimal display, deep-lung air sampling with the pump mechanism to assist that process fast, it beeps to let you know when it is ready at each stage and also indicates when the battery is low. That is a handy feature.

The results are consistent and accurate and a recommended additional use would be if your job required random breath testing, you could test yourself first and go and hide out in the restrooms till you sober up.

But me, I just like to have one of these in my tailgate kit, test any driving guests and hide their car-keys if they blow a high number.

Drinking games and consumption of BBQ and beers are such a fun part of tailgate parties that is comforting to have one of these on hand to be 100% sure that your guests will be safe on the way home. Anywhere there is a beer-bong, there should be an Alcomate AL9000!

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, Beer, Breathalyzer, Tailgate Party

The Best Christmas Decorations For The Tailgate Party

By Rawhide

Even Tailgate Parties Need Holiday Trees

If you’re a year-round tailgater, you will probably get into a routine of setting up the party. Why not jazz up this year’s tailgate sites in the holiday months with some smart accessories that will match the seasonal mood? I found this great range of holiday decorations and ornaments that positively inspire me to want the whole collection dripping off a centerpiece tree around which we can drink beer sing carols.

Take a look at these and tell me they wouldn’t take you through from Halloween through Halloween, Thanksgiving through Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year and beyond! Put them on your wish-list or give them to your friends as gifts and everyone will smile.

I’m not ranking these as they are all awesome and you can follow the links to a whole heap more styles and team specific designs – I love ‘em all. Oh and from now on, let’s call it ‘The Tailgate Party Tree’ and warning: there will be beer involved.

Here’s how to decorate using the latest gear and accessories from tailgate party friendly suppliers.

Pick a compact, easy to transport tree if you are off to the car park or other outdoor tailgate party location. Pre-decorate in this case. I use green paper clips, thread the ornament on and over the tree branches and when you get to the site you don’t need to fuss over it.

Go shopping for team, beer, BBQ, tailgate party themed ornaments below.

NFL Lighted Christmas Tree

No fairy on the top of my holiday tree. Yup, I’ll get one of these NFL Licensed Christmas Trees instead. This Santa sleigh is decked out with Steelers logos and even Rudolph is wearing his team colors with pride. It’s all connected to a humungous star that will twinkle all season long. The star (which is about a foot wide) is surrounded by a metal track around which the sleigh rotates while the star lights up. Unique and very festive!

$129.99 + shipping.

This set of 31 small NFL-themed Christmas tree ornaments – they will be great for a tiny tree (say a table top one of around 18”) so this is pretty good to take with you to brighten up your seasonal tailgate party atmosphere. If you prefer to go minimalist then buy a few sets of these and smother the tree with the little helmets and you will really make a great stataement. Not a Bears fan?

NFL Christmas Ornament

MLB Boston Red Sox Thematic Gnome Ornament

MLB Boston Red Sox Gnome

I wouldn’t want to meet this angry gnome in a dark alley. It pretty much sums up the Sox – plenty of fight in them … officially licensed NBL and as far removed from the sentimental ornaments most people like to put on their trees. And it’s also available for other teams of course, so click across the links and track down your own favorite. It is a medium sized ornament and would make a great gift to a fan (or you can buy a ton of these when your own team wins and hand them out to the losers, thus rubbing it in even further).

MSRP = $12.90

5.5″ Happy Hour Budweiser Bud Light Beer Bottle with Scarf Christmas Ornament

Budweiser Bottle Christmas Ornament

A beer bottle dressed in a scarf? Why not! Accessorizing for the tailgate party, of course.

Note it is 5.5 inches tall and not the smallest ornament so if you are scaling your ornaments to make them all co-ordinate, remember this is on the big side. Quite a sturdy item and should last for years (unlike a real bottle of beer).

MSRP = $12.99
Amazon price = $9.99

Kurt Adler 4-3/4-Inch Bud Light Beer Can Glass Ornament

Kurt Adler Beer Can Ornament

Cans, bottles, kegs … it’s just a personal choice when it comes to getting geared up for tailgating parties. This 4 3/4 inch ornament is blue, so consider this – it is also very suitable as a Hanukkah decoration. Glass, and therefore, breakable, it is a very sweet mini can, perfectly reproduced from a Bud can and representing all that is joyous in the world. Again, these look really smart en masse and at the discounted price you could invest in a few and put beer at the forefront of your tailgate holiday tree.

MSRP = $32.67

Amazon price = $14.74

Amazon Prime price =$8.80

Bud Light Six-Pack Miniature Ornament

Made of resin but looks like the real thing, this Bud Light Miniature Christmas Ornament is around 2 ¼ inches in size and will remind you of who you love most during the holiday period: your pal the six-pack. This is more durable than the glass ornaments and, for those of you who like smaller objects to hang, it could be what you are looking for.

MSRP = $29.04
Amazon price = $11.63

NCAA Oregon Ducks vs. Oregon State Rivalry Holiday Ornament

Oregon Ducks vs. Oregon State Ornament

Full disclosure: I know some avid Ducks fans and this would be their preferred tree ornament, tailgate party favor and replaced the fluffy dice on the rear vision mirror.

Note that Walt Disney allowed the Ducks to use Donald Duck as their mascot/logo -a rare privilege as Disney was not known for letting others ‘commercialize’ their characters. This duck, and so many of the green and golds, look quite different from Donald these days and maybe there is a little distance from the old original agreement. Nice item though.

Hand painted resin figure

Approx. 3 1/2”

Officially licensed collegiate product.

MSRP = $15

Amazon price = $14.95

NFL 31 Piece Ornament Set NFL Team: San Francisco 49Ers

NFL 31 Piece Ornament Set

If you are more looking for a variety of bauble shapes this is quite good value for a complete range of decorations. With thirty-one in the set, these holiday ornaments have footballs, sweaters and baubles enough to cover your tailgate party holiday tree. And of course, you can get them in your team colors with the logo at the forefront. Is there a better way to kick off your tailgate party holiday tree trimming day than a set of these? They work out at less than a dollar per piece and will last you for years.

They are officially NFL licensed which is important as some of those knock-offs are printed really badly and are just plain ugly. The NFL license is only given to goods of a certain standard so that is a sort of guarantee of quality. Besides, apart from the Pittsburgh ones, pirates are no darn good.

MSRP = $41.99
Amazon price = $23.14

San Francisco 49ers Sleigh Ornament 4 pack

San Francisco 49ers Sleigh Ornament

MSRP = $17.01

These tailgate party holiday trees are miniature traditional wooden sleighs, not your Bob-Sled team Luge slick hi tech numbers. But they are emblazoned with the team logo of your choice. (Just follow the links to the full range and select your favorite).

Four to a pack so around $3.50 each which is a good buy.

4 inches long.

Nice stocking stuffer as well for your fellow supporters.

It comes with a decorative tag for hanging.

NFL Stocking NFL Team: San Francisco 49Ers

NFL Stocking NFL Team

These stockings are pretty awesome. Imagine a row of these front and center on your tailgate party table, one for each guest! Fill them with party favors.

NOTE: You can get these for most teams. (As usual, follow the links and specify your team in the order.)

MSRP = $14.99

NCAA USC Trojans Christmas Tree Ornament

NCAA Christmas Tree Ornament

Cute molded hanging ornament presented in a box and ribbon included for hanging.

MSRP = $10.00
Amazon price = $9.95

USC Trojans 11-pc. Tabletop Tinsel Christmas Tree and Ornament Set

Tabletop Tinsel Christmas Tree and Ornament Set

OK, so the Trojans just lost to UCLA. How can you make them feel better about themselves? Put up this very elegant tailgate party holiday tree, stand in a circle around it, join hands and sing ‘Fight on’ (the team song), then raise a cup of good cheer (or a can, bottle or beer bong) until there are no more tears. Yes, that will work.

Anyway, this is a really cute little tree, licensed, pre-decorated and ready to stand in the center of your tailgate party.

Tinsel.

10 themed ornaments on the tree.
Stands under 2 feet tall so is a compact size for transporting.

15″H x 9″W x 9″D

These are quite hard to find so grab yours before they sell out.

Price: $169.69

Gonzaga Bulldogs 3” Glass Basketball Ornament

Bulldogs 3” Glass Basketball Ornament

Glass, officially licensed NCAA product and ready to hang!

MSRP = $14.95

Here are some generic tailgate party porcelain or steel ornaments and most are personalizable. These are witty, ironic and irreverent. Perfect for the game-day tree. As well, they make great gifts for people who are difficult to buy for. After all, you can never have enough bling on the christmas tree.

I love buffalo wings christmas ornaments

MSRP = $17.95

I love buffalo wings christmas ornaments by barbecueboutique
Find more Buffalo wings Ornaments at Zazzle

Pork Ribs Christmas Ornaments

Pork Ribs Christmas Ornaments by PhotogenicFood
Create customized christmas tree ornaments at zazzle.com.

TOP Ultimate Football Groupie Christmas Ornaments by teepossible
Find more Football Ornaments at Zazzle

TOP Tailgate Mama Christmas Tree Ornaments by teepossible
Check out more Tailgate Ornaments at Zazzle

BEER Double Vision – Red White Blue Christmas Tree Ornaments

BEER Double Vision – Red White Blue Christmas Tree Ornaments by TailgateBowl
More Beer Ornaments

Home Loss Christmas Tree Ornament by SportsArena
Make your own photo ornament on zazzle.

Born to Tailgate in Any Team Colors Christmas Tree Ornaments by LoyalColors
See more Beer Ornaments

Comes in all team colors.

Full range of shapes.

Personalize with your war-cry or name on back.

MSRP = $24.95

Stone Cold Steel Christmas Ornament by zzl_518564806484155
See other ornaments

MSRP = $13.95

Stone Cold Steel Christmas Ornament

$20.95

NOTE: All these ceramic ornaments can be ordered in the following cool shapes with a loop of gold thread for hanging. You can even have this personalized with something on the flip-side.

Circle as shown

Oval

Star

Heart

T-shirt

Premium round (framed)

Premium Square (framed

MSRP = from $13.95 -$17.95 – $24.95

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, Christmas, Decorations, Holiday, NCAA, NFL, Tailgate Party

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