6 Essential Items for Sitting on the Sidelines
Gear up for fall sports with these spectator must-haves.
1. A good cooler comes in handy for long days on the field. Keep game-day snacks and sports drinks cold all day long with OtterBox’s Trooper 20 soft cooler. Designed in Fort Collins, this heavy-duty cooler is leak proof, easy to carry, and fits everything needed to fuel the game. $250
2. Early morning soccer games call for coffee, and there’s nothing that’ll kill a caffeine high faster than an ice cold roast once your kid hits the field. Keep your java warm throughout the game with Swig’s insulated tumblers. They keep liquids hot for up to 12 hours, so that coffee will still be piping hot at the last whistle. $20-$30
3. Comfort is key when sitting on the sidelines, and Alite Designs has just the thing to get you through the game. The Stonefly Armchair is easy to set up, features two cup holders (each big enough for a drink, snack, and phone), and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. $130-$135
4. Sunscreen is a given, but you can up your sun protection even more with an Alchemi Labs sun hat. Made from the same materials used by the space industry to protect astronauts from solar rays, these hats block 99.8 percent of UV rays and reflect up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat waves. $32-$39
5. Let’s face it, sitting on grass goes two ways: it’s either itchy and dry or it’s wet. Throw down one of Alite Designs’ Meadow Mats and your cheering section will be good to go. The waterproof picnic blanket is durable, compact, and will keep everyone’s bottoms dry (and itch free). Bonus: You can stake the mat down on windy days using the built-in corner loops. $40-$60
6. Walking from the car to the field with all your gear can be a challenge. Lighten your load with the collapsible Mac Wagon from Mac Sports. Don’t be afraid to pack it full, its bed holds up to 150 pounds, and the durable tires can maneuver over rough terrain. $80