Is there a sports parent starter pack? If not, we can help you be the envy of any ballfield. Assembling your on-the-go essentials allows you to feel comfortable and ready for whatever the day brings. Win, lose or sitting for hours in a rain delay, we think these items are just what you need to settle in for a great game.
Wagon: Let's start with the basic staple. How are you going to
haul your stuff? Now hear me out on this part, you don't want it to be too deep because if you put a cooler in it, it is hard to flip the lid open if it sits too deep. Just enough room to get your stuff in without it all falling out. https://amzn.to/48lrWEI
Portable Shade: We love this easy to carry personal shade by Joe's Shade.
Stop hauling a huge tent around and just go for quick and simple shade. Easy to move around if you play on multiple fields throughout the day. Also doubles for an actual umbrella if it starts to pour. https://amzn.to/3T8Bf6v
Cooler: This one may stir up an argument. Coolers are functional and need to keep things cold, but they also don't need to cost more than your travel ball dues. For us it about the size. Find one that fits in the wagon easily with room for other items. Your cooler should not take up the whole wagon! We like tall coolers (cubed shaped) that are around 25 QT. We use a Yeti Roadie and love it, but we use also use the heck out of it, so the price has been worth it for us but may not be for everyone. I know some of you just laughed and we totally get it. We can't control the prices of coolers, but several years of use and it is still just as great as day one, so we have to include it in the recommendations. We do think a hard-sided cooler is a better option for longevity. We tried a soft-sided cooler and the zipper was a real you know what. We do have a few picks based on your budget below:
Folding Sports Chair: If you have bleachers, the Oniva stadium chair is your best bet. It's adjustable and folds flat. Just read the instructions because adjusting can be tricky. For rockers we like the GCI Freerocker and for a sturdy stationary chair we prefer the Kiljaro. It's all about the ventilation for us. A sweaty back isn't the vibe.
Ryobi portable fan: Okay, now we are just getting bougie, but when Summer rolls around, this is really nice to have. It also hooks on a fence, so there's that.
Cooling towels: We like Frog Toggs for those hot Summer months. Put them in your cooler.
Tote Bag with pockets: We like Scout bags because you can wash all the dirt off them easily with a little dishsoap and warm water. Pick your favorite tote but make sure it is washable!
Sweatshirt Blanket: Dedicate this sports blanket just for games and leave it in your car/truck/suv. It is sweatshirt material, so you can wash it over and over and it stays soft. Perfect weigh for that much needed extra layer in the colder months. Pick your teams color!
Finally add your favorite snacks, drinks and sunscreen and you are good to go! Choose high quality items that will take you through season after season. Expert sports Mom tip: throw a bungee cord in the mix to hook your chairs in place across your wagon.
Comments