5 Must-Have Essentials for Parents Watching Fall Sports in the Cold
As fall sports kick-off and the temperatures start to drop, spending long hours at the ballpark or soccer field can become a bit of a challenge. Trust me, as someone who spends countless weekends watching my own kids play, I’ve learned the hard way that preparation is key to staying warm and comfortable.
Whether you’re dealing with chilly winds, surprise rain showers, or frosty mornings, I’ve got a few game-day essentials that will make all the difference. Here are my top five must-haves for staying warm and dry while cheering on your kids this season!
1. Under the Weather MyPod Pop-Up Tent
Ever since moving to the Northwest, the Under the Weather MyPod Pop-Up Tent has been my absolute go-to. If you’ve ever sat through a soccer or baseball game where the weather turned on you mid-play, you know how quickly things can go from pleasant to miserable. This one-person pop-up tent is a game-changer—literally.
The MyPod keeps me dry, blocks out the wind, and provides a warm bubble of comfort while still giving me a full view of the game. It sets up in seconds and packs up just as easily, making it perfect for those unpredictable fall days when one minute it’s sunny, and the next, it’s pouring rain. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been the only dry parent at the field, cozy in my pod while everyone else shivers. If you spend as much time outdoors as I do, you’ll thank me for this one!
2. Double Heated Stadium Seat
Let’s talk bleacher life. Whether it’s football, baseball, or soccer, sitting on cold, hard bleachers for hours can be tough. That’s why my wife and I are obsessed with our Double Heated Stadium Seat. This has become our go-to item for staying comfortable during those long games.
Not only does it provide extra cushioning, but it’s heated, which means no more freezing from the backside up! It’s portable, lightweight, and keeps us warm even when the temperatures dip. Plus, there’s room for both of us, so we can sit together and enjoy the game without being distracted by the cold. If you’re tired of shivering on cold bleachers, this is one item you’ll want to grab before the next game.
3. Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmers
If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of me with my hands stuffed deep in my pockets during a game, it’s because I’m holding these Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmers. I don’t know how I managed without them before. As someone who’s often in the dugout coaching or watching, keeping my hands warm is key, and these little gadgets do the trick.
These double-sided hand warmers are rechargeable and provide hours of warmth. They’re compact and easy to bring with me anywhere, and on those particularly cold mornings, they make all the difference. Forget bulky gloves—just slip these in your pockets, and your hands will stay toasty through the entire game. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get them sooner.
4. Heated Electric Sleeping Bag
For those especially cold game days when even the warmest coat doesn’t seem to cut it, the Heated Electric Sleeping Bag has been a lifesaver. It may sound like overkill, but trust me—when you’re sitting in freezing temperatures for hours, this is the ultimate comfort.
I first heard about this from a friend and was skeptical, but after trying it once, I was hooked. It’s perfect for those early-morning games when the bleachers are covered in frost. The sleeping bag is battery-operated, easy to transport, and provides hours of warmth. Whether I’m sitting or standing, it keeps me warm and comfortable throughout the game. If you hate the cold as much as I do, this is the investment you need to make!
5. Selk’bag Wearable Sleeping Bag
Now, don’t laugh, but when it’s really cold, this is my secret weapon: the Selk’bag Wearable Sleeping Bag. Yes, it looks funny, but trust me on this one—it’s the winner when it comes to staying warm during those late fall games that feel like you’re sitting in the Arctic.
The Selk’bag is essentially a wearable sleeping bag that covers you from head to toe but with the freedom to walk around. I’ve worn it on those brutally cold days, and I stayed perfectly warm while still being able to cheer, move around, and even stand by the sidelines. It might get some laughs from other parents, but I’ll take that over-freezing any day. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become my go-to for those extra chilly game days.
Being prepared for cold-weather games doesn’t just make you more comfortable—it makes the experience more enjoyable. As parents, we want to be there for our kids, but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer through freezing temperatures or unpredictable rain.
With these must-have essentials, you’ll stay warm, dry, and focused on the game, not the weather. Whether it’s the Under the Weather MyPod, the Double Heated Stadium Seat, or even the quirky Selk’bag, each of these items has earned a permanent spot in my game-day lineup. So, gear up and enjoy those fall games—no matter what the weather throws your way!