For many people who attend sporting events in person, getting there early to enjoy tailgating is a big part of the event. Tailgating parties are outdoor pre-game rituals held in the parking lot where fans get together for food, drinks and conversation among friends. Tailgate tents allow sports fans to cook, eat and drink while protected from the sun, rain and wind.

Our top pick for a tailgating tent is the MASTERCANOPY Durable Ez Pop-up Canopy Tent with Roller Bag that comes in a handy backpack. But depending on your budget or needs, there are a lot of options out there to host the best pre-game while beating the heat or weathering the storm to support your favorite team.

What to know before you buy a tailgate tent

Steel or aluminum frames support canopies made of water-repellent and UV resistant materials to provide shade for your tailgating friends and family and protect them from the elements. Tailgate tents come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, so start by deciding how big a tailgate tent you want.

Size

Simple tailgate tents are as small as 6 x 6 feet and as large as 10 x 10 feet. There are even larger tents, sometimes made by connecting two tents together. Look for a tailgate tent that will provide shelter for the number of people you want to invite to your tailgate party. Keep in mind that larger tailgate tents give people more room to mingle without crowding each other with added space for walk-up guests, too.

Weight

Most tailgate tents weigh 50 pounds or more. Heavier tents are generally more stable in the wind but are harder to transport, so look for a tailgate tent that is easy to carry or better yet, comes in a wheeled storage bag.

Materials

Tent frames are made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum frames are lighter in weight and less sturdy. Because steel frames are more substantial and can take bigger loads and more abuse, they are found in the better tailgate tents.

Tent legs can be vertical or slanted at an angle. Slanted legs take up more space on the ground without providing you with additional room for your guests.

Tent canopies are made of either vinyl or polyester. Vinyl is easier to clean and provides greater protection against harmful UV rays. Make sure you choose a tent with a canopy that is waterproof and UV resistant.

Tailgate tent features

Ease of setup

All tailgate tents have overhead canopies attached to long metal legs that telescope or collapse into several smaller sections. Look for easy-to-use designs that use push-button leg extenders and pull-pin sliders to open and close your tent.

Stability

With large canopies that are like sails, tailgate tents easily catch the wind. You need a way to keep your tailgate tent from blowing away, so look for guy ropes that anchor the legs firmly and sandbags that provide the ballast needed to keep your tent stable in the wind.

Extra panels

Basic tailgate tent canopies only shelter from directly above. For additional protection, look for side and end panels that attach securely and an overhead awning that will extend your usable space by 20% or more.

Tailgate tent cost

Small-budget tents can be found for less than $100. Most people will find they are better off with a mid-priced tent costing between $100-$200. Top-of-the-line tents, with side panels, screens, windows and doors can cost as much as $500.

Tailgate tent FAQ

Are tailgate tents hard to set up and take down?

A. Smaller tents can usually be set up and taken down by a single person. If you have a larger tailgate tent, you will find it easier to set up when you have another person to help you.

Will a tailgate tent provide me with protection from all the elements?

A. All tailgate tents lay some claim to protecting you and your friends from sun, rain and wind. Look for tents that are waterproof, not just water-resistant.

Can I use my tailgate tent in other places?

A. Yes. Pop-up tents like this come in handy around the pool or when hosting an outdoor party for the kids.

Which tailgate tent should I get?

Best of the best tailgate tent

MASTERCANOPY Durable Ez Pop-up Canopy Tent with Roller Bag: available at Amazon.

Our take: This water-resistant and 99% UV-resistant tent has a powder-coated frame made of steel and 300D heavy-duty polyester fabric.

What we like: The height of this tent is adjustable by means of thumb-press buttons and shelters. It comes in a number of sizes with the 10 x 10-foot tent sheltering up to 6-10 people at the same time.This 55-pound tailgate tent comes with a rugged roller bag for easy transportation without lifting and straining and is available in nine different colors. It includes four stakes with guy ropes and four canopy weight bags (no messy sand).

What we dislike: This tailgate tent does not come with side panels.

Best bang for your buck tailgate tent

QUIK SHADE Pop Up Compact Canopy: available at Amazon.

Our take: This budget tent comes in a deluxe backpack storage bag for easy transport.

What we like: This tailgate tent is designed with ultra-light three-piece telescoping legs with easy-to-use pull-pin sliders and push-button leg extenders. The 190T polyester top is water-resistant and provides 99% UV protection. It is easy to set up with no help. The integrated half wall provides protection from the wind while allowing cooling cross breezes.

What we dislike: This lightweight tent does not come with sandbags.

Honorable mention tailgate tent

ABCCANOPY EZ Pop Up Tent with Awning and Sidewalls: available at Amazon.

Our take: This tailgate tent has an overhead awning that adds 23 square feet of shaded space to the 100 square feet under the fixed canopy.

What we like: This tent sets up easily when you pull the assembled frame from the storage bag, pull it open, place the waterproof and fire-retardant fabric over the frame and extend the legs. The height is adjustable from 89-92 inches. The legs are made of rust-resistant powder-coated steel and are strong enough to withstand 30 mph winds. It comes in your choice of six different colors.

What we dislike: The velcro zipper is not easy to align properly.

David Allan Van is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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