Labor Day is over, which means the summer is officially over.
We all weep for the equinox, but the good news is that you probably won’t be on cleat-melting turf for your next tournament. The bad news is that you need a slightly different batch of gear to survive the fall tournament season.
Adaptation is the key to survival; supplementation is the key to affordability. I may be a step-parent, but I’m still in the trenches with you guys. So, even if this is your first autumn season, we’ve got you covered.
RAIN GEAR
Look, it is going to rain. It’s not just because of the season; it’s your luck running out.
I am sure you had a perfectly sunny and heat-blasted summer, but your tan lines are about to turn into pruny water creases. You know how you can mitigate that? Good rain gear.
I mean, you can wear that windbreaker that you keep on the hook by the door if you want, but you’re going to go home soaked. Invest in some quality hydrophobic protection.
FROGG TOGGS Men’s Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit
Lightweight and packable, ideal for those long tournaments that 100 percent aren’t being canceled.
Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
Relaxed fit with waterproof nylon makes this one of the more affordable and comfortable options.
33,000 Feet Men's Rain Pants
Waterproof overpants that come with an adjustable drawstring for easy adjusting.
Men's Waterproof Deck Boots
Non-slip, ankle rain boots made for fishing or watching your child play even more lacrosse.
SWEATS
Hey, maybe it won’t rain. But the weather is eventually going to turn — especially if you're on the East Coast.
Maybe your club shop is closed already, but don’t worry, there is one place that always has sideline-acceptable clothing. And these colors don’t run!
That’s right. It’s the USA Lacrosse Shop! Ooooh, say can you seeeeee, by the dawn’s early li — you get it.
Capelli Sport Tonal Pullover Hoodie
Redefine casual comfort with a modern edge and looser relaxed fit.
Capelli Sport Fleece Sweatpants
Blend warmth, comfort, and versatility together in this soft fleece interior with convenient pockets.
USA Lacrosse 1998 Vintage Rope Hat
A nod to where it all began. Officially licensed and built for the lacrosse community, this throwback snapback brings old-school style to the modern sideline.
BLANKETS
Can you just grab a blanket from your linen closet? Sure. But it might have a family of spiders and moths hiding in it, so skip that nightmare scenario and get a higher-quality piece to keep in your car. The way I see it, you have two options here: Wool/wool blend or a more weather-resistant material.
Molithe 100% Wool Blanket
This 62” x 48” blanket is great for camping — so camp out on the sideline and stay warm.
Get Out Gear Puffy Camping Blanket
This water-resistant backpacking quilt is cozy, warm and feels like a sleeping bag.
Thermal Emergency Blanket
A four-pack of these foil blankets are good for lacrosse and good to have around — just in case.
CHAIRS
Again, we’ve been here before. My advice remains the same: Do NOT buy the cheap $10 chair. It will not last, and it will not be uncomfortable. Spring for a slightly nicer model and enjoy your son or daughter’s game in maximum comfort. You can also get a collapsible stool for maximum mobility.
Portal 32” Oversized Camping Chair
This ergonomic chair even comes with a cupholder.
NUMANU Collapsible Stool
This portable seat can hold up to 620 pounds but weighs just 2.2 pounds.
OTHER ITEMS
This section is more additive to the pre-prepared parental units out there. That said, it is still necessary to consider these slightly off-kilter items.
Wool Neck Gaiter
So, this is generally reserved for super-cold environments. You probably don’t even own one of these if you live closer to Florida than Maine, but I’m not talking about a full-on winter warmer. Just get a light one to cut out the wind.
Golf Shoes
Okay, hear me out, I know this sounds weird. I got this from the parents of a kid on my stepson’s soccer team. They bought waterproof golf shoes to wear to fall tournaments because they’re weatherproof but also have increased grip on slippery surfaces. Unless you’re chained to the turf for the fall, you will encounter some slop as you lug your chair and food from field to field.
Wool Winter Gloves
You don't need to go big here. Just get some light liners or medium-weight finger covers.
Handwarmers
A bag of decent handwarmers is less than $10. They might not last as long as a pair of gloves, but they work faster, and they stay hot longer than you might expect. The electric ones tend to explode, so I would stay away from those.
Towels
Even if you don’t get caught in a downpour, you’re going to need a towel at some point. The bigger the better; the thicker the weather. I linked a super fancy one for the bougie bros and ladies out there.
Pop-Up Sports Tent
These are hilarious because 50 percent of the time, they end up blowing onto the field because the child you deposited into the pod exited without warning and the wind took over. Put some rocks in the corners, and you’ll be fine.
Anker Power Bank
I know, we did this already for summer. But that was just for phones. We have evolved into devices that fully charge laptops. You can hammer out those TPS reports while you’re screaming “Wheels!” at your child. You’ve ascended into the next level of parent. You're welcome.
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. USA Lacrosse earns a small commission on qualifying purchases. Any revenue we generate supports our mission to grow the game. Thank you for your support. Discounts indicated as of publish date.
