Starting out with sidelineHD is exciting—you get to bring every big play and memorable moment straight to friends and family who can’t be there in person. But if you’re new, figuring out what gear you really need and how to get started can be overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s a “What’s in My Bag” guide with equipment that experienced sidelineHD streamers don’t leave home without.
These items will help you stream confidently from the start—without overcomplicating things.
SET-UP #1:
1. A Reliable Smartphone (iPhone or Android, not pictured)
Your smartphone is your most important piece of gear—it’s the heart of your sidelineHD stream. Both iPhones and Android devices work great, so use what you already have to get started.
2. Fence Mount (Etsy)
Fence mounts are perfect for ballpark backstops so chain-link fence doesn’t obscure your stream. They clip securely onto chain-link fences and give you a stable streaming angle.
3. Tripod (Amazon)
A tall tripod keeps your stream steady and helps you capture the full game view. It also prevents fans from accidentally blocking your shot when they walk by.
4. Phone Mount (Amazon)
An inexpensive but super handy tool for locking your phone onto a tripod or mount at just the right angle.
5. Extra Batteries & Chargers (Amazon)
Streaming eats battery life fast. Having extra battery packs in different capacities means you’ll never get caught mid-game with a dead phone.
6. Extra Cables (Amazon)
Having multiple charging cables (in different lengths) keeps you flexible—you’ll never struggle to reach a battery pack or outlet mid-game.
7. Bungee Cords (Amazon)
Not glamorous, but practical! Use them to secure tripods, manage cords, or lock down your setup in windy conditions.
8. WiFi Hotspot (Intermediate/Advanced)
This one’s not required for beginners—most new streamers just use their phone’s data plan and it works perfectly. A hotspot is more of an intermediate or advanced tool, useful if you’re streaming tournaments all day or if you know your venue’s cell coverage is spotty.
9. Mevo Camera (Optional Upgrade)
Not necessary for beginners, but worth considering if you want to upgrade later. The Mevo is built for live streaming, with great quality and features.
10. Mevo Wind Microphone (Optional Upgrade)
If you do move up to a Mevo camera, this mic helps cut out wind noise for a clearer stream—especially outdoors.
SET-UP #2:
1. Phones (Not Pictured)
This streamer uses an iPhone mounted on the fence for streaming and a second iPhone (his wife’s) for scoring the game. Keeping the jobs separate helps avoid glitches and ensures the scoreboard stays accurate.
2. Backpack (Amazon)
Everything travels in a lightweight pull-string backpack. Compact and easy to carry, it holds all the essentials needed for a long day at the fields.
3. Bungee Mount + Battery Bag (Amazon)
Instead of a rigid mount, this sidelinePRO prefers a bungee mount to hang his streaming phone on the backstop. The flexibility makes it easier to line up the camera through a fence hole, avoiding chain-link interference in the shot. He also attaches a small pull-string bag to the mount to hold a battery pack, keeping the phone powered without messy cables.
4. Battery Packs (Amazon)
Two candy-bar-sized rechargeable battery packs come along: one for the streaming phone, one for the scoring phone. Together, they last through three tournament games without issue.
5. Hand Warmers (Amazon)
Streaming in the Northeast means cold weather in late fall and early spring. Rechargeable hand warmers are a must—especially since one hand is always exposed while scoring. Swapping hands between innings helps keep things comfortable.
6. White Towel (Amazon)
A plain white towel may not seem like gear, but it’s an essential. In the summer, draping the towel over the phone helps keep it from overheating in direct sunlight.
7. Tripod For Net Backstop (Amazon)
Some fields have net backstops instead of fences. Rather than risk hanging a phone on a net where it is in danger of being hit by a ball, this streamer packs a tripod as a backup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out, you really only need your phone, tripod or fence mount, and an extra battery. That’s enough to confidently stream a game with sidelineHD. The other gear—like hotspots, Mevo cameras, and wind mics—are great for intermediate and advanced streamers who want to level up.
So pack your bag, hit record, and don’t stress if things aren’t perfect at first. Streaming gets easier every game, and the payoff—sharing every highlight with friends and family—is absolutely worth it.
