Published October 26, 2020 12:00AM
If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy
The Best Tailgating Gear of 2021
Elevate your happy hour
(Photo: Courtesy the Companies)
Smith Shoutout Core Sunglasses ($129)
Based on a classic Smith style, these shades look good on most faces, courtesy of thin frames (made from recycled plastic bottles) and medium-large polarized lenses.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eureka! Sprk Camp Grill ($130)
The butane-powered Sprk has enough room for a few hefty steaks or enough burgers or skewers to feed four hungry skiers. A ceramic nonstick grate spreads the heat evenly for reliable cooking, and the removable grease pan makes cleanup easy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Zippo Rechargeable Candle Lighter ($30)
We were able to light campfires and grills quickly and easily—even on windy days—with this long-neck lighter. Even better: it’s rechargeable, so you never have to worry about running out of fuel.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wyoming Whiskey Outryder Straight American Whiskey ($75)
Outryder makes for a damn good Manhattan and goes well with high-quality ginger ale and lime, too. We, however, prefer it neat. With the spice of a rye and the finish of a bourbon, it goes down smooth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Benchmade Mini Crooked River Knife ($240)
ADVERTISEMENT
Slice steaks or shave kindling with this American-made knife. It’s pricey, but the Mini’s CPM S30V steel blade and beautiful stabilized wood handle will accompany you on adventures for decades to come.
Helinox Bench One Camp Seat ($300)
Snuggle up with your favorite someone on this bench—it’s wide enough to fit two adults. The polyester mesh is comfy for hours. And when you’re done, it packs down to the size of a piece of firewood.
ADVERTISEMENT
Yeti Rambler 16 Oz Colster Tall Can Insulator ($30)
Many of the best craft beers now come in 16-ounce cans. Thankfully, Yeti launched this taller version of its simple vacuum-insulated koozie. It kept our pints cold and our hands dry all evening.
ADVERTISEMENT
Xtratuf the Homer Shoes ($90)
Fuzzy lining and a wool upper makes the Homer as warm and comfortable as house slippers—the perfect opposite of stiff ski boots. The thick rubber sole and chevron tread kept us upright on slippery asphalt parking lots.
ADVERTISEMENT
Patagonia Macro Puff Quilt ($249)
Patagonia filled this ultrapackable 27-ounce quilt with the same imitation down that it uses in its Macro Puff jacket. Water-resistant and queen size, it’s perfect for when the sun sets and the mercury drops.
ADVERTISEMENT
Igloo Repreve Echo Cooler ($20)
Fill this soft-sided cooler with snow and you’ll have perfectly frosted beers come last chair. A leak-resistant liner is easy to clean. Kudos to Igloo for using recycled material for the outer fabric.
