The Best Après Tailgating Gear of 2018

Published October 8, 2017 12:00AM

Tembo Tusk Skottle Kit ($275)

The skottle—think a shallow wok with legs—makes an ideal grilling surface for post-pow steaks and veggies. Invented by South African farmers who repurposed old disc harrows from tractors, the propane-fueled cooking tool has gained popularity among U.S. overlanders because of its simple design and giant grilling surface.

Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants ($79)

Ditch your crinkly, uncomfortable ski pants for these soft, warm, nearly indestructible work pants made from industrial hemp, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. Bonus: they only look better over time (and smeared with a little dirt).

Kegworks Picnic Time Deluxe Portable Travel Bar Set ($180)

This handy travel accessory comes with a shaker, tongs, martini glasses, and lots of other cocktail gear, all neatly packaged into a backpack-size, easy-to-carry case.

Stanley Adventure Base Camp Cookset ($80)

Nineteen kitchen tools—from a frying pan to place settings for four to a drying rack—squeeze Russian-nesting-doll-like into one 3.7-quart pot for easy transport. Who’s ready for soup?

Burton AK BK Down Insulator Jacket ($260)

You get cold fast when you’re standing around the car drinking beers midwinter. Other than a raging bonfire, there’s no better way to keep warm than this subtle, stylish 800-fill down puffy.

Goal Zero Yeti 1400 Lithium Portable Power Station ($1,800)

Plug ten gadgets into this monster lithium energy pack, which can charge a laptop 23 times, a phone 70 times, and a Bluetooth speaker about 100 times. Connect it to Goal Zero’s Boulder 100 solar panels ($200) to keep it powered up while you party down.

ManCan 128 Picnic Keg ($70)

This portable keg—with the help of separate CO2 cartridges and tap ($125)—keeps eight pints of your favorite microbrew cold and bubbly for up to a month. As for the stainless-steel body, it will withstand drops, plus any damage your drunken friends inflict.

Best Made Straight-Hold Hatchet ($88)

The drop-forged and hand-ground steel head chews through kindling so you can get the fire pit going. And it’s pretty to boot, with an Appalachian hickory handle.

Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono Watch ($4,725)

Skiers wearing fancy watches is actually a thing. Consider French former World Cup alpine racer Jean-Claude Killy, who was sponsored by Rolex. This modern Tudor, with its leather band and sapphire crystal, will take tumbles on the hill and still look damn good.

Duluth Packs Growler Pack ($70)

Yeah, a koozie for your growler. Some say indulgence, we say brilliance. This pack keeps beer colder for at least a few more hours and comes with D-rings on the side so you can lash it to a pack or bike.

Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Prep Table With Foldaway Basin ($439)

Just because you’re in a parking lot doesn’t mean you have to cut culinary corners. This kitchen helper has 29-inch-tall aluminum legs, putting your ingredients, a tough stainless-steel surface, and a built-in water basin at standing height.

Westland Winter 2016 Whiskey ($100)

On the coldest days, ditch the beer for whiskey. This Seattle-made single malt is blended to be crisp and clean, with a smooth, smoky flavor. Drink it down neat.

Schmidt Brothers Bonded Teak BBQ Tools Four-Piece Set ($100)

Hamburgers, grilled onions, chicken—whatever you throw on the skottle, this set has the spatula, tongs, fork, and basting brush you’ll need to perfect it.

Snake River Brewing Snow King Pale Ale ($10 for a six-pack)

This winter seasonal is an international hybrid that combines Challenger and Fuggle hops from the United Kingdom with Magnum hops from the United States for a moderately bitter, refreshing brew that tastes best after a day of turns.

Forsake Duck Boots ($140)

A rubber shell over the sole and toe, combined with a waterproof leather upper, keeps the snow out. Color accents on the sole, sides, and laces are nothing but cool.