—
Whether they’re useful, cool or essential for safety, there are a few items nobody should go without. With a little elbow grease, motivation and some of these items, you can get to work and get more done, all while looking good and feeling better. While there are plenty of ideas that didn’t make the list, these 10 items are utterly irreplaceable.
1. A Tent
There’s nothing more relaxing — and manly — than getting out into the woods for a weekend camping trip. Tents are usually pretty easy to set up and make a good excuse to express your love for nature and adventure.
Get out of the house and into the woods — live a little.
2. The Work Bench
It’s not “a” workbench, nor should it be. The workbench is your home away from home, your dojo, your area for building and fixing and messing around with power tools. Don’t let the power go to your head, but do make sure this is one of your first installations in a new house.
3. A Fine Liquor Cabinet
With fine liquor, too. Maybe you’re more of a light kind of guy, preferring your vodkas and gins over Bermuda rum and Rye. That’s fine, just make sure you’ve graduated from college — mentally, that is — before you try to pick out the contents of your cabinet at the store. Buy some nice bottles, and don’t go through them like water.
4. Spare Tire, Iron, and Jack
Maybe you already have an AAA membership (with roadside assistance). And perhaps you’re okay calling them and asking for help — while you’re alone. However, if there’s company in the car and you spring a flat, you want the tools and know-how to get you rolling again — specifically, better jacks and stands. Plus, a quality jack goes a long way on home auto repair. A pair of jumper cables is usually a good idea, too.
5. Record Collection and Turntable
Too hipster for your taste? Too bad. A beautiful record collection is one of the few things bridging the gap between boomer and millennial men today, and having a kickass vinyl stack is a great conversation starter for anyone with a robust musical taste. Add in a sleek turntable and a couple of subs, and you have an excellent setup for parties and solo appreciation alike.
6. A Passport
The spirit of adventure lives on, and having a passport is one ingredient in any man’s recipe for freedom and escape from life. Make sure yours is up to date.
7. Duct Tape
All memes aside, this stuff is legendary and should be present in both your car and household at all times. You never know when you’ll need it, or for what. It doesn’t matter the problem — duct tape has got your back.
8. The Grill
Iconic. Useful. Fun. Get yourself a grill and turn dinner into a party. You’ll be amazed at the mileage you get from this single piece of the manly arsenal. Of course, you’re going to want a fire extinguisher for yourself, as well — just in case.
9. A Deck of Cards
Whether it’s for casual poker games, lazy weekends with your partner, unplugged afternoons at a campground or drinking games with the crew, a single deck of cards gives hours of entertainment and a seemingly endless list of different games.
10. Your Good Suit
Job interviews, classy parties, and corporate meet-and-greets are all excellent uses for a nice suit, and they’re also events that are unavoidable during adult life. Throw in the extra cash to have your suit hand-tailored, and you’ll stand out from the competition. Don’t show up looking like you’re wearing a tent.
Having all these bases covered are just a few first steps on your way toward true manliness. However, there are plenty of items left off for brevity’s sake. Plus, at the end of the day, you define your own masculinity.
—
Photo provided by the author.