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11 Pieces of Gear for a Backyard Movie Night
By Alvin Ward
Bring the movie theater to your backyard with these gadgets. Now all you need to do is choose the movie.
1. Dr. J Movie Projector and Screen; $230
The first step in creating your own backyard movie theater is the right projector. Dr. J’s 1080p projector, which has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, has a 50,000-hour lamp life, built-in stereo sound, and is compatible with laptops, tablets, Blu-ray players, smartphones, and more (though you may need an adaptor for some hook-ups). It even comes with a 100-inch screen, so you don’t have to worry about buying one separately.
If you want to splurge, The Wirecutter recommends this projector, which is good for smaller yards, as well as this easy-to-set-up screen.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Thermacell Radius Zone Mosquito Repeller; $50
Movie night will not be fun if you have mosquitoes buzzing in your ears (or biting your legs!). This rechargeable device lasts 40 hours on one refill; simply turn it on, place it in the middle of your viewing area, and wait 15 minutes to enjoy your skeeter-free zone.
Buy it: Amazon
3. Best Choice Products Set of Two Zero Gravity Chairs; $155
These weather-resistant chairs have 160-degrees of movement, allowing you to sit up or lounge back—whichever your preferred movie-watching position is. The chairs also have a tray for two cups, books, and your phone.
Buy it: Amazon
4. AlphaBeing Inflatable Air Lounger; $46
If zero-gravity chairs aren’t your thing, kick back in these durable nylon inflatable loungers, which come in eight colors, have a headrest and mesh side pockets to hold your drinks and phone, and pack down small for easy storage.
Buy it: Amazon
5. Yeti Tundra Cooler; $250
Avoid having to keep going back inside by storing all your movie-night drinks in this Yeti cooler, which, with its 2-inch-thick insulated walls, will never let your beverages go warm. Even better, thanks to the Yeti’s durable construction, you can haul it along on camping and tailgating trips, too.
Buy it: Amazon
6. West Bend Hot Theater Style Popper Machine; $59
No movie night would be complete without movie theater popcorn. This popper can whip up six servings of popcorn in just a few minutes and is equipped with a tilt door for easy serving. And consider grabbing these cute containers, which have that movie theater feel (and will also keep kids from chowing down on everyone else’s popcorn!).
Buy it: Amazon
7. Bite-Sized Candy Care Package; $23
If you’re more interested in indulging your sweet tooth during movie night, this care package—which includes 50 different candies—should satisfy.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Acrylic Glasses; $20
Shattered glass will put a damper on any movie night, so drink out of these shatterproof acrylic glasses instead.
Buy it: Amazon
9. Last Lake Camping Blanket; $23
Summer nights can be surprisingly cool; keep cozy under this blanket, which has one waterproof side and one side equipped with plush fleece.
Buy it: Amazon
10. Sunthin Outdoor String Lights; $86
Illuminate the way from your backyard theater to your door with these waterproof and shatterproof LED lights.
Buy it: Amazon
11. AmazonBasics 100-foot Extension Cord; $29
It would be terrible to get set up for your outdoor movie night only to realize you have no way to turn anything on, so make sure you’re prepared with an extension cord and a surge protector.
Buy it: Amazon
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