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Best Tailgating Gear For 2023

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At Skyblue Overland, we’re always testing gear to take your adventures to the next level. That includes everything from the best new adventure gear like a trailer hitch mounted adventure grill, gear to keep you organized on road trips, or the most comfortable rooftop tents.  We’re always looking out for new gear to make your adventures fun and enjoyable.

Below we list out our favorite gear picks and accessories to help you set up for parking-lot après to turn your SUV into a private post-ski lounge. Those bluebird ski days this winter are what we all crave and want to fully soak up, to properly get the most out of these beautiful days, you’ll want to add these tailgate gear picks! With these items your parking spot will quickly become the most popular spot to enjoy post skiing drinks and snacks. 

HitchFire Forge 15 Grill ($549)

Photo by HitchFire.

A post-ski day tailgate is the best way to end an epic day of skiing. Your parking lot set up must include the HitchFire Forge 15 Grill. This two-burner grill can be easily mounted to your trailer hitch so you can get burgers, hot dogs, and other warm snacks cooking for your tailgate crew. With two burners, prep tables, a bottle opener, and easy to set up this grill is a no brainer. When you’re finished it compactly packs away to stow in your trunk.

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Kodiak Tagish Waterproof Arctic Winter Boot ($190)

Photo by Kodiak.

After a long day of skiing or snowboarding you’ll want to slip on a warm, dry boot before you get your après tailgate spot set up. The Men’s Kodiak Tagish Waterproof Winter Boot will not only keep your feet warm as you enjoy drinks and snacks before leaving the mountain, but these boots will keep your feet dry as they are fully waterproof due to the breathable membrane designed to keep snow and moisture out. Ski resort parking lots can be an ice-rink of slipperiness, but the Tagish Winter Boot’s Vibram Arctic Grip soles will keep you sturdy and stable as you’re walking around setting up the tailgate. The boots are fitted with a leather upper, suede collar and tongue, and they come in two colors – Barley Brown and Black.

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DryGuy Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer ($50)

Photo by Dry Guy.

Soaking wet ski boots might be one of the worst spoilers of fun during an epic ski day, but with the DryGuy Travel Dry DX boot dryer you will not have to face that uncomfortable feeling of wet ski boots anymore! This boot dryer uses convection drying with forced air to speed up the dry time for your ski boots, dry time can be anywhere from 2-5 hours. The fan drying system is portable to stow in your boot bag, and it easily plugs into your car to dry your boots on the go! The fan takes in warm air and filters it through the toe box of the ski boot to remove any moisture from your epic day of shredding on the mountain. You’ll be able to dry your boots at lunchtime or dry them out overnight to prep for the next day. The DryGuy Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer is a luxury that is a no brainer – keep your feet happy this ski season!

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AeroPress: Go Travel Coffee Press ($32)

Photo by AeroPress.

This smartly designed on-the-go coffee press can whip up a warm, delicious Americano, espresso, or regular coffee in a matter of minutes. The pieces compactly pack into the mug for easy packing in your car. The AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press is a must have for your tailgate gear this ski season. You can brew up Kuju coffee before you head out on the mountain or make a cup to warm you up as you get your après tailgate on after the long day this press will be your lifesaver! The coffee press includes 350 paper micro-filters and a reusable mug. Be sure to prioritize your caffeination by getting the AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press!

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Patagonia Provisions Just Add Beer Box ($75)

Photo by Patagonia Provisions.

The Patagonia Provisions Just Add Beer Box will feed your crowd of friends and family after you’ve worked up a big appetite on the ski mountain. Patagonia Provisions is a food sourcing company that values organic and fresh foods that are meant to be shared with friends and family. The Just Add Beer Box will be a crowd pleaser after a big ski day. The box is your après tailgate meal prepper – included in the box are 4 Miir Pint cups, 1 box of crackers, 1 pack of Buffalo jerky, 1 pack of Venison links, 1 can of lemon caper Mackerel, and 1 can of garlic white anchovies. Each item in the box pairs well with the provided crackers and the box also shares suggestions of what beer pairs best with the snacks. With this Patagonia Provisions Just Add Beer Box you will truly elevate your après tailgate experience!

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HitchFire Forge 15 Grill ($549)

Photo by HitchFire.

A post-ski day tailgate is the best way to end an epic day of skiing. Your parking lot set up must include the HitchFire Forge 15 Grill. This two-burner grill can be easily mounted to your trailer hitch so you can get burgers, hot dogs, and other warm snacks cooking for your tailgate crew. With two burners, prep tables, a bottle opener, and easy to set up this grill is a no brainer. When you’re finished it compactly packs away to stow in your trunk.

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Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket ($125)

Rumpl original blanket in Ocean Fade. Photo by Rumpl.

Meet your new favorite cuddle buddy! The Original Puffy outdoor blanket from Rumpl will become your best friend this winter and ski season. The Original Puffy outdoor blanket, available in more than 50 colorways (shown above in the Ocean Fade colorway), is a packable, portable blanket that goes everywhere. With a ripstop shell and insulation made from 100% recycled materials, it’s warmer and more durable than ever.

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ROVR ROLLR® 45 Cooler ($400)

Photo courtesy of RovR.

Rovr coolers are reliable, well built, and made for efficient and compact packing. The Rovr Rollr 45 cooler is a great option to use as you pack up drinks and snacks for you post-skiing hangout. The Rovr Rollr 45 is constructed with the same great quality and features as their popular Rollr 60 but just a smidge smaller in size. You’ll get 8 days of ice retention – meaning your drinks and snacks will stay chilled while you’re out on your epic ski day. The Rovr Rollr 45 can hold 60 cans and 10lbs of ice without the deepfreeze bin and it can hold 24 cans and 10lbs of ice with the deepfreeze bin installed – plenty of space to hold all the goods! Coming in three bright, vibrant colors this cooler will definitely add a chill factor to your tailgate set up!

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Nemo Stargaze™ Recliner Luxury Chair ($219.95)

Photo by Nemo Equipment.

The Nemo stargaze recliner luxury chair is your comfortable landing spot to rest your legs after a full day of shredding on the mountain. This tailgate chair is compact, lightweight, and easy to pack in your trunk. This Stargazer Recliner takes relaxing and comfort to the next level with its low center of gravity, it reclines easily for a restful position – perfect for posting-up at the tailgate after a long ski day! Once you try out the reclined position you may never use another tailgating chair again! Nemo’s chairs are made from the best quality and protected with lifetime warranty.

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ICEMULE Traveler™ Cooler 35L ($299.95)

Photo by Icemule.

ICEMULE Coolers have developed a serious reputation for being one of the best coolers on the market for tailgating. Their genuity when designing a cooler that will hold ice for extended periods of time and is easy to carry spared no expense of great features. The ICEMULE Traveler Cooler 35L is a great option to pack full with your snacks and adult beverages as you prep your tailgate this winter and in 2022! The Traveler Cooler is one of our favorite soft-sided coolers out there. It’s Bowhead Top makes it easy and convenient to grab a drink or snack while relaxing in your chair. The Traveler 35L Cooler features outer pockets to hold bottle openers or other accessories and the straps make it easy to bring with you if you’re venturing out to a friend’s tailgate set-up! Don’t pass on quality and get the Traveler Cooler from ICEMULE.

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Helinox Bench One

Helinox Bench One Tie Die. Photo by Helinox.

You’ll want to create the best tailgating environment to achieve the best après vibes – to do so you’ll want to make sure the Helinox Bench One is on your packing list. This bench will comfortably fit two people and with its minimalist lightweight design makes it easy to set up and stow once the après tailgate is over. The bench packs down into an easy to transport bag at 18 inches in length and is a super light 4 pounds. Grab one, two, or three – however many to get your tailgate set-up complete!

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Camp Kitchen Utensil Set – By Front Runner ($69.95)

Photo by Front Runner.

Front Runner by Dometic has any and all gear, equipment, and accessories to pack your car with all of the essentials for camping, tailgating, and adventuring. As you’re getting your trunk packed for your epic tailgate set up in 2022 be sure to check out this Camp Kitchen Utensil Set. It can be used for a camping trip in the summer or a winter ski trip tailgate session – either way, you’ll be prepared with 4 sets of utensils. This utensil pack is not your average camping set – it’s durable and high quality. The spoons won’t bend, and the knives can actually make a clean cut. Beyond your basic utensils, this kit will have everything you need to prep and serve your tailgate feast! Included in this pack are 4 serrated knives, 4 steak forks, 4 dessert spoons, 4 tea spoons, 1 cutting board, 1 paring knife, 1 bread knife, 1 carving knife, 1 serving spoon, 1 spatula, 1 BBQ fork and 1 bottle opener. All of these items nicely pack into a carrycase making it easy to stow away in your trunk. You’ll need this kit more than you know!

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Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler ($1,049.99)

Photo by Dometic.

If you want the king of all coolers – you will need the Dometic CFX3 45 Powered Cooler – this technological advanced cooler provides the ultimate cooling and even freezing needs all in a convenient sized cooler that can fit in your trunk and is durable enough to tag along on your most rugged of adventures. The CFX3’s design and ExoFrame will withstand your tailgates and camping trips for year and years. This cooler allows you to control the temperature from an app on your smartphone – what cooler can do that?! Features include an LCD screen will show you the temperature inside the cooler, optimized compressor cooling technology, the CFX3 app to monitor the cooler, and it’s rechargeable! Impress your friends with this smart cooler.

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Dometic Bamboo Large Camping table ($149.99)

Photo by Dometic.

Staying consistent with high-quality products from Dometic for your tailgate set up is this Bamboo Large Camping Table. This table has adjustable legs, is lightweight, easy to set up, and made from waterproof bamboo. You’ll have plenty of space to set up your tailgate spread this winter with this table. You’ll be able to adjust the height of the table have it serve as a table or serving station – whichever your preference. The bamboo top is waterproof so it can withstand some snowy storms this winter. Once you’re ready to pack up it compactly folds up to stow in your trunk until your next tailgate.

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Hydro Flask Bottles, Cups and Jars ($30 to $60)

Photo by Hydro Flask.

Hydro Flask makes some of the highest quality water bottles, tumblers, coffee jugs, cups, etc. If it’s a beverage holder – they make it, and they make it really well! This winter and summer 2022 you’ll want a few of these Hydro Flask items to keep your drinks perfectly warm or perfectly chilled. Some of our favorites for bringing to the mountain for ski season include the 20oz Coffee w/ Flex Sip Lip, use this coffee tumbler to warm you up while you drive to the ski mountain in the morning. With a no spill mouthpiece it’s easy to sip that caffeinated goodness. Other favorites for your post-ski day tailgate are the 16oz tumbler and the 10oz wine tumbler – both will keep your drinks at the ideal temperature as you unwind and enjoy the tailgate!

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Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen ($25 to $125 depending on item)

Photo by Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask has taken their quality stainless steel drinkware and expanded to essential kitchen items. From plates, bowls, silverware sets, serving bowls, platters, and totes. The serving bowls can keep your favorite dishes warm for hours and the press on lid makes it easy to pack up the leftovers! Coming in multiple fun colors spreads you’ll be able to mix and match your colors to coordinate your tailgate utensils.

Rightline Gear SUV Tailgating Canopy ($99.95)

Photo by Rightline Gear.

Whether you’re setting up your tailgate before the football game for the fall 2022 season or you’re getting your parking lot party on after a big ski day, you’ll want to make sure your set up includes the Rightline Gear SUV Tailgating Canopy. The SUV Tailgating Canopy will shelter you from any snowflakes during your après sessions with its easy to install design. This canopy attaches to your trunk hatch and is compatible with any SUV, minivan, crossover, wagon, or hardtop Jeep. The canopy is 8 x 6 ft in size so it’ll be sure to fit all your party people! The canopy material is water resistant and comes with sandbags to anchor the poles to withstand those windy days. Create a comfortable tailgate environment shielded from any elements this season!

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Stio Basin LT Duffel 40L ($129)

Photo by Stio.

Stio is one of our favorite outdoor adventure gear brands and this Basin LT Duffel 40L is perfect to back up all of your ski and winter gear. Keep your extra gloves, goggles, hand warmers, and more organized and easily stowed away in your trunk in case anyone forgets some of their gear. The Basin LT Duffel 40L is lightweight and durable which makes it great to bring along for any adventure. Made from water repellant and ripstop fabric this bag won’t tear or breakdown after a long ski season and you’ll be ready to use it for all of your summer 2022 adventures as well!

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GOAL ZERO YETI 1500X Portable Power Station

Photo by Goal Zero.

Goal Zero is a company that is inspired by their mission to deliver sustainable, smart, and portable power solutions. Founded in 2013 with the hope to encourage people to live life to its fullest, always seek adventure, and respect the planet. Almost all of their products are sustainably responsible and have incorporated solar panels and natural energy to power the devices. The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station is a must have for your tailgate set up! The Yeti 1500X is Goal Zero’s largest portable power station that will allow you to easily power up anything you need at your tailgate. With a 200W AC inverter you’ll be able to have the same power output as if you were using a wall outlet. The Yeti 1500X will replace your smelly gas generator and give you a more reliable power source. With the Yeti App 3.0 you’ll be able to control the power source from your smartphone! Never worry about a strong power source at your tailgate again. You absolutely need the Yeti 1500X!

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GOAL ZERO LIGHTHOUSE 600 LANTERN & USB POWER HUB ($69.95)

Photo by Goal Zero.

Another great gear pick from Goal Zero is the Lighthouse 600 Lantern and USB Power Hub. This lantern will provide 600 lumens of light and the light levels are adjustable. The lantern is perfect for camping or any post-skiing après party while it’s still getting darker earlier in the winter season! The lantern is powered by a lithium battery and the Goal Zero solar panels. For emergencies you can use the hand crank to create power for the light. Another great feature of the Lighthouse 600 is that it has a USB output, so you’ll be able to charge your cell phone, headlamp, or any other electronic device. Give your tailgate some extra light in 2022 with this awesome lantern!

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Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill ($

Photo by Snow Peak.

Snow Peak always delivers on their promise to create and sell items best fit for your outdoor adventure lifestyle. The Takibi Fire & Grill from Snow Peak is a must have for your tailgate equipment. This portable and easy to use fire pit doubles as a grill. Made from durable stainless steel this five-piece set can be set up at your campsite or in the ski resort parking lot and you’ll be minutes away from a hot fire and grill! The set includes a grilling net, grill bridge, pack & carry fireplace, baseplate and carrying case. You can cook your meal over fire or over charcoal – this grill allows for both! Add roasting smores to your post skiing tailgate plans with the Takibi Fire & Grill!

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SKOTTLE KIT – BY TEMBO TUSK ($395)

Photo by Tembo Tusk and Front Runner Outfitters.

The Skottle Kit by Tembo Tusk will truly elevate your culinary game at your next tailgate or on your next camping trip! This pre-seasoned, outdoor cooking surface will allow you to pan cook, skillet, or grill any food on a smooth cooking surface with gas burner. Once the Skottle is set up you are minutes away from a yummy stir-fry – even at your tailgate! The cooking surface is non-quick and uses a single burner – no more frustration from uneven cooking over a fire. The Skottle Kit is easy to set up, transportable, and packs into a carrying bag once you’re finished. Make cooking fun and easy at your tailgate with this Skottle cooktop!

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Ooni Pizza Ovens: Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven ($399)

Photo courtesy of REI and Ooni.

Take your favorite pizza with you on any outdoor adventure, camping trip, or tailgate in 2022! The Ooni Pizza Oven Karu 12 Multi-Fuel easily can be perched on a flat table surface. You’ll be able to whip up wood-fired or stone-cooked pizza in just 60 seconds. This pizza oven from Ooni can reach 932 degrees in just 15 minutes, complete with a pizza tray to easily slide in your favorite pie to be cooked to perfection! The Karu Oven is super portable and only weighs 26 pounds. What better way to end an epic ski day than with hot and fresh pizza!

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Hopefully this gear review gave you a spark of inspiration for your 2023 tailgates and you found some new must have items to make sure your tailgate is well equipped for entertaining!