Especially where air travel is concerned, it can be cumbersome getting your equipment to its final destination in good condition. Make sure you transport your gear in the proper type of luggage that meets your gear’s particular needs.
Types of ski and snowboard bags
There are two primary types of ski and snowboard bags: wheeled and non-wheeled. The benefits of wheeled ski bags include wheels on one end for efficient transport and adequate padding to protect your equipment from damage during travel. Wheeled ski bags are generally larger, made to accommodate two or three pairs of skis in addition to ski poles — and sometimes boots. Wheeled snowboard bags are available in either a single or double version.
Non-wheeled ski bags can be purchased with or without padding — although padding is highly recommended, especially for air travel. Either version is available in single or double options, denoting the capacity to carry either one or two pairs of skis. Similar to ski bags, non-wheeled snowboard bags are available in padded or non-padded options. Most hold just one snowboard and bindings but there are some on the market that carry more than one.
For those who want to ensure their equipment arrives completely unblemished, there are hard travel cases that do the best job of protecting skis and snowboards from damage. These are ideally used for flights where you change planes multiple times or for traveling under unexpected circumstances. Hard travel cases often accommodate multiple pairs of skis or snowboards.
Features
Depending on the type of bag, each come with their own set of distinguishing features. It’s important to know in advance which features you absolutely need and which you’re willing to go without. For example, interior gear straps are essential for separating multiple pairs of skis within a bag and holding them in place, assuring they don’t bump against one another during transit. These are typically made of nylon and can be tightened and adjusted at will.
Exterior compression straps are an ideal feature to reduce bulk and keep skis or snowboards from loosening from their interior straps. For skis that are shorter than the ski bag, compression straps can also be used to tuck up the extra fabric and shorten the bag so the skis are less likely to jostle.
Padded straps are ideal if you know you’re going to be carrying your skis or snowboard over your shoulder. The equipment is heavy no matter how far you’re traveling and, especially for longer trips, padded straps save the integrity of your back and shoulders.
In addition to the skis and snowboards themselves, when you’re traveling to the slopes, you’re likely going to be bringing plenty of other gear. Pockets in your ski or snowboard bag help save room in your suitcase by storing goggles, gloves, and other winter essentials.
The Sportube Series 2
The best hard style ski bag
If you want the added protection of a hard case, the Sportube Series 2 offers all the bells and whistles. This high-density polyethylene case fits up to two pairs of skis, or four pairs of cross-country skis, measuring up to 210 centimeters. Interior straps allow for separate packing of skis and padding at both ends makes for additional protection.
In addition to being durable, the Sportube is lightweight, weighing in at just 12 pounds when empty. It includes an easy pull handle for transit and wheels so you can travel with ease. This ski case was also designed to be lockable, providing for added measures of security and reassurance while traveling.
The High Sierra Ski Bag
The best soft style ski bag
The High Sierra Ski Bag is designed to be your go-to ski bag, with all the features you need for frequent traveling at an affordable price.
The center of the bag is padded to protect the bindings and there are quick-release compression straps on each end that can be adjusted as needed. The exterior features a padded tow handle and neoprene-padded handle wrap for added comfort. Inline skate-style wheels provide for easy transportation and the durability of the Duralite fabric makes it so you never need to worry about your ski bag wearing out.
Burton Wheelie Gig
The best soft style snowboard bag
Produced by one of the most renowned snowboard companies, the Burton Wheelie Gig has long been a fan favorite thanks to its stellar design. Burton crafted it with durable 600D polyester to ensure protection and longevity. In addition to your snowboard, it packs tons of room for extra gear so you can store everything you need, whether you’re embarking on a weekly terrain park trip or a weeklong expedition.
The bag holds snowboards measuring between 146 centimeters to 181 centimeters and moving the bag around is easy with padded handles, a removable padded shoulder strap, and IXION wheels. An added bonus? It features an external zippered accessory pocket. This top-notch snowboard bag is everything you ever wanted in a streamlined design.
Dakine High Roller Snowboard Bag
The best rolling luggage for snowboards
If you’re looking for a rolling bag with lots of features, the Dakine High Roller is versatile and boasts plenty of space. The bag fits two snowboards, one with bindings mounted, one pair of boots, and a bit of outerwear. Dakine padded the High Roller entirely and it comes with two removable interior pockets and two exterior pockets for keeping essentials on hand. The interior pockets provide enough space for your boots, clothes, and other snowboard accessories. Durable urethane wheels make for easy and efficient transit through airports, resorts, and down city streets. The Dakine High Roller is for when you need lots of space and want just one bag to do it all.
The Sportube Series 3
The best hard style snowboard bag
Providing for the utmost protection, the bombproof was designed to hold two snowboards with boots and bindings. Additionally, it can be converted into a ski carrier to transport up to three pairs of adult skis and poles. This carrying case is adjustable up to 183 centimeters to keep gear from rattling around and, similar to the Sportube Series 2, features padding at both ends.
The wheels make for efficient maneuverability and a strap and band pack is included. The product is designed with two handles as well as an easy pull handle so that even for its large carrying capacity, it can be moved without hassle. When you need to transport multiple boards and can’t afford to sacrifice protection, the Sportube Series 3 will see you confidently to your final destination.
