Most avid skiers dream of taking a ski vacation to a popular resort destination. Unfortunately, many skiers have experienced the nightmare of having their precious equipment damaged due to improper packing methods. But these nightmares can be prevented by selecting top quality ski bags, ski boot bags boot and backpacks. When considering these purchases, remember the four Cs:
So how much should you pay for your ski boot bags and backpacks? This comes to the second “C,” which stands for construction. With prices ranging from $20 to $200, in most cases you get what you pay for. High-end ski and boot bags have a Denier count of at least 420 in nylon or 600 in polyester. "Denier" refers to the weight of the fabric, and is expressed as “D.” For example, take a look at the Atomic Race Boot Backpack on our website.
Priced at $75 but retailing for $90, this product is composed of 600D Polyester. The higher Denier count implies a tighter weave, which in turn translates into resistance to abrasion. Also notice that this particular bag has a PVC backing, as opposed to one composed of liquids. PVC strengthens the seams of your ski bag. It also helps keep it waterproof.
While we are talking about ski and boot bag construction, let’s talk about zippers. Anyone who has ever experienced a broken ski bag zipper prior to air travel understands the importance of a sturdy zipper. Had you chosen a coil zipper, you might have been able to repair it. However, if it seems like the zipper can’t be fixed, you probably had a ski bag with a tooth zipper. You may as well kiss the bag goodbye. In contrast, coil zippers can be repaired. If you want to really ensure your bag’s longevity, choose a ski bag with two rows of stitching.
Last, but not least, while many unknown companies design products that are "supposed" to be ski bags, they are often of poor quality. Choose bags that are made by respected manufacturers, such as Rossignol, High Sierra, Technica and K2.
As long as we’re talking about ergonomics, let’s talk about wheeled ski bags. Let’s face it: There is really no comfortable way to carry your skis when you are carrying your boots and the rest of your luggage. A wheeled ski bag, combined with the above mentioned ski boot backpacks, can make your trip to the airport an almost tolerable experience. If this idea is getting some wheels turning, here are some things to look for when considering the purchase of a wheeled ski bag.
First, let’s examine the wheels themselves. If you’ve ever purchased one of those low-priced roller bags, you’ve probably noticed that the wheels don’t last very long. After you’ve bought three of them, you finally realize that you did not get a bargain. The same applies to wheeled ski bags! Like all other types of wheeled luggage, your wheeled ski bag should be designed with high-quality inline skate wheels. In this case, size matters. In general, the bigger the wheels, the better the bag. For maximum maneuverability, choose a ski bag that has swivel action wheels. Since you might be rolling your wheeled ski bag over a variety of surfaces, be sure to choose bags that have a decent set of ball bearings.
Many wheeled ski bags come with convenient outer pockets, which can be a great way to stuff in extra items that do not fit into your other luggage. You should look for bags that have a sturdy carrying strap in case you find yourself in a situation when wheeling is not a good idea. Some wheeled ski bags, such as the Rossignol Startline (found on this website), can either carry two pairs of skis or one pair of skis and one pair of ski boots.
Now let’s talk about ski and boot bag compartments and capacity. The first question to ask is “How much space do I need?” If you are planning to bring your boot bag on the airplane, which, by the way, we strongly suggest that you do, you will need to be sure that the size of your bag suits airline regulations. Unfortunately, that might mean that you are carrying a rather small bag. Suddenly, all hopes of stuffing other items into your boot bag disappear. Don’t despair! If your boot bag has enough compartments, you can stuff in your ski socks, underwear and other items without worrying about them being destroyed by your boot buckles. Some boot bags even have a handy little outer pocket so that you can pack your baggie filled with those liquids that seem to terrify the airlines. Even some ski bags have separate pockets, which can be filled with socks, underwear and other soft items. These pockets serve two purposes: First off, your soft clothing supplies extra padding for your skis. Secondly, by stuffing your dirty underwear in these pockets for your return trip, you don’t need to worry about offending your fellow travelers with a less than pleasant smell.
When considering ski bag capacity, think about whether you want a single or a double ski bag. Each has its benefits. If the airline loses one pair of skis, only one of you needs to rent equipment. However, if an airline has a stingy baggage allowance, you might get hit with an extra baggage charge by carrying two separate ski bags. On the other hand, if both of you have heavy skis, you might go over the weight allowance by packing two pairs of skis into one bag. Your best bet is to review the particular airline’s constantly changing baggage allowances and decide which bag would best suit your purposes.
Picture this: You’re rushing through the airport, trying to catch your flight to Salt Lake City. A major traffic jam means that you’re late. You’re carrying your boot bag, your luggage and your ski bag. Do you think you’re going to make it? Not likely. On top of that, you are probably going to end up with a sore back, a sore shoulder, a sore hip or all of the above. This problem could have been solved with a ski boot backpack.
The justification for a ski boot backpack can be described by one word: ergonomics. By carrying the weight of your boots over your stronger mid-back muscles, you put your body into correct postural alignment, which can in turn prevent injuries. That said, it’s important to choose a high quality ski boot backpack. Make sure that the straps are both adjustable and well-padded. Additionally, wider backpack straps provide a wider and therefore healthier base of support than narrow straps.
For better weight distribution, choose ski boot bags with two zippered compartments, one for each boot. A mesh window for ventilation is crucial, for obvious reasons. The same qualities you used to choose other types of ski and boot bags should apply to choosing a ski boot backpack. Check the quality of the material, as well as the type of zipper. Extra outer pockets are also helpful. As usual, waterproof — or at least water resistant — is always a good thing!
In addition to the ergonomic benefits, a ski boot backpack allows you to keep your hands free when showing your boarding pass or when taking money out of your pocket. This helps you avoid the risk of losing important items. Furthermore, your boots are with you on the plane. No worries about the airlines losing them! For health and piece of mind, consider a ski boot backpack!
Have you ever watched the baggage handlers handle your luggage? Notice the way they through the items onto the plane or onto the baggage carousel. Now how much did you spend on those skis? If this does not convince you to purchase either a padded ski bag or ski tube, nothing will.
While your lightweight ski sleeve may be suitable for road travel, air travel requires sturdier protection for your beloved boards and their bindings. In general, padded ski bags are lined with 5mm to 10mm of closed cell polypropylene foam. Double ski bags sometimes come with a padded divider that keeps the two pairs of skis from making unfortunate contact with each other throughout a bumpy flight. Many ski bags come with their own plastic-encased luggage tags. These are far more durable than the paper tags given to you by the airlines. Also, look for padded ski bags that have strings to keep the bindings and poles in place.
Some skiers prefer a hard shell ski carrier such as the Sportube Series Two Ski Carrier. This sturdy carrier is composed of high density polyethylene plastic shell. It can hold either one to three pairs of alpine or powder skis or up to two snowboards, depending on which model you choose. The sportube hardshell provised the ultimate protection for your equipment.
Finally, your ski luggage, which will be carrying your ski clothes, your après ski clothes and your sleeping clothes, should also be carefully chosen. Look for luggage that has piping around the seams. This will ensure your bag’s durability. The straps and handles of your ski luggage should have handles that are designed with webbing that has a tight and wide weave. This will prevent the straps from cutting into your hands when you carry your bag.
As a backcountry skier, you choose the trail less traveled. For you, a backpack can make all the difference. Skiing the backcountry requires a significant amount of responsibility. You must carry a shovel, an avalanche beacon, some extra food and a number of other essential items. Additionally, as weather patterns have been known to change rapidly in the backcountry, you will need to carry extra clothing. There is not a ski jacket in the world whose pockets are large enough to hold these potentially life-saving essentials. For this reason, if choose to enjoy the wonders of the backcountry, be sure to equip yourself with the convenience of a backpack.
There are a number of factors that should be considered when choosing a ski backpack. First off, if you plan to ski the backcountry, you will not have access to public water fountains. For this reason, be sure to choose a ski backpack that comes equipped with a pocket that will fit a hydration system.
The weight of your pack should also be considered. While you want to assure that your ski backpack is sturdy, if the pack is too heavy, your movements will be impaired. In general, a narrow frame will be less likely to interfere with your poling movements.
Aside from the backcountry, some backpacks can be used for kids. For example, take a look at the Lucky Bums Snowsport Day Pac. This pack comes with an audio port as well as reinforced wings that will allow your kids to carry their own skis.
Shopping Cart: 0 items 
