Gear Guide: The Best Ski Bags
Safely carry your skis and poles with any of these great bags.
Image Caption: Female skier in downhill slope
One of the biggest challenges every skier faces off the hill is how to safely and securely transport all of their gear to and from the mountain. After all, skis, boots, bindings, and other gear aren’t cheap, so keeping everything organized and well protected is of the utmost importance. Investing in a high-quality ski bag can help alleviate those concerns and allow you to get the most out of your time on the slopes.
When selecting a ski bag that fits your needs, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. For instance, if you plan on traveling with a companion—or are bringing several sets of your own skis—purchasing a bag that can accommodate multiple pairs of skis can be very handy.
You’ll also want to pay close attention to the amount of padding that a bag offers. Thicker padding typically equates to increased protection but can also add bulk and weight. Thankfully, many ski bags come equipped with rugged wheels designed to make pulling a heavy load much easier, even in a snowy parking lot.
Photo Credit: Dakine
Most ski bags also include a few external pockets that are great for storing important items you want to keep close at hand. Having a place to stash your goggles, gloves, or even a jacket can be extremely helpful when trying to keep everything organized during a long day on the hill. Throw in some snacks, a smartphone charger, and a set of earbuds, and your ski bag will always be ready to grab and go.
If you happen to be in the market for a new ski bag, now is the perfect time to buy. Not only are there plenty of great options to choose from, you’ll also be well prepared for the start of the new ski season. That way, once the snow does start to fly, you’ll already be organized and ready to take advantage of the fresh powder all winter long.
To help you decide which ski bag is right for you, we’ve shared our picks for the best options currently available.
Photo Credit: Dakine
Dakine Fall Line Roller Bag
Versatile, durable, and spacious, the Dakine Fall Line Roller Bag has all the features you could ask for from a ski bag, including a great price. Capable of carrying two sets of skis up to 190 cm in length, the bag provides excellent protective padding on all sides. The large interior also has room to accommodate a set of poles, a jacket, pants, and a pair of boots. In other words, there is enough onboard storage for your entire kit.
Other things we like about the Fall Line Roller Bag include its lockable YKK zippers, large grab handles, and external pocket that keeps important items within easy reach. The bag’s large, ultra-durable wheels roll over slush and rough terrain with ease, taking most of the effort out of hauling around gear. Most of all, we appreciate its $160 price tag, which makes this a well-rounded option for skiers of all experience levels.
Buy the Dakine Fall Line Roller Bag here
Photo Credit: Dakine
Dakine Boundary Roller Bag
The larger and more spacious Boundary Roller Bag from Dakine offers several additional features that make it an attractive upgrade over the Fall Line. Like its sibling, the Boundary features a durable and lockable zipper, tough, water-resistant fabrics, and a pair of rugged wheels that greatly enhance mobility. It provides space for two sets of skis, although this larger bag is able to accommodate models that are up to 200 cm in length.
The Boundary Roller Bag’s extra capacity gives it enough room to carry a set of poles and a pair of boots too. A removable outerwear bag—specifically designed for jackets, snow bibs, or other ski apparel—is a welcome addition, as are two external zippered pockets. A thick layer of padding surrounds the interior of the bag and works in conjunction with dual external compression straps to ensure all of the gear stays firmly in place for stress-free travel.
Buy the Dakine Boundary Roller Bag here
Photo Credit: Rossignol
Rossignol Strato EXT Padded Ski Bag
While the Rossignol Strato EXT Padded Ski Bag is designed to carry just one set of skis, it does deliver a level of versatility that isn’t found in most other models. Using a clever roll-up enclosure system, the bag can expand or contract to accommodate skis that range in size from 160-210 cm. This makes it a great option for anyone who has a quiver of skis that vary in length or for younger skiers who tend to outgrow their skis from one season to the next.
Made from rugged ripstop fabrics that are designed to shrug off abrasions and tears, this is a bag that can accompany you on countless adventures, while still managing to look brand new. The interior of the Strato EXT is lined with a waterproof membrane to keep moisture at bay and a layer of plush padding provides plenty of protection for your valuable gear. The bag’s three external pockets are perfect for stashing important items, like goggles, gloves, and snacks, while an adjustable padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry.
Buy the Rossignol Strato EXT Padded Ski Bag here
Photo Credit: Thule
Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag
If your goal is to surround your ski equipment in as much protective padding as possible, the Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag is exactly what you’ve been searching for. Not only does this bag offer excellent padding, but it uses it in smart ways. For example, the interior of the bag features two separate padded sleeves, each of which can be used to independently carry a set of skis. A third internal pocket is dedicated to securely storing a pair of poles, with all the gear held firmly in place by external compression straps.
Long enough to accommodate skis up to 192 cm in length, the RoundTrip features unprecedented access to its interior thanks to a lockable, S-shaped zipper. Other nice touches include an internal cinch bag that is perfect for storing smelly socks, hats, and other apparel after a demanding day on the mountain. The ski bag itself comes with plenty of grab handles, and a well-padded and removable shoulder strap, that make lugging around bulky ski equipment a breeze.
Buy the Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag here
Photo Credit: SportTube
SportTube Series 1 Case
When it comes to durable protection it’s tough to top the SportTube Series 2 Ski Case. This model features a hardshell exterior that acts like a suit of armor for your skis, poles, and other gear, shrugging off accidental drops without missing a beat. Surprisingly lightweight, the case is also handy for preventing its internal cargo from getting crushed under luggage, coolers, or other heavy items while in transit. When compared to traditional cloth ski bags, the Series 2 is a significant step up in terms of the level of protection that it provides.
Available in black or blaze orange, this case includes two heavy-duty handles that make it easy to carry. It also features interior padding on both ends and a locking mechanism to secure its contents. Most impressively, the Series 2 is capable of carrying a single set of skis with a length of 122-212 cm, which is one of the widest ranges we’ve seen on any ski bag. Conveniently, the interior is large enough to accommodate a set of poles, although there isn’t much room for anything else.
Buy the SportTube Series 2 Ski Case here
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