After countless winters being tossed into my frozen roof rack, shoved into various overstuffed trunks, and flown to different countries for the sake of chasing snow, the old raggedy royal blue ski bag my dad passed down to me was shredded beyond the point of a duct tape repair job. I said goodbye to my well-loved beater bag (well kind of, it’s still in the basement for nostalgic reasons), and started searching for a new ski bag that my bindings wouldn’t tear wide open—or, gasp, one that would effortlessly roll through an airport terminal. Luckily, there are plenty of fully-loaded ski bags on the market that do all these things and so much more.
With climate change making winter weather problems impossible to rely on, a ski bag is an essential piece of gear for any powder chaser. A good one will protect your gear in transit, and the best ones simplify the schlepping of skis, boots, poles, and even outerwear, base layers, and other items into one organized piece of carry so you don’t have to worry about any of your precious (and pricey) ski gear showing up on the baggage carousel with dents and scratches.
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Important Ski Bag Features
While protection is certainly a key feature in a high-quality ski bag, it’s not the only thing. Here are a few other details to consider to help you choose the best one for you:
Size and Storage - Find a ski bag that fits the length of your skis, and consider how much room you need to store additional gear such as multiple pairs of skis and poles, avalanche safety equipment, ski jackets, pants, and more. A great ski bag will have a designated spot or at least room for everything you need to travel smoothly.
Durability - Look for a ski bag made with durable materials that won’t rip and are water-resistant so moisture can't seep in. Padding on the interior adds even more protection when you’re on the go.
Ease of Carry - Grab handles, shoulder straps, and wheels all make it easier to transport your bulky gear to and from the mountain. Decide what’s preferable for you when you’re hauling it through the parking lot or snatching it off the luggage carousel.
