Have you ever gone on a ski trip? Then you must know that transporting boards, shoes, and all those equipment isn’t an easy task. Those who live near the mountains can just simply load their gear on the SUV. But if you’re not, you might want to consider getting one of those ski bags for travel.
Best ski luggage bags will make your life a lot easier, especially when it comes to transferring all your ski essentials to the slopes. Trust us, a good bag will make a significant difference in your overall experience. So, in this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best ski bags for travel for you to choose from. We’ll also have a sort of quick buying guide, consisting of a few key components to consider in your quest for ski bags for travel. Sounds great? Let’s just get started!
How to Choose the Best Ski Bag for Travel
As we mentioned earlier, a bag is a crucial component of any ski trip. In this case, getting the best ski luggage bags with the highest price tags isn’t always the wisest decision. Especially if you’re planning to go on an air trip, where you have to consider things like baggage checks, ease of transportation, and protection.
So, with those things in mind, we came out with three important factors to consider in choosing the best ski bags for air travel. Keep reading to find more detailed explanations for all of them.
Size
Yep, the first thing you have to consider is size. Think carefully, how many skis will you bring? Are you going to put your ski pants and boots in your bag? Are you willing to pay extra if the airline charges for baggage? Our advice, get one of the ski bags for travel with roomy compartments. Even though you only plan to bring a single board, you can use the remaining space to store a few extra things such as jackets, pants, and other essentials.
Mobility
After you’re done with measurements, think about mobility. As you probably already know, moving from one gate to another at an airport isn’t exactly a pleasant experience. Especially if you’re traveling in the high season, where you’ll have to struggle to move between the sea of people. Therefore, try to get the best ski luggage bags that allow great mobility. See if the product has roller wheels, so you can maneuver around easily. And if for some reason you decide to get a wheel-less bag, make sure it has a comfortable carrying strap.
Airline Policy
Every airline has a different policy regarding the best ski bags for air travel. We recommend doing a little research on this, before planning your ski trip. Some airlines count a ski bag as single checked baggage, while others require passengers to carry it on board as a personal item. You’ll want to be sure which policy your airline is implementing. That way, you can get ski bags for travel that are just right.
Do Airlines Charge for Ski Bags?
Basically, no. Ski bags are generally less bulky than a bicycle or surfboard bag. This is why most airlines count them as regular baggage and don’t charge extra. But to be sure, you might want to do a little research on this, since each airline has its own set of policies.
What Size Ski Bag Do I Need?
Well, it’s all a matter of balance. You want to make sure that your ski bag can easily fit the entire board. But at the same time, you don’t want the extra baggage flapping around. With this in mind, we’d say you should be fine with a bag that’s 5-15 centimeters longer than your speed board.
Can You Fly with Skis?
Please note that neither skis nor ski poles are allowed on board as a carry-on. However, they can be included on the flight as checked luggage. But since baggage attendants aren’t the most patient when it comes to handling stuff, this is where ski bags for travel come in really handy.
Db Ski Bag
13
We know this is not the cheapest ski equipment. But trust us, Db Ski Bag is one of the best ski luggage bags that’s worth considering. All the money you spend on this product will be rewarded with tons of amazing features. For starters, you’ll get the main compartment with a maximum capacity of 150 liters. And when not in use, the bag folds down to a compact size for convenient storage.
The material you say? Well, Db uses high-quality denier polyester with water repellent capability. And for superb mobility, they have roller wheels that work well on almost any surface. As for model variants, you can choose between different colors. For those looking for classy looks, we highly recommend the leather one.
What We Love
A solid product for the price
Pros:
- Db Hook-Up system
- Adjustable length
- Snow roller
- Fully foldable
Cons:
- The wheel system could be better
High Sierra Combo Bag
12
Going on a ski trip is definitely fun, but it would all be great if you could go with your best buddies right? In this scenario, it would be better if you got the best ski bags for air travel with extra-large compartments, so you can fit all your gear in a single pack. This is why we recommend the High Sierra Combo Bag.
This is a giant bag with enough room to fit a pair of skis and a snowboard. If you’re traveling with a partner, this carry-on will also be ideal, as it can accommodate ski equipment for two. So, if you’re planning on looking for ski bags for travel in the near future, this one is definitely worth considering.
What We Love
A great bag with extra-large compartments!
Pros:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Water-resistant fabric
- Self-repairing nylon coil zippers
- Large compartment
Cons:
- Some may think this is too bulky
Transpack Shuttle Hard Sided Ski Case
11
If protection is everything, you might want to get a hardshell for your next ski trip. One of the best options available around at this moment is the Transpack Shuttle Hard-Sided Ski Case. It’s a great alternative to the best ski luggage bags. You won’t have any trouble moving it around, since the case comes with no less than four carrying handles. Additionally, there are ruggedized low-profile wheels.
On the inside, you’ll get closed-cell foam padding. This makes the case ultra-durable and should be able to withstand any shocks during transport. And for those who ask, yes, this product has a locking mechanism that complies with TSA policies. So what do you think? Interested in getting one of the best ski bags for air travel?
What We Love
Offers complete protection for your valuable ski equipment
Pros:
- High-density polyethylene
- TSA compliant locks
- Adjustable size
- Ergonomic handles
Cons:
- It’s quite pricey
Sportube Series 1 Hard Sided Ski Case
10
If you find most ski bags for travel out there don’t offer enough protection, consider getting a hard case. In this case (no pun intended), the Sportube Series 1 Hard-Sided Ski Case would be a remarkable choice. This rugged shell is extremely durable and is made specifically to take on several different types of abuse. Unusual temperature? No problem. Significant collision? Easy.
As for capacity, this is one of the best ski luggage bags for travel that falls into the large size category. You should have no trouble fitting a board up to 212 centimeters long into this tough case. Apart from that, we also love the fact that it comes with roller wheels, making maneuvering the middle of the airport as easy as a breeze.
What We Love
A tough package that offers complete protection
Pros:
- HDPE shell
- Vacuum technology
- Easy pull handle
- Roller wheels
Cons:
- It takes a lot of space for storage
Dakine Fall Line Roller Ski Bag
9
With years of experience in the winter sports gear industry, Dakine is one of the names you can trust the most. And when it comes to the best ski bags for air travel, the Dakine Fall Line Roller Ski Bag, one of their latest offerings, is guaranteed not to let you down. It’s made from premium 600D polyester material, which has long been known to offer optimal protection against harsh weather. All your gear will be safe and ready to use, as soon as they arrive at their destination.
And in case you’re wondering about mobility, the Dakine Fall Roller Ski Bag comes with dual wheels. You shouldn’t have much trouble moving this bag, whether it’s inside the airport or between slopes. And if you’re tired of black, great news! This is one of the ski bags for travel which is available in a variety of colors.
What We Love
A rugged roller bag with great capacity
Pros:
- 360 degree padded protection
- Removable boot bag
- Lockable main zipper
- Durable urethane wheels
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with straps on the inside
Thule RoundTrip Bag
8
Thule is probably the last name you think of when looking for ski bags for travel. And that’s only natural, considering they’re known by many as a brand that specializes in cargo boxes and roof racks. However, that doesn’t mean you can underestimate their efforts to enter the winter sports gear market.
In fact, the Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag is a product that’s more than just decent. It has an impressive construction, with durable materials, and can withstand various weather conditions. Apart from that, its internal compartment features a number of dividers. This way, you can make sure all your ski equipment stays safe and organized during the transport. It’s also quite roomy, providing more than enough extra space to accommodate more skis or polish.
What We Love
Impressive construction, able to withstand various weather conditions
Pros:
- Internal pole compartment
- Removable padded shoulder strap
- S-shaped zipper
- External compression straps
Cons:
- Nothing, as far as we know
Burton Wheelie Gig Bag
7
While these aren’t exactly classified as ski bags for travel, the Burton Wheelie Gig Bag is actually a pretty good alternative. It was originally designed as a snowboard bag. But since it has such a large capacity, you should have no problem fitting any skis inside it. You can even include a pair of boots, an extra board, and some smaller gear here.
Another thing that makes the Burton Wheelie Gig Bag worth your time and money is its safety system. It has lockable zipper pulls to ensure your belongings are kept safe from unwanted grabbers. In short, this is a decent product. If you’re looking for the best ski luggage bags, this one won’t let you down.
What We Love
Come with a great capacity and locking system
Pros:
- 600D polyester
- Fully padded board protection
- Internal webbing straps
- Side and end haul handles
Cons:
- Nothing significant
Rossignol Soul Wheeled Bag
6
The Rossignol Soul Wheeled Ski Bag would be the perfect bag if you’re looking for something less bulky. But make no mistake, this excellent product still has many great features for you to play with. One of our favorites is the roller wheels, which allow you to have much more comfortable airport navigation. And for toughness, Rossignol chose to use 600D polyester – one of the best materials for dealing with impact and tearing.
When it comes to capacity, the Rossignol Soul Wheeled Ski Bag comes with a spacious compartment. Some customers admit that they can fit up to three Nordic skis without any problems at all. To conclude, this is one of the best ski bags for travel that is worth buying. It’s a great product to come from one of the veteran names in the industry.
What We Love
Great ski bag with a compact design
Pros:
- Roller wheels
- Spacious compartment
- 600D polyester
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- The clip could be better
Dakine Tram Ski Bag
5
Looking for something budget-friendly? Then the Dakine Tram Ski Bag is one of your best bets. This entry-level product tries to offer a solution for those who are relatively new to skiing. It comes with a construction made of premium polyester, which is resistant to water and can prevent rip. Apart from that, the internals has 360-degree padding to ensure your speed board remains safe during transport.
Just like most ski bags for travel, the Dakine Tram also features a fairly large compartment. Apart from your skis, there’s enough room to accommodate a pair of boots and several pairs of winter clothing. And with a price tag of around 100 bucks, this product is definitely a no-brainer. Check it out if you can.
What We Love
A decent and affordable ski bag
Pros:
- 360-degree padding
- Removable padded strap
- Easy transportation
- Great for air travel
Cons:
- It doesn’t have any internal straps
Salomon Extend Ski Bag
4
Sometimes, simplicity is the best solution and it seems like Salomon really understands that really well. Years of experience in the winter sports industry have made them realize that serious snowboarders don’t need tons of bells and whistles in their bags. Hence, they came out with the Salomon Extend Ski Bag.
Just what you’d expect from most ski bags for travel, it’s simple, lightweight, and easy to use. At the same time, the bag allows for a lot of versatility and offers more than decent protection. The outer material is made of waterproof fabric and is flexible enough to accommodate up to 185cm of skis. And offered at around 70 bucks, this one definitely won’t force you to break the bank.
What We Love
Simple, light, easy to use
Pros:
- Adjustable straps
- Strong padding
- Easy to carry around
- Great protection
Cons:
- Not built for heavy duties
Select Sportbags Double SKI
3
Thanks to its 190cm-long main compartment, Select Sportbags Double Ski allows you to carry two boards at once. There’s even some extra space to put additional gear or some of your clothing. And in case you have a bumpy ride, the bag features full-padding and interior divider cushions to make sure everything stays safe and in place.
Compared to most of the best ski luggage bags, Select Sportbags Double Ski is quite large in terms of size. However, this shouldn’t be a problem as there are roller wheels and webbing handles to help you maneuver around. And on the bright side, thorough inventory management will allow you to fit more stuff than you can imagine in this fantastic bag!
Planning to do some skiing in the near future? If this is the case, you might want to check our coverage of the 13 best walkie-talkies for skiing. And if you take your family along, we have some great recommendations on the 13 best ski boots bags for kids.
What We Love
Offers plenty of room for all your ski stuff
Pros:
- Compression straps
- Quick-release buckle
- Long webbing handles
- Padded closure
Cons:
- The stitches on the strap aren’t too strong
Athletico Diamond Trail Padded Bag
2
It seems like Athletico really knows how to make the best ski bags for air travel. One of their latest offerings, the Athletico Diamond Trail Padded Bag, is available in two different models. You can choose between the 170 or 185-centimeter version. Each one of them is made of waterproof polyester, which promises complete protection against all kinds of different mountain elements.
Another feature worth mentioning of the Athletico Diamond Trail Padded Bag is the full-length zipper and fully-padded lining. Both should do a good job of keeping all of your ski gear where it’s supposed to be, no matter how rough the ride you’re on. To conclude, this is one ski bag for travel that’s sure not to let you down.
What We Love
Protects from almost all of the mountain’s elements
Pros:
- 600 denier polyester
- Easy loading
- Ergonomic handles
- Fully padded throughout
Cons:
- The padding could be thicker
High Sierra Single Bag
1
The High Sierra Single Bag is one of the most highly rated products among the snowboarding community and we can quickly see why. It’s an affordable bag with impressive versatility and tons of great features. There’s a main compartment large enough to accommodate a pair of boards, polishes, and some additional gear. In other words, no extra bag is required here.
If there’s anything we have to complain about, it’s the padding. They’re pretty minimal, compared to most of the ski bags for travel on this list. However, most users say that this is more than enough to protect the bindings and keep all items in place. But if you’re looking for more serious protection, we recommend looking for a heavier-duty product.
What We Love
One of the best ski luggage bags that offers the best bang for your buck
Pros:
- U-shaped opening
- Bindings protection
- Quick-release straps
- Long webbing handles
Cons:
- The padding is pretty minimal
