Ski bag buying guide: How to find the right holder for your equipment

Finding the right ski equipment holders can be an important part of your trip.

Getting the most out of our Ikon, our Epic, our Indy or whatever other partnered-resort season pass product we own gives us plenty of reason to travel. When venturing out to ski a new resort destination via plane, train or automobile, the last thing we want is to struggle with our most important travel companions … our equipment.

Shopping for ski and boot bags might seem straightforward, but manufacturers have been putting considerable thought into design and performance. Some integrate technologies such as GPS trackers or RFID tags to help locate when lost or misplaced. Advances in materials have enhanced durability, weather resistance and overall performance.

Improvements in design bring new comfort and ease of carrying, with features like padded straps and ergonomic handles. Ventilation systems prevent moisture build-up and keep our ski equipment dry. Customized storage space accommodates various gear sizes and shapes, and sustainable, eco-friendly materials are making our ski travel more environmentally friendly.

Here are some ski and boot bag options you might want to consider before hitting the road.

Thule RoundTrip Ski Roller Bag

Holds up to two pairs of skis and includes a dedicated pocket for ski boots. Internal and external compression straps keep equipment secure during transit, and padded, reinforced corners provide added protection against impacts.

Dakine Fall Line Ski Roller Bag

Simple and versatile, this bag features padded dividers to keep skis and poles separated. It also has a separate compartment for boot storage if desired, or the space can be utilized for gear.

Sportube Series 1 Travel Case

The smallest and lightest travel case in the Sporttube line, the Series 1 is the perfect choice for one person looking to travel light and efficient. It is padded on both ends for protection, is lockable and includes easy pull handle with color options in black or blaze orange.

Transpack Ski Vault Double Pro

Built with water-resistant coated 1680 ballistic nylon and thick memory-foam padding, this rolling convertible travel case can hold two pairs of skis and boots. It can be adjusted in length to 165 cm, 180 cm, or 195 cm and comes with industrial-strength compression straps for load control and size adjustments.

Backcountry Double Ski Rolling Bag

Designed to fit two pairs of skis with a secured rolltop closure system, this bag features oversized wheels for effortless rolling, padded edge protection, and tear-resistant waterproof lining. A variety of color options help it stand out at baggage claim.

Kulkea Boot Trekker Boot Bag

With a massive 70 liters in volume, Kulkea’s best-selling boot bag is designed to serve as a mobile locker on the slopes, holding boots, helmet, gear and apparel. It comes with a retractable helmet sling, a large central compartment, vented boot compartments, stow-away padded, adjustable shoulder straps and removable waist belt, comfort-fit back panel, lifter straps and a sternum strap.

Swix Gold Lite Tri Pack Ski Boot Bag

This new collection to Swix’s triple-compartment series is a 65-liter bag made with premium two-tone 1680D polyester. It has two large boot compartments that fit up to size 13 boots, a main compartment with a U-shaped opening to hold gear, and a separate front compartment for accessories. It comes with S-shaped shoulder straps and padded back panel for support and ventilation, and each side has smaller wax and tool pockets for storage.

Athalon Deluxe Everything Boot Bag

Loaded with features, the Athalon Deluxe has zippered, ventilated side pockets with drainage grommets for boot storage, ample center section for gear, hideaway helmet sling, waterproof heavy-duty rubber bottom, and front bungee cord to hold additional layers. A USB cable/cord port can connect portable devices, smartphones and power banks. Padded hidden backpack straps, sternum strap and four padded lumbar back pads add comfort and versatility.

Thule RoundTrip Boot Backpack

Constructed with durable 600D polyester, this large (60 -liter volume) boot bag provides two-way access into the top or front of the bag. Boots are stored in a rear-loading compartment with grommets for drainage. The back panel flips down for use as a standing mat, and the bag quickly can be connected to any Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag using built-in attachment loops. Padded shoulder straps and multiple grab handles make transport easy, and lockable zippers bring added security.

Transpack XTR Ski Boot Bag

Capable of carrying boots, helmet and gear with more volume (53 liters) than its best-selling XT1, the XTR is built with durable, water-resistant 600 denier polyester. Side boot pockets feature air/water drainage grommets, the central compartment is water resistant and the tarpaulin bottom is both tough and water resistant. Closed-cell, foam-padded back and adjustable neoprene-padded shoulder straps improve handling comfort.