Snowboarding can take you to some pretty amazing places. The world is full of mountains to explore, and the ability to ride those mountains is a massive privilege to behold. But getting there can be a chore, and if you want to bring your own gear (as many of us do), it becomes even more of a task, and a bit of a risk as well. The best snowboard bags are optimized for solid protection and easy transport, and help mitigate any stress about hauling your gear. A snowboard bag like the Dakine Low Roller can keep your gear all tucked into one place for easy transport.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best snowboard bags, as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.
How To Find The Perfect Snowboard Size
Key Features to Look For
There are a few main non-negotiables when it comes to a good quality snowboard bag. Here are some key features to consider:
- Durability and Padding: Look for durable materials and extra padding, such as neoprene, to help buffer impacts. Nylon and polyester are the main materials used, but also look to see if there is reinforcement at the ends or where the edges go. This will help prevent the material from ripping over time, especially if you keep your edges tuned. A high denier count is thicker and more robust.
- Sustainability: If sustainability is a concern (hint, it should be), then look for recycled materials and for the Bluesign seal of approval.
- Pockets: Not only how many pockets, but where are they located? If you’re the type to pack mad accessories, extra pockets will be important. But the main consideration is if there is an extra pocket that is waterproof/resistant so that a wet snowboard won’t get the rest of your gear wet (especially underlayers).
- Weather Resistance: If the bag will ride in the back of a pickup, then you’ll want something that is weather-resistant, both inside and outside. More premium models have a tarp material on the inside to help keep melting snow from damaging other gear.
- Size: Check the size of your board to see if it’ll actually fit the bag you’re looking at. Generally, it’s good to have a few centimeters on either end as a buffer so it’s not stretching the bag. But you don’t want too much room, or it’ll jostle around. Too big can be just as problematic as too small.
- Padding: A good snowboard bag will have padding around the sides to protect it from unwanted bumps and scrapes along the way. But for airplane trips, it’s always a good idea to get as much padding as possible since you won’t have eyes on the bag all the time.
- Portability: Do you need wheels to take it long distances? Or will a shoulder strap do? If the shoulder strap is on, is it comfortable? Will you need straps on the other ends to load and unload?
- Ventilation: A good snowboard bag will have a vent on the corners to help with drying out your gear. For some, it’s a must-have, especially if the bag is going straight from the mountain to the airport.
- Warranty: Since you’re moving the bag around, often in a hurry, and often with others handling your gear, things can get some wear and tear. The best snowboard bags will have a backing and guarantee that they can be fixed when things start to break. Make sure you’re aware of any warranty or repair policies that will affect the buying decision.
Last but not least, how much money you have will help to determine the best snowboard bag for you. We believe it’s worth shelling out a bit extra to protect your investment, but appreciate that most of us aren’t made of money. Choose carefully, as some extra dough upfront may help prevent an expensive edge repair later on.
Top Amazon Snowboard Bags
Athletico Snowboard Bag
More than 70 percent of reviewers give this snowboard bag five stars, and many are impressed by how much it can hold. “I just went out to Colorado and was able to transport my board, boots, snow pants, jacket, helmet, and gloves all in this bag and only need to bring a carry on - resulting in me only checking one bag,” one customer writes.
Read also: Is the Gnu Antigravity Snowboard Worth It?
Gonex Wheelie Snowboard Bag
Nearly 90 percent of reviews give this snowboard bag five stars, and the wheels were a standout feature. “Traveling with this bag was very easy, the wheels worked perfectly, there’s a handle, and a strap for when you can’t roll the bag,” one writes, while another says, “It’s quality made and has wheels and handles exactly where you would want them.” As one user who “rolled it through the airport” simply puts it, it’s “Way better than carrying it.”
- Sizes: Gonex wheeled snowboard bags (76x13x8 inches) accommodates either:
- For Snowboarders:1 snowboard (up to 190cm), 1 pair of boots, Outerwear (pants/jacket), Helmet and accessories
- For Skiers:1 pair of skis (up to 190cm), 1 pair of boots, Ski poles, Outerwear and accessories
- Storage features: 2 interior pockets, 2 exterior pockets, and a complimentary waterproof boot bag.
Sportube Series 3
At 14 pounds, the Series 3 is by far the heaviest option on this list. The case features a two-piece design, with the wheeled bottom half nesting inside the handle-clad top section, and a locking pin securing the halves together. This system allows you to adjust the length from 107 centimeters to 183 centimeters.
Caring for Your Snowboard Bag
Snowboard bags are built to withstand a bit of abuse, but that’s no reason to go ahead and abuse them. Caring for your bag will extend its life for many seasons to come.
- After each use, it’s best to open up all the pockets and hang the bag up in a well-ventilated area. Even a bit of dampness can turn into mildew in no time if the bag doesn’t have time to dry.
- Mud and dirt can get inside the bag pretty easily.
- An aftermarket Direct Water Repellant (DWR) coating can help protect the snowboard bag from the elements.
Packing Tips for Snowboard Bags
It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming traveling with oversized baggage, especially to far-off time zones.
- Place the boots between the bindings for the most efficient storage. You can reverse one of them so that they fit together the easiest while minimizing dead space.
- If there are separate pockets for outerwear, make sure to utilize them.
- Make sure that if you get a lock, it’s TSA-approved for security checkpoints.
- Large snowboard bags might not fit in your average car, so be mindful when ordering a ride. If you are getting a taxi, Uber, or other ridesharing service, make sure you mention that you have an oversized bag. Many smaller cars won’t fit a snowboard bag easily, especially if you’re traveling with several people.
- The weight of these bags can fill up fast if you’re adding more than gear, so just be mindful of the 50lb limit on most airlines (or be ready to pay a huge penalty). Also, be mindful of whether you’ll need to carry it as opposed to wheeling it, and to have a balanced load that isn’t too heavily weighted on one of the extremities.
Snowboard vs. Ski Bags
Although it might seem reasonable to stuff a snowboard into a ski bag and vice versa, there are a few differences that make it difficult to mix and match the wrong kind of gear.
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- Snowboard bags are generally shorter than ski bags because - you guessed it - snowboards are generally shorter than skis. It doesn’t make sense to have a 155cm board in a 190cm bag. Not only would it be more difficult to carry, but the excess room inside means a higher chance of damage.
- Since snowboards are wider than skis, snowboard bags are generally wider, too. Trying to stuff a snowboard into a bag made for skis could very possibly end in the bag ripping.
- Snowboard-specific bags often have straps to keep the board in one place. If you’re using a ski-specific bag, the chances are the straps won’t reach all the way around a board.
Read also: Renting Snowboards in Whistler Blackcomb: What You Need to Know