Traveling with skis requires a reliable and durable ski bag to protect your valuable equipment. This article explores various ski bag options, including the High Sierra ski bag, Sportube, and Dakine Low Roller, providing insights into their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
High Sierra Ski Bag: A Disappointing Experience
One user shared their experience with a High Sierra ski bag purchased on Amazon. Unfortunately, their experience was far from satisfactory. After just one round trip from DC to Aspen (Eagle), the edges of the skis had sliced through the bottom of the bag in multiple places. This highlights a critical flaw: the bag's bottom consists of only a single layer, lacking sufficient padding or a liner to protect against sharp ski edges.
While the bag includes interior tie-downs and a fixed pad between the skis, these features are insufficient to prevent damage to the bag itself. The user expressed disappointment and considered using duct tape to salvage the bag for another season. Ultimately, they were undecided on whether the bag was worth the effort.
Sportube: A Reliable Alternative
In contrast to the High Sierra bag, the user praised their Sportube, emphasizing its superior protection. They had initially purchased a Sportube due to restrictions imposed by some Canadian carriers, such as Air Canada. These carriers may not accept responsibility for damage to skis or snowboards in soft bags and may only allow skis and poles to be transported in the ski bag.
The user bought the double Sportube to carry both their skis and their mother's skis, utilizing one Sportube as a sleeve and wrapping clothing around the other pair for added protection. They also noted that using the Sportube has encouraged them to reduce the amount of luggage they take, typically including skis, poles, winter hikers (shoes), and gloves in the Sportube.
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Air Canada Restrictions: Be aware that Air Canada has specific regulations regarding ski bags. They may require a hard shell case, such as a Sportube, to ensure they will take responsibility for any damage to ski/snowboards in a soft bag. Always check with the airline for the most up-to-date policies.
Burton Wheeled Snowboard Bag: A Durable Option
Another user recommended the Burton wheeled snowboard bag for skis, highlighting its durability and ample storage space. This bag has been used for numerous trips over approximately eight years without any rips or tears. The Burton bag is fully padded and can accommodate a significant amount of gear.
The user mentioned that their Burton bag cost $200 but has proven to be a worthwhile investment due to its longevity and reliability. They primarily purchased it because they needed an additional ski bag to accommodate two pairs of skis, as their previous Rossi clamshell bag was only suitable for one pair.
Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag: Industrial Strength
Several users praised the Dakine Low Roller snowboard bag, describing it as virtually indestructible. One user secured this bag for $89.00 with free shipping from Powder7, noting that reviews from skiers were overwhelmingly positive. Upon receiving the bag, the user confirmed its industrial strength and ample size.
Before departure: How to pack your ski bag
The Dakine Low Roller offers a combination of durability and convenience, making it an excellent choice for protecting your ski equipment during travel. Its robust construction ensures that your skis and other gear remain safe from damage.
TSA and Airline Considerations
When traveling with ski equipment, it's essential to be aware of TSA and airline regulations. TSA often opens ski bags for inspection, so it's advisable not to lock the bag but instead use clips or cable ties. Some airlines, like Air Canada, may require hard shell cases to accept liability for damage.
One user shared their experience of TSA inspections, noting that they consistently found inspection stickers in their ski bag. They recommended using cable ties instead of TSA locks, as the latter may be difficult for TSA to open. Another user mentioned using bubble wrap and clothing around the bindings in a soft bag to prevent damage but ultimately switched to a Sportube for better protection.
TSA Tips:
- Avoid locking your ski bag.
- Use clips or cable ties instead of locks.
- Pack skis and poles only to simplify inspections.
Additional Options and Considerations
Other ski bag options mentioned include the Sundog ski bag, which one user found on a popular auction site for $24 with shipping. While this bag lacks wheels, it was described as solid and well-padded. Another user found a Sportube 3 on sale for $100, appreciating its combination of rigidity and flexibility.
For those seeking a balance between rigidity and flexibility, the Sportube 3 is worth considering. However, it's important to note that it may be narrow and challenging to fit two pairs of wider skis and bindings inside.
Summary of Ski Bag Options
Here's a summary of the ski bag options discussed, along with their key features:
| Ski Bag Model | Type | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Sierra | Soft Bag | Interior tie-downs, fixed pad between skis | Affordable | Lacks padding, prone to damage from ski edges |
| Sportube | Hard Shell | Rigid protection, adjustable length | Excellent protection, airline compliance | Takes up space when empty |
| Burton Wheeled Snowboard Bag | Wheeled Soft Bag | Fully padded, ample storage | Durable, convenient for travel | May be expensive |
| Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag | Wheeled Soft Bag | Industrial strength, spacious | Highly durable, easy to maneuver | May be difficult to find |
| Sundog | Soft Bag | Padded, basic protection | Affordable | No wheels |