Whether you're an amateur or a national champion figure skater, carrying the right skate bag is essential. To help you choose and buy skate bags for your skill level and lifestyle, here are a few things to consider.
What to Pack Based on Your Skill Level
Recreational or Amateur Skater
If you're a recreational or amateur skater, you'll want to bring your ice skates and protect them with ice skate guards, blade and boot covers.
Other essentials include:
- An absorbent cloth to dry off your blades after training as an additional step to prevent rust.
- An extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet.
- Wrist guards and knee pads to prevent injuries when falling.
- Gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm.
- Hair clips or hair ties to keep your hair out of your face while skating.
- A water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated.
Higher-Level Skater
If you skate several times a week and are training for a performance, you’ll probably carry all the items listed above and additional essentials, such as:
- A set of practice wear (warm-up jacket and over-the-boot ice skate pants).
- Extra skate boot laces in case your existing ones rip or fray.
- Resistance bands and a jump rope for off-ice training.
- Additional padded protective gear while practicing more challenging jumps.
- A travel sewing kit, in case you tear a piece of clothing.
- Healthy snacks to ensure you stay nourished.
Professional and Competitive Figure Skaters
For Professional and competitive figure skaters training five or more days a week, your skate bag should have room for these items:
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- Your registration information with event numbers and dates and times.
- Competition shirt and pants for male skaters.
- Dress and a pair of beige tights for female skaters.
- Music CD.
- A makeup bag, clear nail polish, hairspray, hair dryer, and curling iron.
- Extra batteries and charger for your phone and tablet.
Choosing the Right XAMAS Skate Bag
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Which XAMAS skate bag should you buy?
- Recreational or amateur skaters have fewer items to carry, so the small XAMAS signature ventilated skate bag is a great choice. It fits skate boot size 24-37 and is still roomy enough to hold other basic essentials.
- The larger-sized XAMAS signature ventilated skate bag is suitable for skaters of all levels. It fits skate boot size 37-43 with lots of space to hold your gear.
Every XAMAS zip-up skate bag is reinforced by solid boards within the bag to hold its shape and keep your skate boots from colliding with each other when you travel. Made of water-proof, lightweight, nylon fabric, ventilation feature is built-in to allow odor and moisture to escape. This handy feature helps to prevent mold on your leather skate boots. No worries too if your ice skate pants and skate tops are wet as a result of you training hard!
All bags are equipped with non-slip bag feet, an adjustable shoulder strap and mesh pocket for added convenience. Each XAMAS skate bag comes with a mini screwdriver, a handy tool when you assemble your bag.
Available in a variety of colors, created with Classic nylon, soft-touch fabrics and Trendy-Pro deluxe fabrics. You can buy these bags and some of the essential skate items from XAMAS online and in-store.
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Skate Backpacks for Inline Skates
Carrying inline skates for prolonged periods can be quite a hassle, especially when the skating spots are a considerable distance from home. So, how can you conveniently transport your skates via public transit or by walking? One efficient method is using a skate backpack that not only holds your skates but also other necessary gear.
This backpack should be functional, long-lasting, and stylish. Most of us own a general-use backpack, which comes in handy for various activities. As a result, some might wonder if a skate backpack is genuinely essential.
Key Features of a Skate Backpack
- Compact Design: This backpack is crafted with a design that's just the right size to neatly fit inline skates and their accessories.
- External Skate Holder: A special attachment allows skates to be fastened to the backpack's exterior. This design choice not only keeps the interior clean but also frees up space inside. Various innovative methods are used for this, from semi-open pockets to straps.
- Comfort and Breathability: The backpack promotes comfort and spine protection, featuring a padded back panel and a carry system.
Capacity and Usage
Skate backpacks usually come with a standard capacity ranging from 15-20 liters. But if you're looking at the Bladeville collection, there are choices that go beyond this typical range. The right pick is largely determined by your intended use and the duration of your outing. What you need and plan to pack is key. For those days stretching from dawn to dusk, a more spacious option with multiple pockets might be what you need. Think about packing a laptop, reading materials, snacks, extra apparel, and the myriad of other day-long essentials. The benefit of these multiple compartments? Conversely, the more compact backpacks tend to feature a single main pocket complemented by a few smaller ones. They are perfect for housing larger gear like inline skates.
High-Volume Skate Backpacks
Leading our review for the high-volume skate backpacks is a recommendation from the esteemed FR brand. The standout feature of the FR Skates Backpack 30L is its superior skate attachment system. Beyond just straps, it offers dual flaps that both anchor the skates firmly and offer protection.
The Powerslide Sports backpack serves as a formidable rival to the FR Skates Backpack 30L model, showcasing a design that mirrors its counterpart. One of its standout features is the easy-to-access skate attachment system, especially useful in scenarios like airport checks, allowing quick unbuckling and reattachment of skates.
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The Powerslide We Love to Skate backpack stands out prominently in its category. Boasting a generous 38L capacity, its front section features a meticulously designed organizer, replete with several tiny compartments. Not only does it have ample space for gear like pads and a helmet, but the skates also secure snugly on its sides through adaptable compression straps. Adding to its appeal, the backpack features a 20 mm padded back for enhanced comfort, and is complemented by broad straps fortified with stabilizing ones.
The Razors Metro backpack, tailored for aggressive skaters, is distinct from its predecessors. This Razors skate backpack has been infused with features specifically beneficial for this skating niche. Notably, there are zipper-guarded pockets on its side, perfect for stashing an extra set of frames. Razors Shift skate enthusiasts will especially appreciate this, as it allows for a swift frame setup switch without needing to dismantle them.
Streamlined, Low-Volume Designs
A prominent category in skate backpacks is the streamlined, low-volume designs. These backpacks, typically with a capacity of up to 20L, offer single-compartment structures, primarily aimed at carrying inline skates or protective gear. Their reduced size and weight are tailored for extended skate journeys and are also well-suited for younger users.
In this category, the Powerslide brand recommends the Fitness backpack. Notably lightweight and of unique dimensions, it's often the top skate backpack choice for kids. A slightly enlarged flap for the skate suspension system, offering better protection for the skates.
For those leaning towards eco-friendly options, the Rollerblade LT 20 Eco skate backpack, crafted entirely from recycled materials, stands out. The flap designed for the skate attachment system boasts not just 3, but 4 individual buckle straps.
Concluding our list are two outstanding options which, we believe, strike the perfect balance between day-to-day utility and specialized excursions. These are the Seba Small Backpack and the FR Backpack 25L. Although more compact in design, these backpacks don't compromise on craftsmanship. The FR Backpacks offer a vertical skate storage system.
Summary of Recommended Skate Backpacks
| Backpack Model | Capacity | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR Skates Backpack 30L | 30L | Superior skate attachment system with dual flaps | Skaters needing maximum protection and secure skate storage |
| Powerslide Sports Backpack | 30L | Easy-to-access skate attachment system | Frequent travelers, quick airport checks |
| Powerslide We Love to Skate Backpack | 38L | Multiple compartments, adaptable compression straps | Skaters needing ample space for gear and skates |
| Razors Metro Backpack | N/A | Zipper-guarded pockets for extra frames | Aggressive skaters |
| Powerslide Fitness Backpack | Up to 20L | Lightweight and compact | Kids and extended skate journeys |
| Rollerblade LT 20 Eco | 20L | Made from recycled materials, 4 buckle straps | Eco-conscious skaters |
| Seba Small Backpack | N/A | Compact design | Balancing daily utility and specialized excursions |
| FR Backpack 25L | 25L | Vertical skate storage system | Balancing daily utility and specialized excursions |
Additional Tips for Packing Your Skate Bag
- Durability: Skates are heavy. Let’s face it, not all skating bags are built the same.
- Blade Protection: Blade guards are great, but you also need a bag that helps keep your blades from rusting or dulling.
- Ventilation: Ever smelled a pair of used skates? If not-lucky you.
- Comfort: If you’re walking to practice or competitions with your gear in tow, padded shoulder straps or tote handles make life easier.
- Extra Storage: You don’t just carry skates.
Ice skating is more than just a sport - it’s a lifestyle. And just like any lifestyle, having the right tools makes all the difference. So, take your time. Think about what you need. Your bag shouldn’t just carry your skates.