When driving to the slopes, most skiers Velcro boot straps together and toss the ski boots in the car. But if you are traveling by airlines, ski bus, or hauling gear up several floors in an elevator-less old ski lodge, you may want to consider a ski boot bag. Bags make carrying a clunky, heavy pair of ski boots easier. With that in mind, our goal at The Adventure Junkies is to help you choose the best ski boot bag.
Carrying your ski boots in a bag will protect them during travel, even in a car. Bags keep the boots from getting scratched, gouged, or filled up with spilled coffee. They also eliminate the chance of dropping a boot in the snow or mud. In order to choose the best ski boot bag to meet your needs, read on for our suggestions in things to consider and bag reviews.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST SKI BOOT BAG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SKI BOOT BAGS 101
8 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST SKI BOOT BAG
1. STYLES
Ski boot bags are usually soft-sided but designed to protect ski boots and gear from getting thrashed during travels. Since traveling is awkward with two pieces of equipment as clunky as downhill ski boots, bags styles are constructed in a way that makes the job of carrying the gear easier.
Traditional boot bags have an odd shape, cut high on one side to fit the calf part of the boot and low on the other side to fit the toe part of the boot. From the side, they are trapezoidal in shape instead of square.
Bags styles can be a cross between a handbag and soft luggage with handles and a single shoulder strap. Some bag styles model backpacks with shoulder straps, a chest strap, and a waist strap.
2. FABRIC AND ZIPPERS
Strong exterior fabrics made from polyesters or synthetics add protective layers to ski boot bags. These are often tough water resistant or waterproof-coated fabrics. Look for a few perks in higher quality bags, such as padding and interior lining. Ski boot bags without padding are best for car trips or carry-on luggage. Boot bags with padding are better as luggage to be checked with the airlines.
Pack cloth fabrics vary in strength and durability by the density of the threads. That’s called denier. Denier with low numbers is a loosely woven cloth; high numbers indicate a tight weave. The latter weave with higher numbers is stronger and more durable. Denier that is rated “ballistic” is the strongest.
When buying a ski boot bag, check the zippers. Small zippers can rip out after just a few uses. Be sure the zippers are beefy and solid enough to hold up for many uses. Avoid overstuffing boot bags to protect the zippers and seams.
3. FIT
Most ski boot bags are made to fit one pair of boots and come in only one size, which may not fit all boots. Before ordering a bag online or shopping in person, measure your boots. Check both the boot length and height to be sure the bag can accommodate them. Better yet, take one of your boots to a ski shop to test the fit.
Some boot bags are designed to carry other gear, such as helmets, gloves, hats, jackets, and even tablets or electronics. Savvy travelers also pack smaller squishy gear inside the boots. For more efficient packing, squeeze socks, glove liners, hats, and neck gaiters inside each boot. Some skiers can also fit their goggles inside their boots.
4. DRAINAGE AND VENTS
Snow clings to ski boots, and sometimes you must pack them wet. That’s why ski boot bags add drainage and vents. These are usually grommets that serve a dual purpose: they drain water droplets out of the bag and allow moisture to evaporate. This venting helps reduce the potential for the bag or the boots to grow mold.
However, do not rely on these grommets to be sufficient to dry out boots. Before slinging the bag with your boots into the closet until your next ski trip, dry your boots out completely. If the bag is wet, wipe it down and hang it to dry before packing your boots back in it.
5. COLORS
Most ski boot bags are black. The dark color helps conceal the mud and grease that may get on them during travel. But for those who check boot bags with the airlines, a black ski boot bag may not stand out on the carousel. To speed identification in the airport, tie a colorful piece of webbing or a special tag around one of the handles. A few boot bags come in bright colors that make for easier identification. A few companies make ski boot bags to match their ski bags.
6. INTERIOR FEATURES
Ski boot bags may have one big compartment or multiple compartments. Those with only one compartment create a bag where small gear gets lost amid the big boots. Sometimes, interior buckle straps will secure the boots in place.
Bag models that separate each boot into its own compartment stay more organized. This tactic also creates a third compartment for things like a helmet, goggles, gloves, and a jacket.
7. EXTERIOR FEATURES
Higher end ski boot bags have added exterior features. Pockets are usually small. But they work for socks, gloves, mitts, neck gaiters, hats, skins, avalanche beacons, and small electronics. Do not put goggles in exterior pockets as they can get smashed during travel.
Nylon-webbing exterior handles help in lifting the bags in and out of vehicles. Higher quality handles will have added padding on the webbing for comfort. Higher quality backpack-style shoulder straps will also be padded and contoured.
Some ski boot bags include exterior bungee cords. These add a place to secure a wet jacket or ski pants.
A few backpack-style ski boot bags shift the location for carrying the boots from the inside to the outside. Externally, the boots are held in place by webbing or slings. But on the outside of the bag, they also have no covering for protection against snow or rain getting the insides wet.
8. AIRLINE TRAVEL
Technically, many ski boot bags do not meet the airline requirements for carry-on luggage. They are too bulky to fit under the seats or in overhead compartments. On airlines with larger overhead compartments, some ski boot bags will fit. Before flying, consult with your airlines about carry-on baggage specs to see whether your bag will fit under the seat or overhead.
If your bag will not work as a carry-on, ask if the airline has gate-checked baggage services. Gate-checking can always accommodate ski boot bags.
Most airlines flying to airports near ski resorts count a ski bag and a ski boot bag as one piece for checking luggage. But not all. You’ll need to verify your airline’s policy on ski gear.
Photo by http://ift.tt/2pKz1xK
SKI BOOT BAG REVIEWS
1. BEST SKI BOOT BAGS OVERALL
DAKINE BOOT LOCKER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-around travel
DESIGN: Handbag style with two compartments
FEATURES: Lower boot compartment plus upper gear compartment, tarp lined boot compartment can serve as a changing mat, padded shoulder strap (removable), padded handles
FABRIC: Polyester with tarpaulin lining
PROS: Boots stow in their own compartment to keep other gear dry, upper compartment fits helmet, goggles, gloves, hats, neck gaiter, socks, extra layers, and jacket
CONS: No interior or exterior pockets for small items, must be gate checked or baggage checked for flying
KULKEA BOOT TREKKER
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-around travel
DESIGN: Trapezoidal shape with grommets for drainage, detachable padded shoulder straps and waist straps, outer helmet sling
FEATURES: Two vented boot pockets, top-loading compartment, exterior helmet sling, exterior pocket, 5 trim colors for easier identification, interior soft fabric goggle pouch
FABRIC: Water-resistant nylon, polyester, and tarpaulin
PROS: Durable, ventilated boot compartments, can fit a helmet inside or on exterior sling, fits additional gear including goggles, gloves, hats, coat, and ski pants
CONS: Must be gate checked or baggage checked for airline travel, single-opening zippers
HIGH SIERRA DELUXE TRAPEZOID
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-around travel
DESIGN: Backpack-style with drainage grommets, contoured shoulder straps, padded handle
FEATURES: Two boot compartments, interior main compartment with top access for gear, interior mesh pocket for helmet, top pocket for goggles and small gear
FABRIC: 400-denier and 840-denier nylon
PROS: Roomy, durable
CONS: Must be gate checked or baggage checked for airline travel, interior fabric is thin
TEAM PACK
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-around travel
DESIGN: Backpack with shoulder straps, external straps for carrying boots outside pack
FEATURES: Mesh exterior helmet holder, adjustable top lid, one large internal compartment can fit helmet, gloves, hats, jacket, and ski pants
FABRIC: 900-denier polyester and waterproof tarpaulin
PROS: Durable, will fit any size boots due to outside storage, helmet can go inside or outside
CONS: Lacks pockets, smaller items can get lost inside, no protection for boots if checking as baggage on airlines
TRANSPACK SIDEKICK LITE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-around travel
DESIGN: Backpack with external straps for carrying boots outside pack, padded shoulder straps
FEATURES: Helmet and goggle pockets, external padded boot holders
FABRIC: Water-resistant 600-denier polyester, water-resistant tarpaulin bottom
PROS: Durable, 2 colors for easy identification
CONS: No protection for boots, no protection for boots if checking as baggage on airlines
2. BEST SKI BOOT BAGS FOR AIR TRAVEL
SPORTUBE OVERHEADER
BEST USE: For airline travel
DESIGN: Backpack-style with contoured shoulder straps and chest strap
FEATURES: 6 exterior pockets, expandable exterior helmet pouch, padding on back panel and inside boot compartment
FABRIC: 840-denier polyester ballistic fabric with water resistant coating
PROS: Durable, clamshell design opens up to lay flat for easy access to gear, additional pockets for tablet, small items, and water bottle
CONS: Does not meet carryon standards for airlines when helmet is packed in exterior expandable pouch
SWIX NORWEGIAN NATIONAL TEAM TRIPACK
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For airline travel
DESIGN: Backpack-style in trapezoidal shape with padded back panel and contoured shoulder straps, grommets for drainage
FEATURES: Large interior compartment, two boot compartments, 5 exterior pockets for carrying smaller items
FABRIC: 1680-denier ballistic nylon and polyester twill
PROS: Extremely durable fabric, striking color, sturdy enough to check as airline baggage
CONS: Must be a fan of the Norwegian ski team
3. BEST BUDGET SKI BOOT BAGS
DAKINE BOOT PACK
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-round travel
DESIGN: Backpack-style with padded shoulder harness
FEATURES: Boot compartment plus helmet compartment, additional pocket for stowing gloves, hat, or small items
FABRIC: 600-denier polyester lined with tarpaulin
PROS: Fits overhead on many airlines, roomy enough to fit ski pants, goggles, and extra layers
CONS: May not fit larger boot sizes, shoulder straps are not removable for checking as baggage with airlines
ATHALON EVERYTHING
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-around travel
DESIGN: Trapezoidal backpack-style with grommets for drainage, rubber reinforced handle
FEATURES: Lumbar padding, padded shoulder straps, vented boot compartments, exterior bungee cord for carrying a jacket, 2 boot compartments, top-accessed helmet compartment, audio device pocket with earphone port, internal clips for keys
FABRIC: Water-resistant nylon polyester
PROS: 10 colors for easy identification, backpack straps can tuck away for checking as baggage with airlines
CONS: Weak stitching allows some top handles to pull off, must be gate checked or baggage checked for airline travel
TRANSPACK XT1
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST USE: For all-around travel
DESIGN: Isosceles shape with padded back panel and shoulder straps, chest strap
FEATURES: Two boot compartments, exterior mesh side pockets, top lid pocket
FABRIC: 600-denier water resistant polyester with water resistant tarpaulin bottom
PROS: 11 colors for easy identification, middle pocket fits helmet, gloves, hats, and extra layers
CONS: Large top flap secured only by buckled strap rather than zipper, shoulder straps cannot be tucked away for checking as baggage for airline travel
The post Ski Boot Bags 101 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
from The Adventure Junkies http://ift.tt/2qrFBFU
This was worth reading . Also check out Tripztour for travel guides blogs and more
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such an informative article with us.
ReplyDeleteTop tourist destinations in India