Snowboarding Travel Accessories Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re heading to your local mountain or jetting off to a world-renowned snowboarding destination, having the right travel accessories is essential to keep your gear safe and organized. This guide will help you choose the best snowboarding travel luggage, bags, and carriers by breaking down sizing, styles, usage, and terrain-specific considerations.

1. Snowboard Bags and Carriers

Your snowboard is one of your most valuable pieces of gear, and protecting it while traveling is a priority.

Types of Snowboard Bags:

Padded Snowboard Bags: These offer excellent protection with cushioned interiors, especially for air travel or long road trips.
Non-Padded Bags: Ideal for quick trips to the local hill or for those who want a lightweight option. They provide basic protection from scratches and debris.
Snowboard Roller Bags: A great option for airports or when carrying multiple boards. These often have extra compartments for boots, helmets, and outerwear.

Sizing:

Single vs. Double: Single snowboard bags fit one board with bindings and are compact, while double snowboard bags accommodate two boards, ideal for longer trips or for those with different boards for varied terrain.
Board Length: Make sure to choose a bag that matches the length of your snowboard. Most snowboard bags come in multiple sizes, ranging from 140 cm to 180 cm. If your board is between sizes, choose the larger bag to ensure easy packing.

Style Tips:

For shorter trips, a sleek, lightweight bag may be all you need. For multi-day or international trips, opt for a padded or roller bag for added convenience and protection.
Consider bags with multiple compartments or straps to secure other gear (e.g., gloves, goggles, or a helmet) and keep everything organized.

Terrain Considerations:

Backcountry Riders: For backcountry enthusiasts who might need to hike or take longer routes to reach prime snow, lightweight, durable non-padded bags are ideal since you'll need to carry your gear over snow and ice.
Resort Riders: For resort riding, padded or roller bags are ideal for easier transit through airports or between accommodations.

2. Boot Bags

Boot bags are essential for keeping your snowboard boots dry, protected, and easily accessible.

Types of Boot Bags:

Backpack Style Boot Bags: These often come with extra storage for helmets and goggles, making them a convenient all-in-one option.
Dedicated Boot Duffels: Designed to hold just your boots, these are typically waterproof and have venting to help reduce odor.

Sizing:

Ensure the bag is large enough for your boot size, with some brands offering different sizes based on the boot dimensions (e.g., S, M, L).
For larger sizes (US Men's 11+), opt for bags specifically labeled for larger boots to avoid a snug fit.

Style Tips:

Wheeled Boot Bags offer ease of transport, especially if you’re carrying multiple bags through airports.
Ventilated Boot Bags with mesh panels or drainage options are ideal if your boots tend to get wet or damp from riding, as they allow airflow and prevent musty smells.

Terrain Considerations:

For those who frequent deep powder or backcountry terrain, waterproof boot bags are a must. Keeping your boots dry between sessions ensures they’re ready to go the next day.

3. Helmet and Goggle Cases

Protecting your helmet and goggles is crucial to ensure longevity and prevent damage.

Helmet Bags:

Padded Helmet Cases: These cases provide superior protection and often come with additional pockets for small items like gloves or goggles. They’re perfect for those flying to snowboarding destinations.
Helmet Backpacks: These offer room for your helmet and other essentials, such as goggles and gloves. A great option for those who want a multi-purpose bag.

Goggle Cases:

Hard-Shell Goggle Cases: These protect your goggles from crushing or scratching, especially during flights or in a crowded car.
Soft Goggle Pouches: Lightweight and perfect for stashing in a backpack, but offer less protection than hard cases.

Sizing:

Ensure the goggle case or helmet bag you choose is large enough to accommodate your specific model, especially if your helmet has a visor or extended features.

Terrain Considerations:

Park and Freestyle Riders: If you're often in the park, where falls are more frequent, a well-padded helmet case will help protect your helmet from damage between sessions.

4. Travel Backpacks

A good snowboarding backpack is versatile and functional, offering room for your essentials while you ride or travel.

Types of Backpacks:

Snowboard-Specific Travel Packs: These are designed for both travel and on-mountain use, with compartments for avalanche gear, hydration, and goggles. Many also feature straps to carry your board.
Daypacks: Lightweight and compact, these are ideal for holding essentials like snacks, water, and an extra layer while you’re on the slopes.

Sizing:

Small Daypacks (10-20L): Ideal for day trips, they hold the basics without being bulky.
Medium to Large Packs (20-40L): These offer more space for longer days, backcountry trips, or traveling. They often include extra compartments for water bladders, tools, or camera gear.

Style Tips:

Hydration-Compatible Packs: These are excellent for riders who like to stay hydrated on the go, especially in the backcountry.
Built-in Snowboard Carry Systems: Look for backpacks with vertical or diagonal board carry systems to easily attach your snowboard while hiking.

Terrain Considerations:

Backcountry Riders: A larger pack with hydration compatibility and space for avalanche tools (e.g., probe, shovel) is critical for safety and convenience.
Resort Riders: A smaller pack with goggle and snack compartments is typically all you need for a day at the resort.

5. Luggage for Extended Trips

When embarking on a multi-day trip or heading abroad, your luggage needs to accommodate more than just your snowboard gear.

Types of Snowboard Travel Luggage:

Rolling Duffels: These large, versatile bags are great for long trips, as they hold outerwear, layers, and even your boots.
Split-Level Luggage: These suitcases are divided into compartments, helping you organize your gear more effectively.

Sizing:

Medium Duffels (50-75L): These work well for shorter trips or if you tend to pack light.
Large Duffels (75-120L): Ideal for longer trips or when packing bulkier winter clothing and gear.

Style Tips:

Durability and Weather Resistance: Look for bags made from durable, weather-resistant materials, especially if you’re traveling to snowy areas where the bag might be exposed to moisture.
Compression Straps and Expandability: Features like compression straps help tighten down your load, while expandable compartments can be helpful for packing bulky snowboard jackets or pants.

Terrain Considerations:

Backcountry and Remote Locations: For those headed to remote areas, durability is key. Consider bags with reinforced bottoms and rugged wheels that can handle rough terrain or unpaved surfaces.

Final Tips for Choosing Snowboarding Travel Accessories:

Versatility: Opt for luggage and bags that can be used for both snowboarding and general travel to get the most bang for your buck.
Weight Considerations: Airlines have strict weight limits, so choose lighter gear bags where possible. This will allow you to carry more gear without surpassing weight limits.
Ease of Transport: Rolling bags and wheeled carriers are a game-changer, especially when hauling heavy equipment through airports or parking lots.

With the right travel accessories, your snowboard adventures will be smooth and stress-free, whether you’re exploring new terrain or revisiting a favorite mountain. Invest in quality products to protect your gear and ensure an enjoyable ride no matter where your journey takes you!

Snowboarding Travel Accessories Buyer’s GuideUpdated 6 months ago