The Best Ski Bags in 2023

While your ski bag may not be the piece of equipment dream about when you envision the perfect snow weekend, it can sure make your way to and from the hill – or through the airport – much more convenient. It is all about ease of transport and protecting your gear: no one wants to arrive only to find out that their skis have damaged the ski poles in transport. That being said, there is a range of features to consider whether you are flying light with a separate ski boot bag or prefer to pack other gear like your ski helmet all into your ski bag.

We have gone ahead and broken down the pros and cons of some of the best ski bags available to help make sure you find the right one for your gear. Check them out!

evo roller ski bag
  • Material: PU Coated 600D Polyester
  • Padded: Yes
  • Wheels: Yes
  • Sizes: 175cm, 195cm
  • Capacity: 2 pairs of skis
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This ski bag is designed to keep all your gear organized and then some. With internal and external pockets there is plenty of space for your gear. More importantly, there is a padded pole pocket within that bag that ensures that your skis won’t end up accidentally damaging your poles – especially if you’re traveling by air. The skis and poles can both be secured with internal straps as well.

The evo Roller Ski Bag is easy to use and carry too. There are padded carrying straps on both the side and the top of the bag as well as an extra stashable storage strap, which allows you to bind your bag folded into thirds for storage. The rubberized strap at the end of the bag makes pulling it on its wheels a breeze. The reinforced rails along the bottom help protect your gear, but also make sure that your bag holds its shape when you a transporting it.

Pros:
  • Internal & external pockets
  • Internal pole & ski straps
  • Reinforced bottom
  • Storable folded in thirds
Cons:
  • Mediocre durability

Backcountry Double Ski & Snowboard Rolling Bag

Most Versatile Ski & Snowboard Bag

backcountry double ski snowboard rolling bag
  • Material: tarpaulin with nylon-polyester lining
  • Padded: yes
  • Wheels: yes
  • Sizes: adjustable to 200cm
  • Capacity: 2 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
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This bag is quite versatile, and affordable too. The adjustable length is really convenient and prevents you from lugging around a ski bag that is much longer than your need. It also has two external compression pack straps to cinch down: these keep your gear nice and snug and prevent it from moving around inside the bag. Large roller wheels ensure easy rolling whether you are making your way through the airport or across a snowy gravel parking lot.

It is designed to conveniently fit skis or snowboards and includes an extra internal pole pocket. The waterproof lining is also a must-have for winter equipment. The only disadvantage here is that this Backcountry bag features minimum reinforcements which provide less protection for airline travel, but does make the bag lighter and easier to store in the off-season.

Pros:
  • External document pocket
  • Internal mesh & pole pockets
  • External pack straps
  • Waterproof lining
  • Large wheels
Cons:
  • Minimum reinforcements

Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag

The Best Full Feature Ski Bag

thule roundtrip ski bag
  • Material: 600-D-Polyester
  • Padded: Yes
  • Wheels: Yes
  • Size: 192cm (other widths and sizes are available!)
  • Capacity: 2 pairs of skis
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This high-quality ski bag will safely get your gear from A to B through many seasons for wear and tear. It is designed to fit 1 pair of alpine skis or 2 pairs of cross-country skis. Thule made no compromises in terms of protecting your gear: external compression straps allow you to cinch the hold bag together and small interior pockets are designed to accommodate your ski tips for ultimate protection. With a reinforced, waterproof lining you won’t have to think twice about where you stash your bag.

This ski bag has a lot of extra features: lockable zippers, a removable shoulder strap and smooth rolling alloy wheels. An internal cinch bag is ideal for sweaty socks, hats, gloves or other small articles. The Thule Roundtrip is not only convenient to transport but thanks to the 3-sided zipper it is easy to pack as well. This bag can fit a lot, so do be careful if you are flying: when filled to maximum capacity this ski bag can exceed airline luggage limits.

Pros:
  • Multiple internal gear straps
  • Very durable
  • Lockable zippers
  • Removable should straps
  • Great durability
  • Internal, padded ski tip holders
Cons:
  • Quite large when full

Dakine Fall Line Ski Roller Bag

The Best Double Ski Bag for Travel

dakine fall line ski roller bag
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Padded: Yes
  • Wheels: Yes
  • Sizes: 190cm
  • Capacity: 2 pairs of skis
  • Weight: 3.6kg
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This ski bag looks sleek but it packs a lot! With space for two pairs of skis, poles, one pair of boots and other accessories, the Dakine Fall Line ski bag can take care of most of your gear needs in one neat package. It even includes a removable ski boot bag, which keeps you organized and prevents your gear from damaging itself during transport. The waterproof inside liner is quite durable, as are the lockable zippers.

An extra outer pocket makes a great place to stash easy access items and a grip on the side as well as the top make it easy to transport this bag however it suits you best. On relatively smooth surfaces the wheels make it fast and easy to roll. It can even be attached to rolling luggage making it very convenient for travel – especially in airports or bus and train stations.

Pros:
  • Removable boot bag
  • Lots of space
  • Lockable zippers
  • Full circumference zippers
  • Attaches to rolling luggage
Cons:
  • No complaints here!

Sportube Series 1 Single Travel Ski Case

The Best Compact Ski Case

sportube series 1 single travel ski case
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Padded: tip and tail only
  • Wheels: yes
  • Sizes: telescopic to 212cm
  • Capacity: 1 pair of alpine skis
  • Weight: 3.6kg
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If you want to be able to travel light, then this is for you! It doesn’t get much more compact than this rectangular Sporttube, which is perfectly designed for your skis and poles to slide into. This case is so space-efficient that there is actually a special – though very fast and simple! – technique of getting your skis and poles to fit.

The telescopic design lets you adjust the length to perfection every time you pack your Sporttube Series 1 and it is easily lockable. As the name suggests, it is designed for one pair of alpine skis and poles, but two sets of cross-country skis and poles fit great as well. Foam padding at the ends of the case protect your tips and tails.

Pros:
  • Super compact
  • Lightweight
  • Hard shell protects equipment
  • Space efficient for travel
Cons:
  • Ski bases are unprotected
  • No additional storage space

Db The Db Ski Bag

The Best Collapsible Double Ski Bag

db the db ski bag
  • Padded: no
  • Wheels: yes
  • Size: accommodates ski length up to 192cm
  • Capacity: 2 pairs of skis
  • Weight: 4kg
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This ski bag packs down like no other! Douchebags is known for their innovative ski bag technology, and this classic double bag really brings it all together. The unique Douchebag length adjustment system allows to you have your ski bag at the perfect length without having an empty end flopping around. The rib cage construction provides enough structure to help protect your skis while still being fully collapsible.

The entire bag can be rolled up for convenient compact storage and the wheels roll super smoothly. Convenience is the name of the game when traveling as well, so this ski bag features a hookup system allowing it to easily connect to other luggage pieces for ease of transport in airports, bus terminal and where ever else you may take your gear.

Pros:
  • Completely collapsible
  • Extremely durable
  • Adjustable length
  • Hooks to other luggage
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • Minimal padding

Salomon Extend 2P 175+20 Ski Bag

The Best Lightweight Ski Bag

salomon extend 2p 175 20 ski bag
  • Outer Material: 100% polyester
  • Padded: yes
  • Wheels: no
  • Sizes: extendable: 175cm to 195cm
  • Capacity: 2 pairs of skis & poles
  • Weight: 1.2kg
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Weighing in at just over 1kg, this ski bag is about as lightweight as it gets for a double bag. The narrow design saves weight and space and is perhaps better described as a ski sleeve. The waterproof interior keeps moisture from seeping in or out and when the full-length zipper allows the bag to double as a changing mat while you are changing your boots.

The simple zip out extension can be tucked away or extended in less than a minute, keeping you as space-efficient as possible. Though it has no wheels, it is light enough that it really doesn’t need them: the double shoulder straps are more than adequate for transporting your bag.

Pros:
  • Super lightweight
  • Adjustable length
  • Sleek, simple design
  • Reinforced bottom
Cons:
  • Minimal padding
  • No pockets

Athletico Diamond Trail Padded Ski Bag

The Best Budget Ski Bag

athletico diamond trail padded ski bag
  • Outer Material: 600 denier polyester
  • Padded: yes
  • Wheels: no
  • Sizes: 170cm or 185cm
  • Capacity: 1 pair of skis & poles
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We tell it like it is: if you are looking for a cheap and simple option that you won’t regret or have to replace one season later, here you go! This ski bag features minimal padding and enough space for one pair of skis with bindings and poles. The bottom isn’t reinforced, which can be a pro or a con depending on your needs: you gear has less protection, but the bag is easy to fold for storage. Metal grommets are a nice addition to the water-resistant exterior as they allow for some breathability and for snow melt to drain.

The two shoulder straps have a neoprene padded carrying handle and the bag has two external cinch straps to keep your gear tight. Take a look at the Athletico Diamond Trail Padded Ski Bag: there won’t be enough room for your ski boots or helmet, but you should be able to tuck a jacket and some small extras in with your skis. Available in two different lengths, this super simple bag is the perfect alternative to just tossing your gear into the car. It is well suited for flying as well!

Pros:
  • Full–length, double zipper
  • Tarpaulin bottom
  • Light-weight
  • Metal grommets for ventilation
Cons:
  • Padded, but minimally
  • Mediocre quality
  • Bottom not reinforced

What to Consider When Buying a Ski Bag

In case you aren’t convinced that you need a ski bag at all, next time you are holding your skis, take a good look at the edges and think about how much damage they can inflict on your poles if your gear is jostling around together. Those new ski bindings may be great, but they can sure make bad scratches on your ski bases which results in slower skis, as does general dirt and grime – both things that can be easily prevented by using a ski bag!

Choosing the right ski bag should also be about convenience – the question is simply, which features provide the most convenience for you?

Wheels

As basic as it seems, do take a minute to consider how you will be transporting your gear most of the time. If you are expecting short walks to the car or across snowy parking lots then you may find carrying your ski bag the most convenient and not need to invest in an option with wheels. If, however, you travel occasionally by train or plane then wheels can be an absolute game-changer in terms of getting multiple pieces of luggage from A to B without straining your back or shoulders.

Interior Padding

Some bags have a lightly padded exterior only which means they are probably light-weight and less bulky, but they do provide less protection for your gear. You will need to make sure you pack your gear snugly and carefully to prevent damage during transport. Some of the higher-end bags, especially those designed for multiple pairs or skis, feature a padded insert that separates your skis from each other. Others have extra secure pockets or straps for your ski poles and occasionally for the tips and tails of your skis as well.

Size

It’s pretty simple – how much do you need to transport? Many ski bags boast a selection of pockets designed for everything from binding tools to your ski boots, while other are sleek and designed for your skis and poles only. You will also need to consider the ski bag length: those with extendable length are really versatile, but even the simplest of bags usually come in different lengths. Make sure your skis will fit and consider whether you may use your bag to transport cross-country skis or a snowboard at some point. Most double ski bags can comfortably carry one snowboard and if you want to pack cross-country skis you’ll need a longer bag to accommodate the extra length.

A few more details to consider

Full-length zippers tend to make for easier packing; the position of grips and straps may impact how easy your bag is to carry; lockable zippers are also a consideration, particularly for air travel; and a reinforced bottom makes your bag much more stable. All these little details are matters of personal preference and worth thinking about before you make your choice.

So grab a ski bag, pack up those skis and poles, and get ready to rip – the mountain is calling!

About The Author

AthletePath Staff

We are a team of enthusiasts and professional athletes thriving to provide you with helpful advice on buying everything you may ever need to become a better athlete.

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