7 Best Ski Bags

We all know that skis can be quite expensive. In fact, around $600 for a new pair. So much so, that you always need to work hard to keep them protected. There are several ways to do that, but one of the most efficient (and effective) is through a quality ski bag.

Ski bags have been around a long, long time, and they still serve as the best way to transport your skis on a trip. However, trying to figure out which one to get is not an easy decision. There are many bags out on the current market, and they all bring something different to the table.

This buying guide breaks down the best ski bags on the market right now. Each of the following options does something unique in a way that makes it stand out from the pack.

The next sections will cover what those features are, and then break down other important aspects to help you decide which specific bag is best suited for you.

Read on to learn more!

Who Should Get This

Just about every single skier who likes to travel needs a good bag. You can’t just throw your skis into the car or carry them onto a plane. They need to be stored inside something. Preferably something that protects them from bumps in the road or being handled by TSA. A good bag does all of that and more.

The following models outlined in this guide are also great items for skiers who tend to have a lot of gear. While some bags only store skis, high-end options usually have a lot of extra room for your other items like gloves, goggles, and helmets.

Many also have pockets. That gives you a single place to store all of your items, cutting down on wasted space and saving you energy.

A good bag is also handy for skiers who don’t have a lot of storage. During the off-season, it’s easy to forget that you leaned your skis up in the garage or left them sitting among a bunch of items in the attic.

Then, when it’s time to hit the slopes, they have a lot of new dents and dings. Storing them in a heavy-duty bag when they’re not in use prevents that damage and gives you an extra layer of protection.

The Best Ski Bags Reviewed

Here is a list of my top recommendations along with a quick review of each ski bag. The goal is to help you get to know the pros and cons of each product so you can make an informed decision.

1. Best All-Around: AmazonBasics Single Padded Ski Bag

This Single Padded Ski Bag from Amazon might not be the most advanced option on the market, but it does a little bit of everything.

The thick foam padding protects your skis from drops and bumps, while the waterproof backing keeps them dry. The handles are padded, making them easy to carry, while the strong construction ensures this product will hold up for years. The self-repairing nylon zippers also make opening and closing the bag a breeze.

It can hold 1 pair of cross-country skis or downhill skis up to 67 inches (170 cm), and while it is not the best option for those who want to store a lot of extra gear, the compact design makes this a great choice for skiers who want an easy-to-carry bag that will last through any trip.

What We Like:

• End-to-end padded interior
• High-density 1680D denier dual weave polyester
• Self-repairing nylon coil zipper
• Versatile, great for both car and plane travel
• Padded handles for easy carry
• Tight, compact design
• Pockets

What We Don’t Like:

• Can be a bit tight
• Thick foam absorbs shocks and impacts
• Design might be a bit too basic for some

2. Also Great: High Sierra Padded Single

This High Sierra bag, as the name suggests, is a fantastic single ski bag. It has a special water-resistant coating and features a sturdy diamond-ripstop construction that makes it resistant to tears.

On top of that, it has internal padding to protect your skis and features extra-long, padded handles that can be carried or used as shoulder straps depending on your preference. The quick-release compression straps also work to hold everything in place.

This soft-shelled model is incredibly durable, thanks to its diamond-ripstop, 600-denier duralite construction. It also has a water-resistant coating, making it perfect for skiers who want to brave tough conditions. On top of that, the bag comes with two handles that make it easy to carry or throw over your shoulder.

What We Like:

• Diamond-ripstop construction
• Water-resistant
• Quick-release compression strap
• Internal padding
• Long handles can be worn over the shoulder
• Padded handles

What We Don’t Like:

• No wheels
• Lining could be more durable

3. Best Protective: Sportube Series 1 Travel Case

The Sportube Series 1 Travel Case is all about protection. Sturdy and durable, the hard-shell bag can hold two pairs of Nordic skis or one pair of alpine (along with the poles).

It also has roller wheels and a pull handle, making it easy to move around a large resort or airport. The five-year limited warranty ensures your investment stays protected as well. While this model is more expensive than softer bags, the price is more than worth it.

This bag goes above and beyond when it comes to protection, offering a light polyethylene hard-shell on the outside, and full padding on the inside. It can also hold two pairs of Nordic skis for cross country skiers, and comes with both roller wheels and pull handle. Great for skiers who travel.

What We Like:

• Hard shell
• Durable-but-light polyethylene construction
• Padded at both ends
• Lock provides extra security
• Wheels and pull handle
• Easy to transport
• 5-year limited warranty

What We Don’t Like:

• Not a lot of extra room
• On the expensive side

4. Largest Option: Thule Roundtrip

If you want extra room, no bag provides you with more space than the Thule Roundtrip. Not only can you fit in your skis and poles, but there is also room for extra gear like boots, helmets, gloves, and goggles.

The ski sleeves keep everything organized, while the padded divider protects them from any bumps or scrapes. The structural reinforcements prevent sagging, while the lockable zippers give you another layer of protection.

This heavy-duty item is not just wide, it can hold everything in your arsenal. That includes skis, boots, helmets, goggles, and whatever else you can fit inside. The wheels make it easy to move around, and the lockable zippers ensure you stay safe from would-be thieves. The structural reinforcements are also a nice touch.

What We Like:

• Structural reinforcements prevent sagging
• Sturdy construction
• Incredibly roomy
• Lockable zippers
• S-shaped zippers for easy retrieval
• Internal compression straps
• Padded ski sleeves
• Wheels

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit bulky
• May be too much room for some skiers

5. Best Looking: Dakine Padded Ski Sleeve

Sometimes, you want a bag with no bloat or extra features. That simple approach is what makes the Dakine Padded Ski Sleeve so great.

This single ski bag comes with a full-length zipper, padded interior, and a long handle that doubles as a shoulder strap. It is also tarp-lined and has a lifetime warranty that protects you from any factory defects.

Unlike many bags, there are many fun colors to choose from so you can always match your style.

A great option for minimalists or those who want something for quick car trips. It also comes in a variety of fun colors and designs, making it perfect for skiers who want to add some flair to their ski sessions.

What We Like:

• Simple design
• Easy to carry and operate
• Long handle
• Internal padding protects skis
• Full-length zipper
• Can be carried or worn over the shoulder
• Lifetime warranty
• Strong materials
• Comes in a variety of colors and designs

What We Don’t Like:

• A bit basic
• Not a lot of extra interior space
• Lacks certain premium upgrades

6. Best Adjustable: High Sierra Adjustable Wheeled Ski Travel Bag

Few rolled bags can match this one from High Sierra. This sturdy option is roomy, sturdy, and comes with powerful wheels that let you easily move it along any type of terrain.

The rub rails and integrated bridge also make it so the bag doesn’t catch on the ground during transport. The durable fabric is impact-resistant, while the inside hold-down straps and divider keep your gear organized. There is also plenty of interior space for all of your gear.

This option’s powerful wheels are backed by special “rub rails” that protect the bottom of the bag as well as a unique integrated bridge.

Beyond that, this model comes with a high-strength 840 denier nylon as well as a great handle. The two adjustment system and padded interior both work like a dream.

What We Like:

• Two adjustment system
• Sturdy urethane roller wheels
• Rub rails and integrated bridge
• Roomy interior
• Strong construction
• Inside hold-down straps and padded divider
• Internal padding
• Pockets help store extra gear
• Sleek, clean look

What We Don’t Like:

• Very large
• Can be cumbersome for car trips

7. Best Budget: Athalon Single Padded Ski Bag

A good ski bag doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and the Athalon Single Padded proves it.

This soft-shell model comes with internal padding as features excellent external construction, it even has a waterproof backing that keeps your gear dry regardless of the weather. If you want a simpler item for a single pair of skis, it’s hard to get an item that’s better than this one.

It is made of high-density polyester, comes with a waterproof backing, and is fully padded as well. Skiers who like easy-to-use items will also appreciate the handy carry strap and self-healing nylon coil zippers.

What We Like:

• Durable fabric
• Water-proof backing
• Internal padding
• Self-healing nylon coil zippers
• Zippers interlock
• No-frills design

What We Don’t Like:

• Not a lot of extra room
• Lacks extra features

How to Choose a Ski Bag That Best Fits

Not sure how to narrow down the choices from the crowd? Take the factors below into account during your ski bag research journey.

Wheels

When picking out a ski bag, it is important to know if you want wheels. Though they are not a necessary item to have if you only go on day trips, they can be a lifesaver for long walks through air travel or treks in a large ski resort.

However, do note that ski bags tend to be flexible, which can nullify the effectiveness of wheels. Always be sure that the bag you get can easily roll over both hard and soft surfaces with ease.

Construction

When getting a ski bag, you have the option of a hard or soft model. Hard shells are great for long trips, especially extended car rides because they are sturdy and extremely durable.

In contrast, softer shells do not come with the same durability, but they are lighter, more flexible, and much easier to put away in the off-season. Hard shell bags tend to be best for most occasions, but a soft bag is great for skiers who need extra room or who want better storage.

Padding

Some ski bags come with heavy padding, while others come with no padding at all. Of course, models with extra padding give you more protection, but they tend to do so at a much higher price point.

As with wheels, this decision largely comes down to how much you travel. Skiers who need to go a long way, or who travel through airport security, need extra padding. If you stay local, it’s not as big of a deal.

Extra Storage

Ski bags hold skis, but some models hold your other gear as well. When getting a ski bag, pay attention to any internal pockets or extra room it might have. Some bags are made with tight interiors made for just skis and poles.

While that’s fine for some, there’s nothing wrong with getting room for your smaller items as well. If you have a lot of gear, being able to put it all into one place rather than lugging around is fantastic.

Price

Always pay attention to your budget when picking out a ski bag. That may sound obvious, but skiing is an expensive hobby with a lot of expensive gear.

If you’re saving up for something, it’s usually a better idea to put your money towards clothing or the skis themselves rather than a bag.

More affordable options, while cheaper, still protect your skis. It just depends on how often you plan to use your bag, as well as how much you need it.

Other Tips

Traveling with your skis is not always the most fun experience. However, if you know what you’re doing and properly prepare for the journey, it’s not as bad as it might seem. If you want to make your trip through the airport much easier, or if you simply want to save time while carrying around a large or bulky bag, consult the tips outlined here.

Knowing how to pack a ski bag also comes in handy. Just because you own a good model doesn’t mean that you’re using the space to the best of its abilities.

You want to give everything you need into the bag, and you have to make sure you’re using it as efficiently as possible. For that, the tips in this short video will tell you everything you need to know about getting all your gear packed in one place.

Something else to consider is how you plan to store your skis in the offseason. A ski bag’s main function is to carry your items.

However, you can use it to keep your gear when you aren’t using it at different parts of the year. If you want to know other ways to store your equipment, or if you’re curious about the best way to keep your winter gear packed away, check out this article.

Conclusion

Ski bags are not one of the first things people think of when getting into skiing, but they do come in handy for both large and small trips.

Even just a car ride to the mountains can knock your skis around, which causes a lot of unnecessary wear and tear. Picking the right bag may not be as intuitive as getting a new jacket or a sleek pair of boots, but it’s easy once you know what you want.

The above options are all premium, top-of-the-line items, but they are all unique in their own way. Every model has certain features that set it apart from the pack.

Understand all of the subtle differences when making your choice and know what you want from a bag. Some people want a light weekend option they can throw into the car, while others want a heavy-duty item they can pack on a plane. It all comes down to your needs.

Do you use ski bags? If so, where do you use them the most often? Do you have a favorite brand or style? Let us know in the comments below!