Skiing is a lot of fun, but lugging your gear to and around the mountain is not. While you can always try to go it by hand, a carrying strap makes the entire journey a whole lot easier and keeps your gear secure in the process.
I’m Christine, a lifelong skier and the founder of TheSkiGirl. I’ve used nearly every skiing accessory you can imagine, including ski carry straps. I know what to look for in the best models that work effectively and last a long time.
The Sklon Ski Strap and Pole Carrier is my top pick for the season. This simple but handy strap features a padded shoulder section and a way to carry your skis and poles at the same time easily.
There are a few other good ski carry straps out there, and I’ll show you all of the top models in this post. I want to make sure you have a way to quickly carry your gear so you can spend more time having fun on the mountain.
Let’s get going.
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Who Should Get This
Every skier can benefit from reliable straps. While carrying your skis isn’t too tricky, it’s much better to have your hands free. Straps also reduce fatigue and enable you to trek for long periods without getting tired.
If you walk a lot when skiing or need to travel long distances, the models in this guide are for you. They are also great for children or older skiers who might need extra assistance carrying their skis and poles around.
Are ski straps worth it?
Yes, I think ski straps are totally worth having. First of all, they are very affordable and easy to transport, making them a good addition for any skier to have. They also make carrying your skies and poles a lot easier.
What are ski straps made from?
Most ski straps are made from synthetic materials that offer plenty of strength and lasting durability. This includes fabrics such as nylon and polyester. Some also incorporate other materials such as Velcro, plastic, and elastic.
How do you attach a ski strap?
Most ski straps have two straps or wraps at either end of a long cord. You attach the wraps around the ends of your skis, and then you throw the middle section over your shoulder. This design can vary slightly from brand to brand and model to model.
Top Picks of Best Ski Carry Straps
Here are all of my top picks for the best ski carry straps of the year. The straps and carriers you see in this section are highly recommended and some of the best options available.
1. Sklon Ski Strap and Pole Carrier
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Cushioned shoulder pad, no-slip grip, lifetime refund, durable
- Style: Shoulder carry
- Materials: Neoprene/Nylon
- Cost: $
The Sklon Ski Strap and Pole Carrier is my pick for the best overall ski carry straps of the year. This is a simple and effective option, and it’s highly reliable.
It also offers a lot of comfort, thanks to a cushioned shoulder pad, and the design is easy to use once you get the hang of it.
A neoprene no-slip grip is another nice feature that ensures the strap stays in play at all times.
It can be challenging to get your poles into these at first, but that’s my only negative comment.
==> You can also get it on everymarket INC or Sears.
2. YYST One Piece Adjustable Ski Carrier
- Best for: Simplicity
- Key features: Simple design, thick padding, easy to use, adjustable, comfortable
- Style: Shoulder carry
- Materials: EVA padding/Nylon
- Cost: $
If you want compact straps that can easily hold both skis and poles, look no further than the YYST ONE.
This model is easy to hold and fully adjustable, meaning you can always set it to exactly what you want. The system can fit a range of different sizes as well.
These straps come with a thick EVA padding that provides extra durability and excellent comfort.
They can be hard to adjust with your gloves on, which is good to know when the weather gets cold.
3. YYST Ski Tote
- Best for: Backpack style
- Key features: Frees up your hands, comfortable, holds poles, strong construction
- Style: Backpack
- Materials: Nylon/Plastic
- Cost: $
For a backpack-style strap, check out the YYST Ski Tote. This hands-free option can sit in multiple ways and allows you to hold your gear comfortably.
It’s a fully adjustable option, and it gives you the ability to carry a range of different sizes and styles as you see fit. Thanks to the unique loops and longer straps, it can also hold your poles.
Another reason this carrying strap system works so well is the two-strap design. By having an additional strap, you get a lot of extra security and stability.
This one won’t work well for taller skiers, as it seems to have a limited size.
4. Sukoa Ski and Pole Carrier Straps
- Best for: Travel
- Key features: Compact design, easy to pack, adjustable straps, ergonomic shoulder pad, durable construction
- Style: Shoulder Carry
- Materials: Nylon/Plastic
- Cost: $$
If you need a quick solution to carrying your skis and poles when you travel, check out the Sukoa Ski and Pole Carrier Straps.
This is a shoulder-carry style strap that can fold into the size of about a sandwich bag. That makes throwing in your bag, or even a pocket, very easy.
The strap also features an ergonomic shoulder pad to give you extra comfort when carrying your gear any distance.
The compact design does make these a little bit bouncy, which can be annoying.
==> You can also get it on Sears.
5. Volkl Ski Strap and Pole Carrier 2-pack
- Best for: Value
- Key features: 2-pack, good value, durable construction, adjustable, padded
- Style: Shoulder carry
- Materials: Nylon
- Cost: $$
The Volkl Ski Strap and Pole Carrier 2-pack is a solid value because you get two carry straps for an affordable price.
This is a good option for skiers with a significant other or two pairs of skis they like to use often.
The straps feature a durable nylon construction and have an adjustable strap. They also have a padded central section that makes carrying long distances easier.
This isn’t the most heavily padded option, but I still think it’s pretty comfortable to use.
==> You can also get it on Walmart.
How to Choose Ski Carry Straps
This section will highlight some essential factors to consider to help you choose the best ski carry straps to meet your needs.
Type
When getting a carrying strap, you first need to know how you want to carry your skis. Some people prefer holding the weight on their shoulders, while others like to keep the strap situated on their backs.
You’re going to have the choice of carry, shoulder, and backpack. Each works in different ways, but all promote comfort. Get the one that’s easiest for you. I like to keep it simple and go with carry-style straps.
Comfort
No matter how you hold your straps, you want them to be comfortable. Ensure that your model comes with special padding or reinforced gel to give your back/shoulders a break as you walk around.
Weight-bearing designs are also important because they ensure you can carry your skis for a long time without any extra strain. Carry straps aren’t going to provide you with the latest comfort technologies, but a little padding goes a long way.
Construction
One of the reasons to get a strap is to ensure your skis stay safe. That’s why it’s so important to get a strong model that won’t break or quickly wear down. Look for models from well-known or high-end brands, and don’t be afraid to pay a bit more for tougher materials.
Sturdy straps won’t break or snap on you at the wrong time. They also allow you to venture into any environment without worrying about your gear. Carry straps are pretty affordable, so spending a few extra dollars on quality construction is worth it.
Useful Tips & Resources
Losing your skis out on the mountain can be a hassle, but losing them when you’re in your car or back at the resort is even worse. These tips will ensure your gear is always accounted for and you don’t have to make a costly replacement.
Using a ski carry strap is pretty straightforward, but it might not make much sense if you’ve never done it before. Check out the video below for some general information on using these products.
Final Verdict
The Sklon Ski Strap and Pole Carrier is my top pick for the best ski carry straps of the season. This is a simple but very effective option that will allow you to easily carry your skis and poles simultaneously.
A ski carry strap is a handy device that nearly every skier can take advantage of. The options you see here are some of the best you can find.
