A snowboard bag is essential to keep your board safe, it can also be a place to store and protect other useful gear from being damaged. To save you time here’s a quick list of the top 8 bags for your snowboard.

Top 8 Snowboard Bags

Planning your long anticipated snowboarding trip? Well, then you probably already got your valuable equipment lined up, from boots, goggles, and gloves all the way to clothing layers. You also surely have your precious carefully-picked snowboard ready for some action on the hills. But then it hits you; how are you supposed to travel with all those things?

The answer is quite simple, what you need is a good snowboard bag. A lot can go wrong on your way to your snowboarding gateway, aggressive handlers alone should give you enough reason to tuck away your snowboard. Many stories of how people accidentally dropped, scratched, dented their beloved snowboards, or even lost them, really make you wonder why you waited so long to invest in such a bag.

Review

Burton Wheelie Gig Snowboard Bag (Editors Choice)

Starting off with the widely popular brand, Burton, we got ourselves a well put-together bag that’d be great for everyone. This one comes with wheels for easier mobility. It’s padded all the way through, even the shoulder straps, giving good protection, especially on flights.

The material is polyester of 600 deniers, enough to withstand traveling and snowboarding actions. It can hold boards up to 181 cm long and the zippers are TSA approved for premium security. There are also external pockets for additional storage with a range of colors and designs available. If the price isn’t a big deal for you, nothing should go wrong with the Burton Wheelie Gig Snowboard Bag.

Things we like
● Extra external compartments
● Fully padded
● Internal webbing straps
● Wheels
● TSA approved zippers
● Lifetime warranty

Things we don’t
● Shoulder straps may crack under heavy use
● No internal pockets
● Pricey


Athletico SnowBoard and Boot Bag Combo

Mixing affordability with reliability, Athletico doesn’t only give you a snowboard bag, but a separate bag for your boots as well, up to size 13. It has padded yet detachable shoulder straps so you can remove them if you wish

The fabric is waterproof 600 denier polyester and the maximum board fit is 165 cm, so if you’re on the tall size or use a large snowboard, this bag isn’t the best way to go. Other than that, it’s perfect for short on-budget trips.

Things we like
● Super affordable
● Bonus boot bag
● Nice for short trips

Things we don’t
● Not for large boards
● Not the best for planes
● Unpadded


Burton Space Sack

Another solid option by Burton, the Space Sack is a mid-range snowboard bag, price-wise, with lots of space to use. It’s designed to fit multiple boards with removable shoulder straps for convenience.

It’s made using 100% 600 denier polyester with TPE backing for more durability. It’s not padded like the previous Burton Gig but does offer the same lifetime warranty. You can carry boards from 129 cm to 181 cm long, making it a nice choice for different travel requirements.

Things we like
● Fits multiple snowboards (up to 4)
● Good value for the price
● Suits road trips

Things we don’t
● No padding
● No internal straps
● Fabric may be too thin
● Not protected enough for air travel


High Sierra Snowboard Sleeve and Boot Bag Combo

We love bundles so much that we included yet another combo. This time, High Sierra provides us with a snowboard bag plus a boot bag at a reasonable price. The board bag holds a single board at a maximum length of 165 cm, while the boots shouldn’t be bigger than size 13.

The fabric is water-resistant 600 denier polyester for high endurance, and sport nylon self-repairing zippers, so you won’t have to worry about broken zippers again!

Things we like
● Extra boot bag
● Water resistance
● Nylon self-repairing zippers
● Great price

Things we don’t
● lack adequate padding
● Too short for larger boards
● One end zipper access can be tricky to use


Dakine Pipe Snowboard Bag

One simply can’t pass this list without addressing Dakine. The massive brand introduces its Pipe snowboard bag as a nice middle ground option for adventurers out there. What you pay depends on your size and color of preference.

It’s built with 305 deniers Cordura HP coated Ripstop and 600 denier polyester for extreme durability. It holds boards up to 165 cm with some additional room. The shoulder straps are removable, but the bag has zero paddings, which explains the lower price.

Things we like
● Cool colors and designs
● Durable material
● Room for extra gear

Things we don’t
● Not very secure
● No padding
● Not the best to fly with


Athalon Fitted Snowboard Bag

Next in line is a bag that you get to control its cost as well, the Athalon Fitted bag offers a rather versatile assortment of designs to suit every budget. It fits one board at 170 cm maximum length with a heavy-duty rubber handle for a sturdy carrying grip.

The polyester used is 600 denier with water-repellent PVC lining. It has a few outer and inner compartments for extra tools, add in the self-repairing nylon zipper with Athalon signature locking pulls, and we got ourselves a strong contender.

Things we like
● Heavy duty self-repairing nylon zippers
● Water-repellent PVC
● Flexible price

Things we don’t
● No padding, prone to rips
● Could use more straps


Dakine Unisex Low Roller Snowboard Bag

If you invest money into a high-end snowboard and bindings, then you know that spending the extra dime is absolutely necessary to protect your precious belongings. Dakine gets it too, and thus enters the Low Roller showing reliability at a decent price.

This bag is 360 degrees padded to guarantee the utmost care. You can place 2 boards together, or 1 with attached bindings, a pair of boots inside a removable dedicated bag, and some outerwear. As you can tell, it’s not designed to carry all your stuff, but definitely can fit the essentials.

Moreover, the Dakine Low Roller has oversized wheels to easily drag around and its polyester is an ideal 600 denier. With a limited lifetime warranty, you’re more than set.

Things we like
● Fully padded protection
● Oversized 9 cm urethane wheels
● Removable boot bag
● Numerous colors
● Limited lifetime warranty

Things we don’t
● No inner compartments
● No compression straps
● Not very spacious


Thule RoundTrip Snowboard Roller Bag

With a mindset of simplicity along with practicality, Thule is giving us its Roller bag of the RoundTrip edition. With wheels on its underside, you’re spared the burden of carrying it, particularly for long times. There are also multiple handles placed strategically for easier maneuverability

It’s also quite roomy fitting up to 2 snowboards of length 165 cm along with boots. Don’t fret yet, this bag offers top and bottom structural reinforcements for further stability and protection with padded snowboard sleeves. If you already own a Thule Duffle or Boot Backpack, you can simply attach it to this bag at certain points.

This snowboard bag is the perfect transition from casual to avid snowboarding.

Things we like
● Fits 2 snowboards
● Extra gear bag
● Has reinforcements and padding
● Compression straps

Things we don’t
● Only one size available
● No shoulder straps
● Expensive


What are the types of snowboard bags?

This is the very first question that should pop into your head as you begin your journey of finding the perfect snowboard bag. You’d be totally in the right too because there are indeed different types of said bags. Each type has its own purpose and it’s up to you to choose what works best for you.

Backpack Snowboard Bag

The most basic concept of a snowboard bag is one that’s shaped and held like a conventional backpack. It may be old, but some consider it real gold due to how simple it is to handle and the versatility it offers.

You can carry it around pretty easily, through airports or up and down hills or mountains. This type would be great if you travel or move a lot during your trips as you can just put your snowboard in and get going.

What you should consider though is the padding of the shoulder straps, you don’t want to have ones that practically turn into razors 30 minutes after you carry the bag.

Snowboard Bag With Wheels

Exactly as the name suggests, this type of snowboard bags comes with wheels on the underside of the bag. This means you get to swiftly drag it behind you which is particularly sweet at airports because let’s face it, carrying snowboards and going through check-in counters or running to catch the plane don’t really mix that well.

The wheel option also comes in pretty handy when you own multiple snowboards and you’re too tired from carrying them, which is bound to happen no matter how strong your back and shoulders are. It won’t be too helpful on tricky grounds though unless your wheels are specially designed for heavy terrain.

One last thing to note is that wheels do add extra weight, however, you get maneuverability in return.

Shoulder Snowboard Bag

Much similar to backpacks, shoulder snowboard bags also hang up your backside. However, they’re more towards the “one shoulder sling” type of bag. This is a solid option for those who can’t leave anything out of their bag but still want a comfortable lift because they’re made to evenly distribute the weight.

With this type, as well, you want to make sure the straps are firm and sturdy, yet cushioned. You don’t want a shoulder pain that ruins your time.

Snowboard Bag For Air Travel

This one is rather a next level type, but who says you aren’t or won’t be a snowboarding enthusiast? A hard travel case, straightforward, is a hard shell bag that opens up in half. The tough material is meant for reliable protection during air travel, maybe airport handlers won’t do much damage then.

It goes without saying that you can’t blindly jump into making a purchase, you’re probably confused enough as is. No worries, it’s actually pretty simple and we’re about to clear things up, even more, shedding light on all the features you should keep in mind to choose your best-suited snowboard bag.

They also work perfectly if you buy expensive tools or splurge on quality boards, but not quite for the average passer-by.

What to look for in a snowboard bag?

Size & Weight

An obvious start to important features, size and weight should be on top of your checklist. Of course, you want a bag size that correctly fits your snowboard. If it sticks out on one end, then it’s clearly not right for you.

If you’re traveling through airports, knowing your bag’s base weight is key to a hassle-free flight because you’ll have a good idea of how much you’re carrying so you won’t break any limits. Even if you’re just carrying your bag around, what you really want to pay attention to, is how both the size and weight of your bag relate to each other.

The bigger the bag, the heavier it’s going to be. That’s the general rule. A fully loaded 200 cm bag would certainly weigh more than a corresponding 100 cm one. So keep in mind, the more you stuff, the more you bear, especially if you’re one of those who just have to make use of every inch on their bag.

You also need to remember that some bags require to be entirely filled in order to function properly. For example, large bulky bags would be extremely difficult to handle if you leave much space unused. This is because the bag will simply flop over or what’s inside will move around.

Material

There’s no doubt about how much care you should put into picking the material of your snowboard bag because its durability falls right on its material. Ideally, you want a tough yet light material, exactly what nylon and polyester provide.

Both man-made materials are stronger than the ones you find in nature, easier to maintain, and much cheaper. If you wish to know how dependable your bag is going to be, just take a look at the denier of its material. That’s how they measure its density, and consequently, how we recognize its sturdiness.

Most commonly, you’ll find snowboarding bags to be rated 600 denier which is good enough to perform.

Straps: Interior and Compression

If you’re packing more than one snowboard, or you plan on bringing just one board but going to throw in lots of gear, then it’s probably a good idea to have everything secured in place. Interior straps, usually nylon, can do a superb job of containing your stuff.

Snowboarding bags typically include one overall strap to prevent shifting, but newer models offer a number of interior straps designated for tools.

Additionally, if these aren’t tight enough, you’d love the option of compression straps. They are positioned on the outside of the bag to further keep everything intact. Such a feature is incredibly convenient if you’re going double snowboard or you’re traveling on a plane and you need to tuck in your junk.

Pockets

Who doesn’t love extra storage room? Many snowboard bags do carry a number of pockets or compartments, some dedicated to specific items and others left for your personal preference. They could be zippered, Velcroed, or doubled up.

You can make use of such additional space to keep your essential gear close by. Equipment like goggles, gloves, a pocket knife, a screwdriver, and heating pads are always welcomed to have on hand. You want your quick maintenance tools available at any given time.

Wheels

If you’ve chosen to go with a wheeled bag, then you should take note of the wheels’ size. You’ll find inline skating wheels very useful as they can take on bags packed with heavy gear.

Other snowboarding bags use large wheels made for smooth rolling through snowy treads.

Zippers

Ask yourself the question of how secure will the bag tie, and you’ll come to discover that the quality and location of the zippers matter quite a lot. You want sturdy heavy-duty zippers to last long through traveling conditions. The last thing you need is your zippers giving out spilling all the bags contents.

Zippers can go all around the edges or across the middle of the bag. They may be combined with straps or Velcro. No matter, just make sure they offer tight protection.

Padding

You may not recognize it, but good padding can save you some serious trouble. If you have your bag rattling around with your boots or helmet, or you’re piling suitcases on top of it, or you’re throwing it at the back of your closet until next time the seasons hits, you probably want as much cushioning as possible.

Padding will help protect your snowboard and gear from dents, breakage, and any damage resulting from shocks of impact. Look for bags with full body padding, or double layered padding, if you can spare the extra money. Also, if you’re carrying more than one board, try and include some kind of padding between the snowboards.

Remember, padding is very important on shoulder straps as well, to ensure comfy strain-free handling.

Customization

This one is mainly for convenience purposes. Customization options, like attachable tags or embroidered initials, makes spotting your snowboard bag super easy among other ones belonging to different people.

It’s also nice to have cool colors and designs incorporated into your bag to give it some personality and help your companions quickly find you on the slope.

Off-season storage

The fun is over and the season is coming to an end? Well, sadly it’s time to consider where and how you’re gonna put away your snowboard bag.

Some models offer the option of folding them up for a neat storage ability while saving you some extra space. However, bulkier bag types won’t submit as simply. It’d be highly recommended to use a wall mount for such bags, perhaps one you already use for your snowboard. That way, you get to keep all your gear together in one place all year long.

Warranty

Something that I always like to remind users of is the warranty options proposed by manufacturers. If you’re spending hard-earned money on a product, you better make sure you’re getting the best value of it.

This includes a backup warranty that covers any damage and helpful customer service. Most snowboard bags do offer some sort of limited warranty, the least you should settle for is 2 years.

Budget

Last but not least, chances are you don’t need any reminders of watching your budget. While you don’t want a cheap bag that falls apart before you know it, you don’t want to break the bank either. Balancing out the price and features is vital if you want to make a wise decision.

FAQs

Can I use a ski bag for my snowboard?

You’d be surprised by just how many people wonder if a ski bag can work for their snowboards, which is totally understandable. I mean, who doesn’t want to save money?

Smaller snowboards can certainly fit into a ski bag. The thing is, it’s highly unrecommended to carry your board in a ski bag, mainly due to the difference in length between a snowboard bag and a ski bag. Bags particularly made for skies are longer to better accommodate the skis along with poles and bindings.

Do I really need waterproofing?

You’re going to be out in snowy conditions, of course, your bag is going to get wet. So what happens if you let water gather in your bag? Well, you’ll probably find rust, mold, or some kind of damage inflicted upon your board or gear.

The best way to avoid such a scenario is by choosing a waterproof bag, which protects it and its contents during action and storage.

Is a boot compartment necessary?

I can’t wholeheartedly say no to designated compartments. If you’re like me, you know how valuable a place designed to hold your snowboard boots is. It saves you the burden of extra luggage and doesn’t generally add much cost. However, your bag is going to weigh more with extra bulk

How should I pack my snowboard bag?

Well, that depends on your destination and route of travel. If you’re heading to the mountains, you’ll need lots of space and pockets, so you’re able to back generously knowing where everything is without flipping your bag upside down searching for one item.

A bigger bag is also great for air travel, as they mostly charge per bag. This means you can play them at their own game and put all your junk in one bag only.

Creating a list of items you’re taking on your trip is an easy way of keeping track and making sure you don’t leave anything behind. Remember to pack your snowboard first before bindings or other additional gear.

Wrap Up

At the end of the day, it’s all about practicality and reliability. For me, the Burton Wheelie Gig Snowboard Bag takes this one home. It checks out in protection, security, as well as style. However, if you want something more budget-friendly, the Athletico SnowBoard and Boot Bag combo will undoubtedly hit the spot.

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