For skiers and snowboarders, a good, compact boot bag is a must-have. It not only prevents your gear from getting lost or damaged in the lodge but it also makes it a snap to transport gear to your destination by plane.
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, don’t wait until you lose your ski goggles or accidentally dump a cup of coffee into your beautiful new ski boots. Invest in one of the best ski boot bags from the following list.
The best ski boot bags
Editor’s choice: DPS Daily Duffel
- 90L capacity
- Side compartments
- Two zippered compartments
- Spacious main compartment
- Comfortable shoulder straps
The DPS Daily Duffel is the largest bag on our list and not quite the classic ski boot bag, but it will fit your ski boots and much more. This bag features an impressive 90L capacity, more than enough for a multi-day trip.
I’ve used this bag for up to seven-day ski trips without feeling cramped for space. The top flap features two zippered compartments, which are perfect for undergarments and baselayers, a spacious main compartment for boots, jackets, pants, etc., and then side compartments too. The straps fit comfortably over my shoulders. While this bag is large, I found it manageable to carry, as long as I didn’t weigh it down heavily.
Best value for money: Element Equipment Boot Bag Deluxe
- Made of 600D Oxford PVC polyester
- Padded back panel and backpack straps
- Dedicated goggle compartment with fleece lining
- Fits boots up to size 14
- Has a clear cardholder
The Element Equipment Boot Bag ticks all the right boxes. It’s spacious enough to hold all your ski gear and then some, it’s durable and built to last, and it’s affordable and looks good. It features a dedicated goggle compartment with fleece lining to prevent scratches. Additional pockets are included to hold your mobile phone, wallet, lift pass, sunglasses, and other personal items.
Made from 600D quality Oxford PVC coated polyester, it features a reinforced construction with double stitching and an interior lining. It has well-padded backpack straps, so it’s comfortable to carry, and the bottom is also padded to keep the bag in shape while protecting it from wear or tear. This boot bag also has a clear cardholder.
See Element Equipment Boot Bag Deluxe on Amazon
Most attractive design: High Sierra Trapezoid Boot Bag
- Made of Diamond ripstop Duralite, 600 Denier Duralite
- Features two side compartments with ventilation grommets
- Features a wide storage compartment
- Adjustable backpack straps with cushion padding
- Fits boots up to size 13
With its attractive triangular design and various color options, the Trapezoid looks great. The bag itself is well-balanced and comfortable. The padded backpack straps never dig into the shoulders and it stays put against your back regardless of how much you’re moving around.
The boot pockets will easily accommodate a pair of size 13s and the zippers open and close with ease, regardless of the weather.
The bag itself is remarkably light for such a solid-feeling bag. However, some of that can be attributed to the lack of dedicated internal pockets and the top carry handle, which is little more than a bit of nylon webbing. And while we’re noting shortcomings, it’s hard to overlook the lack of padding. On the plus side, this is a big and tough boot bag that will fit not only your boots but also your helmet and clothes.
Overall, it’s a good-quality ski boot bag at an affordable price.
See High Sierra Trapezoid Boot Bag on Amazon
Most comfortable bag: Thule RoundTrip Boot Backpack 60L
- Made of 600D polyester
- Features a robust storage design
- Anti-theft zippers
- Two spacious side pockets
- Crush-proof compartment for fragile accessories
With its sleek, hybrid design and outstanding carry volume, the Thule Roundtrip Boot Backpack is a bag for the true die-hard, the trail junkie that comes prepared for any eventuality.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing is how comfortable the Roundtrip is to carry long distances, even when full. The Roundtrip even lets you strap your skis to the bag.
See Thule RoundTrip Boot Backpack 60L on Amazon
Most compact backpack-style: Dakine Boot Pack 50L
- 600D recycled polyester ripstop, water-repellent finish
- Padded shoulder straps, plus chest strap and grab handles
- Large storage compartment
- Zippered front cargo pocket, ID patch
- Features a tarp exterior lining
With the Dakine Boot Pack, you get up to 50L of storage space for all your ski equipment and accessories. While not a high-capacity bag, this is enough storage space to hold a pair of ski or snowboard boots, a helmet, goggles, ski gloves, and skiing pants. The bag features a main top zipper for easy access to the main storage compartment, which can be used to hold your boots, helmet, and ski pants. There is also a back zip. There is a front storage area for fragile items.
Well-cushioned shoulder straps made of highly durable materials with a tarp exterior lining make carrying the bag comfortable. There’s an adjustable chest strap, plus two grab handles. Although it doesn’t have a waterproof bottom, everything else makes this a great boot bag.
See Dakine Boot Pack 50L on Amazon
See Dakine Boot Pack 50L on EVO
Great budget bag: OutdoorMaster Boot Bag
- Made from quality nylon
- Two-compartment areas for boots
- Stow-away padded straps, ergonomic carry handle
- Three quick-access zippered pockets
- Waterproof coating
This ski boot or snowboard boot bag is made of quality nylon that promises to last a very long time. The exterior and the bottom are covered in a waterproof coating and made of a non-slip material.
It features two different compartments, each with drainage holes and grommets. There is an extensive storage area for holding your helmet, additional boots, goggles, gloves, skiing kits, and other gear. The bag has two handles for easy and comfortable carrying. Alternatively, you can carry it on your back with its adjustable shoulder straps which are well-cushioned. This may not be the most stylish ski bag, but it’s spacious, quite durable, and affordable, making it a solid option.
See OutdoorMaster Boot Bag on Amazon
Most spacious bag: Dakine Boot Locker 69L Boot Bag
- Made of 600D ripstrop polyester, water-repellent finish
- Split-level organization keeps boots separate from clothes
- Two carry handles and a side carry or shoulder strap
- Fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, two inside mesh pockets
- Insulated cooler pocket
The Dakine Boot Locker Bag has a capacity of 69L. This is a minimalist’s dream bag, simple but well-organized. It has a tarp-lined bottom compartment for boots and a top one for jackets, extra layers, a helmet, and gloves. However, it only has carry handles and one shoulder strap, so if you’re looking for a backpack-style bag; you’ll want to look elsewhere.
The Dakine snow boot locker is beautifully balanced, and, even when fully loaded, feels lighter than it is. The exterior shell is fashioned from rugged 600 Denier water-repellent polyester. It also cleans up with minimal effort both inside and out. There is a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, two mesh inside pockets for accessories, and an insulated cooler pocket.
If we have an issue with this bag, it’s the shoulder strap which feels like an afterthought and can be somewhat uncomfortable if the bag is full and you’re transporting it long distances.
See Dakine Boot Locker 69L Boot Bag on Amazon
See Dakine Boot Locker 69L Boot Bag on EVO
Best organization: KULKEA Boot Trekker Ski Boot Bag
- Water-resistant backed nylon and polyester ski boot bag
- Lots of compartments and pockets
- Retractable helmet sling
- Adaptable strap-and-belt system
- Accommodates men’s boots up to size 13
- Reflective edging
With the Kulkea Boot Trekker, you’re getting into serious pro-level boot bag territory. This bag is brimming with great features that make it an excellent gift for skiers, but it’s not just a show pony.
The bag features a tripartite design with your boots in separate opposing pockets. This setup serves a couple of purposes. First, it balances the load, making the bag easier to carry, especially when it’s laden with gear. And second, it opens up the center of the bag for storage. That central storage well is several times larger than the standard exterior pocket you’ll find on more compact bags. The interior space is broken up into several smaller compartments that allow you to isolate more fragile items. Each of these pockets has its dedicated zippered opening.
The Boot Trekker also provides clips to securely attach your helmet to the exterior. On top of that, all the zippers here are high-quality, jam-proof affairs, the exterior is fashioned from highly water-resistant, rugged 840, 420, and 210D polyester, and there’s plenty of venting to allow moisture to escape.
See KULKEA Boot Trekker Ski Boot Bag on Amazon
See KULKEA Boot Trekker Ski Boot Bag on Moosejaw
Best for teens: Transpack Edge Isosceles Ski Boot Bag
- 600D PVC-coated water-resistant polyester shell
- Large central compartment
- Adjustable neoprene padded shoulder straps
- Double-locking nylon coil zippers
The Transpack Isosceles Ski Boot Bag features an innovative design that points the toes of your boots toward each other at the outer edge of the pack. This makes for a more stable load and a bag that’s less likely to get snagged on tree branches, bushes, or other obstacles than a blockier bag. The triangular design still leaves plenty of room for gear between the boots. However, it’s unlikely you’ll get your helmet in there if you’re already carrying a sweater, ski pants, gloves, goggles, and other accessories.
The exterior shell is water-resistant and comes in several colors.
See Transpack Edge Isosceles Ski Boot Bag on Amazon
Most durable bag: Athalon Everything Boot Bag
- Made of high-density polyester, waterproof PVC bottom
- Ventilated side pockets for ski boots
- Main compartment section for helmet/clothing
- Lots of smaller interior and exterior pockets
- Hideaway straps, convertible from carry bag to backpack
The Athalon Everything Boot Bag is made from high-density polyester and has a waterproof backing so it’s extremely durable. It’s packed with interior and exterior storage pockets and compartments, plus it’s quite reasonably priced.
While budget-friendly, this bag is as durable as most of the more expensive models. This is thanks to its weather-resistant polyester construction, sturdy zippers, and ventilated side pockets. The hidden back straps let you transform the carry bag into a backpack, and the back of the bag boasts four padded lumbar pads for comfortable carrying. The organizational side of things is also top-notch, a center compartment for a ski jacket or helmet, zippered and ventilated side pockets for ski boots, plus lots of small zippered pockets for accessories like gloves, keys, phone, etc.
The bottom of the bag is waterproof and has drainage grommets to allow snowmelt to drain away properly.
See Athalon Everything Boot Bag on Amazon
Most versatile bag: Athletico Ski Boot Bag
- A high-density polyester with waterproof backing
- Two boot compartments, a large main compartment
- Lots of extra small pockets for accessories
- Hidden shoulder straps, plus a carry handle
- Padded back support and sternum strap
A good boot bag doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Case in point, the Athletico Ski Boot Bag. For about $50 (at the time of writing), you get a bag with lots of space, a great organizational structure, and a rugged design. It won’t win any design awards but it’s spacious, practical, and affordable.
The bag has two large boot compartments (one for each boot size up to 15), a spacious main compartment, a side-entry zippered pocket, and a few extra pockets for accessories. It also comes with a padded lumbar back support and a sternum strap to help evenly distribute weight. You can use the adjustable shoulder straps or a carry handle, whichever feels more comfortable.
Overall, a solid budget-friendly ski boot bag can fit all your ski equipment and extra gear with room to spare.
See Athletico Ski Boot Bag on Amazon
See Athletico Ski Boot Bag on Walmart
Why trust us
We take ski gear very seriously and believe that the best way to keep it safe and well-organized is by using a ski boot bag. After extensively researching the market and latest boot bag models, reading customer reviews, and talking shop with some of our testers, we rounded up some of the absolute best ski boot bags.
Who this is for
This guide is for anyone looking for top ski boot bags, whether for themselves or as a gift. The best way to protect your precious ski equipment when traveling, including your boots, helmet, goggles, and extra layers, is to keep it all in a ski boot bag.
How we picked
To give you the very best ski boot bags, we relied on extensive internet research and our knowledge and experience. We checked out the latest models (and revisited old classics), read hundreds of customer reviews, and talked shop with some of our testers.
Things to consider before buying a ski boot bag
Size and capacity
The bigger the bag, the bigger its carrying capacity, right? Wrong. Because of their poor organizational structure, there are lots of big, bulky ski boot bags with surprisingly little carrying capacity. Fortunately, there are also plenty of compact ski boot bags with high carrying capacity, many of which are reviewed in this guide.
Pay attention to the volume of the bag and the number of storage compartments and pockets. Ideally, you want a compact, easy-to-carry bag with at least 50L volume (the more equipment you have, the higher the volume should be), two separate main compartments, plus a few pockets for accessories.
Ventilation and drainage
A good ski boot bag should have enough vents and drainage holes. You’ll often put your boots into the bag right after skiing, so they’ll be at least slightly damp in the bag. To allow the snowmelt to drain and evaporate, your ski boot bag should have drainage grommets in the bottom of the boot compartment.
We recommend bags with at least two drainage and ventilation holes, preferably three or four, so your boots can dry faster. This will allow snow to drain out instead of inside the boot bag and potentially onto your luggage. You also won’t have to wait to get home to dry your boots, they’ll start drying while you’re in transit.
Waterproofing
A waterproof ski bag is always nice to have but it’s not a must. You’ll likely keep your bag in the trunk of your car or ski locker most of the time, so there’s no reason to worry about it getting ruined.
But while waterproof materials are not a must-have, non-absorbing materials are. You want your boot compartments to be made of polyester or nylon as these materials won’t absorb moisture.
Organization
While ski boot bags are designed to store and organize your gear, the organization is a personal choice. Some folks like just one big compartment because it’s easier to throw everything in in a hurry, while others prefer having two separate compartments and a couple of pockets for accessories.
Our experience is that boot bags with multiple compartments and pockets are better for keeping gear safe and organized. Whether you like keeping everything neatly divided or chucking most things together in one large bag, we recommend bags with at least a separate boot compartment (made from water-resistant nylon or polyester and with multiple drainage grommets). Another compartment for extra gear, a goggle pocket, and an interior security pocket are also nice additions.
Carrying options
Ski boot bags come in several carrying styles and which one will be best for you depends on your preference. Carry bags are roomy and can look classy, but backpack-style boot bags tend to be the most comfortable to carry (although a lot depends on the bag’s shoulder straps).
If you’re unsure whether you’d prefer a carry bag or backpack-style bag, we highly recommend going for a versatile model that can be carried as both a backpack and a carry bag. Luckily, that’s most boot bags in this guide.
Ski boot bag FAQ
Q: Can other skiing equipment fit into a ski boot bag?
Absolutely! A high-capacity ski boot bag will store your ski boots and your extra equipment and accessories, such as your ski goggles, helmet, gloves, and extra layers. A smaller capacity boot bag (less than 50L) probably won’t fit so much gear but should still be able to store your essentials.
Q: Are ski boot bags considered oversized for air travel?
In most cases, a pair of skis with a ski boot bag is considered one regular checked bag, so there are no oversized baggage fees. However, it’s always best to check with your airline about the baggage policy for your specific flight.
Q: Are ski boot bags necessary?
No, ski boot bags are not strictly necessary, at least not for everyone. For example, if you only need to transport your ski boots and equipment to the car and drive to the resort, you don’t need a bag, you can throw everything in the trunk and go. Nonetheless, a proper boot bag will help keep your gear organized and safe and the rest of your luggage (and trunk) dry.
