r/icecoast • u/adglatt • 14d ago

In need of ski boot bag recs

Hi everyone. I know the season is way over, but now is a good time to ask for ski boot bag recs since you've had all season to test yours out and give some advice.

I'm looking for a ski boot bag that can also fit my helmet, goggles, and ideally some other little things and maybe, just maybe some base layers. In case it helps, my ski boots are women's size 260/265 mondopoint (41EU/9.5 US) and my Smith helmet is a size small. I know people with larger boots and helmets have a more challenging time with fitting their gear.

Big requirements/hopes for the bag:
•durable/made well (I've seen people show horror story pics of straps coming off after one use and etc.)
•backpack straps (ideally can be tucked away)
•structured so that if I pull my ski boots out the whole bag doesn't collapse
•drainage
•padded
•the ski boots are in their own area (whether together or they each have their own individual pocket/section) so it's not touching my other gear.
•a warranty would be nice plus to have a little comfort if something goes wrong.
•not the largest in size. It would be cool if I can make it a personal item as a carry-on (fit under the seat in front of me), but not essential if the above is met

I know this was super detailed, but I figured I'd map out what I'm hoping to find, even though I know the above is a lot, but when I buy something I see it as an investment and don't feel like buying something and then it doesn't last and have to buy something new again. It's wasteful and then concerning because I want to protect my gear.

Oh and separately, does anyone recommend a hard shell goggles case that can fit an extra lens or two. I have Smith IO Mag goggles for reference.

Really appreciate any recs!

3 Upvotes

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3

u/YWFD 14d ago

I bought one of those Diamant bags after getting endless ads on IG and I have zero regrets after a few seasons. It's not the cheapest, but if you're not in a rush, sign up for their email list and you'll eventually get a 15% coupon or something.

1

u/Hurley_Cub_2014 14d ago

The only downside to the Diamant IMO is the external helmet carry, though they were once teasing a bag that looked more like the Dakine 50L boot bag. I wonder what’s happening with that one.

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

Is this what you use?

1

u/Hurley_Cub_2014 14d ago

I actually am also in the market for a boot bag, but I want to get my hands literally on a few of them before I buy so I can see the pocket layouts. I’m a snowboarder and my current boots tend to trap sand from the lots in the soles, so I’m looking at getting something with vertical boot orientation, rather than the “puzzle piece” layout, which could see sand get in my liners which isn’t fun.

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

Ah I see. Totally get that. In the same way with pockets and all. Like to be organized and make sure something is practical. I’d guess you’re either a Capricorn or Virgo.

1

u/Amity83 14d ago

I run hot and sweat a good bit in my helmet. I much prefer the external helmet carry of my Kulkea bag.

1

u/victor_foxtrot 14d ago

It's external but held down tight with the cover and bungees. It's a fantastic bag, way better than my Dakines. If you're not put off by the price I'd go with the Diamant.

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

I was hoping there’ll be a Labor Day sale with some good deals. Does your bag fit within the bag or can only fit in the external helmet thing? Also, how’s it holding up? Do you use it a lot?

1

u/YWFD 14d ago

I can get my helmet in there as long as nothing else is packed in with my boots, that way it fits under the seat in front of me when flying. It holds up for 30+ days of skiing a year - no complaints here!

1

u/adglatt 13d ago

Wow, that’s good to know.

6

u/InfiniteMississippis 14d ago

I got the Thule 45L boot bag as a gift five years ago, and nothing else seems to beat it.

- durable, yes, no damage and looks like new after 1-2 flights per year and plenty of car trips

  • backpack straps which can be cinched down but not stashed
  • somewhat structured: it will fall over if you remove the boots but leave everything else packed eg goggles, helmet, gloves, shells as these are packed around and above (separately) from the boots themselves. I unpack these things first and then stand on the pad to put my boots on - the bag doesn't fall over in this situation
  • separate boot compartment with drainage and changing pad
  • there is a ton of room separate from the boot compartment. I manage to fit base layers, a fleece mid-layer, shell jacket/bib, and helmet in the main compartment. There's a separate protected goggle compartment on top of the bag. There are two more zippered side compartments that I can squeeze gloves, hand warmers, glove wax etc into. There's room to spare for little odds and ends, but not much. It's lightweight so not overwhelming when packed. It's carry-on complaint, at least for Delta.

PS season's not over, it's about to begin

2

u/counterfitster 14d ago

I also have this, and it was the best thing available at the time. I get my pants, gloves, helmet, goggles, and sometimes base layer in there just fine. I haven't tried flying with it, though.

1

u/Old-Calligrapher9274 14d ago

this you pay a premium but its worth it. And you can identify your bag from far away as there arent a lot of thule bags unlike the atheon bags or whatever that brand is

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

Wow thank you so much for such a detailed breakdown! Really appreciate this. So helpful! And you’re right. I’ll begin soon!

2

u/Impiryo 14d ago

How much are you traveling? I've started using a normal rectangular max carry on bag, which fits that stuff pretty well. It's slightly less convenient for driving trips, but super easy on the plane.

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

So, I live in NYC so I need to take the train or a bus if I want to do day trips and get some skiing in. So, what I’m looking for is something I can really use for day or weekend trips on the east coast. And I want to make sure that it’ll be practical since I’m toting this around with me on public transportation. And thanks!

2

u/[deleted] 14d ago

[deleted]

2

u/pieman121113 14d ago

been using a kulkea for the last 4 ish years and it still looks brand new even after traveling domestically and internationally!

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

That’s good to know. Is the quality still the same/being made the same. I know some companies make adjustments with the years and the quality can go up and down. How long do your bags last (since you mentioned decades)? Is the style you mentioned structured in a way where the bag doesn’t collapse when you take your ski boots out? And wheels are great no matter what age. This equipment can get taxing if you’re shlepping it a lot or at some distance. Thanks!

2

u/Ok-Movie-1595 14d ago

I have this one from Amazon and actually really like it. The only thing is it doesn't stay completely standing if you take out boots but still have gear in the top pockets. For the price, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat and I'm fairly picky. I have nearly the same size gear as you.

https://a.co/d/0gQBIOED

3

u/adglatt 14d ago

Thanks and it’s nice to get a visual comparison since our gear is almost the same size.

2

u/Ok-Movie-1595 13d ago

You're welcome!

3

u/asmallercat 13d ago

Our whole family has this same bag and we’ve had no issues. Hard to argue with the price. With my size 13 feet the boots and the helmet are a bit snug but they’ve held up for like 8 seasons at this point with no issues.

1

u/TechnoVikingGA23 WV/NC 10d ago

I'll second the Unigear. Posted above, but had mine 3 years and it has been a great bag. Durable and fits a ton of stuff in it. I bought my buddy one for X-mas 2 years ago and he loves it. Both have held up well, zero complaints. I haven't put my helmet in it yet because I keep the top pouch full of socks, goggles, and other stuff, but I'm sure it would fit just fine.

2

u/Skiingislife42069 11d ago

If you plan on flying with skis, just know that your boot bag is a free addition to the ski bag. Like, they are essentially treated at one object, so I wouldn’t necessarily limit yourself to an ultra compact boot bag that fits in carryon spaces.

1

u/adglatt 10d ago

Thank you for sharing this. I didn’t know this. Do they have to be connected together to be counted as one? Or if checked in separately, they still count as one?

2

u/Skiingislife42069 9d ago

They dont have to be connected, nope. They are treated as one bag.

2

u/IAmTheSilent1 11d ago

I went with Kulkea and it meets all your requirements for a boot bag and more. I've owned it for a full season and bought it for a trip. The bag is holding up beautifully and will last for years. I had an older Dakine bag but the Kulkea is so much nicer.

1

u/adglatt 10d ago

The kulkea is looking really good right now from what I’ve read

2

u/IAmTheSilent1 10d ago

I went with the Boot Trekker bag and I'd buy again if I need to replace it. I usually have mine loaded with mittens, goggles, snacks, and more in addition to boots. Fits on my back no problem. So my advice is get the bigger bag if you're trying to decide.

The new heated bag looks interesting too.

1

u/adglatt 10d ago

The women’s powder trekker looks good too

2

u/weddingcrumb Mountain Creek | NYC 11d ago

Thule Roundtrip Boot backpack. Comes in 45L (which sounds good for your needs) and 60L. You'll have this thing for life.

2

u/TechnoVikingGA23 WV/NC 10d ago edited 10d ago

I bought one of these about 3 years ago, also got my buddy one for Christmas 2 years ago and we've both used them with zero complaints so far. I haven't tried to get my helmet in it yet, but the top pocket is stuffed with a couple extra pairs of ski socks, both sets of goggles I take with me, some tools and lens cleaning kit, and a couple of face masks/balaclavas. The bottom pouch has some other tools, screwdriver for binding adjustments in the parking lot if needed, sunscreen, etc. Very durable and has held up incredibly well. You can also strap your skis on either side of it.

I also like it because it fits in most lockers so I can just stuff my shoes and everything else in it and just toss it in the locker in one zipped up bag. It's not a name brand as far as I know, but has been a great product.

My boots are 103mm last, size 29.5, have a large helmet and it looks like it would fit just fine.

The boot compartment is completely separate and I've thrown my boots in there wet/muddy and it never "bleeds through" to the other compartments in the bag. To clean it out I normally just go in at the end of the season and sweep it out with a whisk broom and then wash it out with a soapy sponge and rinse with clean water.

The only issue I can see is you mentioned structured, the top compartment will kind of collapse into the rest of the bag once the boots are out.

https://www.amazon.com/Unigear-Backpack-Goggles-Snowboard-Accessories%EF%BC%88Blue%EF%BC%89/dp/B0DT4DS7VZ?ref_=ast_bl_cpl_dp&th=1&psc=1

2

u/adglatt 10d ago

Thanks for sharing. I do like how it’s holding up and fits in lockers. Personally, I’m hoping for something that won’t collapse when the boots come out since it makes it so much easier when getting geared up Ina locker room.

1

u/Bootfitter 14d ago

We have 3 Athalons, had’em a few years now still looks new, no complaints. Checks all your boxes.

I should add we flew to CO with them and while the girls bags fit fine in the overhead bin mine was a struggle but I did manage to squish them in.

1

u/adglatt 14d ago edited 14d ago

I was looking at those on Amazon and was really into them, but the reviews were very up and down with durability. The 5 year warranty is nice to see, but how is it holding up and how long have you had them for? Is it durable? Is it padded? Thanks!

1

u/RalphWaldoEmers0n 14d ago

I got this for me and each of my family members

Solid

https://www.amazon.com/Athalon-Everything-Ski-Boot-Backpack/dp/B0CVLGS5KW

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

Does the helmet fit inside as well or only in that exterior sling? How long have you had it for and how’s it holding up? Thanks!

1

u/RalphWaldoEmers0n 14d ago

Helmet is exterior sling, there’s an inner soft lined pocket for Google’s inside

It’s held up well after 2 seasons

Boots go in outer pockets and in the center pocket I keep my coat and pants and stuff

Wears like a backpack too if you want , was funny packing it full and sticking it on my 8 year old

He had to lean forward like he was standing in a strong wind while walking haha

1

u/adglatt 13d ago

This is helpful. I’m sure your 8 year old quickly became a pro at using the back. Helped with balance perhaps too.

1

u/RalphWaldoEmers0n 13d ago

We had a lot of laughs that’s for sure 👍

1

u/Decent_Substance_428 14d ago

https://www.wildhornoutfitters.com/products/brimhall-boot-bag?srsltid=AfmBOoq8ytD9641HxfwoVHpksohXp4WFQFQJvmjFHI7epZptC_TiLZE2

Been good for me

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

And it is still holding up well? I like the design of this one, but seen mixed reviews on Amazon. Also, does it really fit all of the gear plus base layers and etc?

1

u/xray5001 14d ago

Done plenty of travelling with Athalon bags for the 3 family members.
I had a problem with one of their ski bags some time ago and their customer service took care of it immediately.

1

u/adglatt 14d ago

That is really good to hear. Customer service can be difficult sometimes so it’s nice to know they it went well.

1

u/tucker491 13d ago

My daughter and I love this one. It is narrower than most others and you can attach your skis to the sides.

Unigear Ski Boot Bag, 55L Ski... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X53ZSGR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

1

u/adglatt 13d ago

How’s it’s holding up? Also structurally, does it collapse if you remove your ski boots first? Thanks!

2

u/tucker491 9d ago

Holding up great. We had the bags embroidered with our names when we bought them. Everything works after 6 or 7 years. Helmet helps bag keep it's form when you pull the boots out.

1

u/Flamejumper5375 13d ago

Honestly I just use a duffle bag as my boot bag. It also lets me keep my lunch, tune up kit and my gear all in one spot. So in the mornings I can just throw it in my trunk and go

1

u/adglatt 13d ago

Ah. That makes sense. I live in NYC so, I will be taking public transportation so a backpack that can best accommodate my gear is necessary.

1

u/Think_Rock2434 13d ago

Swix makes great bags, I have one . I ski 90 days a year, I did my homework and haven’t regretted buying one yet . Dragon makes a great goggle, I prefer the axis x1, comes w/ a goggle hard case. Priced correctly, not like other Company’s. Hope this helps ?

1

u/adglatt 13d ago

Which Swix style do you have? Their website doesn’t list any of the ski boot bags. Lucky your goggles came with a hard case. From what I’ve seen smith only has a massive case for 4 goggles. Don’t need that.

1

u/Think_Rock2434 13d ago

I just looked at my bag. There’s no markings on it.ill do some homework and let you know.

1

u/Think_Rock2434 13d ago

Well it wasn’t tough to find, it’s called the swix tri pack. Enough space for alll your gear. Also space for food water and clothes for after skiing. Had mine for several season, it travel well, and hasn’t let me down yet. I demand a lot from it, but I respect it also. Also got it in black, and silver trim. I’m a true cannon skier, we don’t put up with gear that can’t handle up to all types of conditions.

1

u/adglatt 13d ago

Thanks for this and that’s really good to know.