Deciding on the best snowboard bag for travel can take up lots of time – after all, you want to look cool in the lodge and also have a bag that’s packed with useful features to make your life a lot easier. Bringing along a dependable, sturdy, and well-designed snowboard bag can make traveling with your board much easier, whether you’re driving to the mountain, taking a bus or train, or hopping on a flight.
A good board bag will have room to pack along your pants and bibs, shells, jackets, beanies, helmet, goggles, and snowboard boots – but you want a snowboard bag for travel that’s designed for exactly that: ease of travel.
Whether you prefer a snowboard bag with wheels, a padded snowboard bag for extra cushion to protect your boards and bindings, a lightweight bag to get you from your car to the lodge with no extra weight, or any other combination of features, there are dozens of options on the market. Take a look at our round-up and you may find your preferences aren’t what you would expect!
I’m primarily a skier, which means I spend a whole lot of time waiting for boarders – in lift lines, on flats, or at the top of the run. But the last place you want your friends to be waiting for you is in the airport while you juggle your board bag and luggage.
Luckily, there are tons of snowboard roller bags on the market today, specifically designed to keep you rolling while making those inevitable mad dashes to near-missed check-ins for flights to snow heaven. If you’ve already got your spinner luggage and prefer to carry your board on your shoulders, look for a bag with a removable shoulder strap. There are a wealth of options for you to find your perfect snowboard bag match.
For this list, we took a careful look at the top names in snowsports equipment, then ranked them according to criteria including user reviews, personal experience, and general usability. So make your life a little easier, and ensure your next snowboard adventure goes off without a hitch by picking one of our recommended best snowboard bags for all of your adventures.
Best Snowboard Bags for Travel
1. Burton Wheelie Gig Snowboard Bag
It’s no surprise that Burton tops our list. The Burton Gig Bag has been a slopeside staple for years, and their wheelie rendition is as good as you’d expect.
From lockable zippers to an optional padded shoulder strap, the Burton Wheelie Gig Bag has a lot to offer. Year in and year out, this bag is a constant, which shows that shredders are enthusiastic about what this snowboard bag with wheels brings to the table — or should we say the slopes.
The roomy Burton Wheelie Gig Bag offers plenty of room for your layers, and the skate wheels smoothly roll behind you as you make your way through the airport, parking lot, or lodge. Burton brags about “baggage-handler-proof construction” and offers a limited lifetime warranty, meaning they stand by their claim that the Gig Bag is durable enough to handle even extreme snowboarding escapes.
Are you the type that is hyper-protective of your snowboarding gear? Join the club! And the great news is that the Burton Wheelie Gig is a padded snowboard bag with added protection for multiple boards. The extra padding is just one more level of protection to ensure that your snowboard gear gets to where you’re going and is ready to hit the slopes.
Pros
- Completely padded space for multiple snowboards (from sizes 146 cm to 181 cm)
- External zippered accessory pocket allows a bit of space for other items
- Lockable, contoured zipper pulls fit TSA-approved locks
- IXION skate wheel system
Cons
- The shoulder strap may drag on the ground if you’re rolling – so tie or tuck it up while you’re on the go.
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2. Athletico Conquest Padded Snowboard Bag with Wheels
If you’re the type to notice every ding and scratch, you’ll want to pick a very well-padded snowboard bag to protect your gear at all costs. The Athletico Conquest Snowboard Bag with Wheels is a great option for extra protection.
Each side of this roller snowboard bag is fully padded with 10 mm of dense foam, ensuring your board and bindings are brought to and from your snowboarding adventure safe and sound.
As for durability, this roller snowboard bag with wheels is built to last, thanks to its 600D water-resistant polyester design, complete with a thermal, waterproof inner lining and an all-weather tarpaulin bottom. We also really liked the internal straps on this model that help hold your board in place.
If peace of mind regarding warranties is important to you, the Athletico 100% Satisfaction Guarantee that comes with this roller snowboard bag provides it in spades.
Pros
- Fully padded with 10 mm dense foam all around
Cons
- Water-resistant, but not completely waterproof
- Some users may desire more rigid framing and find that this design has a bit too much flexibility
3. Burton Wheelie Flight Attendant Board Bag
Now, what if I told you that there is a snowboard travel bag for flying that allows you to have wheels and also the capacity to tote a whole slew of boards at the same time? This might be the best roller snowboard bag for air travel on the market today.
Why bring just one snowboard when you can bring multiple boards and take your pick among them? Heading out west and want a wider powder board in the quiver? Riding on the ice coast and need to have a rock board at the ready? Let’s be real: more choice is always better.
If you’re trying to travel light, you can stuff the bag with your bibs, shells, jackets, and other layers – though, understandably, that’s harder to do if you are bringing a few boards. This bag delivers extra space potential in a design that is crafted with gear protection in mind. This top-tier roller snowboard bag is complete with ample padding and even a thoughtful addition of an internal divider to ensure your boards are fully padded and don’t keep banging up on each other en route.
For those who like to keep their things tidy, multiple pockets allow you to up your organization game. As for the wheel situation, well, rolling to and from the airport check-in and baggage claim will be smooth like butter thanks to the IXION skate wheels.
Even more options abound with the wide array of straps and haul handles that come with this snowboard travel case—all of which make the perfect solution for airline travel and easy carrying, and ensure moving your snowboard stuff from point A to B is easy and hassle-free.
Pros
- Fully padded for board protection, plus an internal divider to separate boards
- Space for multiple snowboards
- Water-repellant design thanks to DWR and PU coating
- IXION skate wheel system ensures smooth transit
Cons
- Pretty big and bulky – good for a long trip or hauling lots of gear, not so much for a quick drive to your home hill
- One of the pricier options on our list
See Related: Essential Solo Travel Luggage & Accessories
4. Thule RoundTrip
Find yourself thinking, “There is no way I need that much space. Isn’t there anything a bit more simple for easy traveling?” The answer to your wonderings is YES, and it comes in the form of Thule’s RoundTrip snowboard bag.
This design is the perfect solution for those wanting something simple and compact, and who are not necessarily wanting to deal with any unnecessary extras—bells, whistles, you name it—when carrying snowboard gear from here to there. However, while this snowboard bag is sleek in a streamlined design, it still does not skimp on the protection of your board, as it still has plenty of padding—and even compression straps to keep your board and other items from jostling around and causing damage. Thule is a top-of-the-line brand that you can rely on to keep your gear safe.
Those who value well-designed simplicity will appreciate that this snowboard travel bag isn’t large or unwieldy at all, making it super easy to maneuver in transit. You can opt to carry it entirely, or if that gets tiring, change your strategy to enlisting the two wheels and handle so you can glide your way to your next destination.
For anyone who is always a bit cautious when it comes to theft of their prized possessions (boards, boots, helmet, and more!) when on a snowboarding trip, the zippers on this bag are uniquely made so that you can loop a small padlock through them, taking that little extra step to safeguard your stuff.
Pros
- Streamlined and compact design
- The unique zippers enable the use of a padlock for protection
Cons
- Some snowboarders may want more space
5. Dakine High Roller
Yet another roller bag that I rate as high as they come among the best snowboard bags is the Dakine High Roller. Full disclosure – this is the one that I use the most, and it’s been on a handful of cross-country flights in the year and a half that I’ve owned it, and it still looks brand new. Not only is it designed to be durable (fortified by a super-strong 600D polyester material), but it has plenty of room for multiple boards (or, in my case, boards and my short-person-length skis).
The bag doesn’t skimp on storage space, as its ample volume allows you to tote two boards (one fully mounted), at least. And if you are worried about these boards sliding around in transit, don’t be, as the bag’s dual compression straps are there to keep your gear in place throughout the whole journey.
The exterior zip pockets have been great for stowing gloves, gaiters, extra socks, and all of the other gear and accessories that we seem to bring along when we’re planning to hit the slopes. The Dakine High Roller is also a boot bag combo; you can store your snowboard boots in separate boot bag pockets.
Pros
- 360-degree padding for extra protection on all sides
- Pair of exterior pockets for personal items
- Ample storage space
Cons
- Oversized wheels may not be your cup of tea
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6. Burton Wheelie Locker
If more room is what you are after, the Burton Wheelie Locker has a storage capacity that astounds. There is tons of room with this design, complete with plenty of space for several boards and an ample amount of gear, including boots and helmets.
The Wheelie Locker is one of the best snowboard bags to fly with. You don’t have to worry about your stuff from the moment you set off to the second you step into the lodge. With a sturdy Burton bag, you can have complete peace of mind knowing your gear is going to get there in one piece.
The Burton-standard 600D polyester fabric is paired with a TPE backing making it perfect for snowboard trips in the car or on a flight. If you’re traveling via Snowstang or another mountain bus, you’ll appreciate the padding keeping your board safe at the bottom of a pile of other boards, skis, and luggage.
I’m all about organization, so the compartmentalized upper deck of this snowboard bag for air travel ensures I can stow away my personal items and extra gear separately from my boards. That makes it quick to find the things you need when you get to your destination, while also freeing up space in your carry-on luggage that’s usually jam-packed with small things that you can’t lose.
A few more standout features about this snowboard travel bag are the internal webbing straps that keep your board static, the impressively sturdy telescoping handle for easy wheeling, and the lockable zippers.
Pros
- Room, room, and more room
- Internal webbing straps for board stability
- Lockable zippers
Cons
- Pretty bulky bag – may be hard to roll around with other luggage in hand
7. EQ Sport Padded Snowboard Bag
When it comes to ample padding, the EQ Sport Padded Snowboard Bag just might take the cake. Like others in this list, the EQ Sport Padded Snowboard Bag is made of thick and durable 600D polyester material known to prevent any unwanted tearing, rips, or damage to your boards, gear, or bag during transit. The EQ Sport Padded Snowboard Bag makes our list of the best snowboard bags for air travel partly due the fact that it’s completely padded all the way around.
The oversized wheels attached to this snowboard roller bag make the transit to and from the airport, and beyond, smooth and easy. The fact that they are a bit bigger also allows them to more easily navigate any uneven terrain or surfaces you may encounter during your snowboard adventures.
Pros
- 360-degree padding for extra protection on all sides
- Waterproof
- 2-year warranty
- Oversized wheels for a smooth transit
Cons
- Lacks a large external compartment for more gear storage capacity
See Related: Best Herschel Travel Bags | Top-Rated Options
8. Athalon Fitted Snowboard Bag
Athalon is a budget-friendly brand that caters to those of us who like a splash of color on the mountain. If you’re flying with your bag, or tend to shred at busy resorts, having a snowboard bag for travel that comes in a unique shade or a splatter pattern may help you find your roller snowboard bag quicker in the crowds.
There is also a simplicity with this bag that we appreciate: it offers just what it needs to head out on the slopes for a short trek down the mountain. Specifically, this fitted snowboard bag holds one snowboard (up to 170 cm), with bindings, though we’ve found you can fit some other gear, too.
Pros
- Water-repellent polyester material
- Fun and colorful design options
Cons
- Room only for a single board
9. Burton Space Sack Snowboard Bag
For those who like to keep things simple, the Burton Space Sack Snowboard Bag has no bells, whistles, or even wheels. In my opinion, it is the ideal snowboard bag for hitting up your local hill and making it a bit easier to carry your board from the car.
It is made up of an unpadded soft shell and can hold up to two snowboards. Though it’s not a padded bag, the Burton Space Sack Snowboard Bag still does have a handy thermoplastic elastomer lining on one of its sides that significantly ups the safety factor for your gear.
While it isn’t a roller bag, it does offer you your choice of using either its removable shoulder strap or regular handles to carry it.
Pros
- Fuss-free and perfect for local travel
- Thermoplastic elastomer lining for added protection
Cons
- No wheels
- Limited padding protection
See Related: Best Travel Toiletry Bags | Portable Options for Travel
10. Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag
The Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag is a more compact version of their iconic roller snowboard bag. The volume is a bit less, but the features and quality are there. This board and boot bag combo makes for a convenient bag to bring on any alpine adventure.
The padded bag features boot bag-sized pockets, meaning you can skip the separate boot bag and haul everything into the lodge on one set of wheels. The Dakine Low Roller Snowboard Bag is a favorite of any boarder who travels light.
It can fit two boards, or one if you’ve got your bindings attached. The boot bag pockets aren’t padded, but I’ve found stuffing some socks and gloves provides enough cushion for sturdy snowboard boots.
Pros
- Plenty of room for boards and accessories
- Waterproof and durable fabric
Cons
- Isn’t the most rigid bag and can slump in the middle when it’s not full
- No removable shoulder strap
What should you look for in a snowboard bag?
Traveling with snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, and bulky winter layers can leave your hands quite full. If you’re looking for the best snowboard bags for skipping off around the globe, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following features:
Waterproof, high-denier fabric
If you’re flying with your gear, your bags will be checked as oversized luggage and can take quite a beating with other big, bulky items. On the mountain, you’ll be carrying or rolling your snowboards over and through slush, snow, sand, asphalt, and rock salt.
High-quality waterproof fabric can help your bag last as long as possible. A padded snowboard bag will also help protect your gear from the surfaces it may encounter. At a minimum, make sure your fabric is water-resistant.
Multiple grab handles
Loading and unloading bulky snowboard travel bags can be tricky. If you’ve got bags stacked in the car, upright on a resort bus, or you’re hauling to and from the lodge, you’ll want to be able to grab a handle quickly, no matter how your bulky gear bags are positioned. Handles on the top and sides make it easy to grab your bag.
See Related: Types of Travel Bags for the Jetsetter
Wheels
Not everyone chooses a wheeled bag, but if you decide to go with a roller snowboard bag, make sure the wheels are tough skate-style wheels that can handle curbs and steps, as well as all of the sand, salt, and grit that you’ll be rolling over from the parking lot to the lodge.
Organization features
Many of the best snowboard bags for travel include extra pockets for things like goggles, gloves, balaclavas, and extra layers. Some of them even have a spot for your boots or bulky clothing. Be sure that the bag you pick is designed for the way that you like to pack for the mountain.
Overall, using a high-quality snowboard bag can help protect your board and bindings, keep your gear and accessories organized, and make it easier to carry all of your stuff to and from the car when you get to the mountain. The days of carrying your board while juggling gloves, scarves, and more in your other hand are over.
FAQs
Can you fly with a snowboard bag?
Most major, domestic (US) airlines allow a snowboard bag to count as one piece of checked luggage, despite it being over the standard dimensions. Budget carriers may impose oversize fees, though, so be sure to check your airline’s special equipment policy before booking your trip.
Can skis fit in snowboard bags?
Lots of skiers choose to travel with snowboard bags because of how wide and flat they tend to be – making for extra room to fit coats, pants, boots, and more. One caveat is that snowboard bags tend to be shorter than skis – so if you ski with anything longer than 170cm, you may have a hard time finding one to fit your quiver.
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