Specialty bags for ski or snowboard boots make good carry-on luggage for the plane. The best boot bags have special features to keep you organized on the way to the resort and dry on the way back. What makes one better than another? Look for tough nylon in the construction with a high denier (that’s the density of fibers and a sign of ruggedness.) Anything over 600 denier will do. And make sure the bag fits carry-on requirements if that’s important to you. The major airlines limit carry-ons to 45 linear inches (the three dimensions of the bag added together). In addition, these bags usually have a lot of pockets for extra stuff. So women should think of it as a giant purse, with better drainage.
Dakine Women’s Boot Bag 30L
High Sierra Bucket Boot Bag
Atomic Women Boot Pack Ski Boot Bag 2013
Transpack TRV Pro Boot Bag
Athalon Heated Boot Bag
Dakine Women’s Boot Bag 30L
ٲ쾱Ա’s has all the essentials—shoulder strap, zippered front pocket, and a size that easily makes the airline’s carry-on limit. Four color options. ($40)
VOLUME: 30 liters
WEIGHT: 1.5 pounds
CONSTRUCTION: 600-denier polyester
AIRLINE DIMENSION: 38 linear inches
High Sierra Bucket Boot Bag
A lot of pockets and carrying options makes the a cinch for long hauls from the parking lot or light hikes to the cabin. There’s a zippered front pocket as well as one on top for goggles, and a side mesh pocket for things that need a quick dry. Eleven color options. ($50)
VOLUME: 37 liters
WEIGHT: 1.7 pounds
CONSTRUCTION: 600-denier Duralite
AIRLINE DIMENSION: 37 linear inches
Atomic Women Boot Pack Ski Boot Bag 2013
A rugged, durable exterior covers the women’s . Otherwise, it’s a straightforward play with one pocket and a single color option. ($70)
VOLUME: 30 liters
WEIGHT: 1.5 pounds
CONSTRUCTION: 900-denier polyester with PVC backing
AIRLINE DIMENSION: 40 linear inches
Transpack TRV Pro Boot Bag
The most sophisticated bag on the market for hauling your boots along with a majority of the rest of your gear, the is sadly too big as a carry-on. But the capacity is made possible by a triangular design with well-drained compartments to the left and right for boots and a water-resistant sealed center compartment in the middle for helmet and accessories. So the dry stays dry as the wet airs out. You haul it thanks to backpack straps, along with a chest and waist straps. Six color options. ($119)
VOLUME: 54 liters
WEIGHT: 3.7 pounds
CONSTRUCTION: Water resistant 1,680-denier nylon
DIMENSION: 53 linear inches
Athalon Heated Boot Bag
Nothing beats warm boots after an early morning arrival to the mountain. The draws power from the wall or a 12-volt car socket to keep those dogs warm until first run. The wrap-around heating unit envelopes the central compartment, offering three temperature settings, while the two side compartments stay cool for the rest of your gear. Backpack straps carry it all, and even better—the foam padded back prevents boots from slamming into you as you walk. Only in black. ($170)
VOLUME: 39 liters
WEIGHT: 6 pounds
CONSTRUCTION: 1,200-denier nylon blend
AIRLINE DIMENSION: 40 linear inches