The Best Ski Boot Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Other Ski Boot Bags We Tested

There was some stiff competition between the ski boot bags we tested, and while there were plenty that earned high scores, the several highlighted below were well-liked but barely missed the benchmark for our top list. 

Unigear 50L Ski Boot Bag: The bag is compact and fits everything you need for a day on the hill, but we wish there were vents or drainage to help gear dry after skiing. However, the price is exceptionally good for a quality bag with plenty of storage and pockets.

OutdoorMaster Boot Bag: We think this feels well-made and has a variety of useful pockets for skiers, however, the design of the bag is a bit bulky because of the two side pockets for boots. Ultimately, the boot bag is a fair price, but the other budget bags impressed us a little more. 

Dakine Boot Locker 69L: The simple boot bag feels heavy-duty and is made with quality materials, but it lacks space and ventilation for ski boots. 

Dakine Boot Pack 50L: We love how comfortable this boot bag is to wear, and the cost is fair for the durable and functional design of the bag. However, it doesn’t have ventilation or drainage, and other bags in the same price and style category did.

Our Testing Process

We got our hands on 17 ski boot bags from notable outdoor gear brands and rated each on capacity, portability, durability, and design. Our downhill rippers used the ski boot bags to protect and store their gear on trips to the mountains via car and airplane. 

The ski boot bags with the most positive feedback had a generous capacity that wasn’t too big or too small, making them easy to carry for short and far distances. We were most impressed by the bags with a variety of storage solutions and special features like spacious pockets, drainage, adjustable straps, separators, and multiple openings to pack gear intuitively and efficiently. Our top performers also had ample padding and additional weight-distributing straps for extra comfort while carrying the packed bags to and from ski resorts. 

After packing, unpacking, and using the ski boots bags for multiple ski trips, we checked the prices to determine the fairness of the cost in light of performance during testing. The best ski boot bags had an excellent value for their prices, with most of us noting that we’d pay even more for the most high-quality and functional ski boot bags.

Tips for Buying a Ski Boot Bag

Keep in mind organizational needs

Ski boot bags are designed to organize your ski gear, but you’ll want to pay attention to the specific construction of the bag. Some bags will have designated pockets for items like helmets, gloves, and goggles, whereas others may have fewer storage solutions. If organization or special features on the bag are important to you, be sure to read product listings carefully to ensure your needs are met. 

Consider the volume

The volume or capacity of the bag will determine what size ski boots will fit in the interior compartment. In our tests, we found that some bags didn’t fit larger boots, so to ensure you get the right size, check the capacity in liters and dimensions before purchasing. If you fly with your ski gear often, you might want to invest in a bigger boot bag that can fit most of your clothing and gear so you can travel with less luggage. 

Drainage is key

More often than not, your ski boots will likely go into the boot bag slightly wet after a day of skiing. Investing in a boot bag with ventilation and drainage is ideal for allowing your boots to dry on the way home from the mountain.

Frequently Asked QuestionsHow big should a ski boot bag be?

When it comes to picking out a ski boot bag, be sure to coordinate the bag size with the size of your ski boots and other gear you’d like to pack in it. For skiers with larger boots or lots of gear, opt for a bag with larger dimensions and a higher capacity. We found 50 liters or more tends to be a generous size. For frequent fliers, be sure to cross-check an airline’s dimension limits for carry-on bags if you like to bring your ski boot bag aboard a plane.

Are ski boot bags carry-on luggage?

Ski boot bags can be an excellent piece of carry-on luggage, but only if they fit the airline’s dimension requirements. Depending on the size of the bag, it might be easier to check it in rather than schlep it through an airport, but if it fits the size limits, it could be worth it to bring it on the airplane. Some airlines will even allow you to check in your ski bag and add on your boot bag for no extra charge, so make sure you’ve looked up the specifics for your journey.

What is the best way to clean a ski boot bag?

If the cleaning instructions aren’t included on the tag of the ski boot bag, you should be able to find them on the website. In general, you should always take your gear out to dry after a day of skiing. Even if it wasn’t a wet day, your boots, gear, and bag are likely still damp, and you’ll want to dry everything out to prolong the life of each item.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp grew up ski racing in Bend, Oregon, spending every winter skiing with her dad as her coach. Anna has lived in Grenoble, France, where she got to ski in the heart of the French Alps. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to name the best ski boot bags in the market based on a series of tests completed by her and other testers.

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Updated byTravel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.” tabindex=”0″ data-inline-tooltip=”true”>Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.learn more