How to Choose a Snowboard Bag

When taking a snowboarding trip, particularly by air or public transportation, a snowboard bag helps make transporting your snowboard and other equipment much easier. A snowboard bag will also keep you organized and protect your board from possible damage. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a bag.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Size the bag out. It can be difficult to visualize how big a bag is, so bring your snowboard to the shop and try it out. Also make sure the bag will zip around your bindings. Even when folded and strapped down, bindings can still stick up and make closing the bag difficult. Larger, less-compact bindings may require a bigger bag.

Step 2

Consider what else you intend to put in the bag. Perhaps you'd like to keep all your equipment and accessories together. Make sure the bag has enough room and compartments for items such as boots, helmet, goggles, backpack, extra snowboard and anything else that you'd like to transport in it. A big enough bag can cut down your overall baggage and keep all your gear together. It can also eliminate airline extra-baggage fees that you might have to pay if you have a separate boot bag. Some bags even have specific compartments for things such as boots and goggles.

Step 3

Take measurements. Though it's best to size your bag in person, sometimes it's easier and cheaper to buy it online. You already have your board's length in centimeters, so measure the height of your bindings and the dimensions of other large equipment such as boots and helmets. Compare with the bag dimensions. If in doubt, purchase a bag that is a couple of centimeters longer than your board to ensure you'll have enough room.

Step 4

Check for proper padding. Some bags offer thick padding to protect your board, while others are more like snowboard covers with little or no padding. If you'll be flying where your board will be tossed into luggage storage, you should opt for a well-padded bag. If you plan to use the bag more for road trips, where you can carefully pack the board, the extra money for a thick bag may not be worth it.

Step 5

Get a bag with wheels. Like with any piece of luggage, wheels will be invaluable when hauling your snowboard bag through airports and train stations. This is especially true when you have several other bags to carry. If you're just going to be transporting the bag in and out of the trunk of a car, wheels may not be a necessary feature.

Step 6

Check strap padding and comfort. If you plan to carry the bag on your shoulder, try out the strap to make sure it is well-padded and comfortable. Remember, you may be hauling the bag for long periods of time.

Step 7

Consider the overall construction quality. A bag that rips on one of your first trips is money down the drain. Consider the durability and feel of the material and make sure the seams look clean and sturdy. Look for large, metal zippers that won't break open when stuffed full of gear. Give a quick tug on the straps to verify durability.

Step 8

Consider price. Snowboard bags range widely in price, based on features such as size, padding, wheels and compartments. Bags can be found for as little as $20 or as much as $200.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

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