Imagine arriving at the ski resort and unzipping your snowboard bag to find that your pride and joy has been damaged. Unfortunately, this happens quite often when snowboards are thrown on and off planes by clumsy baggage handlers. So it is always a good idea to pack your snowboard into a quality snowboard bag when traveling by air. There are many snowboard bags on the market, so knowing which options are good can be tricky.
To give you peace of mind, we have looked at hundreds of snowboard bags you can buy online and have come up with a shortlist of some of the best snowboard bags for air travel.
If you want the best snowboard bag for air travel without trawling through all the options, we recommend the XCMAN snowboard bag for its high level of user-friendliness and safety. We like the large wheels that roll over curbs and snow effortlessly and the fact that you can carry it like a backpack.
As experienced travelers, we know what is important when flying with snowboard gear. Therefore, we have chosen the snowboard bags on this list based on their features, how safe they keep your snowboard equipment, price, and user-friendliness.
Best Bags For Snowboards
- Marriton Padded Snowboard Bag
- Affordura Snowboard Bag
- Pengda Snowboard Bag
- EQ Sport Padded Snowboard Bag (High End)
- Element Equipment Padded Snowboard Bag (Budget Buy)
- XCMAN Snowboard Bag (Top Pick)
- Athletico Two-Piece Snowboard And Boot Bag
Compare Top Snowboard Bags
| Snowboard Bag | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Marriton Padded | 86 | Great for organizing your stuff | Check Out On Amazon |
 Affordura Snowboard Bag | 88 | Easy to transport | Check Out On Amazon |
 Pengda Snowboard Bag | 80 | High level of protection | Check Out On Amazon |
 EQ Sport Padded | 92 |  High-end all-rounder | Check Out On Amazon |
 Element Equipment | 68 |  Great budget option | Check Out On Amazon |
 XCMAN Snowboard Bag | 92 |  Best for different carrying options and durability | Check Out On Amazon |
 Athletico Snowboard Bag | 70 | Inexpensive but a great travel companion | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis Of The Best Snowboard Bags
1. Maritton Padded Snowboard Bag
Overall Score: 86
Advantages
- Well priced
- Easy to pack and organize
- Looks after your stuff well
Disadvantages
- No wheels
Features
The Maritton snowboard bag is a very feature-rich piece of luggage. There are two versions, one that will take to snowboard up to 155 cm and another that will take up to 165 cm.
It has an external accessory pocket, adjustable webbing on both sides, and internal adjustable compression straps that keep your gear secure.
Safety
This snowboard bag has a high level of padding, which protects your equipment from rough handling, so it will be in full working order when you get to the resort.
Another way this bag gives you peace of mind is with its water-resistant 600 D Oxford material.
Therefore you can stuff your snowboard pants, jacket, and other clothing items without worrying that they will be drenched when you arrive at the resort.
The internal straps firmly secure your snowboard to stop it from moving around. This is essential as unwanted movement can cause damage to your board and anything else you have parked alongside it.
Durability
The material this snowboard bag is made from is incredibly tough and combined with its construction, it should last many seasons of traveling.
User-Friendliness
The Maritton snowboard bag is very user-friendly when it comes to packing and carrying around.
For example, the external accessory pocket has a robust zip to make it easy to quickly get to the things you need. The webbing straps on the outside are wide and easy to use when walking through the airport.
The only thing that would improve this snowboard bag is if it had wheels. But as long as you don’t pack anything too heavy, the webbing shoulder straps should be sufficient.
Price
For such a great padded snowboard bag, this one is incredibly inexpensive. It is ideal for keeping your snowboard equipment safe for air travel without breaking the bank.
2. Affordura Snowboard Bag
Overall Score: 88
Advantages
- Easy to haul around
- Convenient exterior pockets
- Robust build quality
Disadvantages
- None, it’s great
Features
The Affordura Snowboard bag is one of the best snowboard bags you can buy for air travel.
Its features include a pair of robust wheels and a handle for easy transportation, and it also has excellent organization features inside and small exterior pockets for convenience.
Safety
This snowboard bag does an incredible job of looking after your snowboard or ski equipment. Its thick padding dissipates the shock from any impacts that may damage your snowboard gear.
It is also made from a heavy-duty 600 D Oxford and EPE material. This stuff is durable, wear-resistant, and waterproof. Therefore, anything you have in your snowboard bag will be protected and dry.
Durability
The material this snowboard bag is made of feels very hard-wearing. Unless you are a frequent traveler, this bag will last a long time.
User-Friendliness
The Affordura is one of the most user-friendly padded snowboard bags you can buy.
The most attractive features are the wheels and handle, which make walking around the airport and snowy ski resorts with your snowboard gear much more manageable.
When it comes to packing this snowboard bag, it has a large storage capacity, large enough for two snowboards, boots, helmets, and clothing.
It also comes with two extra waterproof bags that separate your wet boots from your clothing, keeping them clean and dry.
Price
This snowboard bag is a little bit more expensive than the others available on the market.
However, it is of high quality and will give you peace of mind that your snowboard equipment will be protected and in full working order when it’s time to shred.
3. Pengda Padded Snowboard Bag
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Compact, but fits everything you need
- Well made
- Easy to carry
Disadvantages
- Not as durable as some of the other options on this list
Features
The Pengda padded snowboard bag has many features to make traveling with your snowboard by air easy and safe. It is spacious, easy to carry, and provides good protection for your equipment and clothing.
Safety
This snowboard bag is completely padded all the way around. Therefore your equipment is protected from every angle.
It also features internal adjustable straps that secure your snowboard to protect it further.
Durability
The Pengda padded snowboard bag is made from a durable waterproof material, featuring a high-density, polyester construction complemented by an aluminum foil lining which keeps your snowboard dry, so the edges don’t rust. However, you need to be realistic about its durability.
It will last a while, but it isn’t as tough as some of the others on this list. After a few years, you will see signs of wear and tear.
User-Friendliness
The Pengda snowboard bag has a surprisingly large carrying capacity; it easily takes your snowboard, boots, clothing, and helmet inside the main compartment.
There is also an external compartment, ideal for smaller items, such as your snowboard socks, gloves, beanies, etc.
Although this snowboard bag does not have wheels, it is easy to carry even when running for your plane, as it has a comfortable padded shoulder strap that is well-balanced.
Price
Even though this padded snowboard bag is of high quality and is easy to use, it is relatively inexpensive. This is a relief, as snowboard trips can be pretty expensive.
4. EQ SPORT Padded Snowboard Bag with Wheels
Overall Score: 92
Advantages
- Lots of space
- Excellent protection
- Folds to a compact size for storage
Disadvantages
- A little pricey, but you get what you pay for
Features
The EQ Sport padded snowboard bag has everything you need for smooth air travel with your snowboard equipment.
It is highly durable, easy to move around, and has lots of storage space and organization built in.
Safety
As any well-padded snowboard bag should be, the padding is placed throughout the whole bag, giving your equipment 360° protection. It means your gear won’t suffer any damage while in transit.
Durability
The durable 600D waterproof high-density materials used in its construction mean the EQ Sport padded snowboard bag will last many seasons, even if it’s subjected to the elements.
User-Friendliness
As this snowboard bag can carry so much equipment, it is fitted with smooth rolling wheels, allowing you to drag the bag through the airport and even on the snowy ground.
It is also a bright blue color, making it easier to spot at the baggage reclaim. It has a large compartment that can take up to 2 snowboards, a pair of boots, a snowboard, clothing, a helmet, and more.
All this is secured with internal webbing straps to stop it from moving around.
In addition to this, it comes with a waterproof boot bag, ensuring that your boots are nice and dry for when you slip your feet in on your first morning of riding.
Sometimes snowboard bags take up a lot of space when not in use.
This is why EQ Sport has made this snowboard bag easy to store with a design that allows you to roll it up so you can stash it away conveniently.
You can choose this snowboard bag in two sizes. The smaller version accepts snowboards up to 158 cm, and the larger takes boards up to 168 cm.
Price
The EQ sport padded snowboard bag is quite pricey compared to others on this list. The EQ sport padded snowboard bag is quite pricey compared to others on this list.
However, you do get what you pay for. It is a high-quality snowboard bag with many features that make it easy to live with while giving you the confidence that your equipment is protected.
5. Element Equipment Padded Snowboard Bag
Overall Score: 68
Advantages
- Inexpensive
- Easy to carry and pack
- Well padded
Disadvantages
- Not many features
Features
The Elements Equipment padded snowboard bag is a budget option; therefore, don’t expect too many bells and whistles.
However, as a simple snowboard bag, it is effective and does a good job of looking after your snowboard equipment.
Safety
Even though this is a very inexpensive snowboard bag, it is fully padded, protecting your gear from impacts from any direction, so your snowboard will come out of your bag in the same condition it was when you packed it.
Durability
This snowboard bag is also made from 600 D PVC-coated polyester, which means it is incredibly water-resistant and tough.
However, you need to remember that it is quite cheap, so don’t expect it to last forever.
User-Friendliness
As this is a super simple snowboard bag, it is uncomplicated and easy to pack. The no-frills design keeps your gear organized and safe.
It can take snowboards up to 165 cm long, and the wide carry handles are comfortable on your shoulder.
It is available in six different designs, which may not seem important right now, but some have eye-catching patterns that will make your snowboard bag easier to find when it comes off the plane.
Price
The Element Equipment snowboard bag is super cheap to buy. If you’re just looking for a simple way of keeping your gear safe, this is an excellent option if you don’t want to spend too much money.
6. XCMAN Roller Snowboard Bag with Wheels
Overall Score: 92
Advantages
- Provides many ways of carrying your equipment
- Easy to pack and organize
- It is robust and keeps your stuff safe
Disadvantages
- At the higher end of the price range
Features
The XCMAN snowboard bag has many features to make traveling with your snowboard gear as easy and stress-free as possible.
It has a large load-carrying capacity, different options for carrying it, and durable construction.
With its many features, the snowboard bag is a high-end item designed for frequent travelers and those who want the best protection for their gear.
Safety
This snowboard bag is made from highly waterproof fabric and features 5 mm of foam padding that lines the interior for ultimate protection.
XCMAN has also included a robust zip and double stitching to prevent the bag from splitting unexpectedly.
On top of this, it has exterior compression straps and internal webbing to ensure your stuff stays secure.
Durability
On close inspection, you’ll notice that every part of this snowboard bag is well-made, and its construction makes this snowboard bag resistant to impacts, harsh weather, and abrasions.
You will surely be traveling with the XCMAN snowboard bag for many years to come.
User-Friendliness
The large load capacity of the XCMAN snowboard bag makes it incredibly convenient to carry everything you need for your snowboard trip.
It is wide and deep, allowing you to fit two snowboards complete with bindings, two pairs of snowboard boots, helmets, clothing, goggles, servicing kits, etc.
You can move this snowboard in various ways thanks to the various straps and handles.
In fact, there are five ways to move this snowboard around, including carrying it on your shoulders like a backpack for hands-free traveling.
You can also pull it along using the large wheels, which make towing this snowboard bag very easy, even up high curbs and across snowy parking lots.
It is also possible to roll this snowboard bag up to a compact size, making it easy to store at your accommodation.
Price,
A snowboard bag of this quality comes at a price. However, it is worth the extra money for its high level of convenience and protection.
7. Athletico Two-Piece Snowboard and Boot Bag Combo
Overall Score: 70
Advantages
- Inexpensive
- Very user-friendly
- Lots of good features
Disadvantages
- There are snowboard bags that offer more protection on this list
Features
This snowboard bag from Athletico is another simple and inexpensive option. It has plenty of room for your snowboard and other things while being easy to lug around, durable, and easy to use.
Depending on your perspective, the downside of this snowboard bag is that it doesn’t have any padding.
But this does mean it is lightweight and has more room for your clothing which can act as padding when you pack it accordingly.
A bonus feature of this snowboard bag is that it comes with a snowboard boot bag, which may suit your needs better.
Safety
This snowboard bag is not padded, so it may not be the best choice for long-haul flights and is probably more suited to short flights into small-town airports rather than big, international ones.
Durability
Athletico made this snowboard bag from durable materials resistant to rips and water. So if your snowboard bag gets left outside at the airport for an extended period, your stuff should still be safe.
User-Friendliness
The lightweight nature and padded handles make this snowboard bag easy to move around. Packing and unpacking are also very easy, as the large compartment features a full-length zipper.
In addition to this, the boot bag has a mesh side pocket where you can stash extra gear.
Price
This is a very inexpensive snowboard bag, especially as it comes with an additional boot bag.
It may not be as flashy as some of the more expensive snowboard bags on this list, but if you are looking for a cheap and simple solution to carrying your snowboard equipment, this could be your best option.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to keep your snowboard gear as safe as possible when traveling by air, and the best way to do this is with a quality snowboard bag.
But traveling can be pretty awkward and stressful, so choosing one that is easy to move around is often the best thing to do.