So how do you carry your skis?
This is no trivial matter. Carry them like this:
Looks uncomfortable, doesn’t it?
And you risk being labeled a gaper — someone who doesn’t have a clue. Some people carry their skis over their shoulders. That’s what I generally do, tails forward, though I’ve heard strong arguments for tips forward, too. I guess it just comes down to a matter of preference.
But not everyone likes to carry their skis that way. The bases can slip, causing the skis to shift around uncomfortably. And some people just find it awkward.
That must be why Ski-Lash sent me their ski carrier to review. It’s a harness of sturdy, nylon straps that wrap tightly around your skis and closes with velcro. The main feature is a padded handle, which lets you carry your skis like a suitcase:
According to Ski-Lash, the carrier can handle both skis and poles, though I found that a bit difficult to manage. Maybe it’s something I could do with practice. Anyway, I found it a pretty good alternative to my usual carrying method. The carrier is very sturdy and secure, and I didn’t worry about it coming apart and ditching my skis along the way. I think it’d be especially useful for kids, too, so they can learn to carry their own gear. And yes, there’s a junior-sized carrier available.
The upside:
It’s sturdy, well made, and pretty inexpensive. So if you’re having trouble carrying your skis, it’s definitely worth a try.
The downside:
Not so easy to fit your poles in with the skis, though that’s not a deal breaker for me.
My rating: two ski poles up.
