First time flying with own skis/boots...what do you all use as a boot bag? (Have a hardsided rolling case for skis already to check)

[Olesya C]

Once in a while I would have a TSA card that the tube was opened and inspected inside the sportube, but it's once every 2-3 trips maybe. It doesn't look like they take them or take skis apart though, probably just opened and closed, at least when I open skis at destination, they look put together the same way I put them in which tip to tail like @Jilly described and yes that is how the sportube recommends using it.

In Anchorage (AK) airport you have to wait until TSA agents inspect it via x-ray and/or manually so you are present while they inspect it.

 

[liquidfeet]

I use a sportube, and yes tsa loves to open those things. Last year I used some cling film stuff from uHaul to keep my skis together when sliding them in and out of the tube. This thread has inspired me to try something different this year. I just ordered some stretchy velcro straps, which should hold them firmly in their tip to tail position, but be easier to put on and reuse than the plastic wrap. I'll probably cushion under the strap with some fleece scraps since the straps will be in contact with the ski edges.

Where did you find those stretchy Velcro straps? I've looked for them online and couldn't find any.

 

[Après Skier]

Where did you find those stretchy Velcro straps? I've looked for them online and couldn't find any.

Is this what you’re looking for? I use something similar and it works well for me.

 

[liquidfeet]

Is this what you’re looking for? I use something similar and it works well for me.

Thanks for the link.

Actually as I look more closely at those straps, they appear to be similar to the straps that ski shops give you when you have your skis tuned. Have I got that right? If so, I have a ton of them.

I used to have two long red stretchy straps with velcro on each end. I used them for everything. The stretchy elastic wasn't any good for holding skis together, but I don't need that because of the free ones from the ski shops.

But they were very good for connecting pieces of clothing or bedding to each other to make packing easier. Can't find replacements.

 

[nopoleskier]

I have Sporttube and it is ALWAYS opened up- not sure why. It's out of Albany NY is the culprit. Although over the years of flying I've had other mishaps- Coming back from Revy- Delta left the locking pin out- when I picked my tube up the whole thing came apart- delta could care less- I do tie a string from pin to case and last year South West CUT THE STRING!! Did put the pin back in but WTH??

Last year going to Taos TSA must have dumped my skis out and put a BIG Gouge in the tip of one my Liberties. then they jammed 2 pair back in - incorrectly. My poles got lots of scratches on them..

I had a soft sided years ago- used my clothes as wraps- one trip everything somehow was soaked! Bought the sport tube.

This Year I will bubble wrap the tips and tails of my skis. It's really A shame TSA does not care!

I asked if I could open the tube for them to show them it's 2 pair skis and 1 set poles. Nope.

 

[Après Skier]

Actually as I look more closely at those straps, they appear to be similar to the straps that ski shops give you when you have your skis tuned. Have I got that right? If so, I have a ton of them.

I’m not sure… I’ve never received free velcro straps from a tuner. It’s hard to see in photos but the straps have a rubber section on the end that sits between the skis to separate the bases and prevents the edges from scratching in transit. The thick velcro holds tight. Here’s a set for a better price from Evo.com. I always use them for flights in combination with rubber bands to keep my brakes out of the way.

For walking around with my skis I use a Voile strap because after years of failing to link bakes, dropping skis, and bruising my collarbone, I can now carry my skis like a local without any need to pay attention to which way the skis are positioned. The voile strap takes no time to attach and takes almost no room in my pocket while I ski. I could use the Voile strap for flights but I like the rubber separator on the velcro straps protecting my edges.

 

[skinnyfootskis]

:(I

have Sporttube and it is ALWAYS opened up- not sure why. It's out of Albany NY is the culprit. Although over the years of flying I've had other mishaps- Coming back from Revy- Delta left the locking pin out- when I picked my tube up the whole thing came apart- delta could care less- I do tie a string from pin to case and last year South West CUT THE STRING!! Did put the pin back in but WTH??

Last year going to Taos TSA must have dumped my skis out and put a BIG Gouge in the tip of one my Liberties. then they jammed 2 pair back in - incorrectly. My poles got lots of scratches on them..

I had a soft sided years ago- used my clothes as wraps- one trip everything somehow was soaked! Bought the sport tube.

This Year I will bubble wrap the tips and tails of my skis. It's really A shame TSA does not care!

I asked if I could open the tube for them to show them it's 2 pair skis and 1 set poles. Nope.

 

[AJM]

I’m not sure… I’ve never received free velcro straps from a tuner. It’s hard to see in photos but the straps have a rubber section on the end that sits between the skis to separate the bases and prevents the edges from scratching in transit. The thick velcro holds tight. Here’s a set for a better price from Evo.com. I always use them for flights in combination with rubber bands to keep my brakes out of the way.

Thats exactly we do when we fly then we wrap the bindings in old towels or such like to protect them x

 

[diymom]

Where did you find those stretchy Velcro straps? I've looked for them online and couldn't find any.

It was on Amazon. I think they should arrive today, so I’ll try them out first before posting a link.

 

[diymom]

The straps arrived and work as I had hoped. Now for better bands to hold my brakes back.

 

[diymom]

Here's the link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S76C3V2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I bought the jumbo (24" ) and it comes in a 4 pack. I also bought another brand that is still out for delivery so I can compare the two. But I'm guessing they'll be about the same. Here's a link to the other. I think they had been marked down at the time for prime day.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079581KJJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I also considered a long roll of velcro that sticks to itself, but ultimately decided on the stretchy bands. I might still get some of the velcro for attaching bubble wrap booties on the ends, as well as a myriad of other uses around the house.

VELCRO 1806-OW-PB/B Black Nylon Onewrap Velcro Strap, Hook and Loop, 2" Wide, 10' Length: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

VELCRO 1806-OW-PB/B Black Nylon Onewrap Velcro Strap, Hook and Loop, 2" Wide, 10' Length: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[skinnyfootskis]

Oh good to hear! Sadly the Black Hole duffle is sold out everywhere at the moment and we only have one right now :( Will figure out a stop gap for the upcoming trip and probably buy a second one once they are back in stock! I was told they changed the sizing a bit for the new ones coming out FYI; we have a 60L with the removable back pack straps and the new ones come in 55 or 70 I believe. I haven't been able to find a used one yet either but that's probably because they are so durable and useful!

Check Patagonia...they were back in stock.

 

[santacruz skier]

Search - Patagonia.com

Patagonia is a designer of outdoor clothing and gear for the silent sports: climbing, surfing, skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, and trail running

www.patagonia.com

 

[skinnyfootskis]

This is me. Dakine boot pack is my carry-on bag and I have a specific set of clothes I wear on the plane! In the bag are my ski boots + socks stuffed in, packable down vest, goggles + airhole inside helmet, merino leggings, spare underwear, and mittens + liners. Ski jacket and non-insulated pants are worn on the plane with my CW-X tights, merino sports bra, long-sleeve compression baselayer and midlayer merino full length zip hoodie underneath (means I can ventilate easily if it's warm in the airport/on the plane). I wear my snow shoes with ski socks. That way even if my checked luggage doesn't make it with me, I can hire skis and probably manage for at least 2-3 days. My bag is always borderline for weight but I can always wear my helmet, the down vest, and put mittens etc in pockets if I must.

Which Dakine bag, pictures?

 

[skinnyfootskis]

Any opinion on this set-up. Of course I will pad the boots. I probably will need to purchase a new ski carrier with more padding and wheels, or a sportube as well.

 

[marzNC]

Packing tip for boots: can put socks into boots. I can fit three socks in each boot. If you have small boot dryers, they can be inside the boots for travel.

 

[santacruz skier]

Packing tip for boots: can put socks into boots. I can fit three socks in each boot. If you have small boot dryers, they can be inside the boots for travel.

Exactly what I do!

 

[Olesya C]

Packing tip for boots: can put socks into boots. I can fit three socks in each boot. If you have small boot dryers, they can be inside the boots for travel.

Oh yeah that is a good packing tip, I use it after you taught me several years ago.

 

[skinnyfootskis]

Here is a question for you veteran travelers... @MissySki, @marzNC , @santacruz skier .....what is the best way to travel with a size 29.5 boot???? All the bags appear to only fit up to 28. I hear that is a very tight fit too!

 

[santacruz skier]

I have the Sportube Cabin Cruiser but see it holds up to a size 28 boot.

Sportube Cabin Cruiser Padded Carry On Boot Bag

The Cabin Cruiser™ is a wheeled carry-on boot bag. At 35 liters, the Cabin Cruiser™ meets airline carry-on requirements, while still being large enough to hold your pants, jacket, helmet, boots, goggles and other gear.

www.sportube.com

Also have the Kulkea Powder Trekker - too huge, too bulky - now only use for car trips or storage-
My ski boot size is 22.5 so I am no help .