How do you carry your skis?

[Monkeygirl]

My son is getting into skiing lines that you have to hike into. I'm too old to just hoist my skis up on my shoulders like I used to. I don't really want to ski with a full sized backpack all day if I don't have to. Is there a better way or product. I've visualized a lightweight strapping system that lets you carry your skis on your back but can't find anything like that.

 

[Snowflower]

I have heard of some people (on another forum) rigging up a strapping system with webbing. They basically have taken a length of webbing and either sewn or tied loops in both ends. You slide the tails of the skis into one loop where it slides up and holds the skis just below the bindings. Then webbing goes across your body diagonally and you attach the other loop to the tips of the skis just above the bindings. I've never seen it in action, but I would think you'd need to use some sort of buckle to attach the top loop as you'd have too much slack to just slide it over the tips. Not to mention you'd need abnormally long arms! It also doesn't sound very comfortable to me since the bindings would be right up against your back.

On days I know I'm going to be hiking, I wear a small ski pack. It's a Dakine Heli pack and is quite small and comfortable (not the Heli Pro which is larger). I really don't notice it at all when I'm skiing. It's designed for inbounds and slack country hiking so it really doesnt have room for much more than a snack and maybe a spare layer, but it works really well. It's set up for diagonal ski carry, which I find is fine for inbounds hiking.

 

[altagirl]

I also have a Dakine Heli Pro pack that's pretty small and light. Though I've never actually used it for inbounds hiking, just for backcountry use. Inbounds I just do the shoulder thing, though it would make sense for longer hikes.

 

[HotChocolate]

https://www.faststrap.com/skicarriersets.htm

 

[HotChocolate]

Looks like this on, dunno but the bindings look like they might dig into your back.

I use a backpack....pretty lightweight. CamelBack Muse

 

[shnu]

just googled a bit and found this system. but this seems more a system for carrying the skis from garage/house/cellar/car/hotel/whatever to the car.


( but even hre there is a more comfortable way to transport --> klick. sorry for the offtopic )

 

[Monkeygirl]

LOL I hadn't seen that rolly thingy- looks like that'd work for a really big hotel. Not so good over boot deep snow. It looks like the DaKine pack will be my best option. Better get that on my Christmas list fast. If I were more handy with a sewing machine I'd rig myself something with straps, but putting a hem in taxes my sewing skills.

 

[skigrl27]

Osprey Switch 26 pack. Having hydration is KEY!

 

[SkiGAP]

https://www.faststrap.com/skicarriersets.htm

I WANT!!!!!

 

[SkiGAP]

But I have a self-imposed ban on buying more gear...

 

[indyjones]

My boyfriends carries mine. Kidding. I drag them behind me...