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How to Pack Like A Pro
Last Updated: 03/04/2025
Packing for a ski or snowboard trip is more than just throwing your gear in a bag—you need a plan to make sure everything fits, is protected and meets airline or road trip requirements. Whether you’re wondering how to fly with skis, what gear can you carry on or how to pack for a ski road trip having a good ski bag or hard case makes all the difference. We've compiled a list of the must-bring gear for your next trip and how we pack it all so let's get into it.

If you'd like a printable version of this checklist, check it out here.

Ski Essentials
Skis/Snowboard
Ski poles
Ski boots
Helmet
Goggles
Ski jacket
Ski pants
Base-layers top and bottoms (we prefer merino wool)
Additional layers (synthetic or down jacket)
Neck gaiter
Ski socks
Gloves

Optional but recommended
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Hand warmers

Off Mountain
Long sleeve tops
Jeans/pants
Undergarments
Sleepwear
Swimsuit
Socks
Boots/shoes
Beanie

Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash
Hairbrush
Makeup
Contacts/Glasses
Deodorant
Shaving products
Medications/Vitamins

Extras
Phone
Lift Passes/Confirmations
Wallet
ID
Camera
Headphones
Chargers for electronics
Water bottle

Now that you have a good idea of what to bring, it is a good time to decide how you will load up your gear. For airline travel or if you are shipping your gear, a hard case is the way to go. You won’t be packing your clothing inside a the case, but a hard cases’ added durability is more than worth it. If we are traveling by plane, we'd pair the hard case with a boot bag such as the Cabin Cruiser or the Overheader. If you will be traveling with more than 1 pair of skis check out the Series 2 and for snowboarders, the Series 3 is the case for you.

For road trips, we love using a soft bag, for shorter trips, we opt for a bag like the Traveler Ski and Boot bag. If it is a longer trip, we use the Prospector or the Ski Shield depending on how many skis or boards we will bring. It’s easier to store most if not all your gear inside the bag since we aren’t concerned about weight.


Here's how we would pack our gear.

Airline Trip Packing featuring the Series 1 Hard Case and the Overheader Boot Bag

Watch the video here!



Inside the Overheader Boot Bag -

🔹 Boot Compartment – Place your ski boots inside the designated compartment. Maximize space by tucking small essentials like boot heaters, socks, gloves, face masks, and an extra mid-layer inside your boots.

🔹 Secondary Compartment – Use this space to pack your Nik Nak Pack (packing cube) filled with clothing, ski pants, jacket, and toiletry bag to keep everything organized.

🔹 Easy-Access Pockets

  • Top Lined Pocket – Perfect for sunglasses to prevent scratches.
  • Front Pocket – Store headphones and other in-flight essentials you want within reach.
  • Side Pockets – Keep your wallet and other valuables secure yet accessible.

🔹 Stowable Helmet Pod – Unzip the hidden helmet pod and tuck your helmet in for safe transport. Note: To stay within airline size regulations, you may need to remove the helmet and stow it under your seat during the flight.


Inside the Series 1 Hard Case -

🔹 Ski & Pole Storage – Place your skis and poles inside the crushproof, impact-resistant case for ultimate protection.

🔹 Packing Tip: Pull up the ski brakes and position your skis tip-to-tail, just like shoes in a box, for the best fit.


Airline Trip Packing featuring the Series 1 Hard Case and the Overheader Boot Bag

Watch the video here!



Inside the Traveler Boot Bag -

🔹 Start with the Essentials – Pack your Nik Nak Pack (packing cube) with all your clothing items for easy organization.

🔹 Boots on the Outside – Place your ski boots in the designated outer compartments. Pro tip: Utilize the inside of your boots for smaller essentials like boot heaters, socks, and hand warmers.

🔹 Layer in Your Outerwear – Fit your ski pants and jacket into the main compartment so they’re easily accessible.

🔹 Secure Your Accessories – Use the accessory pocket for your wallet, sunglasses, and any small must-haves.

🔹 Protect Your Gear – Carefully place your goggles and helmet inside to keep them safe during travel.

🔹 Final Touches Add in your toiletry bag, camera, and headphones, ensuring everything is snug and ready to go.


Inside the Traveler Ski Bag -


🔹 First InAdd in your skis and poles inside the bag.

🔹 Fill in Gaps – Carefully place your goggles and helmet inside to keep them safe during travel.

🔹 Zip and Go Zip up your bag, cinch down the compression straps so your gear stays in place and you're ready to go!


Follow the right packing tips and use the best ski travel bags and you’ll avoid common travel headaches like damaged gear, overweight luggage or struggling to carry bulky equipment. Now that you know how to pack like a pro grab your ski essentials checklist, load up your ski or snowboard case or bag and hit the slopes with confidence! Safe travels and enjoy the ride.





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