
How we pick our products
Welcome to our big ski boot bag test 2023. Here we present all the ski boot bags that we have tested in detail. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the web. We want to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best ski boot bag for you. You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should definitely pay attention to if you want to buy a ski boot bag.
Summary
- Ski boot bags not only facilitate the transport of ski boots, but also offer protection for the car and the ski boot itself.
- Basically, a distinction can be made between classic and heated ski boot bags. Heatable ski boot bags are particularly suitable for foamed custom-made ski boots, as these are usually sensitive to heat and heating rods can have too high temperatures.
- Proper ventilation or a heating system is the most important criterion when choosing ski boot bags. This can prevent unpleasant odours and mould.
The Best Ski Boot Bag: Our Selection
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a ski boot bag
Do I want to transport more than just my ski boots?
What does a ski boot bag cost?
You can get a basic ski boot bag for around €8. If you want a few extras like heating, special ventilation, padding, etc., the price range can go up to €264, depending on the model.
What alternatives are there to a ski boot bag?
Decision: What types of ski boot bags are there and which is the right one for you?
Ski boot bags come in various designs. Generally, we distinguish between these two types of ski boot bags:
- Classic ski boot bag
- Heated ski boot bag
In the following section, we will explain in detail what makes these two variants different and what advantages and disadvantages they have. In this way, we would like to make your purchase decision easier.
What distinguishes the classic ski boot bag and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Classic ski boot bags usually have simple ventilation in the form of openings and/or mesh inserts.
The classic ski boot bag is basically suitable for every application and for every ski boot. With this version you can save a little money and don’t have to rely on connections. The effect is the same: drying and storage. However, drying the ski boot in particular takes more time.
What are the features of the heated ski boot bag and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Heated ski boot bags are equipped with electric heating plates on the inside of the bag. This allows the ski boot to be heated completely – including the outer shell for optimal adaptation to the foot. Condensation can also be easily removed, so there are no annoying odours and the ski boot cannot rot. Heated ski boot bags have cables included (usually one for the car connection and one for a normal socket).
The heated ski boot bag is particularly suitable for foamed custom ski boots, which should not be stored at high temperatures (max. 40 degrees). Due to the often too high temperatures of heating rods or fan heaters, the ski boot bag is better suited for storage and drying. For additional safety, there are models with an automatic safety stop after certain hours of continuous operation.
Buying criteria: You can use these factors to compare and evaluate ski boot bags
To make it easier for you to choose and evaluate different models, we have compiled the most important buying criteria in this section of the guide. In summary, these are the following criteria:
- Size
- Material
- Ventilation/heating
- Padding and carrying handles
- Extras
Below you can read what each criterion is about and find out why it makes sense for you to buy a model based on the criteria or not.
Size
Ski boot bags are usually designed for a pair of ski boots and possibly various accessories. They can have a capacity of up to 75 litres.
You should calculate the required dimensions of the bag depending on the size of your ski boots and your wishes for additional storage compartments. If you are unsure, we recommend looking at user reviews. They usually describe how much storage space the bag offers and which equipment it is suitable for.
Material
Ski boot bags are usually made of synthetic fibres. Classic examples are polyester or PVC. These materials are particularly dimensionally stable. It is important that the inner pocket area contains a waterproof lining, as icy or still wet ski boots are usually transported. Most bags are made of polyamide. Fabric with a weight of 600 D / 300 PVC impregnated. It is water resistant and has very good resistance. The main compartment is optimally equipped with a two-way zip for easy loading and unloading. In addition, ski boot bags can include extras such as a reinforced bottom with feet, ventilation openings or foot mats. Read more about vents and their key facts in the following section.
Ventilation / Heating
In order to let the ski boots breathe, to prevent unpleasant odours and to avoid mould, your ski boot bag should definitely have sufficient ventilation or heating. A ski boot bag can consist of different ventilation systems. On the one hand, there are simple devices such as recesses or holes, or ventilation nets.
A somewhat more elaborate alternative are heated ski boot bags, which contain heating plates in the bottom and on the inside of each bag. In the previous section on the different types and designs, we showed you the most important features of the classic and heated ski boot bags. If you skipped that part, we would advise you to look at the pros and cons again to make the best decision.
Padded carrying handles
Most of them have a simple carrying handle. However, some models have an additional adjustable shoulder strap to hang the bag around your neck. The padding on the carrying handles ensures optimum comfort and prevents the bag from cutting into the shoulders or hands when carrying heavy products. In the meantime, products with ergonomic padding are also on the market. This is particularly important for ski watch backpacks to relieve the strain on the back.
Extras
Do you value that extra bit of comfort and performance? Especially with a ski bag and sets, there are various add-ons that might interest you. Feet made of sturdy plastic ensure a secure hold and sufficient protection for the equipment. Some ski bags even have wheels like a trolley for easier transport. Compression straps are another important extra. If the ski bag is not fully packed, you can easily reduce the volume and make the transport more comfortable.
Facts worth knowing about the subject of ski boot bag
What do I have to keep in mind when caring for my ski boot bag?
The better and more regularly you care for your ski boot bag and ski bag, the longer you will enjoy them. Here we have listed the best way to do this and what you should always look out for:
- Let not only your ski boots breathe, but also your bag! After use, you should leave it open for one or two days. This will prevent unpleasant odours in the bag and mould.
- Clean the ski boot bag and remove any dirt. The best way to do this is to use a cloth, warm water and a little soap. If the boots are very dirty, you can also use a soft brush.
- When storing your ski boots in the bag over the summer, make sure that they are really dry.
If the bag or ski bag is extremely wet, perhaps because the ski boots were still iced up, you can crumple up newspaper and place it in the bag. This should soak up the moisture.
Car boot dryer recommendations
If you are looking for a boot dryer, there is a relatively large selection of models. However, if the search is limited to car-friendly models, there are only a few really good products that are also suitable for ski boots. Most electric boot dryers can be flexibly taken anywhere and have an animycotic and antibacterial effect. They are suitable for practically all shoes. For everyday shoes, work shoes, sports shoes or even ski boots (depending on the product design). Many products can also be used for gloves or similar for pre-warming or drying.
Product | Suitability | Price |
---|---|---|
Infactory Shoe Warmer Electric: Electric Shoe Dryer with UV Light (Ski Shoe Warmer) | suitable for all shoes and boots | €9.90 |
OTraki Shoe Dryer Blower Intelligent Reservation Boot Dryer Electric 360 Degree Drying Telescopic Folding Antibacterial Shoe Dryer Porous Deodorant Dehumidification ABS Shoe Warmer | suitable for all shoes and boots up to max. Size 43 | €22.99 |
PEARL Shoe warmer: electric shoe dryer with 2 drying modules, 10 watts, up to 40 °C (boot dryer) | suitable for all shoes and boots | €5.90 |
Therm-ic Thermicdryer (EU) Shoe Dryer, Black, One Size | suitable for all shoes and boots | €35.83 |
Basically, these classic shoe dryers come with a Euro plug for power supply. For use in the car, we recommend buying a suitable adapter for the cigarette lighter. You can find these for a few euros at amazon.de, for example. However, the simplest solution is and remains the ski boot bag. It heats quickly, is convenient to carry and you can also heat or dry gloves, helmet etc. without much effort.
Can I take ski boots on the plane as hand luggage?
You are already looking forward to your next winter holiday and plan to travel by plane. Since you want to hit the slopes the very next day and don’t want to run the risk of your equipment not being there due to incorrect baggage allocation, you decide to take at least your ski boots as hand luggage. But is that even allowed? If so, how should the ski boots be transported? Simply over your shoulder, in your bag? That’s where it often gets problematic.
In general, it’s best to pack your ski boots in a ski boot bag or ski boot backpack that has hand luggage dimensions. Most models have additional storage space for a wallet and other small items you need to carry. However, the bag is often too big or the luggage too heavy. We therefore recommend that you check the specific airline website to see what the regulations are in this regard. That way you are on the safe side! You can read about other users’ experiences in the forum we linked to.
Image source: 123rf.com / 38742450