Athletico Ski Bag vs Snowboard Travel Bag: Which One Should You Buy?

We compare the Athletico Ski Bag head to head with a dedicated snowboard travel bag so you can pick the right one for your next trip.

Updated 5 Sep 2026 6 min read 8 sections

The biggest difference between the Athletico Ski Bag and a dedicated snowboard travel bag comes down to shape and padding. Ski bags are long and narrow, built to fit parallel skis with bindings removed or offset. A snowboard travel bag is wider and shorter, designed to hold a single board with bindings still attached (or two boards stacked). If you ride a snowboard and want to fly without removing your bindings every time, a true snowboard travel bag is the better call. But if you split your winter between skis and a board, the Athletico Ski Bag is a versatile option that works for both with a little creativity.

How the Athletico Ski Bag Works as a Snowboard Travel Bag

The bag is 170 cm long, which fits most standard snowboards (up to around 167 cm). If you ride a longer board, you will need to check the length before buying. The padding is 10 mm thick on all sides, which is enough to protect against gate checks and overhead bin bumps during flights. The bag also has lockable zippers, a padded shoulder strap, and an ID window for travel tags.

For snowboarders, the main trick is positioning the board so the bindings sit near the center of the bag and do not poke the side walls. We recommend loosening the bindings and rotating the highbacks flat to reduce the profile. You can also slide a jacket or a pair of jeans between the board and the bag wall for extra cushioning. The bag is not as wide as a purpose built snowboard travel bag, but for a single board with bindings, it works.

Snowboard Travel Bag with Wheels: When You Need More Convenience

If you are looking for a snowboard travel bag with wheels, the Athletico Ski Bag is not that bag. It does not have wheels or a roller system. It is a carry bag with a shoulder strap and handles. For airport travel, that means you carry it or sling it over your shoulder. That is fine for short walks from the car to the check in counter, but if you plan to haul your gear through a big airport or multiple train stations, a wheeled snowboard travel bag will save your shoulder.

For comparison, purpose built snowboard travel bags with wheels tend to be heavier, more expensive, and bulkier to store. The Athletico Ski Bag is lighter and packs down smaller when not in use. So it comes down to trade offs: wheeled convenience versus lighter weight and easier storage. We lean toward the Athletico bag for road trips and short flights, and toward a wheeled hard case for long international travel.

Best Snowboard Travel Bag for Flying: What to Look For

The best snowboard travel bag for flying needs to meet airline size and weight rules, protect your board from impact, and fit your bindings without forcing them.

Length. Most airlines accept bags up to 190 cm total length including handles. The Athletico Ski Bag is 170 cm, which is well within that limit.
Padding. 10 mm is the minimum for checked luggage. Thicker padding (15 to 20 mm) is better but adds weight.
Straps. Internal compression straps keep the board from sliding around inside. The Athletico bag has them.
Lockable zippers. TSA approved locks are a plus. The Athletico bag has lockable zipper pulls.
Weight. A heavy bag cuts into your luggage allowance. The Athletico bag is under 4 pounds, which leaves room for gear.

Athletico ski and boot bag for transporting boots and accessories — Ski and boot bag$49.99Image from the merchant

For a dedicated snowboard travel bag, check out the ski and boot bag if you want to carry your boots and board in one bag. That combo saves you from checking a second piece of luggage and keeps your boots from getting crushed.

Snowboard Travel Bag Hard Case vs Soft Bag

Should you get a snowboard travel bag hard case or a soft bag like the Athletico Ski Bag? Hard cases (usually plastic or ABS) offer the best impact protection. They are the go to choice if you are checking your board on a rough airline route or shipping it via freight. But they are heavy, expensive, and hard to store when not in use.

Soft bags are lighter, cheaper, and easier to stash in a closet. The Athletico Ski Bag is a soft bag with padded walls. It will not protect against a forklift driving through it, but it handles normal baggage handling just fine. We have flown with soft snowboard bags dozens of times and never had a board damaged. The key is packing smart: put your helmet on the nose of the board, wrap your boots around the tail, and fill any empty space with soft clothing.

Snowboard Travel Bag for 2 Boards: Can the Athletico Ski Bag Do It?

If you need a snowboard travel bag for 2 boards, the Athletico Ski Bag is a tight fit. It is 170 cm long and about 25 cm wide inside. Two snowboards with bindings will be very snug. You might be able to squeeze two boards without bindings or with bindings removed and packed separately. But for a dedicated two board setup, we recommend looking at wider bags designed specifically for that purpose.

Athletico golf travel bag for transporting clubs and accessories — Golf travel bag$49.99Image from the merchant

However, the Athletico Ski Bag works great for one board plus a pair of skis, or one board plus a set of poles. That hybrid use is where this bag really shines. If you are traveling with a mixed group or you split your time between skiing and snowboarding, this bag is a smart buy. You can also check the golf travel bag for a similar padded option if you need a multi sport travel bag for warmer months.

Materials and Build Quality

The Athletico Ski Bag is made from 600D polyester with a water resistant coating. The stitching is double stitched at stress points like the handle anchors and strap loops. The zippers are heavy duty YKK style zippers that glide smoothly. We have used this bag for several seasons and the only wear we see is a little scuffing on the corners from concrete floors. For the price, the build quality is excellent.

Athletico ski straps for bundling and carrying skis together — Ski straps$12.99Image from the merchant

We also use Athletico’s ski straps to keep our boards cinched tight inside the bag. The straps are 2 inches wide with a quick release buckle, and they prevent the board from sliding during transit. It is a small add on that makes a big difference.

Who Should Buy the Athletico Ski Bag as a Snowboard Travel Bag

This bag is best for:

One board travelers. You carry a single board and want a lightweight, affordable bag.
Short flights and road trips. You do not need a heavy wheeled case for a quick weekend trip.
Mixed sport families. You ski and snowboard and want one bag that does both.
Budget conscious buyers. You want solid protection without spending $200+ on a dedicated snowboard bag.

Athletico ski bag designed for transporting skis and gear — Ski bag$149.99Image from the merchant

If you fall into any of those groups, we recommend the ski bag as a practical snowboard travel bag. It is not perfect for every scenario, but it is a versatile, well built option that saves you money and closet space.

Before you buy, grab the 10% off code to save on your order.

Final Verdict

A dedicated snowboard travel bag is the best choice if you want maximum width, wheeled convenience, or room for two boards. But the Athletico Ski Bag is a strong alternative that covers most single board travel needs at a lower price point. It is lighter, easier to store, and works for both skis and snowboards. We have used it for years and trust it for flights and road trips alike. For more expert recommendations, check out The Inertia’s guide to the best snowboard bags and Travel + Leisure’s tested picks. Both reviews include top tier options if you decide to go with a dedicated snowboard bag instead.

Questions

Can I use the Athletico Ski Bag as a snowboard travel bag?

Yes, it works well for a single snowboard up to about 167 cm. You need to loosen the bindings and rotate the highbacks flat so the board fits the narrower width of the bag.

Does the Athletico Ski Bag have wheels?

No, it is a carry bag with a padded shoulder strap and handles. It does not have wheels or a roller system. For a wheeled option, you would need a dedicated snowboard travel bag with wheels.

What is the best snowboard travel bag for flying?

The best bag for flying has adequate padding (10 mm or more), lockable zippers, internal straps, and a length under 190 cm. The Athletico Ski Bag meets these criteria for single board travel.

Can the Athletico Ski Bag fit two snowboards?

It is a tight fit for two snowboards with bindings. You may be able to fit two boards without bindings, but we recommend a wider bag designed for two boards if you travel with a pair regularly.

How does the Athletico Ski Bag compare to a snowboard travel bag hard case?

Hard cases offer maximum impact protection but are heavier and more expensive. The Athletico Ski Bag is a soft bag that is lighter, cheaper, and easier to store, with enough padding for normal airline travel.

Is the Athletico Ski Bag water resistant?

Yes, it is made from 600D polyester with a water resistant coating that protects against light rain and snow during transit.