Travel Nirvana with Sportubes Freerider Padded Ski Boot Bag

‘Tis the ski season and time to negotiate the busy airports as we travel to hit the slopes. One major question we discuss prior to travel is, do we bring or rent ski equipment. Since the airlines still don’t give a shit about how they handle your skis or golf clubs, we often struggle with this question. Since we’ve invested in specialized skis and boots for certain terrain, we want to utilize them. But on the other hand, don’t want them damaged enroute. Fortunately, Sportube has the answer for all your snow riding equipment. This season, I’ve been using the Freerider Padded Gear and Boot Travel Bag.

With enough volume, 70 liters to be exact, the Freerider offers more than enough space to haul everything I need for a weeks worth of hard charging. Separate outside zippered boot compartments with drain holes keep snowy boots isolated from the main compartment. The large center section of the Freerider easily fits my Smith Helmet, Mammut Shell, insulating layers, thermal underwear, goggles, 2 pairs of gloves, ski socks and I still have room to spare.

And if you want to take it up a notch, check out Sportubes Toaster Elite Heated Boot Bag.

Freerider Padded Gear and Boot Bag features:

• Padded side boot compartments
• Extra large central compartment
• Can fit 1 or 2 pairs of boots and gear
• Hitchin™ technology allows the bag to quickly and easily connect to any Sportube hard case (works best with Series 2 or 3)
• Load straps and adjustable sternum straps
• Bright colored interior lining
• Strong, lightweight 840D polyester ballistic fabric
• Water resistant polyurethane coating
• MSRP $159.95

Manufactured with tough as nails 840D ballistic fabric and padded on the back, sides and bottom, the Freerider will handle the airline abuse with ease. I’m skiing a new boot this season from Nordica and the extra padding around the boot sections are much appreciated to protect the investment. Heavy Duty zippers with nylon pulls make accessing the various compartments effortless even when wearing heavy ski gloves. Additional zippered accessory pouches can be found both outside the top flap as well as inside. Perfect for small items like hand warmers, chapstick, sunscreen, etc.

Not only can the Freerider be worn like a backpack with its contoured padded shoulder straps, but it can be attached to a Sportube ski hard case (see review) using the Hitchin™ technology. With a built-in carabiner on top of the bag, one can stow the shoulder straps and clip the Freerider onto the Sportube Series 2 or 3 hard case. And stroll through the airport like a boss and freeing up my back for a carry-on travel pack. The folks at Sportube are clearly skiers and riders first. Offering a well thought out and superbly built line of travel solutions for your expensive but necessary winter gear. Check them out here for peace of mind on your next ski vacation.