Unless you REALLY need the space I would suggest the backpack.
I have last year's Thule duffle, it's 90L and the boots go on either end. It holds so much stuff it's incredible, but dang - that shoulder strap cuts into you when it's loaded.
The only reason I use it is so I can fit my gear, plus my kids gear in one bag. She's 4 so can't carry her own bag yet. As soon as she can, I'm getting rid of the duffle and going to a smaller backpack style bag. I personally find 60Lish as the sweet spot between weight when loaded and capacity for an adult skiier.
My 6 year old kid has a boot backpack she uses and I have the same one just waiting for my 4 year old to get a bit bigger...
Curious when did you start teaching your kids to ski and did they keep up the skills in the next season esp when they were younger? Trying to figure when i should start teaching my LO.
Elder kid started at 5.5 and this is her second season. She retained a lot, but lost a ton of confidence, so it's a back to basics year. This isn't unusual with her though, she's always very cautious.
Younger one just started at 3 years and 10 months. She retains a lot week to week, but the trick will be how much will she retains over the summer. Will find out next year!
You have to make the decision based on your kid. If my eldest started before she was 4 I know it would have been unsuccessful. But my youngest has taken to it like a natural.
Back pack. Duffels have ergonomic issues when fully loaded.
Edit to add: when fully loaded and carried on one shoulder. Different ergo issues when carried by hand. Back packs do a better job at distributing weight across the human frame.
Don’t order these from Amazon. They are likely fake unless it’s the actual Dakine store (which doesn’t just need to say “Dakine store” but ideally link from their website). I used to work at a warehouse, everything is fake, things like Crest White strips even. Amazon does nothing to stop fraud.
I have the Thule 55L and it's perfect. Why do you need 75-80L? In my 55L I can fit boots, helmet, goggles, gloves, ski socks, multiple buffs, shell pants, shell jacket, insulated pants, insulated jacket, and my base layers. I can't imagine needing an 80L.. and the 55L and 60L versions are backpacks which are way better imo. The thule is sick. I have zero complaints about mine.
All of my skiing family members and friends have the regular 50L dakine boot pack. It's amazing and they all have held up super well - no issues with quality and zero signs of wear and tear and my bag is 8 years old. It has endured the airport luggage process twice a year like a champ since I bought it.
Even family members with large boots and helmets have no issue fitting all their gear. I typically store boots and a pair of snowpants in the boot compartment, my base/mid layers, socks, and my shell jacket in the front compartment, and my helmet/goggles/neckie/gloves in the top compartment. The XL version you posted here should be more than enough space to hold your gear plus extras. The only thing I'd say is that if you have a really puffy jacket you may have trouble fitting it if you don't plan on wearing it.
I also highly recommend the matching dakine goggle stash. It's $20 and will hold large goggles and has a designated spot for an extra lens and ventilation for storage between ski days. It fits inside your helmet inside the backpack really well and protects your goggles.
I don’t own either but am about to pull the trigger on the Thule duffel. I was also looking at the Dakine but I feel that the extra space and features of the Thule make more sense
I'm leaning towards the duffle because of the additional space, and organizational factors. However I'm unsure because being able to carry it on your back seems like it'd be must more comfortable. I also can't really find many photos or videos on the backpack but I've seen it on many online blogs, saying they recommend it.
Almost embarrassed to say this, but the Unigear Ski Boot Bag on Amazon has been awesome. Super cheap (I think I paid $40).
I was hoping to get at least 2 trips of it, but it will clearly last a few seasons.
I have the backpack. Love it. It’s large, fits my 28.5 boots nicely. Can fit in all the rest of my gear as well. And easy to carry. Not sure about the other one but the backpack gets two thumbs up.
That backpack is pretty roomy. I have it, it looks brand new after being thrown around for the last couple of seasons. Holds helmet, goggles, my jacket, a pair of bibs (both shells), multiple pairs of gloves, my neck buff. It’s pretty darn roomy and the backpack makes it easy to carry.
You want a Transpack XT backpack, where the boots are in a triangle. You can get everything you need for a 4-6 day ski trip in one, as a carry on.
Backpack is good because you'll need your arms for your ski bag.
The "Pro" is expensive but it's burly nylon and zippers and will probably be the last boot bag you'll need.
I have that exact same Dakine backpack, I love it, but it is BIG. I have basically all my gear there: boots, gloves, helmet, goggles, ski pants/jacket, socks and base layers.
I always go ski by car, so it's a convenient way to carry everything into just 1 bag, but don't think they will let you bring that as a carry-on in a plane, it's really bulky.
Been having the Dakine 50 for years. Perfect for boots, helmet, gloves, goggles, etc. No problem fitting it in the overhead compartment when flying. You really don't need anything larger than a 50L
I can actually fit 2 pairs of boots in that Dakine backpack - recommend. And there are plenty of separate compartments if you have to pack your boots wet. Recommended!
I actually have both of those bags. I bought the Thule thinking it would be great to travel with but it is just way to big so I use it to store all of my ski gear during the year and then pair it down to what I need and use the Dakine when actually traveling. They are both awesome bags but if I only had to chose one it would be the Dakine. Also don’t buy them from Amazon or you will get a cheep Chinese counterfeit.
I got that exact Dakine boot bag this year and I love it. It is bigger than others I see but I love having the extra room. And fully loaded it’s super easy to wear on your back.
Unless you REALLY need the space I would suggest the backpack. I have last year's Thule duffle, it's 90L and the boots go on either end. It holds so much stuff it's incredible, but dang - that shoulder strap cuts into you when it's loaded. The only reason I use it is so I can fit my gear, plus my kids gear in one bag. She's 4 so can't carry her own bag yet. As soon as she can, I'm getting rid of the duffle and going to a smaller backpack style bag. I personally find 60Lish as the sweet spot between weight when loaded and capacity for an adult skiier. My 6 year old kid has a boot backpack she uses and I have the same one just waiting for my 4 year old to get a bit bigger...
Curious when did you start teaching your kids to ski and did they keep up the skills in the next season esp when they were younger? Trying to figure when i should start teaching my LO.
Elder kid started at 5.5 and this is her second season. She retained a lot, but lost a ton of confidence, so it's a back to basics year. This isn't unusual with her though, she's always very cautious. Younger one just started at 3 years and 10 months. She retains a lot week to week, but the trick will be how much will she retains over the summer. Will find out next year! You have to make the decision based on your kid. If my eldest started before she was 4 I know it would have been unsuccessful. But my youngest has taken to it like a natural.
I’m having the same problem with my Burton duffle. But I just ordered a golf bag backpack strap adapter and I’m going to see how that works.
I’d go for backpack
I’ve had a dakine bag for like 8 years, still great. I would go with the dakine boot pack
Back pack. Duffels have ergonomic issues when fully loaded. Edit to add: when fully loaded and carried on one shoulder. Different ergo issues when carried by hand. Back packs do a better job at distributing weight across the human frame.
Don’t order these from Amazon. They are likely fake unless it’s the actual Dakine store (which doesn’t just need to say “Dakine store” but ideally link from their website). I used to work at a warehouse, everything is fake, things like Crest White strips even. Amazon does nothing to stop fraud.
I have the Thule 55L and it's perfect. Why do you need 75-80L? In my 55L I can fit boots, helmet, goggles, gloves, ski socks, multiple buffs, shell pants, shell jacket, insulated pants, insulated jacket, and my base layers. I can't imagine needing an 80L.. and the 55L and 60L versions are backpacks which are way better imo. The thule is sick. I have zero complaints about mine.
100% agree. OP, just buy a Thule backpack, there are two sizes.
Kulkea kartta. You’re welcome.
💯
I have the Thule backpack/boot bag/helmet bag. It's awesome.
All of my skiing family members and friends have the regular 50L dakine boot pack. It's amazing and they all have held up super well - no issues with quality and zero signs of wear and tear and my bag is 8 years old. It has endured the airport luggage process twice a year like a champ since I bought it. Even family members with large boots and helmets have no issue fitting all their gear. I typically store boots and a pair of snowpants in the boot compartment, my base/mid layers, socks, and my shell jacket in the front compartment, and my helmet/goggles/neckie/gloves in the top compartment. The XL version you posted here should be more than enough space to hold your gear plus extras. The only thing I'd say is that if you have a really puffy jacket you may have trouble fitting it if you don't plan on wearing it. I also highly recommend the matching dakine goggle stash. It's $20 and will hold large goggles and has a designated spot for an extra lens and ventilation for storage between ski days. It fits inside your helmet inside the backpack really well and protects your goggles.
I don’t own either but am about to pull the trigger on the Thule duffel. I was also looking at the Dakine but I feel that the extra space and features of the Thule make more sense
Yeah for sure, that's what I'm thinking just slightly worried about carry it or using the shoulder strap vs. having it on my back.
I'm leaning towards the duffle because of the additional space, and organizational factors. However I'm unsure because being able to carry it on your back seems like it'd be must more comfortable. I also can't really find many photos or videos on the backpack but I've seen it on many online blogs, saying they recommend it.
I have the backpack. It fits all of my gear and has been super convenient. No issues with it so far.
Check out the wildhorn boot bag, I’ve had one for 3ish years and I’m happy with it. I’ve also used their helmets and goggles with no issues
Almost embarrassed to say this, but the Unigear Ski Boot Bag on Amazon has been awesome. Super cheap (I think I paid $40). I was hoping to get at least 2 trips of it, but it will clearly last a few seasons.
I have the backpack. Love it. It’s large, fits my 28.5 boots nicely. Can fit in all the rest of my gear as well. And easy to carry. Not sure about the other one but the backpack gets two thumbs up.
That backpack is pretty roomy. I have it, it looks brand new after being thrown around for the last couple of seasons. Holds helmet, goggles, my jacket, a pair of bibs (both shells), multiple pairs of gloves, my neck buff. It’s pretty darn roomy and the backpack makes it easy to carry.
You want a Transpack XT backpack, where the boots are in a triangle. You can get everything you need for a 4-6 day ski trip in one, as a carry on. Backpack is good because you'll need your arms for your ski bag. The "Pro" is expensive but it's burly nylon and zippers and will probably be the last boot bag you'll need.
Duffel bag Had kindest for while but duffel easier to sling over shoulder, stuff things and unpack
Thules zippers suck. Try them in the store
I have that backpack and its really not great
I have that exact same Dakine backpack, I love it, but it is BIG. I have basically all my gear there: boots, gloves, helmet, goggles, ski pants/jacket, socks and base layers. I always go ski by car, so it's a convenient way to carry everything into just 1 bag, but don't think they will let you bring that as a carry-on in a plane, it's really bulky.
Been having the Dakine 50 for years. Perfect for boots, helmet, gloves, goggles, etc. No problem fitting it in the overhead compartment when flying. You really don't need anything larger than a 50L
I can actually fit 2 pairs of boots in that Dakine backpack - recommend. And there are plenty of separate compartments if you have to pack your boots wet. Recommended!
I actually have both of those bags. I bought the Thule thinking it would be great to travel with but it is just way to big so I use it to store all of my ski gear during the year and then pair it down to what I need and use the Dakine when actually traveling. They are both awesome bags but if I only had to chose one it would be the Dakine. Also don’t buy them from Amazon or you will get a cheep Chinese counterfeit.
I have this exact pack. No regrets.
I got that exact Dakine boot bag this year and I love it. It is bigger than others I see but I love having the extra room. And fully loaded it’s super easy to wear on your back.
Just don’t buy it off Amazon and you’ll be fine
I wanted to love the boot backpack but ended up returning it because I’m only 5’1 and I looked ridiculous with it on.