A good ski bag should be small and light, not big and heavy. With over 20 years of experience, we know exactly what type of gear makes for the best travel companion. Whether you’re hitting the mountains for a couple of days or a week, knowing how to pack a dakine ski bag is vital. Consider this your ultimate guide to transforming your humble ski gear into a stylish and functional travel companion.
Table of Contents
The Essentials
No matter where you plan on going, the essentials for a good ski trip are:
- A good pair of ski boots
- A mountain bike
- A sleeping mat
- A small pillow
- A torch
- A whistle
- A flare
- A waterproof backpack
- A waterproof jacket
- Snacks
- A water bottle
- A first aid kit
- A day pack
- Bits and pieces
- A camera
- A radio
On the subject of cameras, it is a good idea to bring a separate one for skying than the usual one you would take on holiday. For starters, the former will allow you to capture all the epic mountain views in all their glory. Further, having a separate camera allows you to experiment with different lenses, focusing on different parts of the scenery as you progress. Lastly, being able to upload your photos to a computer means you can easily store and retrieve them whenever you want. On the other hand, your usual camera will assist you in documenting your trip and allowing you to take a peek into the lives of the locals.
Optional Extras
Once you have stocked your essentials, you will be in a position to add a number of useful items to your collection. Typically, people will want to include a raincoat and gloves in their ski bag to protect them from the cold and wet snow. Depending on where you are going, you might also want to bring a sleeping mat, a pillow, a torch and spare batteries, a whistle, a flare, a waterproof jacket, a waterproof backpack, and a day pack. Other than that, the list is endless. Your choice depends on your budget, the length of the trip, and whether or not you plan on using the items you have equipped.
Stylish
To keep your gear light, you should opt for models that are sleek, aerodynamic, and designed for fast walking or running. When selecting a ski bag, style is often the main consideration. Depending on your taste, you can either go for the retro look or opt for a more modern approach. In either case, keep in mind that the style of your bag will affect the way it looks on your back. If you want to achieve a vintage ski experience, go for the retro look and you will have an old-school look that will bring smiles to the faces of the people you meet on the slopes. If you are more of a practical person and like to have your gear handy, opt for the sleek, modern designs and you will have just the right balance of style and functionality.
Comfort
When on holiday, the last thing you want to do is feel restricted by the gear you are carrying. After all, you will be on holiday for a couple of days, not for the whole winter. In pursuit of comfort, you should opt for a backpack style that is wide and provides good balance. In addition, the materials used to make your bag should be soft and fluffy, designed to massage your back as you walk. With a little bit of style and comfort, you will be able to keep your cool no matter where you are or what happens. On the other hand, if you are looking for a retro feel, leather or fabric are ideal materials for the job, keeping you warm and comfortable when skiing in the snow.
Durability
When you are abroad, the last thing you want to do is bring a piece of equipment that will fail you in the field. With this in mind, you should go for a model that is designed to last a lifetime of active use. Further, the material used to make your bag should be rugged and thick, allowing you to safely store and transport your belongings without any concerns of the gear breaking down. It is also a good idea to purchase a quality bag that will not require constant maintenance and repair. Finally, the design should be simple but functional, allowing you to recognize it in the dark. Durability will be a key factor in keeping you safe and warm on your travels abroad, so be sure to pack all the necessary gear to ensure your vacation goes as smoothly as possible.
Light
To keep your bag light, you should opt for the lighter the better. Depending on your choice of material, you can either go for a model that is made of steel or titanium or an alloy of these three substances. In addition, people who are into extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding often prefer to use gear that is weightless. If you belong to this category, you should opt for a bag made of carbon fiber or kevlar. If you are into biking, you might also want to look into purchasing a bike box to keep your gear organized and neat while traveling.
As you can see, there is definitely more than one way to pack a dakine ski bag. While some prefer to go for the retro look, you can achieve a more modern approach by opting for a waterproof bag with a carrying strap that is comfortable and allows for fast walking. In order to maintain a vintage ski experience on your trip, go for the retro look and you will have an old-school look that will bring smiles to the faces of the people you meet on the slopes. On the other hand, if you are into having your gear with you wherever you go, opt for the more modern style and you will have just the right balance of style and functionality.