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You can’t bribe the sky; trust us, we’ve tried.

Weather patterns are indifferent both to warm-hearted prayer and cold, hard cash. Sometimes your local mountain is doomed for desert-like dry spells while neighboring states boast double-digit snowfalls.

Stow away in a cargo ship, try your thumb at hitchhiking or bridle a Black Bear (honey bribes are your best shot).  No matter how you get to the mountains, tote a gear bag that handles the trip.

Fully featured, heavy-duty bags are airborne armor, while cheaper, less beefy options fit short-haul road trips. Here are four Active Junky-approved ski and snowboard bags when you’re ready to flake out.

Basic Protection

Dakine Pipe Snowboard Bag: 

A basic board bag available in 157 cm and 165 cm sizes, the Pipe Bag protects primarily against scratches and dings. A shoulder strap simplifies slogging and there’s room for a pair of boots and helmet. Additional padding is non-existent, though the 600D polyester is surprisingly durable.

Best For: Board storage, short car trips or domestic flights.

Earn cash back on the Dakine Pipe Snowboard bag

K2 Simple Ski Bag: Tubular Transport

K2’s stripped down bag comes in two versions, 175cm and 195cm, and a shoulder strap makes for easy carrying. Totally tubular in shape, the cylindrical zippered bag is free of overwhelming straps, unnecessary features and a jaw-dropping price tag.

Best For: Minimalist travel, durable performance.

Earn cash back on the K2 Simple Ski Bag

Deluxe Defense

Rome Cache Snowboard Bag: Passage To Paradise

Wherever you roam, the padded Rome Cache Snowboard bag safeguards your quiver, no matter how turbulent the flight or pot-holed the drive. The 162 cm size can handle most powder boards while the two-layered “coffin construction” allows for protected multi-board storage; the Integrated Board Scabbard separates boards from gear.

Best For: Multi-modal travel where rolling is important (and camo is favored).

Earn cash back on the Rome Cache Snowboard Bag

Dakine Concourse Double Ski Bag: Tip To Tip Protection

Trekking to fabled Niseko, Japan powder, Chugach steeps or a nearby legendary resort warrants extra ski protection. Rolling in on two urethane wheels and fitting two pairs of powder skis, the airport-ready Concourse (185cm or 200cm) features three internal organizational pockets for boots and gear.

Best For: Full kit protection including poles. 

Earn cash back on the Dakine Concourse Double Ski Bag

Sam Collentine | OpenSnow