Backcountry

All Around Ski & Snowboard Boot Bag

Good Boot Bag that's not for everyone

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I recently embarked on a multi-resort trip to Colorado, navigating with planes, trains, and buses. In anticipation of this adventure, I opted to invest in the Backcountry All Around Ski & Snowboard Boot bag, considering my positive experience with the Backcountry duffle. Unfortunately, my excitement quickly turned into disappointment upon receiving and testing out the bag. Firstly, the product's description and photos did not accurately represent its functionality. Touted as spacious, the boot compartment was positioned in the middle of the bag rather than at the back, a departure from standard designs. This placement, coupled with the lack of waterproofing, would result in my wet and smelly boots permeating other compartments, affecting the cleanliness of my gear. Moreover, the back compartment for jackets, pants, and layers lacked comfort and structure. Pressed against my back, it failed to provide adequate support, making for an uncomfortable carrying experience. The bag's fit remained unsatisfactory despite attempting to enhance organization and space with packing cubes. Despite these drawbacks, the bag did boast some commendable features. The abundance of pockets in the back compartment proved helpful in organizing smaller items, and the helmet and goggle compartment, though impacted by boot size, offered ample storage space. Additionally, a front zipper pouch for essentials like phones added convenience to the design. Nevertheless, my overall experience led me to return the bag. While it may serve adequately for day trips to the mountain, it falls short of fulfilling its intended purpose as a versatile travel companion. Despite claims of ample size, the bag proved restrictive, accommodating only a limited amount of gear. Ultimately, while the material quality was impressive, the bag's design and functionality failed to meet my expectations for a travel boot bag. In conclusion, while I had hoped to love the Backcountry All Around Ski & Snowboard Boot bag, it ultimately fell short of delivering on its promises. My feedback aims to provide valuable insights for prospective buyers seeking a reliable and spacious travel bag for their skiing or snowboarding adventures.

Fantastic

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fits literally everything I need for a day of skiing. Boots, helmet, goggles, jacket, snow pants, and I can even stuff in a puffy and some layers for unexpected conditions. The way it opens allows you to reach anywhere in the bag without having to take things out. There is a separate compartment for keeping things you want dry from your wet boots and outer layers at the end of the day. Highly recommend.

Bag is great for storage / Quality Not

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

one size

Height:

5' 9"

Weight:

215

The first time using the bag, I noticed that the snap on the backpack strap was broken, of course, it's past the 30-day window, but there was no snow to ski in October when it was purchased, so it is a 30-day warranty useful. The bag is basically useless without the strap, plus it was a limited color that they don't even carry anymore.

Wanted to love it but too many minuses..

Great design and definitely durable looking, wanted to pair up with backcountry ski bag. However, the bag was too big for carry-on, and the bag couldn't stand on it's own. Hated to return but it didn't fit the purpose I intended and that is to keep your boots/helmet smaller personal items with you.

Amazing bag, needs a more inclusive fit

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Height:

5' 1"

The bag itself is absolutely incredible. It's intentionally designed with every detail well thought out. There is a place for all of your ski/snowboard needs and it fits comfortably in the overhead storage. My only complaint is that the shoulder straps need to be able to adjust to a shorter length for a more inclusive design. I wonder if this was fit on an average height woman? I am a 5'1 woman with a short torso, and completely understand that I am not the average wearer, but carrying it on longer walks through the airports puts a little unnecessary stress on my back because I can't get it to sit high enough.

Too Big, Not Durable

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Bought this intended as an overhead bin bag, and quickly found it was way too big. We travel with a fully loaded double ski bag, so checking skis + boot bag as one bag doesn't work for us. Hard to pack given the lack of structure, and not durable. Took it on one trip, and the backpack strap already started to rip. Won't be using again, which is unfortunate given the price.

Unique, But Way Too Large

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I must say this bag is absolutely stunning. However, it turns out to be waaaaaaay too larger than I thought. I was looking for a bag to carry a pair of boots, a work laptop, some clothing as padding, and other accessories. My intention was to use it as a carry-on, or more ideally as a personal item, on a flight. But my rough measure on this bag is 25 x 17 x 11, which exceeds the carry-on limits of most airlines. This means that if it is checked at the gate, it will undoubtedly get soiled, which is not ideal for a backpack. In my opinion, this bag seems to be designed to fit everything in it, including helmets that may be carried by hand. Carrying boots in a backpack on a flight is not a common practice, because there are numerous options of boot bags that can be checked together with ski bags on the market. The only reason for doing this is the weight limit on the combined ski and boot bag. In my case, I have two pairs of skis and one pair of boots in the ski bag, which is close to the 50lb weight limit. This is why I need a backpack-like boot bag to complement my checked ski bag and carry-on suitcase. But this bag overkills, too much. Better paddings are also needed for protecting laptop. If a smaller version of the bag is available in the future, I would definitely look into it. But for now, DB Strom 25L or 30L may be a better option for my needs.

Good Bag, Not Great

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

If you haven't watched the YouTube review by Backcountry you'll want to watch it before reading this review. This bag is a great idea but the overall execution is just good. Which is not what I'm wanting at the $200 price point. The outer bag material is durable, the buckles for the shoulder straps could use some more heff, and the interior mesh could have been more stout. First thing to understand is that the bag is big, slightly bigger than the size of a carry-on, so if you were thinking about gate to gate airport travel with this on your back I would explore other options. All the separate compartments are nice and the initial reason for my purchase but the goggle pouch is to small and they could save some space on the helmet compartment by allowing the goggle compartment to sit inside the helmet. If you have your boots laying in the bag nice and tidy and try to close it, the helmet is going to rearrange your boots for you. The helmet compartment portion hangs lower than where the top of your boots would be causing interference. Some straps to hold your boots in place would go a long way to help the bag. The main compartment has 2 sets of double zippers which was a surprise and something not show in their video. It gives you access to either side with out unzipping the bag the whole way around if you want it. Nice in theory but probably won't see a lot of use in practice. Also not shown on the video is that the organizing panel shown in the back compartment zips out to make a pass through to the boot compartment for an even larger main compartment. The backpack straps are not something you'd want to have to use for an extended period and the strap storage feature is not good. You have to fold the straps in half and force them into an elastic pocket which will then protrud about an inch from the bag instead of laying flat. The bottom attachment points also tuck behind the lumbar pad but again the pocket is shallow for what you're putting in it (4" depth) so the buckle and strap is bunched up instead of laying flat. Overall if you're only taking your gear a short distance from the vehicle or if the airline will let you get away it saying this is a boot bag to accompany your skis or board it could be a good option. If you're looking for a nice backpack that organizes your ski gear and can free up space in your carry on this is not the solution. I like Backcountry gear and really wanted to like this bag but it didn't fit the use I needed it for.

LOOK NO FURTHER

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Stop looking for something better because you won’t!!!! This is the BEST and ONLY bag you’ll ever need for all your mountain activities. I love all the pockets that it has, everything has a place, such as helmet, goggles, extra layers, socks, and smaller items. I saw this bag on Backcountry’s tiktok and I IMMEDIATELY purchased and haven’t regretted it. My whole family wants one but they need more colors so we’re not all matching! It’s durable, easy to carry, looks so clean, lays nicely and has vents for your boots. I never thought about it before but they have this zipper system that you can open the main compartment from any side which is cool. Overall, this thing is amazing and you really don’t need to know anything more.

BUY THIS BAG

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I was hesitant to get a boot bag- but let me tell you, this is one of the best purchases I have made this season. Easily one of the most thoughtfully designed products I own. The main compartment is big enough for my boots, bib, fleece and shell with plenty of space, and then helmet & goggles fit easily in upper compartment. This leaves other stuff pockets for warm socks, snacks etc. The water bottle pockets are also suprisingly helpful. Love that I can unzip it in the parking lot as a changing mat. I flew with this through Europe with boots, laptop in the back pocket, all my travel things in the helmet pocket and had no issue fitting in to overhead bins. Was comfortable to carry around airport, and honestly just chose to use this as a duffel on another 4 day trip instead of my usual duffel. Also love that it integrates in with the ski bag, although did not use this function much, because very comfortable as a backpack with the front strap clipped. Without a question- buy this bag.