How to Pack For a Multi-Day Snowboarding Trip

With the 2010 snowboarding season in full swing, and snowboarding events with Sierrasnowboard.com happening over the next few months, it’s important to make sure everyone know how to pack properly for a multi-day snowboarding trip. It may seem as simple as throwing your gear into a bag and heading to the airport; the truth is it’s anything but simple.

Packing for a multi-day snowboarding trip can be tricky, especially when you’re flying to your destination. With the insane baggage fees and carry-on limits that airlines have now, you never can tell what items you’ll be able to keep and what items you’ll have to leave with airport security.

Consider the following tips and tricks the next time you pack for a multi-day snowboarding trip and, hopefully, you’ll keep your fees and run-ins with airport security to a minimum.

NOTE: This guide assumes you are flying and bringing all of your gear with you, including your snowboard.

•    Tip #1: Packing your snowboard bag. It’s easy to waste space in a snowboard bag if you don’t know how to pack it the right way. Place your snowboard (with your bindings attached) in first and wrap some of your base layer and insulating layer clothing around the tip and tail. There is usually quite a bit of wasted space around the tip and the tail that can be filled with long johns and sweaters. The clothing you wrap around the ends will also add some protection to the board and minimize any damage that may occur during the trip.

•    Tip #2: Getting things rolling. After you have the area around the tip and tail of your board filled, fill in the remaining space in your snowboard bag with the rest of your clothing. The best way to pack additional clothing is to learn the art of the roll. Rolling your clothing into a tight roll will save tons of space, giving you the ability to pack more items in a smaller space.

•    Tip #3: Filling your boots. The best way to get your boots to your destination is in a carry-on bag. Fill your boots with your smaller riding gear. Your gloves, bandanas, beanies, socks, and any other small items can all be stuffed into your boots. If you are bringing a helmet, clip it onto one of the straps on your carry-on.

•    Tip #4: Wearing your jacket. Wear your snowboarding jacket onto the plane. The jacket can be easily removed and stowed in the overhead compartment on the plane. This tip will save you tons of space in your board bag.

•    Tip #5: Storing your tools. If you plan to bring any tools or a hot iron for waxing, make sure you pack them in your snowboard bag. If you try to carry these items on the plane, you’ll have to leave them with security.

The rest of the packing should be common sense and decided based on where you’re going, what you plan on doing, and how long you’ll be there. If you can, it’s a good idea to bring two of everything so that you can swap sets of clothing and gear, allowing for a full day of drying time. If you plan on hanging out at the bar, or visiting any locations outside of the resort, make sure you bring some casual clothing appropriate for the locations you’ll be visiting. Finally, don’t forget your personal hygiene items, unless you want to sit by yourself on the lift.

Check Sierrasnowboard.com for great deals on luggage and gear for your next snowboarding trip.
 

Photo credit: Ray and Cadon Moyers on a multi-day snowboarding trip at Brighton Resort in Utah

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