The idea of a sporty holiday is an exciting one if you’re an adrenaline junkie, but the question of getting all the necessary equipment to your destination is a whole other ballpark altogether.
Very few sports equipment, except running trainers perhaps, fit into standard travel bags. Picture trying to squeeze a bike, hockey sticks or a pair of skis into hold luggage; it’s like forcing a rhino into a Mini hatchback. Can’t really see it happening, can you?
But don’t despair: there is a way to salvage your sand, snow or sea-based escape: you just need to invest in the right sports-specific luggage for your kit. We’re talking bags designed to protect your precious, fragile gear and get it from A to B - even C if you’re planning a longer trip - safely.
Perfectly shaped and with plenty of padding and pockets to make use of, there are bags for all sorts of sports, whatever flavour of excitement you’re into.
When looking for suitable sports luggage, crack out your measuring tape first and get your gear’s dimensions down.
Also, consider its weight and shop for a bag accordingly. Heavier skis, golf gear and snowboards may require additional reinforcement by way of extra lining, reinforced stitching and strong buckle clasps.
Travelling by air? Check how much sports luggage will tack onto the cost of your flight so there are no surprises at check-in. All airlines charge extra for bulky and oversized bags but smaller equipment like bowling balls and tennis rackets can be slipped into hold luggage, as long as it doesn’t exceed the advertised weight (usually 23kg).
For this list, we’re focusing on specialist bags for equipment that won’t go into hold luggage.
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Osprey Surfboard Bag
Spanning 6ft long, this nylon case is the perfect way to get your surfboard to the waves. Inside, it's lined with 5mm of foam padding and there are separate spaces for the fin and wax to keep it from scratching or damaging your board. Carrying feels secure thanks to a padded handle for short distances though you may want to use the shoulder strap for longer walks.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Roxy Ultralite Funboard 7.3 ft - Surfboard Travel Bag
Keep your board in optimum surfing condition with Roxy's highly durable polyester bag. The adventure sports specialist uses an ultra-strong flatweave inside and tarpaulin on the outside to shield 7.3ft surfboards from harm.
Buy now £60.00, Roxy
Quiksilver Ultralite Young Gun 5 ft - Surfboard Travel Bag
One of the leading names in the sport, Quiksilver offers a range of bags alongside its boards. This one, finished with a distinctive checkerboard print, is ideal for day-to-day use and can accommodate boards up to 5ft in size.
While it'll fit the right size boards like a glove, there is an expandable gusset to accommodate the fin and mesh panels are included to encourage airflow. You'll also find a pocket to keep board wax.
Buy now £60.00, Quiksilver
Ellis Brigham Team Wheelie Ski Bag
Itching to hit the slopes in your favourite pair of skis? Whether you're headed to Aspen or the Alps, keep them safe in Ellis Brigham's thickly padded bag that's set on wheels and finished with a rubber pull handle to make them easier to lug around.
Inside there's enough space for two sets of skis and poles with enough space to pack in other items like socks and knits.
Buy now £140.00, Ellis Brigham
Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag
It may not seem like it, but there's tons of space inside Thule's ski bag.
We're talking cinch-top ski sleeves that can hold either a single pair of Alpine skis or two pairs of Nordic skis up to 192cm long, plus an extra compartment to house poles. Use the external compression straps to keep all the contents in place.
Whether you're driving or flying to the slopes, thick padding offers peace of mind that your skis will arrive in the same condition as you left them.
Buy now £120.00, Snow+Rock
Snokart Board Airliner Grey
Skiboarding more your thing? Snokart's Airliner will get your board and its bindings to the powder in one piece. The 170cm long bag is both lightweight and robust, made with ripstop fabric to stop tears in their tracks. It's also waterproof and comes with an address window in case it goes walkabout at baggage collection. The curved shape opens with a large zipped opening to make access and repacking a breeze.
Buy now £24.00, Decathlon
Rossignol Strato Ski Boot Bag
If you've invested in a pair of boots, you'll know how expensive they were. Why risk damaging them in your main bags when this ski boot bag will safeguard them for you?
The heavy-duty bag will hold one pair snuggly in the main compartment. They're easy to access with a wide back flap that unzips on both sides for easy access.
Buy now £37.99, Skiers Lounge
Subea Scuba-diving bag
Love exploring the world under the waves? Take your scuba gear on your next jaunt with ease thanks to Subea's bag. Looking like a regular gym bag, the design includes a side pocket for fins and 65L of space to carry wetsuits and other kit.
Buy now £49.99, Decathlon
Kookaburra Kahuna Cricket Duffle Bag 5500
Taking your cricket game to new territories? Keep all your equipment safe in Kookaburra's duffel design, which comes with carry straps for easy transportation.
Buy now £34.99, Decathlon
Wilson Tennis travel bag
If you're not precious about your racket brand name matching its carrier, there are tons of options for transporting your tennis gear. Wilson's smart tan and navy design is crafted from hardwearing polyester and comes with a partial racket compartment alone with an accessory pocket that's lined with fleece for added protection.
Buy now £60.00, Amazon
GRAYS Hockey G100 Stickbag
Hockey player? Keep your sticks and other sports kit all in one place in Gray's stickbag. The tall design comes with plenty of pockets to squirrel away your game's things and it's made from water-resistant fabric to shield contents from getting wet. The single strap means it's easy to sling around your shoulders and carry the rest of your stuff.
Buy now £33.62, Amazon
