How to Buy a Skate Bag

Everything you need to know about selecting and purchasing the best skate bag for your needs.

How Will You Carry the Bag?

One of the first things you need to decide is how you want to carry the bag. Many different types of skating bags are available, including backpacks, shoulder bags, hand-held bags, waist packs, and even rolling bags with wheels.

Skates Inside or Outside the Bag?

Usually your skates can be be stored inside a skate bag, but some "skate bags" have NO room inside for skates, but instead have special buckles or straps for carrying your skates on the outside of the bag. Make sure you know which type you are purchasing, especially if you are buying on the Internet.

Construction Materials

Do you want a heavy-duty, durable bag that can take a lot of abuse? Or do you prefer a very light-weight bag, even though it will not last as long as a more sturdy bag?

Weight of the Bag

Backpack skate bags will typically weigh between 1.5 and 4 pounds, with 100% mesh bags being the lightest and skate/travel combination bags being the heaviest. If you plan to skate with the bag, you will want a lighter bag, and if you are going to travel with it, you will need a sturdier bag.

Ventilation

Make sure the bag you select has air holes, mesh panels, or some other method of providing sufficient ventilation so moisture and odors will not be trapped inside.

Straps

Shoulder straps and waist straps should be wide enough to avoid cutting into your skin, even when the bag is quite full. If you are buying a hand-held skate bag, the handle should have a shape that is easy to hold, and enough padding to prevent it from cutting into your hand.

Padding

Check the bag's shoulder straps, chest straps, and waist straps to make sure they are reasonably well padded with foam, fleece or other materials.

Capacity

Make sure your skates, including the heel brake, will fit inside the bag. Find a bag with a compartment that will hold your skates, helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. You should also consider whether the bag will hold other items such as money, sunglasses, water bottle, GPS, music player, binoculars, cell phone, sunscreen lotion, night lights, reflective vest, windproof jacket.
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~ Kathie Fry

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