Best Ski & Boot Carrier Straps Reviewed

by Simon Naylor | Updated: October 27th, 2022 |  Recommended Gear

If you have trouble carrying your skis, can't quite get the knack of it, or simply want more freedom to move your hands, then a carry strap might be the solution for you.

Best Ski & Boot Carrier Straps Reviewed 2022

  1. Sukoa Ski and Snowboard Boot Carrier Strap (Best Ski Boot Carrier Straps)
  2. YYST Snowboard Shoulder Strap (Best Snowboard Strap)
  3. Osprey Kamber 42 Men’s Ski Pack (Best Ski Carry Backpack)

1. Sklon Ski Strap and Pole Carrier

Best Ski Carrier Straps

The best carry strap is the one that you use. If the strap is uncomfortable or hard to set up it's going to be thrown in the back of your shed to never be seen again. This is my top pick for 2020 and it's got a great ergonomic grip and shoulder pad which makes carrying skis or snowboards that little bit more comfortable.

carrying ski

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It's adjustable and has a 'universal' fit that will wrap around large and small skis. It's also got two loops at either end to hold your ski poles. That means you go hold both skis and both poles off one shoulder.

My favorite thing about this strap is that it also fits snowboards as well as skis, so you don't need to buy two straps. It folds up small and weighs very little: it fits inside a jacket pocket. It's pretty inexpensive but it will only hold one set of skis, so you'll need multiple straps for each pair of skis.

Where to Buy: Check Price on Amazon

2. Sukoa Ski and Snowboard Boot Carrier Strap

Best Ski Boot Carrier Straps

Many skiers put their boots on in their accommodation first and then walk to the ski lifts. I personally like to wear my hiking boots and carry my ski boots up on the gondola and put my shoes in a locker near as close to the lifts as possible. That way at the end of the day or at lunchtime, I can get out of my boots and relieve the pressure on my feet.

If you carry your boot around town or from your car, then it's a good idea to have both a ski boot bag and/or a ski boot carrier strap. The Sukoa is a 41” shoulder sling that's a pretty simple nylon strap to secure your ski and snowboard boots. The loops go at either end of the straps and can be attached to the buckle on each boot.

The main benefit of a boot carrying strap is that you can hold both boots from one point of tension. For long distances looking for a carrying strap with a hook and padding.

Where to Buy: Check Price on Amazon

3. YYST Snowboard Shoulder Strap 

Best Snowboard Strap

Good news, there are also snowboard specific straps and straps that work for both skis and snowboards. Snowboard carry straps have a different shape to accommodate the greater width of the board, but are similarly made from nylon and are lightweight and inexpensive.

Where to Buy: Check Price on Amazon

4. Osprey Kamber 42 Men's Ski Pack

Best Ski Carry Backpack

If you planning to hike off-piste into the mountains with your skis by your side, you'll need a backpack that has a system set up for holding your skis while you hike.

Why Use a Ski Backpack? You won't get very far if you have to scramble up steep hills in deep snow any other way.

Decent backpacks that also hold your skis aren't cheap, but if you invest in a quality backpack you can expect it to last you decades, not just one or two seasons. The Osprey Kamber is a 42-liter backpack specifically designed for backcountry skiing and snowboarding adventures and overnight hut trips.

It's from a respected brand known for its quality backpacks that will put up with years of use. The zippers and buckles are glove-friendly which means their easy to use while wearing thick gloves in extreme weather. The bag is very forgiving, and you'll feel supported when you're loaded up with 18kg+ (40 pounds) of food and equipment. Extra support comes with strong hip-belt pockets and a chest strap.

Easy access for snow shovel and probe - in case of avalanche or tree well emergency. Now let's get to the ski carrying setup: the Osprey Kamber can support your skis with either a diagonal or a-frame option for skis and for snowboards a vertical setup provides plenty of freedom for movement while securely holding your kit.

backpack ski carry setup
Diagonal, a-frame, vertical ski carry options

Main Benefits:

  • Storage for avalanche gear, ax loops, removable top pocket, helmet pouch.
  • Two sizes for different body types.
  • Space for an insulated water pouch

Drawback

  • A few grams heavier than more expensive options.

Where to Buy: Check Price on Amazon

Why Use Carry Straps?

Ski carrier straps wrap around your skis and poles and allow you to carry your skis or your family's skis on your back or off your shoulder. Ski straps are typically made from tough nylon and able to handle the weight of skis without breaking and then collapse into small lightweight bundles that easily fit in your backpack or locker.

Ski straps are used by new and beginner skiers all the way up to expert skiers who appreciate the convenience that straps bring. Typically whether you hold your skis by your side or over, your shoulder, your other hand is occupied holding your skis. With a carry strap, you're able to securely hold your skis and have a free hand to do or hold other things.

Even if you're pretty good at holding your skis, a slight knock or sharp turn can dislodge the skis and make them separate. It's no fun trying to get skis back together when you're other hand is holding your boots, bag or poles. You'll have to stop, re-attach your skis together, and then set off again. It takes less than 60 seconds to get your skis into their straps, but once they're on, they're not going to come apart until you want them to.

Main Benefits Of Using Ski Straps:

  • Inexpensive
  • Easier to carry
  • More freedom in your arms
  • Carry more than one pair of skis
  • More evenly distributes the weight
  • Carry your skis in different more comfortable ways
  • Make it easy for your child or teenager to carry their own skis
  • Keeps your skis neatly together
  • More comfortable for long walks or off-piste hikes
carrying skis

FAQ

1. How Heavy Are Ski Straps?

Most ski straps weigh less than 200g (4 ounces). Most are made from nylon and velcro which are light and strong man-made fabrics.

Some straps have more padding, more features, and therefore a few more grams of weight. Pretty much all straps will be light and can be rolled up tight and thrown into your backpack or jacket pocket.

2. Different Types Of Ski Straps

There's a range of carrying straps from velcro ski straps that stop your skis from coming apart to special ski backpacks that hold your skis while you hike off the trail for some backcountry of off-piste skiing.

3. Will All Ski Straps Fit My Skis?

Chances are yes. Most ski straps have adjustable velcro or materials that tighten around any shape of the ski for a firm fit. If you're not sure, measure your skis and check the product description of the straps. Some straps may be kid or adult ski-specific or designed for long rather than short skis.

How To Hold Skis Without Straps

Still not convinced or don't think straps are for you: here are the best ways to hold your skis without straps.

I go into much more detail in my article on how to carry skis.

skiing difficulty levels

Final Thoughts

If you're fed up with skis that come apart or just don't like holding them over your head, then carrying straps is probably for you. When you're juggling a family ski trip, ski straps for all the family will make life that bit easier and allow each person to hold their own skis without complaints - especially from the kids or teenagers.

If your looking for a skiing adventure and plan to do any hiking off the trail, then you'll need a quality backpack with built-in carry options if you want to get into rugged terrain without your skis slipping out. Get a decent backpack and you won't look back.

If you enjoyed this or know a skier who might benefit from knowing about carrying straps, please give it a share or comment below if you have any questions. 

Bonus: Best Ski Boot Protection

Ski boots are big and bulky and not the best attire for walking around the resort. While ski boots have traction on the soles, the grip is not very good and timer concrete, gravel and snow will wear down the toe and heel parts.

If these become too worn, the boot will need to be replaced. Some boots have replaceable heel and toe parts, while some don't. Check with a ski shop for advice. The best thing to do is prevent wear by wearing rubber boot grips called boot tracks.

Best Ski Boot Tracks

Read my full ski boot grip reviews