How to Choose a Surfboard Travel Bag

Published on

7.3.25

Min. read time

Choosing the right surfboard travel bag is critical to keeping your board safe from damage during trips. A good bag protects against impacts, weather, and mishandling, while also meeting airline requirements. Here's what you need to know:

Measure Your Board: Measure length, width, and thickness accurately. Add extra inches for a proper fit.
Pick the Right Bag Type:
- Day Bags: Lightweight, basic protection for local trips.
- Travel Bags: Airline-ready with 10mm+ padding for longer trips.
- Coffin Bags: Maximum protection for multiple boards and extended travel.
Check Material Quality: Look for durable fabrics like 600D polyester or nylon, and padding types like closed-cell foam for air travel.
Consider Features: Wheels for easy transport, waterproof compartments, and reinforced areas for extra durability.
Set Your Budget: Prices range from $50 to $600+ depending on bag type and features.

Quick Comparison

Bag Type	Best For	Protection Level	Price Range
Day Bag	Local trips, car transport	Basic (5mm)	$50-$150
Travel Bag	Air travel, longer trips	High (10mm+)	$100-$300
Coffin Bag	Multiple boards, long trips	Maximum (10mm+)	$200-$600+

A well-chosen bag saves you money on repairs and ensures your board stays in great shape. Read on for detailed tips on selecting the perfect travel bag.

Ocean & Earth Apex Surfboard Travel Bag Review

Step 1: Measure Your Surfboard

Getting the right measurements for your surfboard is key to picking a travel bag that keeps your board safe. A poorly fitting bag can leave your board vulnerable during transit.

How to Measure Your Surfboard

You'll need a few tools to get accurate measurements:

A flexible tape measure
A ruler
A straight edge or level

Follow these steps for precise results:

Length: Place your board flat and measure from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail along the centerline. Use a straight edge to avoid measuring along the curve.
Width: Locate the widest part of your board (usually near the middle) and measure across from rail to rail. For boards with unusual shapes, like asymmetrical or fish boards, check multiple points to find the maximum width.
Thickness: Use a ruler to measure the thickest part of your board from the deck to the bottom.

Choosing the Right Bag Size

Once you have your measurements, allow for extra space to ensure your board fits comfortably and stays protected. Here’s a quick reference for adding extra inches:

Shortboards: Add 2-4" to the length and 1-2" to the width.
Fish/Hybrids: Add 2-4" to the length and 2-3" to the width.
Funboards: Add 3-6" to the length and 2-3" to the width.
Longboards: Add 6-12" to the length and 3-4" to the width.

For fish or egg-shaped boards, focus more on width than length. For example, a 5'10" fish board may need a bag designed for a 6'+ standard board.

These adjustments help ensure your bag fits both standard and uniquely shaped boards, which will be essential when comparing bag options in the next step.

Step 2: Select Your Bag Type

After measuring your board, it's time to pick a bag that fits your travel plans.

Day, Travel, and Coffin Bag Comparison

Each bag type is designed for different needs, offering varying levels of protection and features:

Bag Type	Best For	Protection Level	Typical Padding	Price Range
Day Bag	Local trips, car transport	Basic	5mm	$50-150
Travel Bag	Air travel, longer trips	Airline-worthy	10mm+	$100-300
Coffin Bag	Multiple boards, long trips	Maximum	10mm+	$200-500+

Day Bags are ideal for short trips or daily commutes to nearby surf spots. They're lightweight and offer basic protection with minimal padding, making them perfect for car rides. However, they aren't built for the rigors of air travel.

Travel Bags hit the sweet spot for most surfers. With about 10mm of padding, they provide solid protection for air travel while staying easy to carry. Key features often include:

Reinforced nose and tail sections
Heavy-duty zippers
Internal straps to secure the board
Heat-reflective materials

Coffin Bags are the go-to choice for those traveling with multiple boards or heading on extended trips. These bags can hold 2-4 boards and come with advanced features like:

Separate compartments with dividers for multiple boards
Accessory pockets for fins, wax, and more
Extra durability for frequent use

Wide Board Bag Options

If you ride fish boards, hybrids, or funboards, standard bags might not be wide enough. Wide board bags are designed to meet these needs with features like:

Widths of 24 inches or more
Contoured shapes for better fit
Designs that accommodate different board shapes

For warm destinations like Bali, consider bags with heat-reflective materials to protect your board from extreme temperatures.

Once you've chosen the right bag, the next step is to examine its construction details, starting with material quality.

Step 3: Check Material and Build Quality

When choosing a surfboard travel bag, the materials and construction are key to keeping your board safe from damage during transit. These factors play a big role in how well your board holds up against airline handlers and baggage systems.

Materials and Padding Types

The outer material is your bag's first layer of protection. Many bags use 600D polyester because it balances durability and affordability. Higher-end bags often use nylon, which is lighter and more resistant to water.

Here’s a quick comparison of common padding types:

Padding Type	Thickness	Protection Level
Closed-cell foam	10-25mm	Great for air travel
Open-cell foam	5-10mm	Best for everyday use
High-density foam	15-25mm	Handles heavy impacts well

For the best protection, go for bags with dual-layer padding and reinforced areas around the nose and tail.

Hardware and Construction

The hardware and construction details can make or break a bag's durability. Here’s what to look for:

Zippers: Opt for heavy-duty YKK zippers that resist corrosion.
Stitching: Double or triple stitching at stress points adds strength.
Ventilation: Mesh panels or eyelets help prevent moisture buildup.
Internal straps: Sturdy, well-secured compression straps keep your board in place.

Reinforced rails with extra padding can shield against side impacts. Heat-welded seams are another plus, offering better water resistance than regular stitching.

Other important features include:

Handle attachments: These should have extra stitching and backing for durability.
Drainage holes: Useful for pockets to remove trapped water.
Seam taping: Taped seams improve water resistance.
Board separators: Padded dividers help prevent wax from transferring between boards.

A well-made bag not only protects your board but also justifies its price by lasting through multiple trips. Once you’ve ensured the materials and construction meet your needs, it’s time to look at travel-friendly features that enhance convenience.

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Step 4: Consider Travel Features

Once you've confirmed the bag is well-constructed, it's time to focus on features that make navigating airports and transitioning between destinations easier.

Meeting Airline Requirements

Airlines usually restrict surfboard bags to 62 linear inches for domestic flights, though international carriers may allow larger sizes. Make sure your bag complies with these limits. Features like compression straps and adjustable padding can help keep the size manageable while still protecting your boards.

Wheels vs. No Wheels

Deciding between a wheeled or non-wheeled bag can greatly affect your travel experience. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Wheeled Bags	Non-Wheeled Bags
Weight	Heavier by 2-4 lbs	Lighter
Cost	$50-100 more expensive	Budget-friendly
Durability	More parts prone to wear	Simpler and sturdier

If you travel often or carry multiple boards, the ease of wheeled bags is worth the added weight and cost. On the other hand, for short trips or when weight restrictions are tight, a non-wheeled bag might be the smarter option.

Storage and Organization

Some premium bags come with features designed to keep your gear organized and secure. Look for:

Waterproof compartments for wet gear
External pockets for easy access to wax and tools
Padded separators to keep boards from rubbing against each other

These storage options can make your trip smoother, while also helping you balance protection and cost.

Step 5: Set Your Budget

Once you've prioritized protection and travel features, it's time to find a bag that fits your budget.

Bag Prices by Type

Bag prices vary depending on the level of protection they offer. Here's a quick breakdown:

Bag Type	Price Range
Day Bags	$50-$150
Travel Bags	$150-$300
Coffin Bags	$200-$600+

Higher-priced bags often come with added perks like water-resistant materials and extra padding for durability and better protection.

Tips to Save Money

You don't need to break the bank to get a quality bag. Here are some ways to stretch your dollars:

When to Shop

Look for end-of-season sales.
Compare prices across different retailers.
Check out last year's models - they're often available at a discount.

Smart Choices

Use a simple day bag for short, local trips and save your travel bag for flights.
Opt for bags that can fit more than one board to get more use out of them.

Make sure your budget aligns with the level of protection you need. If you're a frequent traveler or own high-end boards, investing in a coffin or travel bag is worth considering.

Planning Your Surf Trip

Once your budget is sorted, it's time to think about how your travel bag fits into your trip plans. Your bag should address three key factors specific to your trip:

Transportation and handling: Consider how your bag will be transported and handled during your journey.
Storage at your destination: Check if there’s enough space or facilities to store your bag safely.
Local climate and conditions: Keep in mind the weather and other local factors that could affect your gear.

When packing your board bag, adding extra padding with bubble wrap or foam sheets around the rails and nose can help protect your board.

Find Surf Camp Bali: Tips for Bali Surf Trips

Find Surf Camp Bali

If you're heading to Bali, your bag choice should align with the camp's logistics:

Camp Location: Different areas in Bali have varying wave conditions, so choose a bag that suits the terrain.
Length of Stay: Longer trips may require sturdier bags with more storage.
Camp Amenities: Some camps provide board storage and repair services, which can influence your packing.

Find Surf Camp Bali provides details on camp-specific gear needs, taking into account:

Your skill level and wave access
Storage facilities at the camp
Local transportation options

Pro Tip: Reach out to your camp ahead of time to confirm storage and transport options. This will help you decide if you need a heavy-duty travel bag or just a lighter day bag.

Making sure your bag matches your equipment and the realities of your destination will save you a lot of hassle.

Conclusion: Making Your Final Choice

When picking a surfboard travel bag, prioritize the protection that suits your most common travel needs.

After working through size, protection, and travel features in Steps 1-5, narrow your focus to what truly matters for your situation:

Frequent international travelers: A high-quality bag with wheels and room for multiple boards can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Local surfers: A lightweight day bag with basic padding might be enough to keep your board safe.

Spending on a durable bag now can help you avoid costly repairs, which often range from $200 to $500. Make sure your bag fits the measurements, protection needs, and airline requirements you've already identified.