The Ultimate Secrets To Packing Ski Gear - Part 2
Welcome to the second part of the easyStorage two-part guide into managing your ski gear, both putting it into and taking it out of storage, and packing it for travel.
Waterproof jackets, gloves and salopettes
Taking them out of storage
If you put gear away properly, you should have no issues, but do check for mould, rotted fabric etc and check things still fit you!
If you didn’t re-waterproof before storing, now’s the time to do it.
Packing to travel
Choose the right cold weather fabrics to layer your items rather than carry bulky ones and you’ll not only save yourself a packing job but be warmer. Wool like merino is deliciously warm but less bulky, for example.
Heavy or bulky fabrics on snow jackets and salopettes aren’t easy to pack. Try packing them first and creating layers with them. If you have a soft case that you can sit on to close, ‘puffa’ type jackets are great to leave on top as sitting on them and squishing them is unlikely to do them any harm, as long as what’s underneath isn’t jagged.
Pyjamas and toiletries, hair dryers etc, as well as socks, hats and scarves make great pace fillers and are easy to fill gaps with. With items already in packing cubes, just pop them in around your already packed snow boots.
Many choose to wear bulkier items to the airport. Large jackets double up as snuggly ‘blankets’ for warmth and pillows on flights.
Putting ski gear back into storage
Make sure that anything being stored is both clean and thoroughly dried.
Re-waterproof those not-so-waterproof-anymore outer layers like jackets, gloves and salopettes: dirt and oil break down waterproof coatings. There are both spray-on or wash-in products available.
Goggles
Taking goggles out of storage
Goggles seem like a minor thing compared to everything else, but the consequences of not being able to see on a mountain don’t bear thinking about!
Check that:
- the frame of your goggles hasn’t deteriorated
- the foam hasn’t deteriorated or come away
- the goggles still fit!
Protecting goggles for travel
The most popular way to carry goggles for travel, unless they came with a carry case, is to wrap them in soft clothes/underwear, inside a ski helmet in the middle of luggage for protection. Others suggest wearing them to travel. Your choice!
Putting goggles back into storage
Gently clean the outer side of the lens with a soft cloth. If dirty inside, take the lens out. Wash with water and gentle soap, and air-dry. Check that the frame and buckle aren’t cracked, and that the foam is still in. If the lens is scratched, it may be better to replace than store.
Ski Helmets
Taking helmets out of storage
If you didn’t run the checks below before storing, now’s the time to do it. But assuming you did run checks before storing, now's the time to check again for rusting buckles, for the shell separating from the liner, and for flaking or crumbling liners.
This is important. Your helmet is a life saver.
Packing to travel
There’s a skier's divide over where you should pack your helmet.
If packed in main luggage, you have no control over what knocks it has in transit. However, if you choose this option, pack the helmet towards the centre of the bag surrounded by soft, puffy clothes for padding. Because of the way luggage is loaded, there might be huge pressure on top of your bag, and as many skiers pick soft bags because of weight and wanting to squish down bulky clothes, there’s little protection.
If you pack the helmet in your hand luggage, you have more control, but the helmet will take up space.
Only you can decide. Either way, pack your goggles inside the helmet to keep them safe, surround the helmet with soft things to soften bumps, and fill any space with underwear or ski socks.
Putting it back into storage
Your helmet is an important piece of safety gear. If it’s had a significant bump, replace it.
Inspect it for wear and tear. Check the shell, interior lining and the straps and buckles for cracks, or dents. If the liner is separating from the shell, flaking or crumbling, or the straps are fraying or torn, replace it.
Don’t take chances with your helmet: if in doubt, throw it out!
Transceiver
Taking it out of storage
Install fresh batteries and test your beacon (both receive and transmit) against someone else’s.
If your transceiver is more than three years old, check with the manufacturer to see if there are any signal drift or updates.
Travelling with a transceiver/beacon
Turn the transceiver to ‘off’.
Check carrier’s rules: many will not allow batteries to be carried separately and rules regarding cabin baggage and electronics will need to be observed. If the battery remains in the device, place a small piece of tape over the battery contacts to prevent unexpected ‘power ons’. Ideally, however, avoid putting them into checked luggage when flying.
Familiarise yourself with manufacturer’s instructions regarding what can and can’t be packed near the device.
Putting it back into storage
Clean off any dust, dirt or moisture. Make sure attachment points are clean and dry. Ensure it’s working properly and check for cracks in the casing.
Remove batteries before storing,and store away from magnets or touch screens.
If it's been subjected to any significant impact, always replace.
Ski poles
Taking them out of storage
If your poles are collapsible, check that they are still in good working order and both collapse and stay strong when extended.
Beyond that, a quick check over for damage - including straps - and, all being good, a dust down is usually enough to see them back onto the slopes!
Travelling with ski poles
If carried separately rather than in with skis, a set of ski poles will count as one piece of checked baggage.
Putting poles back into storage
Ski poles are probably the easiest piece of ski kit to store. They don't take up much room and can simply be hung.
All poles are different, from what they’re made of through to the straps.
General principles, however, are to make sure poles are clean and dry, along with anything that manufacturers recommend; and that if you have ‘old school’ straps that they’re cleaned (and polished if they’re leather) before storing.
If you do choose to pack poles away though, don’t pack them with skis – they may scratch.
Don’t forget that if you need reliable storage for your ski gear, the easyStorage on-line, no obligation quotes are available 24/7
We also offer easyStorage Boxes and other packing materials to keep all those items protected and dry including boxes of all sizes, bubble wrap/blankets/paper, tape and other accessories.