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Only wannabe jockanistas show up at sporting events carrying naked boots. Whether you ride, ski or trek, tote your boots in a fashionable bag to show that you’re a force to be reckoned with in the style arena. Investing in a boot bag also makes practical sense: accidentally dump unprotected boots in the snow, on a bridle path or harsh surface and you could ruin, mar or soil those boots, so a boot bag is more than a reflection of your good taste; it also shows that you care about accessories on which you’ve spent your hard-earned money.
Best Traditional Ski Boot Bag
Gliding through the snow – whether you’re a downhill daredevil or a trail-blazing cross-country diva – puts serious demands on your boots, so buying a well-rated, weatherproof boot bag isn’t ego; it’s necessity. The best traditional bags are made of synthetics, they’re small and so are their price tags, but you don’t have to compromise on style if you want to show both your snow bunny and jackrabbit alter egos. High Sierra has been rated the “best of the best” by eBags.com and other ski bag etailers, so start with this brand when you shop.
Best Ergonomic Ski Boot Bag
Save yourself from the aches and pains of imitating a Sherpa and leave your hands free for other tasks by choosing a backpack-style ski boot bag. These bags are gaining popularity because they stow more than just boots in separate compartments, and you won’t arrive in Colorado with a sore shoulder from schlepping your gear. REI.com calls the TRV brand backpack boot bags “the ultimate design” and at 1,680-denier coated ballistic nylon construction with rubberized bottom features, even if you set out to destroy it, this backpack will fight back.
Best Equestrian Boot Bag
Head for Smart Pak Equine.com if you're as picky about your boot bag as you are about fashionable riding outfits. Customers rave about Kensington boot bags, giving them high marks. One writes, “This is the best boot bag ever, it is so sassy with all of its pink and black. ... Thank you from a picky DQ!" Another describes throwing the bag into her trunk and abusing it repeatedly, declaring, "Kensington products are good quality and worth the price." These ratings may not come from the horse’s mouth, but Smart Pak Equine visitors are not shy about expressing their opinions, so grab the reins to see what they're talkin' about.
Best Mountain Biking Boot Bag
It’s a boot bag. Or a bike bag. Actually, it’s the winner of the Eurobike 2010 Reddot Design Award, and fans are placing bets the Hebie’s boot bag is a 2011 winner, too. Adopt a Hebie’s Boot Bag made of plastic or leather for cycling expeditions and enjoy a heap-o-benefits, including a lopsided silhouette that ensures the bag steers clear of gears and brake cables. Sure, most boot bags made for mountain biking are so utilitarian they’re downright ugly, but this baby is attractive. It clips directly to the front or rear of your bike. Go cheap by selecting any of the colorful plastic Hebie’s or invest in the Argentinean leather and you’ll be ready to tango once you return from your mountain biking adventures.
