Security of boot bags

That is an interesting strategy Dave Mac. I'm sure I could (being hard on myself) discard some of the items that I have been carrying in order to reduce the weight, although I am not extravagant in what I carry anyway, for instance, base layers etc have to do for 2 days use.

I can see myself investing in a set of scales this year, which I can use to check as I go along, whilst packing .

Security is one issue, however another issue is the zips 'working' their way undone. Easy, especially on boot bags that are soft unlike cases. Boot bags are very easy for luggage handlers to leave on the plane, runway (!), carousel, sandwich shop, etc. Two other options:

1. Take the boot bag as hand luggage
2. Put your boots in your main bag in the hold - however this can lead to weight issues. People have different lifestyles so may need to take items that naturally take up a lot of weight.

My preference would be option 1 as it leaves more space for gin & grappa on the return journey ;)

I've three options (possibly four) when it comes to boots...

1) carry them on as hand luggage....doesn't leave much room for any duty free etc
2) put them in main suitcase / bag....my boots weigh about 5.5kg (big feet) so there's a weight issue there
3) my ski bag has two built in boot pockets top and bottom...again weight is the issue as the bag and skis on their own weigh almost 12kgs
4) put them in the hold in the boot bag...means I've invariably got to negotiate a boot bag, ski bag, rucksac and suitcase/bag at the other end...not to mention however many bags the OH has decided upon :)

Solution? I tend to put the boots in with the skis and pray the nice young lady on the check in desk is in a good mood :)

I could just take less on holiday...

5) wear them ;-)

I thought some airlines stopped allowing boots to be carried as hand luggage about a year ago?

brooksy wrote:
I thought some airlines stopped allowing boots to be carried as hand luggage about a year ago?

From my observations, over the years, the rejection is more likely to happen on the return journey.

Huwcyn, I went through several years of reducing the list, by removing items that I had not worn.

My base layer, and top layer are both Merino wool, which, as I am sure you are aware, has a good wick action. The top layer can be used up to 2 weeks without a wash, base layer gets a quick wash every 2 days, ski socks every day. (I only take 2 pairs with me)

Merino is expensive, but I wear the tops almost every day throughout the year. I just replaced two, after 4 years of wear.

Dave Mac wrote: Merino wool, which, as I am sure you are aware, has a good wick action. The top layer can be used up to 2 weeks without a wash, base layer gets a quick wash every 2 days, ski socks every day. (I only take 2 pairs with me)

Merino is expensive, but I wear the tops almost every day throughout the year. I just replaced two, after 4 years of wear.

I have never ventured into Merino wool clothing - it's a childhood hangover. When I was in primary school my mother made me wear woollen vests in winter, and (I don't know whether I have extra sensitive skin or something,) but they made me itch so much, it was torture to wear them. The thought of wearing wool again (well, next to the skin) brings me out in a hot flush, and although I'm led to believe that Merino is quite soft, because of the price of the clothing, I have never ventured to find out for myself, just in case it doesn't work out.

We use two large wheelie suitcases. Put my boots in one and OH's boots in the other and pack all our clothing plus 13 y.o. daughter's clothing equally between the two cases (no boots for her as we hire them in resort). Each case weighs in at about 19kg. You can use the space inside the boots to pack small things like socks. Helmets go in our rucksacks as hand luggage.