Do you have favorite "golf" and compression bags for your kiting equipment? If so, what are they and what makes them good? On the flip side, any that haven't worked so well? Thanks!

I don't own one but the kiteboarders like the NSI deciever

http://kiteboarding.com/proddetail.asp?prod=nsidecieverbag

The golf bag I used for a while had wheels and held a lot but it weighed too much and cost me more than using soft side duffle type bags. If it was over sized I strapped it down and compacted the foils inside.

Compression Bag
B.A.D. Bags: Overengineered and still pretty minty after years of abuse on trains, planes, and automobiles.

Golf Bag:
SKB Cases: ATA Locks, Gaskets, automatic travel insurance.

Other:
Sportube Series 3: Adjustable for size and reasonably bomb-proof. Lockable, but not really it's strong point.

ATB,
Sam

I've got a Best Golf Bag (http://www.bestkiteboarding.com/GolfBag) and it was under the size and weight limits for Continental Airlines on a trip I took to Cozumel in '09.

The way I did it was:
I put 2 of my kites (11, 15m) in Space Bags and compressed them
Put them both in one backpack-style kitebag and carried that on
Then I put my board (139x41.5, fins off, straps&pads left on), bar, pump, towel, and a backpack with clothes inside the golf bag.

Hey thanks a ton for all your suggestions! Wheels seem to add another 3 lbs or so. Do you think they are worth the extra little weight? I guess that might be something I'll have to figure out for my own personal needs.

Quote:

Originally posted by hondamon Hey thanks a ton for all your suggestions! Wheels seem to add another 3 lbs or so. Do you think they are worth the extra little weight? I guess that might be something I'll have to figure out for my own personal needs.

Depends on where you are schlepping the bags.... wheels might make sense in an airport or train station, but most of the wheels are of the inline skate variety. If you are transporting over gravel parking lots, fields, etc. the wheels don't do too much good.

If you are hauling more than one bag, it might make more sense to have a seperate cart of some type that has larger wheels. Wesco makes several different size carts with varying load capacities (110-550 lbs) and most fold flat. They will haul over tarmac, fields, gravel, and modest amounts of snow. If you are looking for something to traverse sand, it's most likely going to have to be something with Wheeleez-type wheels. I have been beating the cr@p out of the same Wesco cart for about 6 or 7 years.

ATB,
Sam

Lemme share a couple secrets that I've learned that will save you a ton of money when traveling with kiting equipment:

First, forget about the fake golf bags. They are way too expensive and most airline clerks at destinations that kiters frequent aren't fooled by them any more. Instead, get yourself one or two of those big, plastic storage tubs (with covers) that you see at Walmart for $5 to store junk in your garage. Then buy a set of those vacuum storage bags for $8. Using these I was able to store my Bularoo 16m, 13m, 10m and a pump in a single tub. Then I wrapped the tub with multiple wraps of duct tape. Put my name and address on the tub with a marko pen and I was done. There isn't an airline in the world that will hassle you over a plastic tub filled with unbreakable items sealed with duct tape.

For a board I always borrow or rent. Way too much hassle to bring a board. It's always a coin toss if the agent will charge you at the gate which just adds too much stress to what is supposed to be a fun trip. If I were to go to someplace where I couldn't rent one, I'd just bring my straps, pads, fins and some extra screws with me. Every country in the world sells plywood and most places will even cut it for you. Voila, instant ply board. Leave it with the locals so they can patch their roof or turn it into a bird house when you leave. Or if you're a strapless surfer, even better. Find a used board on Craigslist. You can find used surfboards on CL almost anywhere in the world. Even Cleveland, Ohio.

Depending on location you can fly Southwest. They let you have 1 free checked bag and they don't charge for skis. I flew to the Mille Lacs Xing and I didn't pay for anything. Skis and 3 kites in the ski bag, clothing and armor in the checked bag. I had to carry my helmet on the plane with me.

There just wasn't any easy way to get it in the bags.

If you're riding water you aren't goingoto need all the extra gear so you'll either be able to bring more kites or less bags.