The Dakine Boot Locker is the boot bag riders name most often when someone asks how to carry boots, a helmet and clothes in one bag. Snowboarders and skiers both use it.
This review covers what fits, how it carries and whether you can fly with it.
What It Is: A Boot Bag With Room for Everything
The Boot Locker is a 69-liter bag for your boots and the rest of your gear. It has backpack straps, so you can carry it on your back from the car to the lodge.
On its own site, Dakine now sells an updated Boot Locker DLX 70L. Dakine says that version splits clothes from boots, has a helmet and goggle pocket, has shoulder straps that tuck away, and has a tarp-lined boot compartment that doubles as a changing mat. I could not confirm that the 69L sold on Amazon has every one of these features.
On the Hill: It Holds a Lot
Owners say it fits a ton of gear. When a snowboarder asked for a bag that fits a helmet and boots, riders replied that the Boot Locker is all you need. One skier says it fits a ton of gear and has nice backpack straps.
It holds up. One rider has used theirs for 7 seasons and says it still looks brand new. Another simply says they really like it.
Families use it as a shared bag. When a parent asked for a bag that holds three pairs of boots, two riders named the Boot Locker, and one used it for their family's boots on a trip. Another parent travels with a Boot Locker and a Dakine ski bag, and says most airlines count the two as one item.
Can You Fly With It?
Usually as a checked bag, not a carry-on. Most riders say it is too big for a carry-on on most airlines, especially when it is full. One rider flew with theirs as a carry-on on United with no problem. Another had no trouble as long as they only added a few extra items.
Some airlines count a boot bag and a ski bag as one checked item, often with a combined weight limit. Riders say this works with the Boot Locker. Check your airline's rules before you fly.
Several riders give one more tip: never check your boots. If the airline loses your bag, you can rent a board but not your own broken-in boots.
Where It Falls Short
The Boot Locker is big. If you only need to carry boots, a smaller bag is easier to handle in a crowded lodge or on a shuttle.
Most owner reports come from skiers. Ski boots are bulkier than snowboard boots, so snowboard boots should fit with room to spare, but few snowboarders describe it in detail.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the Boot Locker if you drive to the mountain and want one bag for boots, a helmet, gloves and a layer, or if you pack boots for a family.
Look elsewhere if you need a carry-on bag for flights, or if you only carry boots.
Alternatives
The Dakine Boot Pack 50L is smaller and holds each boot in its own side compartment against your back. One owner of the larger 75L version loves it, but a rider with size 14 feet says the separate compartments did not work with their large boots.
The Athalon Everything Boot Bag is a popular boot backpack from another brand at a similar price.
Verdict
The Dakine Boot Locker 69L fits boots, a helmet and clothes in one bag that owners say lasts for years. It is the easy pick for driving to the mountain. It is too big for a carry-on once full, so plan to check it for flights.
