Packing and Hauling Winter Sports Gear

Are you getting ready for an adventurous winter season? Before you head to the slopes. It might be a good idea to spend some time learning how to pack and haul all your winter sports gear. After all, unorganized gear can take away all the fun when you realize you missed something. Here are some tips and ideas to pack and haul your winter gear like a pro. 

Start With a Clutter-Free Space

If you’re driving, make sure your trunk is clear of clutter. It doesn’t have to be squeaky clean, but cleaning up the trunk and getting rid of unnecessary clutter is a great place to start. Also, if your trunk has seen better days, spend a few minutes with a cleaning spray and towel to prevent dirt on your gear. 

Check out Thule Roof Racks at our Valley View and Lexington locations.

Make Lists & Check Them Twice

Winter gear can get lengthy and complex. Make a shortlist and check it twice to ensure you don’t miss a thing, make a shortlist and check it twice. Write several lists to make sure you cover everything trip-related. Mark off the items from your list as you go, and use the same list to pack everything on your way back. 

Pack in Reverse

This is the best packing advice if you have many items. This means, if something is essential to you, pack it last. Keep less critical things towards the back and more important ones at the front. Also, you might want to pack items you’ll likely use first or need handy last, so they’re easily grabbable. 

Keep Your Emergency Winter Kit In Sight

As you finish packing everything, ensure your emergency kit is right there. Winter sports can be risky, so having your emergency kit at hand is essential. If possible, bring an emergency kit with you to the field and leave a second one on your car; this way, you’ll always have one close. 

Have Garbage Bags for Wet Clothes

Even in winter, clothes will get damp. Keep a garbage bag in your trunk to ensure you keep your dry items separated from the wet. This will also help you prevent smelly clothes in your car. Plus, it’s easier to separate your dirty clothes this way. 

Winter Gear 101

If you are planning to bring your gear, here are some of our quick tips:

• If you are on your own or with someone else, stashing the skis inside the car might be the best idea to avoid any damage to your skis. Also, this will prevent ski theft. Just pack them in the back and fold the seats if you have an SUV. Our Thule Roof Rack XL can fit skis safely and easily.
• A roof box or rack can be stashed on the car and help have space if traveling with several people. Keep in mind that this must be safely secure to prevent any accidents. Walkabout has a Thule Soft Box and Hard Roof Rack XL at two locations: Valley View and Lexington. 

With these tips, you will save a lot of time and effort for your ski trip or winter getaway. In the past, packing was a more daunting task, but now you know how to pack like a pro with some simple guidelines for expert packers. Grab your gear, some friends, and ski away this winter.

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Geraldine Orentas is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with PAKMULE® cargo hitch carriers.