How to Carry Skates Around & Look Good Doing It!

Wondering how to carry skates around? What do you carry Skates In? If you just splashed the cash on a new set of wheels and can’t quite figure out how to carry around skates and look good at the same time…well you’ve come to the right place!

Carrying around skates can be pretty annoying. They’re heavy, awkward and if you skate outdoors quite a bit they’re loaded with road grime and dirt you don’t want all over your clothes. You also need something to protect those pretty skates during transport…whether it is a short trip to the rink or across country in an airplane.

We’ll show you how you can easily transport AND protect your skates, shoes, tools and spare skate parts around so that you’re never without the essentials at the skate park, roller rink or trail. We have several ideas that’ll provide compact and safe storage.

We’ll show you everything the pros use to carry around their roller skates and inline skates. There are a lot of stylish options out there so you can still look good while schlepping those skates around.

How To Carry Skates Around – Skate Bags & Backpacks

The easiest way to get your roller skates or inline skates from point a to point b is a skate specific bag. They are custom designed to fit skates and usually skate shaped. There is also room for socks, skate tool, extra parts like wheels and bearings.

There are also skate backpacks to transport your skates over longer distances. Skate bags are perfect for the roller rink and skate park because there will be a place to store them- either in a locker or within visual range.

We know a little about lugging around skates and skateboards because we travel all over the country with our skating equipment. We’ve tested and failed plenty of gear. We’re here to provide you with some solid recommendations based on our long haul experiences.

Best skate Backpacks

Here are some of favorite skate specific backpacks that provide the maximum amount of storage for skates and all of your skate stuff. These skate bags are perfectly suited for the roller rink or skate park.

Again, these skate backpacks maximize storage so we wouldn’t describe them as compact. If you’re looking for more compact storage and carrying ability just keep scrolling we have more skate carrying ideas that get smaller and smaller as you scroll!

Rollerblades Urban Commuter INLINE backpack

This highly rated skate backpack is purpose built for inline skates but will also fit quad roller skates along with all the gear. The sleek design is pretty impressive because when this backpack is all zipped up you’d have no idea that it’s storing a pair of skates. This backpack is airplane compliant if you’re looking for a way to carry skates on an airplane (will fit in overhead bin OR under the seat in front of you).

There’s thoughtful attention to detail with the external helmet clip, wheel covers, separate wet storage area, reflective piping, sturdy zipper closures, chest strap, breathable backplate & padded straps. That’s why the Rollerblades Urban Commuter Backpack the best skate bag in our opinion.

Bont Skates skate backpack

Bont Skates make THE BEST skate park skates so it’s no wonder they totally nailed it with this skate backpack. There’s tons of storage space for your water bottle, helmet, shoes, socks, tools and spare parts. It will hold roller skates OR inline skates in a perfect, aerodynamic position as you head to the roller rink or skate park. There are a few cool colors to choose from as an added bonus. To make it extra secure you could use an inexpensive bike lock to secure your backpack to something nearby.

Roller derby Rolling skate backpack

This rolling skate backpack is designed with roller derby athletes in mind. It has pockets for days (for storing all those bandages of course). This rolling backpack splits into two parts with a place for skates pads and helmet to go and a detachable backpack for everything else. It will hold quads, inline skates, competitive inline speed skates. The amount of space is off the charts.

There is enough space here for an overnight trip too. You can easily drag this bag into the roller rink or carry it onto the airplane. It’s perfect for those who have a bad back and can’t carry a heavy load. You just gotta see all the pictured features to fully appreciate everything this 5 star skate bag has to offer.

If none of these skate back packs appeal to you then try doing an Amazon search for ski boot backpacks. Technically these packs are for carrying around downhill ski boots but they have a similar shape to roller skates/inline skates and are made to haul long distances to ski destinations. They’re usually airplane friendly and well padded to protect your skates and other items.

Best skate Bags

At this point I’m sure you’re probably wondering what is the difference between a skate backpack and skate bag (or skate shaped bag). Well, a skate bag will hold your skates and maybe a few other items. They are shaped like a pair of skates but don’t hold a large volume of stuff. Usually there is a zip compartment or two for pads and a helmet but it’s basically meant to carry & protect your skates and a few items for short trips to the rink.

Holisogn skate Bag

This highly rated skate bag was the roomiest skate bag we found in our search. It has 3 compartments for fitting quite a bit of skate related equipment (pads, helmet, water bottle, phone, wallet etc). This bag will hold both quad roller skates and inline skates. There is also an outside zip pocket, comfortable handle and shoulder strap. Again, this is a smaller bag meant for trips to the roller rink or skate park. These skate bags aren’t super comfortable to carry over long distances. If you need something like that you’re better off with some of the previously mentioned skate backpacks. This bag also comes in a cool purple leopard print.

best way to carry Skates – short distances

If you’re looking for something a bit more minimalist to carry your skates for a short distance…we have a few ideas for you. Any of these skate carrying devices paired with your cool fanny pack (to carry the essentials like your phone and wallet) and your totally set for a short trip to the local paved trail, skating rink or skate park.

Sure grip over the shoulder sling bag

This over the shoulder sling bag is perfect for protecting those pretty skates and your cute roller skating outfits from being marred by dirt and grease. I strongly prefer this option paired with a cool fanny pack over a skate leash which we’ll talk about next. A skate leash is cute, fun and retro but I find it’s easy to get dirt and grease from you skates onto your clothes inadvertently. A skate leash also doesn’t do much to protect your skate boots from being scraped or damaged.

Moxi skates adjustable skate leash

Last but not least is the retro cool 70’s skate leash. As I mentioned earlier it really isn’t my favorite way to carry skates because it doesn’t protect your skates from damage from banging around in your trunk and it doesn’t keep dirt and grease off of your clothes. It’s really not comfortable for carrying skates long distances either. BUT the one positive is that you can tuck this away in a pocket or cool fanny pack when not being used. Moxi offers these in hot pink and plain black too. The same basic design is used for Yoga mat carry straps which offers many more color and design choices.

How to carry skates for free!

If you’ve reached the end of the list and you haven’t found out how to carry skates around….there are a couple of free ways to carry your skates until you find a solution that fits you.

If you have quad roller skates you can take the laces of both boots and tie them in a knot + bow which links your skates together and gives you a little handle to carry your skates with.

Some larger backpacks will hold your quad roller skates if you arrange them just right. You want to arrange your skates so that they look like the box they came in. If you do this you may want to wrap your skates in old towels so that your wheels and components do not rub against your boots and cause damage and markings.

If you have inline skates and with velcro straps (as many inline skates do) you can velcro the straps together which will link your inline skates and give you a handle.

I hope you found some good ides for how to carry skates around. There are some easy, cheap and FREE ways available until you find the perfect setup for your roller skates or inline skates! Carrying around skates is awkward and uncomfortable but you can look totally cool doing it with a few of these nifty skate carriers!

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