Updated December 3, 2022
The minute you purchase your first surfboard, it becomes the baby that you care deeply about, and it is not cheap. When you take your baby to another location to check out the waves there, whether, by car or plane, there will be plenty of opportunities for it to get dinged, scraped, scratched, or even bounced around.
To avoid or mitigate such an occurrence, a good surfboard travel bag is a great start. You need one made of tough materials with padding, places to store accessories, handles, and straps to make carrying it easy, and several other important factors to consider.
To help in your selection process, some of the best in the range of models on sale are reviewed below with a comparison table, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of surfing gear, please check out these popular posts:
Beginner Surfboards Beginner Surfboards s Soft Top Surfboards Surfboards Surfboard Car Racks Surf Booties Surfing Wetsuits Men’s Rash Guards Women’s Rash Guards
Best Surfboard Travel Bag Reviews
- Dakine Regulator Triple Surfboard Travel Bag
- Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag
- Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag
- Dakine World Traveler Surfboard Coffin With Wheels
- FCS Day Fun Board Surfboard Bag
- Curve Surfboard Bag Travel Longboard with 20mm Foam
- Wave Tribe Eco Surfboard Travel Bag
- SBBC Premium Surfboard Bags & SUP Paddle Board Bags
- Pro-Lite Rhino Surfboard Travel Bag
- Abahub Premium Surfboard Travel Bag
Surfboard Travel Bag Comparison Table
| Photo | Bag | Lengths | Material | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Dakine Regulator Triple Surfboard Travel Bag | 6", 6'6", 7' | 600D Polyester | 3 | $$$ |
  | Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag | 6'6", 7', 7'6" | 600 Denier Poly | 3-4 | $$$$ |
  | Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag | 6', 6'10" | 600 Denier Poly | 2-3 | $$$ |
  | Dakine World Traveler Surfboard Coffin With Wheels | 6'6", 7'6", 8'6", 9'6" | 600D Diamond Ripstop Polyester | 4 | $$$$ |
  | FCS Day Fun Board Surfboard Bag | 5'9", 6', 7', 8' | "Lightweight Material" | 1 | $$ |
  | Curve Surfboard Bag Travel Longboard with 20mm Foam | 7'6", 8'2", 8'8", 9'2", 9'6", 10'2" | 600D Polycanvas | 1 | $ |
 | Wave Tribe Eco Surfboard Travel Bag | 6’2”, 7'6", 8’6” | Nylon or Hemp | 2-3 | $$$ |
  | SBBC Premium Surfboard Bags & SUP Paddle Board Bags | 5', 6', 7', 8', 9', 10' | Nylon | 1 | $$ |
  | Pro-Lite Rhino Surfboard Travel Bag | 6’, 6’3”, 6’6”, 6’10”, 7’2”, 7’6” | 600 Denier Poly | 2-3 | $$$ |
  | Abahub Premium Surfboard Travel Bag | 6’, 6'6", 7', 7'6", 8’, 8’6”, 9’, 9’6” | 600D PE | 1 | $ |
| Photo | Bag | Lengths | Material | Capacity | Price |
Dakine Regulator Triple Surfboard Travel Bag
The Dakine Regulator is a durable, well-padded premium travel bag.
Holding up to 3 surfboards, they are well protected with 2 internal pads between the boards and 10-20mm of foam in the external materials.
It has a sturdy YKK zipper with internal rail protection, and a comfortable, removable shoulder strap for easy portage.
In addition, the bag has vents and the bottom is heat-reflecting to help prevent overheating and damage to the boards.
- Materials: 95% polyethylene, 5% polyester, 600D diamond ripstop top
- Capacity: 3 boards
- Lengths: 6″, 6’6″, 7′
- Padding: 10mm closed cell foam – top and bottom, 20mm closed cell foam – sidewalls
- Heat reflecting bottom
- 2 internal padded dividers
- Durable YKK zipper with internal rail protection
- Removable padded shoulder strap
- Hand strap
- Price: $$$
Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag
The Pro-Lite Finless Coffin is a very large well-padded bag that will safely transport 3-4 surfboards securely.
10mm foam padding protects your boards along with numerous internal and external compression straps to hold them in place.
Several internal and external pockets are available for fins and accessories, along with an adjustable shoulder strap and molded rubber handles head and tail for easy portage.
In addition, it has a quality zipper and vents to keep your boards from overheating.
- Materials: 600 denier poly
- Capacity: 3-4 boards
- Lengths: 6’6″, 7′, 7’6″
- Padding: 10mm foam
- 1 internal divider
- One 2mm board packer bag included
- Molded non-corrosive zippers
- Several interior fin/storage pockets
- External side pocket for tie-down straps
- External wax/key pocket
- 4 exterior compression straps
- Adjustable, removable shoulder straps with Velcro closure
- Molded rubber handles nose and tail
- Vent for airflow
- Price: $$$$
Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag
The Pro-Lite Smuggler, named for its false-bottom feature, is another high-quality surfboard travel bag that does a great job for 2-3 boards.
I don’t recommend it, but you can use the false bottom to hide the presence of one board to get a reduced airfare rate.
Beyond that, it has 10mm Air Lite foam padding and durable 600D poly fabric which does a great job protecting the boards, easy two-point access for packing and unpacking, and numerous pockets to store accessories, wetsuits, straps, etc.
Other features include a padded shoulder strap, rubber handle, reinforced nose and tail, and vent for airflow.
- Materials: 600 denier poly
- Capacity: 2-3 boards
- Lengths: 6’5”, 6’10”
- Padding: 10mm Air Lite foam
- Molded PK #10 non-corrosive zippers
- Two entry point system on the nose and tail
- Top-zip flip-top opening
- False bottom
- Rail guard around the main zipper to protect the boards
- Large exterior wetsuit/accessory pocket
- Internal accessory pocket
- External wax/key pocket
- Padded shoulder strap
- Strap pocket to stow strap during travel
- Molded rubber handle
- Reinforced nose and tail
- Vent for airflow
- Price: $$$
Dakine World Traveler Surfboard Coffin With Wheels
The Dakine World Traveler Surfboard Coffin can comfortably hold and protect 4 finless surfboards.
The bag is constructed with durable 600D diamond ripstop polyester and closed-cell foam, 10mm in the top and bottom, and 20mm in the sides, with 3 divided sections. Internal and external compression straps hold the boards firmly in place, and 2 wheels built-in to the base lighten the load considerably in transport.
High-quality YKK zippers with internal rail protection provide a secure and safe seal.
- Materials: 600D diamond ripstop polyester
- Capacity: 4 boards
- Lengths: 6’6″, 7’6″, 8’6″, 9’6″
- Padding: 10mm closed cell foam – top and bottom, 20mm closed cell foam – sidewalls
- 3 internal padded dividers
- Internal and external compression straps
- Durable YKK zipper with internal rail protection
- Built-in wheels
- Stash pocket
- Price: $$$$
FCS Day Fun Board Surfboard Bag
The FCS Day Fun Board Surfboard Bag is very lightweight at less than 4 pounds, but still has the durability to provide substantial protection for a single board on day trips or extended travel.
The design uses 5mm high-density foam and seamless rails along with an “armadillo” strip to contour the bag to fit the shape of the board and at the same time ventilating the contents.
There are several handles and a padded shoulder strap for portage and it comes in a range of sizes from 5’9” to 8′ and in black, or cool grey.
- Materials: “lightweight” unspecified
- Capacity: 1 board
- Lengths: 5’9″, 6′, 7′, 8′
- Padding: 5mm high-density padding
- Weighs less than 4 pounds
- Contoured stretch fit
- “Armadillo” strip for ventilation
- Seamless 3D rail protection
- Padded shoulder strap
- Rubber central handle and 2 small handles
- Available in black, and cool gray
- Price: $$
Curve Surfboard Bag Travel Longboard with 20mm Foam
This Curve Surfboard Travel Bag does a great job of protecting boards with a range of sizes available from 7’6” up to 10’2”.
The shell of polycanvas has 7mm of foam on the body and 20mm on the zones with the most opportunity to endure bumps and scrapes, the nose and tail.
It uses durable long-tooth corrosion-resistant nylon PK zippers, has a wax/fin pocket in the tail, a padded shoulder strap and center handle, and has a very low price.
To top it off it also comes with a 12-month warranty.
- Materials: 600D polycanvas top
- Capacity: 1 board
- Lengths: 7’6″, 8’2″, 8’8″, 9’2″, 9’6″, 10’2″
- Padding: 7mm foam on the body, 20mm reinforced foam on nose and tail zones
- Silver tarpee semi-reflective base
- YKK buckles
- Corrosion-resistant long-toothed PK nylon zippers
- Tail Protection Strap System (TPSS) – strap to hold the tail of the board in place
- Wax/fin pocket in the tail with a Velcro seal
- Padded shoulder strap
- Center handle
- Low-priced
- 12-month warranty
- Price: $
Wave Tribe Eco Surfboard Travel Bag
The Wave Tribe Surfboard Travel Bag is a well-padded bag that has a shell made of eco-friendly hemp or recycled nylon.
Made to hold 2-3 boards safely, the body has 13mm of foam protection and the problem zones in the nose and tail have been reinforced up to 25mm.
A padded board separator also adds a layer of protection between boards. It has YKK zippers that are nickel-plated and corrosion-resistant.
Two interior pockets provide space for fins, wax, and leashes and there is a padded shoulder strap and carry handle for ease in portage.
- Materials: hemp (grizzly bear brown model) or recycled nylon (blue model) and alloy mesh
- Capacity: 2-3 boards
- Lengths: 6’2”, 7’6″, 8’6”
- Padding: 13mm foam on the body, 25mm reinforced foam on nose and tail zones
- Padded board divider
- YKK nickel-plated zippers
- 2 interior pockets
- Padded shoulder strap
- Carry handle
- Comes in grizzly bear brown (hemp), and blue (recycled nylon)
- Price: $$$
SBBC Premium Surfboard Bags & SUP Paddle Board Bags
This South Bay Board Company surfboard bag comes in a range of sizes from 5′ to 10″ to suit not only surfboards but also stand-up paddleboards primarily as a day bag.
Constructed from durable heat, water, and UV-resistant 600D nylon, with 5mm of foam insulation and 8mm reinforcing the tips, it also has a sand-resistant zipper, so it can handle a lot of what the beach and transport have to dish out.
An external pocket is available for accessories and a comfortable grab handle and padded removable shoulder strap allow for easy portage.
It also has an extended tail section to accommodate fins on the board.
In addition, the pricing is quite reasonable.
- Materials: 600D nylon
- Capacity: 1 board
- Lengths: 5′, 6′, 7′, 8′, 9′, 10′
- Padding: 5mm and 8mm foam
- Durable sand-resistant zipper
- Airflow air vents
- Bungee tie-down system for accessories
- Single external pocket for accessories
- Padded, adjustable, removable shoulder strap
- Comfort grab handle
- Reasonable price
- Price: $$
Pro-Lite Rhino Surfboard Travel Bag
The Pro-Lite Rhino is a lightweight bag great for holding up to 3 boards.
It has a collapsible gusset that adjusts the thickness of the bag to a fit that conforms to the size of the board(s) with an efficient Velcro closure. Constructed from 600D poly with 10mm of insulating foam it also has a reinforced nose for durability.
It has numerous pockets inside and out to take care of storage needs and effective molded non-corrosive zippers with a rail guard to protect the boards and for easy opening and closing.
There is also an internal divider to separate the boards and an internal vent for airflow.
A molded rubber handle and padded shoulder strap make the transport of this light bag a breeze.
- Materials: 600 denier poly
- Capacity: 2-3 boards
- Lengths: 6’, 6’3”, 6’6”, 6’10”, 7’2”, 7’6”
- Padding: 10mm Air Lite foam
- Collapsible gusset for switching from 1 to 2 boards with Velcro closure
- Molded PK #10 non-corrosive zippers with rail guard
- Reinforced nose
- Large exterior wetsuit/accessory pocket with drain
- 2nd exterior pocket for strap, fins, and accessories
- Internal wax storage pocket
- Molded rubber handle
- Padded shoulder strap
- Internal vent for airflow and cooling
- Internal divider between boards
- Price: $$$
Abahub Premium Surfboard Travel Bag
Abahub Premium Surfboard Travel Bag is a high-quality, budget-priced travel bag great for surfboards but with a wide range of lengths, there are several also suitable for SUP.
Loaded with features, the 600D PE and 10mm of foam, along with nylon reinforcement in the nose and tail provide heaps of protection.
Ample storage for accessories is available in internal and external pockets and it is possible to pack your board with the fin(s) in place with a flexible tail section to accommodate.
Air vents keep it aerated and cool and a wide padded shoulder strap is comfortable for portage.
As mentioned, the price is very low making this bag hard to pass up.
- Materials: 600D PE
- Capacity: 1 board
- Lengths: 6’, 6’6″, 7′, 7’6″, 8’, 8’6”, 9’, 9’6”
- Padding: 10mm foam
- Durable double-stitching
- 600D nylon nose and tail reinforcement
- YKK #10 nickel-plated zippers
- Two 4-inch air vents
- 28” x 18” external zippered pocket for gear
- Internal pocket for accessories with Velcro closure
- Flexible tail section to accommodate fins
- Padded wide, adjustable, removable shoulder strap
- Rubber grab handle
- Low-priced
- Price: $
Surfboard Travel Bags Buying Guide
Size and Shape
Surfboard travel bags come in sizes, lengths, and configurations to suit a variety of boards, to be transported singly or with more than one in the bag at once. Make sure the bag you select fits the size and length of your boards with a relatively snug fit with everything loaded inside. Whether you have a short, hybrid, or longboard, or multiples of them, there is a bag that fits.
Materials
The shell materials for surfboard bags are selected for durability primarily. Most frequently nylon or polyester are the fabrics of choice. They have a degree of water and heat resistance, as well. Often times a reflective UV-resistant coating is also used which can keep the interior cooler and the damaging rays out.
Padding is the second major type of material to consider. It is usually a sort of high-density foam and comes in different thicknesses. Some boards will place more padding in vulnerable areas like the nose and tail, or on side panels. The thicker it is, generally, the more protection is provided against dings, bumps, etc.
Transportation and Portability
The main purpose of a surfboard travel bag is to make safe portability easy and convenient. To facilitate this, being lightweight, yet durable, is important. The bags will have one or more carry handles and an adjustable, usually well-padded, and removable shoulder strap. Once removed, it can be stowed inside the bag or in a special pocket designed for it allowing the bag to more easily withstand handling and conveyor belts, especially at airports. Large bags designed to carry several boards, sometimes called coffins, can receive an assist by being connected to a wheeled device or having wheels built-in.
Zipper Quality
Surfboard Travel Bags rely heavily on zippers for closure. If a zipper malfunctions in a main closure area of the bag, significant damage can occur to your board(s) or at minimum be a major inconvenience to deal with. Therefore, quality zippers are essential. The best today are made of non-corrosive metals or are non-metallic. Top brand names like YKK or BK are pretty reliable.
Air Ventilation
Surfboard travel bags almost all use foam padding for protection. These materials tend to retain heat which can damage the board(s). You should look for bags that have ventilation that permits airflow which dissipates interior heat and keeps your surfboard(s) cool.
Set Up For Fins
If your boards have fins it can be a concern to provide adequate protection. Removable fins can be stowed. Many bags have a pocket just for that purpose. Otherwise, you can get a slightly larger bag than your board otherwise requires or one with a flexible tail section to accommodate. There are also bags that have a space for the fin to poke through. I wouldn’t recommend that for journeys where you don’t have direct control of the board, such as on an air flight.
How to Pack a Surfboard for Travel
For more reviews of surfing gear, please check out these popular posts:
Beginner Surfboards Beginner Surfboards Soft Top Surfboards Surfboards Surfboard Car Racks Surf Booties Surfing Wetsuits Men’s Rash Guards Women’s Rash Guards
Feedback and Comments
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