Your Winter Travel Kit: Dakine

Whether you’re looking to take a last minute spring skiing vacation, or simply to escape the latest round of snow that winter storm Juno has brought the East Coast, your travel game is probably in need of an update. We spotted the Dakine collection at Outdoor Retailer this month, and were impressed with the entire line. In the past, Dakine has been mostly snow sports focused, but after successful forays into luggage and apparel in the last few years, they’ve proved to be a mountain lifestyle force to be reckoned with.

For that sunny getaway from the dreary winter landscape, look no further than the Sherpa Duffel. Coming in at fifty-three liters, this behemoth will swallow a week’s worth of clothes and beach gear for a cruise or a quick trip down the Cuba (at least as long as the sanctions are lifted). Combined with the Mod 23, you’ve got the perfect foundations for a tropical getaway kit. Cocktails served out of a pineapple not included.

If you’re eschewing sandy beaches for snow and rugged peaks this spring break, you’d better have a bombproof travel case for your skis or board. Our favorite for hauling serious gear across the globe is the Concourse Double. With a fully padded interior for skis and poles, and three outer pockets that will accomodate boots and outerwear, you’ll be packed like a pro in no time. Add in Chris Benchetler’s signature Heli Pro pack, and you’ll have everything you need to haul your gear on the snow, and your laptop and GoPro back to the hotel to edit your POV footage from a few laps on that out-of-bounds hunt for fresh powder.

Finally, if you’re like us and have to get in a little of everything on your long weekend away from the office, the Compass 38 is the weekend travel pack perfected. Cinch up side pockets and side panel access for your laptop make this much more flexible that just a simple top loader. The removable panel on the front converts to a handy hip pack, perfect for stashing a little fishing gear for an early morning river session, or better yet to catch dinner and impress your friends with those backwoodsman skills.