Transpack Ice Bags - weight and size

[sampaguita]

I'm thinking of buying a replacement for my current bag, and I'd appreciate it if you could give me some feedback. Thanks!

1. How heavy is an EMPTY Transpack Ice Bag? Compared with regular backpacks, is it heavier?
2. I have Jackson Freestyle size 5 skates. Will they fit in the regular Ice, or should I get an Expo?

[VAsk8r]

I think a transpack is about the same weight as a regular backpack, when there's nothing in it. It's made more or less of the same stuff: canvas or some other heavy cloth, a few zippers.

Yes, your skates will fit just fine in the ICE, and you'll even have room for other things in the skate compartments. I wear a 5.5 and used to wear a 6.5 and they fit, and I squeeze my water bottle in beside them.

A lot of the skaters at my rink, including yours truly, have the ICE. I've never seen an Expo.

[jjane45]

Weight: same as regular backpack.

Size: I don't know what size my transpack bag was, but it was big for size 6 Jacksons as my skates back then fit both ways. My friend's size 7 (?) skates only fit one way around.

[sampaguita]

Thanks, VASk8r and jjane!

[Sk8tmum]

We have the ICE version.  It fits my kid's giant size 13 skates (no not kid's size 13 ... Size 13) - with no problem at all. 

My tiny dainty DD is able to carry her small skates (sz 2) with no problem in the full-sized bag, and she just has to remember to turn them so that they are properly positioned.  It's very lightweight ... actually lighter than the LL Bean backpack that she uses for school.

[isakswings]

This is good to know since I am considering one for my son and for myself! My son's skates are.a size 6.5 men's and his feet are still growing... So I am happy to hear this!

[Sk8tmum]

This is good to know since I am considering one for my son and for myself! My son's skates are.a size 6.5 men's and his feet are still growing... So I am happy to hear this!

Transpack is great for a guy - we had to hunt for something to hold figure skates properly that wasn't "girly" looking.  A dark coloured transpack is ideal.  Also, the suspension system in the bag is excellent.  A normal non-supported backpack and/or a duffle bag slung over the shoulder isn't good for the back, particularly if you're getting into the weight that a guy's skates can get to, esp. when you add in some of the gear that gets carried.  Also sturdy, which is great for the casual "sling it into the trunk of the car" attitude that guys seem to have ... and, if you have the kind who "sometimes" will forget to take the skates out to air, the ventilated side pocket carriers makes it not a big issue.

[Hanca]

I had several transpacks, and they don't last well. They never lasted more than a year. The shoulder straps start tearing off.  (And I was not carrying it at any distances, only from my house to my car, from car to the rink, from the rink to the car and from the car to my house). I think it is not designed well. It is big enough but it doesn't take into account  the actual weight of the boots and blades (and a bottle of water). I was not carrying in it anything else.

[jjane45]

Quoting myself from the old thread

My old transpack has retired. I think it was a little premature because 1) I carried tons of heavy stuff and 2) I tended to use a single strap instead of both.

I used mine for about 2 years, the shoulder straps started to give out after a year and half. But again, I was sort of abusing it.

[jgraham44]

Oh, I just asked for one of these for Christmas!  The Ice, though that was just by accident... I didn't even realize that they had more than one model.  I'll let you know how it holds up!

[Sk8tmum]

Have had no problems at all with sturdiness; they have survived brutal, nasty and vicious treatment and look great still.  And trust me, they're overstuffed with heavy heavy skates ...

[JSM]

I've had mine about a year and a half, and it's still in great shape.  I got the black one, specifically because I didn't want it stained.  The floor at our rink is DISGUSTING.

[xoxo_tw]

Hi !

I just cut off my shoulder straps and replaced them with a pair of us army backpack straps, (bought on eBay for around 10usd), great improvement, much more comfortable and durable, and easy installation, just wrap and tie them in...

[dlbritton]

There are Transpack models for ski boots so if you are worried about skates fitting you might look at the different models Transpack does offer.

[rachelplotkin]

I have a transpack expo and it is huge!  My skates are 6.5.  The center compartment holds several jackets and all my other assorted skate paraphernalia.  It's probably a bit too big but I did not know any better when I bought it.  I've had it close to 2 years and it really hasn't shown any sign of wear.  I usually skate 4x/week so it gets quite a bit of use.  The darker color is good for not showing dirt as mentioned in a previous post.

[xoxo_tw]

I have a transpack expo and it is huge!  My skates are 6.5.  The center compartment holds several jackets and all my other assorted skate paraphernalia.  It's probably a bit too big but I did not know any better when I bought it.  I've had it close to 2 years and it really hasn't shown any sign of wear.  I usually skate 4x/week so it gets quite a bit of use.  The darker color is good for not showing dirt as mentioned in a previous post.

yeah.. I can't imagine,  I think the Ice is huge.....

[skategeek]

I got the Expo initially because I had read comments from people who said they had trouble getting adult skates into the Ice.  It's a monster!  Got the Ice as well (Expo is gathering dust in the closet), and it works just fine.  Plenty of room for stuff.  It's holding up pretty well, except that on the very first day I used it I left it under the bench during a public session and it got a small gash in the side from someone's blade.

[twinskaters]

So funny, I just put the Ice on my amazon wish list last night. Glad to see adult skates will fit!

[skategeek]

So funny, I just put the Ice on my amazon wish list last night. Glad to see adult skates will fit!

It's a little bit snug, but I have size 8 Jackson Classiques and can get them in.  If it was a tighter fit I could try turning them sideways, but it works.

[Meli]

Most of the adults at my home rink (myself included) are toting the Ice.  Love it.

[twinskaters]

It's a little bit snug, but I have size 8 Jackson Classiques and can get them in.  If it was a tighter fit I could try turning them sideways, but it works.

Perfect. My too-big skates are a 9, and will probably go down half to a full size depending.

Now I just have to hope someone buys them off my wishlist.

[PhysicsOnIce]

I actually have been considering an Transpack FOREVER now, but I am afraid that because I take my skates to work on a bike it needs to be fairly(if not completely) waterproof. It RAINS A LOT here. Does anyone if any of the transpack ICE models are waterproof?

[xoxo_tw]

I actually have been considering an Transpack FOREVER now, but I am afraid that because I take my skates to work on a bike it needs to be fairly(if not completely) waterproof. It RAINS A LOT here. Does anyone if any of the transpack ICE models are waterproof?

It probably can handle some water,  but as the skate pockets have mesh fabric with many vent holes Your skate will get wet anyway I think...

[skategeek]

I actually have been considering an Transpack FOREVER now, but I am afraid that because I take my skates to work on a bike it needs to be fairly(if not completely) waterproof. It RAINS A LOT here. Does anyone if any of the transpack ICE models are waterproof?

You could cover the pack with a waterproof backpack cover, maybe?  REI and other camping stores have them. 

[dlbritton]

I actually have been considering an Transpack FOREVER now, but I am afraid that because I take my skates to work on a bike it needs to be fairly(if not completely) waterproof. It RAINS A LOT here. Does anyone if any of the transpack ICE models are waterproof?

The Transpack Edge and XTW ski boot bags have a solid cover over the boot compartment. They are a little larger than the ICE bag which would also give you more room.