Is there a difference between a surfboard day bag and travel bag?

Surfboard Air Travel Bag Buyers Guide Is there a difference between a surfboard day bag and travel bag? The major difference between day bags and travel bags is the weight of the materials used throughout the bag. 5mm foam is usually used for day bags, compared to 10mm foam used in travel bags. Day bags are padded to be lightweight and thin while travel bags are made with thicker padding to handle abuse common to airline travel. Day bags are designed to carry one surfboard while travel bags carry anything from one to five boards depending on the specific bag. The bags are constructed of Tarpaulin and Nylon. Tarpaulin reflects the sun and heat and helps to protect your board and your wax job. While Nylon is typically more durable. Most longboard/minilongboard bags will have a fin slot so if your center fin is glassed in it will stick out thru this slot, shortboard bags will not have this feature. In the case of fun shapes and fish shapes, check the specifications of each bag to determine it meets your needs regarding fin type. The short/hybrid and fish bags are specialty bags designed to accommodate these specific board types. Always remember to check the specs on each bag, before you make your purchase, to insure the bag will be compatible with your board. Rounded or Pointed Nose? Models and styles are your main considerations when choosing what type of Travel bag suits you best. When selecting your bag always check the specification to determine whether it's a pointed nose or rounded nose. A longboard style will be a full rounded nose and a shorboard style will be pointed. Below are brief descriptions of the different types of travel bags we offer: Single This will hold one board. Most longboard/minilongboard bags will have a fin slot (double check on this feature especially if you have a glassed in single fin), shortboard bags will not. In the case of fun shapes and fish shapes, check the specifications of each bag. Most single travel bags will function just fine for day use. If you like the extra padding and heavier zippers and straps...go with a single travel bag for everyday use...a little heavier, but more protection. Double Double bags hold two boards. Always check the specifications of each bag to see the different bells and whistles each offer. Some have a center piece for extra padding between boards. Others have Velcro on the tail to expand the volume of the bag. Some even include a changing mat. Coffins Coffins are the most popular multi-board travel bags in use today. The come both wheeled and non-wheeled. If it has wheels it will be heavier but unless you like dragging a coffin thru the airport, wheels can make a big difference and well worth it. Especially if you have multiple connections on your flight. Just keep in mind how mobile you want to be on your next trip. However a word of caution on coffins, especially the heavier wheeled. Always take heed of your airline weight limitations before your journey so you don't get stuck with a bag too big or too heavy that they refuse to take it or charge a fee for the extra weight. Coffins typically come with a divider or two depending on the model. Typically, a double coffin will have one divider. A triple or quad will have two dividers or day bags, or a combination of both. Check the specs. Wheeled Coffins Wheeled coffins have wheels and make the journey thru the airport a lot easier on your neck and back. If you have a direct flight and you will not need to be very mobile, it may not make sense. But if you have lots of connection flights and will be doing a lot of moving on your feet then having wheels if a blessing. Again, take note of the size and weight of your bag. Having wheels will always add more weight and it's a good idea to check with your airline(s) before your journey to make sure you do not exceed their size and weight limitations. Other features to consider: All bags use varying pocket designs...pockets inside for gear and fins, and pockets outside for straps and gear. Coffins usually have straps incorporated on the inside to strap your board down after stacking. Some bags have rail straps for cinching the side walls tight to create a smaller profile. Airline restrictions on size and weight Always take heed of your airline weight limitations before your journey so you don't get stuck with a bag too big or too heavy that they refuse to take it or charge a fee for the extra weight. Coffins typically come with a divider or two, depending on the model. Typically, a double coffin will have one divider. A triple or quad will have two dividers or day bags, or a combination of both. Check the specs.