Practical

How to Pack a Kite Bag for Travel

2026-05-10 · 3 min read

The packing order, the weight limits, the things you forget. A pro packing guide for international kite trips.

Packing for a kite trip is its own skill. A badly-packed kite bag exceeds 23 kg, costs you £180 in excess fees, and arrives with a snapped batten. Here's the right way.

Step 1: weigh everything dry

Before you pack, weigh each item. Most kite-bag combos run 18-22 kg when everything fits properly. Airline limits are usually 23 kg per piece or 32 kg if pre-booked as sports equipment.

Step 2: layer the board at the bottom

Bottom of bag: your twin tip, foam-up, in its bag if you have one. The board is the toughest piece. Padding on top of board: clothes you're not flying in.

Step 3: kites in the middle

Roll each kite tightly with the leading edge zipped up. Both kites stack flat in the middle of the bag, separated by your wetsuit (good padding).

Step 4: bar, lines, harness on top

Bar coiled neatly, lines bagged separately to avoid tangles. Harness on top with the spreader bar facing up.

Step 5: small stuff in side pockets

Pump (deflate it), repair kit, spare valves, multi-tool, fins, screws - all in zippered side pockets where they can't shift in transit.

What to leave at home

Wetsuit boots (warm-water destinations rent them). Multiple bars. Spare board (just rent if needed). Excessive sun cream (buy at destination - 100ml limits apply to carry-on anyway).

Carry-on essentials

Always carry on: harness, helmet, sun cream, swimwear, one change of clothes. If your checked bag is delayed by 24 hours you can still kite using rental kit from any school - but you need your own harness and helmet for safety.