Getting the kids out on the trail is a great way to spend a Saturday but loading up more than one or two bikes can be a challenge. Bike racks that attach to your car or SUV are a great option. Trunk mounts tend to be low cost, and adjustable to fit on most vehicles, though they can move and shift against your vehicle if the straps aren’t properly tightened before each trip. Roof racks are the more expensive option, but they are versatile and great for larger bikes and for retaining the use of your trunk. You do have to be careful about driving into garages or under any low overhangs, especially if your vehicle is on the taller side. Hitch mounts come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, and are especially great for hauling two, four, or six bikes at a time. Often, they are very secure, and can fold away from the car to allow access to the trunk, though you do have to keep in mind the length of your car, plus the bike rack, when backing into tight spaces.  

There are many challenges when it comes to hauling bikes for the whole family. There’s loading and unloading alone while your spouse looks after the kids, finding a place to store the bikes and rack when you’ve finished with your grand adventure, and it’s always a drag when something goes wrong on the way to the trailhead and one of the bikes got damaged on the road. All this is assuming that you can find a bike rack that can hold more than two bikes in the first place.  

Some key features that can help alleviate these struggles include bike racks with a large capacity (4 or more bikes), a rack that is lightweight and modular for easy removal and has easy storage, and a rack that mounts by the handlebars, so you don’t risk damaging your wheels.  

Enter: Chuck. The Chuck Rack is built for family adventures. It’s lightweight (less than 50 pounds), the vertical design allows for 4-6 bikes (for the whole family), and it’s modular (it folds up for easy storage, swings away from the trunk of your car to allow access, and the top rack attaches to the universal Chuck base post, so you can switch it out for ski season).  

Introduction  

If you drive to the slopes, gear transport matters. We want to get out of the house and onto the slopes ASAP, so having a mount, pod, or rack that’s easily accessible and holds all your gear safely and securely is top priority. Roof cargo pods and Hitch ski racks are two tried and true options – let’s compare.  

What is a Ski Pod?  

A ski pod is a plastic box or pod that mounts to the top of your car. They come in a range of different sizes, shapes, and materials, and are pretty versatile for storing a variety of gear. Ski pods are shaped to be aerodynamic, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t affect your fuel efficiency. The bigger the box, the bigger the impact on your mileage. Roof mount pods do keep things stored up and out of the way (you can even lock them), but you have to be careful to keep things under the weight limit of your particular pod. It’s best to keep the heavy gear inside the car.  

What is a Hitch Ski Rack?  

A hitch mount ski rack does exactly what it says on the tin, it mounts onto your trailer hitch and carries skis (and snowboards). These mounts tend to be more specific to just skis and snowboards but often have a larger capacity than a roof pod. Most hitch mounts hold up to six sets of skis or up to four snowboards (great for large families and friends). The rack being mounted on the back of your car means less effect on fuel efficiency, but it may block access to your trunk. It also requires a trailer hitch to start with, where roof pods are useable without.  

Refer to top image 'Comparison Table: Ski Pod vs Hitch Rack “Let’s Compare"'

Why the Chuck Bucket Might Be the Better Choice  

The Chuck Bucket is a great hitch mount option. It holds 8 pairs of skis, 4 snowboards, and the bucket allows for hauling many other things too (2x4s, golf clubs, camping gear, and much more). It’s lightweight and folds up for easy storage, it swings away to allow trunk access, and the hitch mount is interchangeable with the Chuck Bike Rack.  

Conclusion  

There’s no one-size-fits-all option for gear transport, and every person, family, and car is different, so it’s important to find the solution that works for you. Those who are looking for a large-capacity, lightweight, and versatile solution choose the Chuck Bucket.  

Introduction 

Loading your gear shouldn’t be a pain. Transporting skis safely is a top priority for many skiers, and for good reason. If not properly secured, one hasty brake can send gear flying. It’s not fun for you or anyone else on the road to lose a ski. That’s why roof and hitch-mount ski racks are so popular. The roof rack/pod was the standard for a long time, but recently more and more skiers are opting for hitch-mounts.  

What is a Hitch Mount Ski Rack?  

A hitch-mount ski rack does exactly what it says on the tin. It mounts to your trailer hitch, and it holds your skis. Hitch mounted ski racks tend to be lightweight, high-capacity, and secure. Why choose a hitch-mount over a cheaper roof rack? Hitch-mounts are popular for their increased capacity in comparison to roof racks or pods and can be more aerodynamic than a roof rack or pod. (maybe include link to roof pod vs hitch rack blog post).  

What to Look for in a Good Hitch Ski Rack  

A quality hitch-mount ski rack will be secure, lightweight, durable, and versatile. Security and durability should be of utmost importance when deciding on a hitch-mount ski rack, a good rack will be made of high-quality material and will have straps or clips for properly securing your gear. Nobody wants to struggle for an hour trying to install a rack before a trip, so weight and ease of use/installation are key factors as well. Another thing to consider is storage. Where will your trusty hitch-mount rack live when it’s not attached to your car? Some racks fold up flat or come with brackets and can be hung on a wall. Some racks don’t and will take up a considerable amount of space in your house, apartment, or garage.  

Chuck Bucket: A Great Example of a Modern Hitch Rack  

A great option for all those adventurers looking for a secure, lightweight, high-capacity ski rack is the Chuck Bucket. It’s only 25 pounds, so you can set it up on your own, no problem. It’s modular, so you can store it anywhere. It holds 8 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards, so you can bring the whole crew.  

Conclusion  

So, Hitch-mount ski racks are ideal for those of us who need to get on the road quick. Because trail time > packing time. They’re great for families, friends, and more. So check out the Chuck Bucket to make adventure happen now!  

Introduction 

Utah has some of the best mountain biking in the US. From the red-orange slickrock in Moab, to the forested, alpine trails of Park City, this is your guide to the best trails in Utah for experienced and beginner bikers alike. This road trip will start in the red rocks of Moab, take you through the pines and hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the cliffs and sage brush of Hurricane, and up the Wasatch front to the wooded trails overlooking Salt Lake City and the aspen groves of Park City.  

Moab 

• Bar M Loop 

Start easy in Moab with the Bar-M Loop. This trail is just under eight miles of single and doubletrack that is perfect for families and beginners. With lots of interesting geology, and branching paths for more experienced riders, the Bar-M loop surely has something for everyone.  

• The Whole Enchilada 

Those looking for a more thrilling ride look to The Whole Enchilada. 25 miles downhill with a couple of short but intense climbs, from the La Sal Mountains to the Colorado River. This is a difficult ride for experienced bikers, but it presents all the highlights of mountain biking in Moab. Paved path, slickrock, and singletrack make up this intense and rewarding descent.  

Bryce Canyon 

• Dave’s Hollow 

On to Bryce Canyon. Take the kids out to Dave’s Hollow, 12 miles of doubletrack that kicks off near the entrance to the park. This trail is an easy one, great for taking in the sights and potentially spotting some wildlife.  

• Thunder Mountain 

Thunder Mountain is a trail for those determined intermediate level riders, and experienced riders looking for their new favorite trail. While technically downhill, this ride has lots of climbs and steep switchbacks before the big drop. Take this trail fast and adrenaline inducing or take it slow and enjoy the pine trees against the backdrop of red rock hoodoos and rolling hills.  

Hurricane 

• Jem Trail 

In Hurricane, take the Jem Trail for a quick downhill ride through the stunning desert landscape. This trail is simple enough to bring the kids but be careful around some of the steeper drops. This trail was made to ride fast. 

• Gooseberry Mesa 

The Gooseberry Mesa Loop is a 13-mile loop that goes along the edges of cliffs around a desert valley. It’s a challenging ride, even for very experienced bikers. People travel from all over the world to bike this trail and it’s easy to see why. The views on this trail are beautiful and well worth slowing down for.  

Salt Lake City  

• Quarry Trail 

Once you make it up to Salk Lake, head up Little Cottonwood canyon for an easy ride that’s great for families, or as a warmup or rest day trip. The Quarry Trail is a quick up and back that’s just minutes from the city. This trail can be rocky, so it’s good for those learning to pick the best path, and the climb is just challenging enough to make the descent worth it.  

• Bonneville Shoreline/Bobsled 

The Bonneville Shoreline/Bobsled Loop starts in Salt Lake City proper. You’ll kick off just northeast of the avenues and ride up the mountain via the Bonneville Shoreline trail, circle around, and come down the bracing Bobsled Trail. This loop offers challenges for even the most experienced riders, and breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley.  

Park City 

• Wasatch Crest 

The Wasatch Crest Trail offers something for everyone. It’s an intermediate 12.5-mile trail that, depending on where you start, can be a beautiful climb, or a bracing descent. Through groves of aspen trees, open fields, and gorgeous hilltops, this trail is a staple of Utah mountain biking.  

So, now that you know some of the best trails in Utah, load up your bikes and get on the road!