Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Travel Surfboard Bag Review

The Pro-Lite Smuggler is one of Pro Lite’s most consistently popular bags and probably the most unique travel bag out. Surfers know that traveling with boards gets expensive real quick, as many airlines are now charging a flat rate per board. However, Pro-Lite has engineered a very clever way to pack more boards than what appears to the untrained eye.

If you’re looking to travel light and save a few dollars in the process the Smuggler is an excellent choice. With it's surge in popularity, Pro-Lite now makes the bag in a shortboard and a fish/hybrid/mid-length model.

"This is probably the only travel bag out there that actually pays for itself in the money you save by using it. On top of that, it’s just an all-around well-made, lightweight bag that’s a smart pick for most traveling surfers."

Pro-Lite Smuggler Series

The Smuggler has been out for a few years now, but it still is one of our best-selling bags and the one we get the most questions on. Basically, it’s a lightweight travel bag that appears to only hold 2 boards while concealing a third. This is a huge advantage because many airlines will charge $50-150 per board while others like Alaskan Air will offer a fair rate but only allow two surfboards per bag. So I think this feature would be relevant to almost all traveling surfers.

How It Works

STEP 1: First, open the bag using the zipper in both the nose and tail.

STEP 2: Place the first board in through the tail entry of the bag and under the tarpaulin divider.

Pro Tip: If you have a board with a spray or some crazy art, I’d put that one in first that way it clearly shows from either entry.

STEP 3: Next, slide a second board on top of the first board through the tail entry.

STEP 4: Finally, flip the bag over and place the third and final board in through the nose compartment and behind the tarpaulin cover.

STEP 5: Zip it all up and you're all good! Now, if an airline worker opens the bag from either the nose or tail zipper, they'll only see surfboards.

Other Features

The Smuggler Series otherwise is very similar to Pro Lite’s other second-selling bag, the Rhino. With 10mm of foam padding throughout and a lightweight design, it's easy to lug around without skimping on padding. There's a large accessory pocket in the front and a hidden compartment near the top that holds a detachable shoulder strap.

What all of this means is that even if you’re traveling with 2 boards or even just one, the Smuggler is still a sensible choice. If you end up only bringing a board or two, this bag also has velcro cinches on the side of the bag to compact it down. Finally, there's the same excellent marine-grade zipper and air vents found on all of Pro-Lite's best bags.

Smuggler Series Shortboard vs. Fish/Hybrid/Mid-Length Surfboard Bags

Relevent Blogs We've Written

• Best Shortboard Surfboard Bags
• Best Fish and Hybrid Surfboard Bags
• Best Surfboard Travel Bags 
• How to Size a Surfboard Bag

Final Thoughts

This is probably the only travel bag out there that actually pays for itself in the money you save by using it. On top of that, it’s just an all-around well-made, lightweight bag that’s a smart pick for most traveling surfers.

If you have any questions about this travel bag or any travel bag, feel free to give us a call at 1-888-546-6176, leave a comment, or shoot an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com.

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Sarah

Originally from the rolling hills of New Hampshire, Sarah now calls Oregon home. She started at Cleanline Surf in 2019 and, since then, has grown into the role of the Customer Service and Blog Manager. When she’s not at work helping dial in customers with surf gear, Sarah is happiest out adventuring. From mellow summer surf sessions to winter splitboard missions to ripping down her favorite mountain bike line, Sarah is always ready to go at the drop of a hat.