Derek, I just stick my paddles into the Forester, as is. No bag, no nothing. So far, so good for 25 years now, as no damage or deterioration has occurred as a result of just putting the naked paddles into the vehicle. A paddling buddy of mine does keep his Epic carbon paddle in an Epic bag, and makes a big production of opening the bag with great ceremony and withdrawing the holy paddle like he was a Samurai warrior, but it's all for show and fun.