Stick bag – how to pack for training and a tournament

Stick in one hand, a carrier bag of shin guards in the other, a bottle under the arm – that is what the first season looks like for many players. A proper bag organises your kit, protects the stick and makes sure you do not forget half your things for a tournament. Here are the types of hockey bags and what to pack for training versus a full day of competition.

Types of hockey bags

• Stick bag – a narrow tube for one or two sticks, sometimes with a small pocket. The lightest option for training.
• Combo bag – a stick sleeve combined with a large compartment for guards, shoes and clothes. One bag for all your kit.
• Hockey backpack – a regular backpack with a tunnel or straps for a stick; handy on the way to school and training.
• Ball bag – for coaches and parents who carry a dozen or more balls to sessions.

For training: light and quick

• stick (head up, so it does not knock against the ground)
• shin guards and a mouthguard
• a glove, if you play in one
• turf shoes or indoor shoes – depending on the surface
• a water bottle and a small towel

For training a backpack with room for a stick is enough, e.g. the Ritual Covert Backpack – it holds notebooks, shoes and a stick, and looks like an ordinary city backpack.

For a tournament: supplies for the whole day

• two sticks – the spare saves the match when the first one breaks
• a spare grip and stick tape
• two pairs of socks and a change of shirt between matches
• both pairs of shoes, if the tournament moves from turf to indoor
• a jacket or hoodie for breaks – you cool down quickly on the pitch
• water, isotonic drink and snacks: bananas, bars, sandwiches
• a small first-aid kit: plasters, elastic bandage, cold pack

This is where a combo bag comes in. The Ritual Tactic Combo Bag has a compartment for two sticks and separate pockets for shoes and guards.

The larger Ritual Mission Combo Bag holds kit for a weekend trip – including a third stick and clothes for two days.

A few habits that extend the life of your kit

After training take wet things out of the bag – a closed, damp compartment is the fastest route to bad smells and mould on shin guards. Do not leave a bag with a stick in a hot car or in the frost; we explain why in our post how to care for your stick. Once a month empty the pockets completely – you will be surprised how much tape, how many balls and odd socks live there.

Goalkeepers have their own, much bigger bags – we write separately about putting together a goalkeeping kit, and the equipment is in the Goalkeeping.

You will find all the bags, sleeves and backpacks from our range under Bags. Looking for bags for the whole team in club colours? Email us at [email protected] – we will prepare a club offer.