The Ultimate Guide to Hockey Bags

Hockey has long been and still is the king of sports in Canada, so much so it’s become an integral part of the country’s culture. This is one of the most popular sports in the country, so it’s not surprising at all that many people participate in it, even recreationally.

If you’re a beginner in the story of hockey and are unaware of its essentials, there’s an important accessory that can help you stay more organized – the hockey bag. It’s an essential because it can gather everything else in it, from your skates and clothing items to towels and refreshments.

What Makes a Good One?

Given the fact that these bags are designed to keep everything within easy reach, neatly packed, including safety gear like helmets, hockey bags are designed to protect them from damage during storage and transport. What makes such a bag good is its size and quality above all.

This bag needs to be spacious enough to let you organize and keep your gear, and made from quality and durable materials to withstand everyday use. A bag of this kind should fit comfortably and should be strong enough to last you for years to come. But don’t forget to choose one that allows for ventilation in order to reduce any odours that are quite common to develop.

Things to Consider to Find the Right Type

What Are the Different Types of Hockey Bags?

Carry Bags

These certainly are one of the most popular types of bags among players for many reasons. First and foremost, they are versatile and can be carried over the shoulders or in the hands with handles. They are lightweight, compact and spacious enough to keep your belongings and gear inside.

Backpacks

Backpacks are just another solution you can choose to carry. They are more convenient to carry, keeping your hands free, however keep in mind that they are smaller in size than carry bags, and as such you can carry a smaller amount of gear in them.

Wheeled Bags

These bags look like a suitcase because of the wheels and telescopic handle. They are super easy to carry and usually are larger in size to carry a larger amount of gear all at once.

Material

When in the search for a hockey bag, it’s of vital importance to choose one that is made from quality and quick-drying material to reduce the chance of developing odour. While in the past, leather was the only material used for the production of these bags, nowadays you can choose from a selection of synthetic materials like polyester and polyvinyl.

Both of them are known for their quick drying properties which allow for more air to move through the bag. Practice shows that polyester thread has great ventilation properties, and when combined with mesh panels it makes the perfect combo for durability and breathability.

Consider the Letter ‘D’ in These Bags

The letter ‘D’ in these bags stands for denier, which is a well-known rating for the strength and thickness of the individual threads. An important thing to know is that the higher the number, the thicker and stronger the overall material.

However, keeping things in the middle is always a good idea since that way you’ll keep the balance. While smaller numbers mean weaker threads, the higher ones will result in creating a stiff fabric that’s difficult to work with and use. That’s why choosing the golden middle is key to flexibility and strength at the same time.

Fit and Size

The last thing to consider when in the search for the right bag is its size and fit. The chosen bag should be big enough to hold all of your gear but compact enough to carry and store anywhere. The chosen bag should have both padded handles and a strap that allows it to be carried around the shoulder whenever needed.

Make sure that both the handles and the longer strap have padding, as this can reduce strain when carrying heavier gear. Regarding the size, make sure the one you choose has the adequate capacity able to keep and carry all of your gear, otherwise, you risk investing in a new one sooner than expected. The chosen model should have enough room for all of the gear you carry regularly, and most importantly, it should also contain enough compartments to separate your items.

Aside from the handles, make sure that the bag itself is padded in all the right places to protect your important equipment pieces. If possible, choose a model that comes with a separate compartment for keeping your skates and other compartments for keeping the rest of the accessories. These things matter not only for keeping them safe but also for better organization. One thing is certain, considering all of these things will help you make the right choice.