Getting your child into hockey is exciting, but let’s be real – managing all that gear can feel like a full-time job! Skates, pads, helmet, sticks, jersey… it all adds up, and it needs a home. That’s where a great hockey bag comes in. It’s not just about carrying stuff; it’s about organization, durability, and making it easier for your young player to get to practice and games without a fuss.
Choosing the best hockey bag for kids means looking for something that’s the right size, tough enough to handle being tossed around, and maybe even a little stylish. We’ve scoured the market to find some top contenders that’ll keep your little athlete organized and ready to hit the ice. Let’s dive into our picks!
Our Top Picks for Kids’ Hockey Bags
Here are seven fantastic options that offer a blend of practicality, durability, and kid-friendliness.
1. MILLENNIUM BY TRAVELWAY Junior Hockey Bag – Equipment…
This Millennium by Travelway bag is a fantastic, no-nonsense option perfect for the younger player who needs a reliable way to carry their gear. It’s designed with simplicity and durability in mind, making it a straightforward choice for parents and kids alike. Its spacious interior means you won’t be struggling to cram in all those pads, and the water-repellent fabric adds peace of mind against damp rink conditions.
- Key Features:
- Made from 600 Denier Water-Repellant Polyester Fabric for durability.
- Versatile for hockey equipment, gym gear, or general travel.
- Large, zippered opening for easy access and visibility of contents.
- Double handles with a uni-grip that also function as shoulder straps.
- Dimensions: 30 x 15 x 12 inches.
- Pros:
- Very durable and water-resistant material.
- Wide opening makes packing and unpacking a breeze.
- Versatile for other sports or travel.
- Simple, functional design.
- Cons:
- Lacks specialized compartments for skates or helmets.
- No wheels, so carrying heavy loads might be challenging for smaller kids.
- User Impressions: Parents frequently praise this bag for its robust construction and generous space. They love that it holds everything without fuss and stands up well to regular use by energetic kids. It’s often highlighted as a great value option that gets the job done.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Bauer Hockey Core Carry Bag ’24 (Black/Neon, Youth/Small…
When it comes to hockey gear, Bauer is a name you can trust, and their Core Carry Bag is no exception. This ’24 model comes in different sizes, including a youth/small option specifically tailored for younger players. It combines Bauer’s legendary quality with practical design, ensuring your child’s equipment is well-protected and easy to transport to and from the rink. It’s a classic carry-style bag, reliable and built to last.
- Key Features:
- Available in multiple sizes: Senior/Large, Junior/Medium, and Youth/Small.
- Youth/Small dimensions: 25″ Length x 13″ Width x 16″ Height.
- Durable construction typical of Bauer products.
- Simple, open main compartment design.
- Pros:
- Trusted Bauer brand quality.
- Youth-specific sizing ensures a good fit for smaller players’ gear.
- Sturdy design for long-lasting use.
- Easy to clean interior.
- Cons:
- No wheels, which could be cumbersome for kids carrying a full load.
- Lack of internal pockets means less organization for smaller items.
- User Impressions: Customers often point to the “Bauer quality” as the main draw, noting that the bag holds up well to the rigors of youth hockey. They appreciate the appropriate sizing for kids’ gear, finding it strikes a good balance between capacity and portability.
- See it on Amazon here
3. STX Field Hockey Prime Stick Bag, Electric Blue
While primarily designed for field hockey, the STX Prime Stick Bag is a smart, sleek option for youth athletes who need to carry sticks alongside some essential gear. Its compact design is a refreshing change from bulky bags, and the vibrant electric blue color stands out. If your child plays field hockey, or if they need a more specialized bag for sticks and a few smaller items for ice hockey, this could be a great fit.
- Key Features:
- Specifically designed to carry several field hockey sticks.
- Center-positioned shoulder strap for comfortable shoulder or sling carry.
- Side mesh pocket for shoes and a water bottle.
- Bag measures 38″ x 6″ x 2.5″.
- Pros:
- Excellent for carrying multiple field hockey sticks securely.
- Compact and less bulky than traditional gear bags.
- Dedicated mesh pocket for shoes/water bottle.
- Stylish electric blue color.
- Cons:
- Not suitable for a full set of ice hockey gear (pads, helmet, skates).
- Limited space for anything beyond sticks, shoes, and a small water bottle.
- User Impressions: Users love how perfectly this bag fits field hockey sticks and how easy it is for kids to manage. The shoulder strap is a big hit for comfortable transport, and the separate shoe pocket is highly appreciated for keeping mud and grass away from other items.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Pacific Gear Rolling Duffel Wheels, Luggage, Hockey Bag,…
For the child who carries a lot of gear (or for parents tired of lugging it all!), the Pacific Gear Rolling Duffel is a game-changer. This bag marries the convenience of luggage with the robustness needed for sports equipment. The smooth-gliding in-line skate wheels mean even younger kids can manage their own heavy hockey equipment, making trips to the rink much easier.
- Key Features:
- Made of durable polyester material with mesh lining for breathability.
- Secure U-shaped zipper closure for quick and easy access.
- Two spacious main compartments.
- In-line skate wheels for smooth, effortless gliding.
- Telescoping handle for comfortable maneuvering, plus top and bottom carry handles.
- Exterior pockets for essentials.
- Pros:
- Wheels make transporting heavy gear incredibly easy.
- Durable construction designed for travel and sports.
- Multiple compartments aid in organization.
- Telescoping handle for comfortable pulling.
- Cons:
- Might be larger than needed for very young kids with minimal gear.
- Wheels can add a bit of extra weight compared to carry bags.
- User Impressions: This rolling duffel receives high marks for its functionality and ease of use. Customers, especially parents, rave about the wheels, which drastically reduce the burden of carrying heavy sports gear. The spacious interior and extra pockets are also frequently praised.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Droerfes Hockey Backpack School Bag Lightweight Bookbag…
While it’s marketed as a general school bag, the Droerfes Hockey Backpack can serve as a lightweight and versatile option for kids who need to carry a smaller amount of hockey-related items, like a jersey, a water bottle, and perhaps some accessories, or even a small pair of skates. It’s especially great for kids who like to walk or bike to the rink for practice, offering a comfortable and stylish way to carry their essentials.
- Key Features:
- Student Backpack Dimension: 11″W X 6.3″D X 16.9″H.
- Made of easy-to-clean polyester with padded adjustable shoulder straps.
- Ample storage: main zipper compartment, zippered front pocket, and two side pockets.
- Lightweight daypack for kids, boys, girls, teens.
- Vibrant colors and patterns make it a sweet gift option.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable for daily use.
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps reduce strain.
- Multiple compartments for organization of smaller items.
- Versatile for school, casual outings, or light sports gear.
- Cons:
- Too small for a full set of ice hockey pads and a helmet.
- Not specifically designed for bulky hockey gear.
- User Impressions: Reviewers love this backpack for its appealing designs and comfortable fit for children. It’s often highlighted as a great school bag that can double for carrying lighter sports items, with users appreciating its durable material and ample pocket space for everyday essentials.
- See it on Amazon here
6. KAVIGOR Lacrosse Bag for Kids and Youth, Lacrosse Backpack…
Don’t let the “lacrosse” in the title fool you – the KAVIGOR Youth Lacrosse Bag is a highly functional and ergonomic backpack that can easily serve as a fantastic sports bag for any young athlete, including those playing hockey. Its thoughtful design, with ventilated padding and a spacious 40L capacity, makes it an excellent choice for kids carrying a range of protective gear, sticks, and personal items. This could be one of the most versatile and best hockey bag for kids if you’re looking for a backpack style.
- Key Features:
- Ergonomic & Lightweight Design: Ventilated mesh padding, adjustable chest strap, 0.85kg build.
- Spacious 40L Capacity: Side storage for two sticks, fits chest guards, elbow pads, gloves, shoes, clothes. Dimensions: 1913.59.5 inches.
- Multi-Functional Features: Hidden helmet compartment, side webbing/hook for external gear, removable ID card slot, front pocket, top zippered pocket, separate wet/dry compartment.
- Durable & Waterproof Material: Tear-resistant 900D Oxford fabric with waterproof coating, reinforced stitching, rubberized bottom.
- Excellent After-Sales: 2-year guarantee and lifelong consultation.
- Pros:
- Exceptional organization with numerous compartments, including wet/dry and helmet.
- Comfortable to carry with ergonomic design and ventilated padding.
- Extremely durable and waterproof, protecting gear in all conditions.
- Versatile stick holders can potentially accommodate other long items.
- Cons:
- Stick holders are specifically designed for lacrosse sticks, which are thinner than hockey sticks.
- A full set of bulky ice hockey pads might be a tight squeeze for very large youth sizes.
- User Impressions: This bag consistently receives glowing reviews for its impressive storage capacity, clever organization (especially the wet/dry compartment), and superior comfort. Parents are particularly impressed with its durability and the waterproof material, making it a reliable choice for active kids.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Sweep Youth Field Hockey Backpack Perfectly Sized for…
Another excellent field hockey-specific option that can offer ideas for youth athletes. The Sweep Youth Field Hockey Backpack is designed from the ground up for younger players, focusing on the right size and features to make carrying gear easy. It’s perfect for kids who play field hockey, offering dedicated stick pockets and a ventilated cleat compartment – smart features that any sports parent can appreciate for keeping gear organized and fresh.
- Key Features:
- Specifically designed for youth field hockey athletes.
- Stick holder pockets on each side of the bag.
- Two water bottle mesh pockets.
- Air vents and an extra-deep cleat compartment.
- Fence hook and zippered compartments for accessories.
- Constructed of durable Rip-stop Nylon and Polyester with padded back and adjustable shoulder straps.
- Pros:
- Perfectly sized for youth athletes; avoids being too bulky.
- Dedicated stick holders and ventilated cleat compartment are very practical.
- Durable construction with padded straps for comfort.
- Includes a convenient fence hook.
- Cons:
- Designed for field hockey, so the stick holders won’t fit ice hockey sticks.
- Limited capacity for a full set of ice hockey protective gear.
- User Impressions: Field hockey parents and players absolutely love this bag for its tailored design. The size is often highlighted as perfect for youth, and the dedicated compartments for sticks, cleats, and water bottles get high praise for keeping everything organized and accessible.
- See it on Amazon here
Making the Right Choice: Finding the Best Hockey Bag for Your Child
Choosing the best hockey bag for kids really comes down to your child’s specific needs, the amount of gear they have, and how they’ll be transporting it. Do they need a wheeled bag for heavy loads, a backpack for light gear and comfort, or a traditional carry bag for pure capacity? Consider durability, specialized compartments, and ease of cleaning.
No matter which option you choose, investing in a good quality bag will make a huge difference in keeping your child’s hockey journey organized and enjoyable. Happy shopping, and here’s to many great games on the ice!
FAQ: Your Questions About Kids’ Hockey Bags Answered
Q1: What size hockey bag should I get for my child?
A1: The best size depends on your child’s age and the amount of gear they have. For younger kids (under 8-10), a youth or junior-sized bag (typically 25-30 inches long) is usually sufficient. As they grow and acquire more protective gear, you might need to size up to a medium or junior bag around 32-35 inches. Always consider their full set of equipment, including helmet, pads, and skates, when assessing capacity.
Q2: Are wheeled hockey bags worth it for kids?
A2: Absolutely, especially if your child has a lot of gear or struggles to carry a heavy bag. Wheeled bags significantly reduce the physical strain of transporting equipment, making it easier for kids to be independent. They’re a great investment for older youth players or those with a long walk from the car to the rink.
Q3: What’s the difference between a carry bag and a backpack-style hockey bag?
A3: A carry bag is typically a large duffel with two handles, designed to hold a full set of gear horizontally. A backpack-style bag is worn on the back, often with more specialized compartments for sticks, skates, and personal items. Backpacks are great for lighter loads and offer better hands-free portability, while carry bags excel at sheer volume for full ice hockey gear.
Q4: What features should I look for in a durable hockey bag for kids?
A4: Look for bags made from strong, water-resistant materials like 600D or 900D polyester or nylon. Reinforced stitching, heavy-duty zippers, and a rubberized or reinforced bottom are also key indicators of durability. Padded shoulder straps are important for comfort if it’s a carry or backpack style.
Q5: How do I keep my child’s hockey bag from smelling?
A5: Ventilation is key! Always air out gear after practice and games. Look for bags with mesh panels or air vents. Regularly empty the bag, wipe it down, and use deodorizing sprays or charcoal odor absorbers. Some bags even have separate wet/dry compartments to isolate sweaty gear.
Q6: Can a field hockey or lacrosse bag be used for ice hockey gear?
A6: It depends on the specific bag and the amount of ice hockey gear. Field hockey and lacrosse bags are often more compact and designed for lighter protective gear and specific sticks. They might work for carrying just skates, a helmet, and a few small items, but generally won’t fit a full set of bulky ice hockey pads. Look for overall volume and dimensions rather than just stick-carrying features if you’re trying to adapt.
Q7: Should I get a bag with separate compartments for skates and helmets?
A7: Yes, if possible! Dedicated compartments for skates help keep them separate from other gear, reducing wear and tear and preventing dirt or moisture transfer. A designated helmet pocket protects the helmet from getting crushed and also helps organize the bag, making it easier for kids to find everything.