There are a ton of different types of Hockey Bags on the market, from carry to wheeled, nylon or leather, even some fancy bags with pockets for every piece of your equipment – read on to see which Hockey Bags will work best for you!
Player, Goalie, or Referee, you need a hockey bag! In the past you had maybe one or two brands to choose from, and all they were comprised of was a giant nylon sack with a zipper and two straps. Now we have wheeled bags with extendable handles, bags with dozens of pockets for gear and accessories, even bags with built in ventilation! Having a well designed and durable hockey bag is critical for carrying and drying out your gear and even more importantly finding it all once you get to the rink! We’re going to look at a variety of different hockey bag designs so you can stay informed and purchase the best hockey bag for your game. We look at all the major brands including Bauer, Warrior, CCM, and Grit
If you’re looking for more info on hockey bags check out our comparison table at the bottom of the article as well as our buying advice. Contents
Our Team's Hockey Bag Picks
- Best Carry Bag: Bauer S20 Pro Carry Hockey Bag
- Best Wheeled Hockey Bag: Grit GTFX Tower Hockey Bag
- Best Hockey Bag For Kids / Youth: Bauer S21 Core Youth Wheeled Bag
- Best Goalie Hockey Bag : Grit GT4 Sumo Goalie Bag
The Best Overall Hockey Bag
With great storage, a durable exterior, and a great price point, we think this hockey bag is a great all-rounder
Buying Options
The Best Wheeled Hockey Bag
Massive storage volume, pockets, and a wheel and handle system for easy transport. If you want to save your back this hockey bag is a fantastic choice
Buying Options
The Best Kids / Youth Hockey Bag
Lightweight and with plenty of storage for a kids equipment, this hockey bag is easy on the wallet to boot!
Buying Options
Best Overall Carry Hockey Bag
A simple, lightweight, and durable carry bag with room for all your gear - at a fair price!
- Innovative Convertible Design – Bauer created the bag in a way that allows it to be carried as a duffel or as a backpack.
- Dedicated Skate Pocket – Features a dedicated skate pocket to keep your skates together and protected to and from the hockey rink.
- Dry Flow Technology – The Bauer Pro15 incorporates dry flow technology to ensure your equipment dries quickly after every game.
- Tough Webbing – The exterior of this bag performs no matter how you treat your bag, you won’t have to worry about rips or tears.
What We Like:
- Ergonomic Design – You can carry the Bauer S20 as a duffel or on your back, it’s structured so that the weight of your equipment is easily distributed to ensure you won’t strain your back while carrying your gear.
- Superior Durability – Durability is arguably the most important feature of a good equipment bag, and the Bauer S20 Pro hockey bag provides just that with its tough webbing and reinforced material. You won’t have to worry about it letting your game down.
- Dry Comfort – The bag comes fitted with dry flow grommets making sure to keep your gear as fresh as possible and of course dry.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is one of Bauer’s best equipment bags and it has you covered in every department, including size and the ability to carry it as a back pack or over the shoulder. When in stock, it comes in a few really nice colors such as black, grey, and navy. The innovative ergonomic design helps avoid you throwing out your back on the way to the rink, which is the least your hockey bag should do. The price point is really great on this one too usually coming in around $100 USD.
Best Carry Hockey Bag For Organization
2. Bauer S21 Elite Carry Bag
Take the S20 carry bag, and give it loads of pockets and organizational compartments. What you end up with is the S21 - a fantastic bag for players who want to keep things organized
- Dimensions: 36″ Long x 17″ Tall x 19.5″ Wide
- Reflective Material Liner – One of the most ingenious features is a reflective material inside the hockey bag that gives better light so you never lose track of your smaller items stored in the bag
- Top Loading Dry Clothes Pocket – Keep a set of workout gear or warm up clothes smell free with a completely separate compartment built into the top of the bag
- Removable Wet Mesh Bag – For your towels, sandals, or anything wet that you might want to keep separate from your gear, its literally a bag inside your hockey bag
- Padded Skate Compartment – A padded compartment to keep your gear safe from your skate blades and ensure your blades stay sharp at nick free for as long as possible
BOTTOM LINE:
Largest Storage Volume Carry Hockey Bag
A CCM competitor with the Bauer S20, their take on a classic simple hockey bag
- Innovative Convertible Design – Bauer created the bag in a way that allows it to be carried as a duffel or as a backpack.
- Dedicated Skate Pocket – Features a dedicated skate pocket to keep your skates together and protected to and from the hockey rink.
- Dry Flow Technology – The Bauer Pro15 incorporates dry flow technology to ensure your equipment dries quickly after every game.
- Tough Webbing – The exterior of this bag performs no matter how you treat your bag, you won’t have to worry about rips or tears.
What We Like:
- Ergonomic Design – You can carry the Bauer S20 as a duffel or on your back, it’s structured so that the weight of your equipment is easily distributed to ensure you won’t strain your back while carrying your gear.
- Superior Durability – Durability is arguably the most important feature of a good equipment bag, and the Bauer S20 Pro hockey bag provides just that with its tough webbing and reinforced material. You won’t have to worry about it letting your game down.
- Dry Comfort – The bag comes fitted with dry flow grommets making sure to keep your gear as fresh as possible and of course dry.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is one of Bauer’s best equipment bags and it has you covered in every department, including size and the ability to carry it as a back pack or over the shoulder. When in stock, it comes in a few really nice colors such as black, grey, and navy. The innovative ergonomic design helps avoid you throwing out your back on the way to the rink, which is the least your hockey bag should do. The price point is really great on this one too usually coming in around $100 USD.
Best Basic / Lightweight Hockey Bag
A super simple and budget friendly bag with no extra features to add to the price
The Nitty Gritty:
- Senior Bag Size – 32″ x 20″ x 17″
- Construction Materials – The S21 Core bag is made out of a simple 600D Heavy Duty Polyester
- Pockets / Dividers? – The S21 comes with one large simple compartment, no pockets or dividers
- Handle Materials – This bags handles are made of the same 600D poly with HD webbing for grip
What We Like:
- K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple stupid! If you aren’t looking to spend a ton of cash and just want something to throw your gear in, this bag is the one for you
- Super Lightweight – Thanks to the lack of pockets, wheels, or anything other than the shell of the bag, this thing weighs next to nothing – making it easy to throw on your back or in your car
- Simple Style – Just a plain black and white bag – really, all you need!
BOTTOM LINE:
We aren’t going to waste your time writing 1000 words on this bag. It’s a bag. It’s inexpensive. It will hold all your gear. If you don’t need any bells and whistles and just want to get your gear from point A to point B, this bag will get it done.
Best Leather Style Carry Hockey Bag
A heavy duty vinyl bag that feels like quality, and even has some internal pockets to boot!
Specifications and Features:
- Senior Bag Size – 32″ x 20″ x 15″
- Construction Materials – The Warrior Pro bag is made of a waterproof Mercury 1000 Denier Polyvinyl
- Pockets / Dividers? – The Pro Carry bag comes with HD internal mesh dividers for skates
- Handle Materials – The handles are made of the a strong polyester
Advantages:
- Improved Durability – The Warrior Pro is a very durable bag that can comfortably fit all of your hockey gear inside and doesn’t break down easily.
- Extreme Stability – This bag is very easy to transport and it also stands upright allowing you to easily get your gear out the bag.
- Keeps Smell Locked In! – The material Warrior has used basically locks all moisture and smell inside – keeping your car during trips or wherever you stash the bag at home smelling good!
BOTTOM LINE:
So you want to use a bag like the pros, and the Warrior Pro gives your just that. Likely the most durable bags on the market thanks to its’ poly / vinyl construction. The bag looks unreal too, sure to turn heads and make others wish they had a bag like yours! If you don’t need your equipment bag to dry out your gear, this is a great option because ventilation is the biggest downfall of using a bag like this, it traps all heat, moisture, and smell inside. The are truly the most durable equipment bags and the sleek look leather doesn’t hurt either.
Best Wheeled Hockey Bag
A heavy duty vinyl bag that feels like quality, and even has some internal pockets to boot!
Specifications and Features:
- Torsion Technology Folding Frame System – Grit wanted the hockey tower to be able to fold and be safely stored when not in use, great for creating space in the room.
- Bladeport and Stick strap – With this Grit bag you can carry all of your gear including your sticks with this bag easily especially with the wheeled feature.
- Flow through Ventilation – Ensures all of your equipment is kept well ventilated and dries quickly.
Advantages:
- Extremely Versatile – The Grit HTFX ice Hockey Tower bag is a very versatile bag and has the space to fit all of your gear and extra accessories inside. Grit equipment bags are always innovative with their design and creating useful compartments.
- Dry Comfort – Featuring a foot carpet so there is no leakage of moisture/ water as well as a removable wet/dry mesh bag.
- Superior Dependability – There’s not much more you ask for in this Grit equipment bag as it lives up to the name with an easy and comfortable strap design
BOTTOM LINE:
Grit hockey bags, we really can’t express how good these bags are in terms of durability and great features! The Grit Hockey tower is spacious and has the ability to fold up and out of the way creating more room in the dressing room, so its really the best of both worlds. Its also a much easier way to get dressed as all your gear is upright in front of you, so you’re not bend over searching your equipment bag for 10 minutes looking for a sock. Grit hockey bags are definitely worth checking out if you’ve never bought one, the durability alone is worth the investment!
Best Kids / Youth Hockey Bag
A simple bag to throw your kids gear in and get it to the rink!
The Details
- Bag Dimensions – The S21 Core Youth Wheeled hockey bag is 25″ x 13″ x 16″ – Much smaller than a senior bag but more than enough room for a little guy or gals gear!
- Construction Materials – Heavy Duty 600D Polyester
- Pockets / Dividers? – This bag does not come with pockets or dividers
- Handle Materials – Polyester with reinforced HD webbing
BOTTOM LINE:
We won’t belabor the point here – When you have kids playing sports, you need to save money. They will beat this bag up, and eventually grow out of it. With a small players equipment you will be doing the drying out and organizing yourself most likely, so extra pockets are unnecessary. This is a great value option to haul your kids gear around in, which is why we have it as our favorite kids / youth hockey bag!
8. Bauer S21 Elite Wheel Bag
A well priced and feature laden wheel bag that is the perfect mid level bag for anyone
Bag Details:
- Bag Dimensions – The S21 Elite Wheeled hockey bag is 36″ x 17″ x 19.5″
- Construction Materials – Heavy Duty ProTarp
- Pockets / Dividers? – This bag has skate, accessory, and base layer storage pockets
- Handle Materials – A metal / plastic extendable pull handle, and a nylon handle on top
BOTTOM LINE:
If you want a wheeled bag and some nice storage options, the Bauer S21 Elite wheeled hockey bag fits right in the middle of the picture. Not as luxurious and expensive as Grit bags, not as simple as the Bauer Core line, this bag is for those who don’t want the cheapest bag out there and need some storage options inside
A heavy duty vinyl bag that feels like quality, and even has some internal pockets to boot!
Specifications and Features:
- Polyester Material – An easy to manage, lightweight, and durable polyester construction for a long lasting equipment bag
- Skate Pockets – This CCM bag has two skate pockets at each end so you can keep from losing an edge or damaging the boot with the other skate
- Large Size – This is a larger bag that will have no issues storing your gear, towels, jerseys, and any other accessories you want to carry around!
BOTTOM LINE:
If you’re looking to wheel your gear around for those times you have to carry the pucks or if you want to take it easy on the body, this is a perfect option! With comfortable carry straps and a lightweight material, this is great for any player or youth! The rugged wheels aren’t phased by any surface and can definitely handle their own in the sand or snow! The CCM 380 also has a bunch of internal pockets for smaller gear like mouth guards or skate sharpening sticks! This is a great option for all budgets and players, we suggest taking a look at this product!
Best Pond Hockey Backpack
10. Pacific Rink Pond Pack
A heavy duty vinyl bag that feels like quality, and even has some internal pockets to boot!
Specifications and Features:
- 1000 Cordura / Kodra Nylon – Top quality materials make this hockey bag tough and durable
- Dedicated Skate Pocket – Has two awesome side pockets that you can mount your skates in for hiking out to the ODR or Pond
- Glove and Helmet Storage – The interior of this equipment bag is surprisingly spacious and it will fit a pair of hockey gloves and helmet nicely.
BOTTOM LINE:
Pacific Rink has created a brand new style of equipment bag specifically designed for the outdoor rink and has filled a need in the market! I can’t count how many times I’ve carried my skates and gloves on the way to the outdoor rink in some awkward grocery bag with my skates over my shoulder trying to balance my hockey stick as well. On top of being perfect for taking gear to the pond, this bag also doubles as a backpack for every day activities. You really can’t go wrong with choosing this hockey bag for the young player that is constantly trying to work on his game at the outdoor rink.
11. Bauer Vapor 1X Locker Bag
A neat little backpack for tossing you skates, school books, or gym gear in - this thing can go anywhere!
Bag Details:
- Polyester Fabric – An easy dry and tough material make this equipment bag durable and lightweight
- Lots of Compartments – This turns your regular bag into a portable locker, with spots for all your gear for easy dress/undress.
- Ventilated Skate Pockets – Designed for improved ventilation to your skates for quicker dry times
- Comfortable Straps – These straps are easy on the shoulders if you choose to carry
- Versatile Wheels – The wheeling option makes transporting easy, with multi-surface wheels for any terrain
BOTTOM LINE:
The Vapor 1X locker equipment bag is an organizers dream, making sure you won’t forget a single piece of equipment in the dressing room or at home! A large variety of compartments for all your gear, and ventilated skate pockets for accelerated drying times. The polyester fabric make this product lightweight and durable, while still providing excellent ventilation. The straps are easy to use and the wheels give you a second option if you don’t want to carry your gear. This is a great option, taking your hockey bag to the next level with innovative pockets and compartments for all your gear.
Best Hockey Bag For Goalies
12. Grit GT4 Sumo Goalie Tower
An amazingly clever design to hold all your goalie gear in perfect order, with pads strapped to the top!
Bag Details:
- Senior Bag Size – 40″ x 26″ x 20″ (HxWxL)
- Construction Materials – Heavy Duty Nylon
- Pockets / Dividers? – Flow through vents, equipment shelfs and mask cover, foot carpet, accessory pockets, removable wet/dry mesh bag
- Handle Materials – Heavy duty nylon strap
What We Like:
- Interior Shelves – For easy gear storage and drying, the Grit GT4 goalie bag comes with multiple internal shelves for your mask and other accessories
- Goalie Pad Straps – Straps on the outside of the bag make it easy to hook up your goalie pads and roll the bag easily
- Ventilation Throughout – A innovative design that increases air flow through the bag for better drying times
- Durable Design – The Torsion Technology frame has a lightweight and strong design for long lasting use
BOTTOM LINE:
Hockey goalie gear is straight up heavy and bulky, and there is no way of getting around that which makes picking the right equipment bag imperative. This is a product designed specifically for goalies, with internal shelves to store your mask and room for your glove, blocker, pants, and chest protector! This also features pockets on the inside for smaller gear like tape and skate sharpening tools, with a foot mat also included. The fact that its so easy to attach your pads and bring your goalie gear into the rink without struggling makes it our number 1 choice for goalies! The durable frame and rugged wheels make this a great investment for many seasons to come.
Best Value / Budget Friendly Hockey Bag For Goalies
A big goalie back in a classic design, with great features and an excellent price point
Bag Details:
- Senior Bag Size – 42″ x 21″ x 29″ (LxHxW)
- Construction Materials – 1680 Denier Nylon Construction
- Pockets / Dividers? – Internal side pockets, internal end pockets, and one large main compartment
- Handle Materials – Pull handles located on both ends to help you get out of tight spaces!
Our Favorite Parts Of The Bag:
- Legendary Name In Goaltending – Vaughn isn’t some new player to the goalie game, they are a tried and true brand who have been around for decades – you don’t stay in business that long by making shoddy gear!
- Traditional Design – The Grit bag takes a whole new innovative approach, whereas this Vaughn is for traditionalists who want a plain old big bag to pull around
- Super Big – Even bigger than the Grit!
- Extra Heavy Duty Zippers – #10 Zippers which are very high quality and heavy duty
BOTTOM LINE:
If the high flying innovative Grit bag didn’t do it for you, we present you with a classic take on goalie bags. Large, wheeled, heavy duty zippers, and handles on both ends. This is the goalie bag your dads goalie used to play with. It comes in at a solid price to boot!
Hockey Bag Buying Advice
What Different Styles Of Hockey Bags Are There?
In the old days, there was one type of equipment bag and that was the duffle style. Now, there are numerous styles and types including backpack, duffle, and wheeled hockey equipment bags! Some of the ones in our review above even option both the duffle or wheeled carrying options, so you have the option and don’t need to strain your back carrying the heavy equipment. Wheeled bags are definitely more suited to younger players that aren’t strong enough to carry their equipment, and this responsibility doesn’t just get passed on to the parent! Also, some of the wheeled bags offer much greater storage space, perfect for goalies as well! The backpack style equipment bags are definitely newer to the market, but also offer great versatility for carrying options as some come with wheels also. There is no right answer for the top hockey bag type, as it is all about personal preference and sometimes age of the hockey player!
What Features Do I Need On My Hockey Bag?
There are some really handy features in the new hockey bags and something to definitely be aware of when looking at investing in an upgraded product. One of the desired features is the dedicated skate pocket, and these are crucial for protecting your skate edges and the other gear in your bag. There are also a lot of bags that come with smaller pockets on the inside for putting things like tape, mouth guard, stone, and a skate towel. These are really handy for players that like to keep their gear organized and not have everything in one main compartment!
What Materials Are Hockey Bags Made Out Of, And What Types Are Best?
If you’re considering buying a new equipment bag, one of the most important features you need to look at is the material it is constructed out of and we’re going to make it easy. Most hockey bags are made of either leather or polyester material, and both come with different advantages in regards to weight, strength, and ventilation. The leather hockey bags are more durable and higher strength than the polyester material, but the ventilation is worse and they are typically heavier with less compartments. The polyester bags however are usually lighter, have more compartments for gear, and offer better ventilation. It really depends what is important to you of these factors we mentioned, but hockey bag material is definitely a big thing to consider before you purchase!
How Much Should I Pay For A Hockey Bag?
The cost range for products is quite large, from $75 – $350 and we’re going to discuss the typical differences between the low and high end. The lower end bags will typically be made with lower quality materials, and won’t last as long if they’re getting frequent use. If you only go to the rink once or twice a week, you probably don’t need the highest end product to get a few seasons out of it. If you’re at the hockey rink 4 times a week, getting a higher quality product will help you in the long run for durability. The zippers are stronger and they won’t start to tear at the edges from frequent use.
What Size Hockey Bag Do I Need?
A common question when looking for an equipment bag is how big does it have to be? There are a few things to consider and the biggest one is size of the player. If you wear bigger equipment as a youth you may find that the youth size don’t quite get the job done and leave you without any extra space. Players over 5’4 will find as they start to upsize their equipment the length of the gear in a youth bag make for a tight fit. Youth players under 10 definitely won’t need a senior sized bag.
Conclusion
We have talked about some of the best hockey bags for all budgets today, and really it’s all about finding the right combination of features and size for your game. I personally think the best bag is the Grit Tower Bag because it is a super innovative design with tons of room, and when it stands up in the dressing room it doesn’t actually take a ton of floor space up which is super nice! In the end, it really comes down to what you want and need for your game. If anyone has an opinion or question on any of the bags we have talked about, we’d love to hear from you.
