As a volleyball mom who has attended countless games and tournaments, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to ensure you're fully prepared for every event. Packing the right essentials can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable experience and a stressful, chaotic one. Whether you're gearing up for a weekend away or a long, full-day tournament, having a well-stocked volleyball bag is crucial.
In this post, I'm sharing everything I've learned about packing the ultimate volleyball mom bag. You'll discover all the essentials you need to bring, from first aid kits and hydration gear to comfort items and entertainment for the whole family. My goal is to help you feel confident and ready, no matter what the day throws at you.
You'll learn about the key items every volleyball mom should pack, including clothing and gear for your player, health and safety essentials, hydration and nutrition tips, and comfort items to make those long tournament days more bearable. By the end of this post, you'll be a pro at packing your volleyball bag, ensuring you're always prepared and your player has everything they need for a successful game day. This post is your go-to guide for all the volleyball mom bag essentials to keep you organized and stress-free at every tournament.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click on a product and make a purchase I will earn a small commission. I only recommend products that I truly believe are great so you get an awesome product and I get a small commission. It's a win-win. For our full disclosure policies click here.
Choosing the Best Volleyball Mom Bag for Tournaments
When preparing for volleyball tournaments, picking the right bag is crucial. You need a bag that can hold all your essentials but is also comfortable to carry around all day. Here are some options to consider:
Tote Bag
A tote bag is convenient and fits lots of items. It's easy to throw everything you need into a spacious tote and go. However, if you're sitting in tight seats or close to the court, a large tote can become cumbersome.
Bogg Bag or Similar
I love my large Bogg bag dupe for baseball trips, but it gets a bit bulky for the cramped seating at volleyball tournaments.
But what I like to do is bring my Bogg bag to the tournament with everything for the day, then leave it at camp and take a smaller crossover bag into the tournament to watch the game. This way, I have all my essentials without carrying a bulky bag around all day.
Backpack
A backpack is a handy option because it's large enough to carry everything you need and convenient for a long day. Sometimes, it's easiest to bring two bags: one to keep at camp with all the day's items and a smaller one for valuables to take into the crowded tournament. This approach ensures you have everything you need while keeping your load manageable.
Choosing the right bag can make your tournament day smoother and more enjoyable. It allows you to focus on supporting your player rather than struggling with your gear.
Essential Clothing and Gear
Packing the right clothing and gear for your volleyball player is crucial. Especially on multi-day out-of-town tournaments, it is important to ensure that your player has all of her gear. We've twice now been too far to turn back when my daughter realized she had forgotten her arm sleeves!
For The Player
- Team jerseys, spandex, and leggings: These are the core pieces of a volleyball uniform. Team jerseys are mandatory for matches, while spandex and leggings provide comfort and flexibility during play.
- Knee pads and arm sleeves: These protect your player from injuries and bruises, especially during dives and slides.
- Volleyball shoes and warm-up clothes: Proper volleyball shoes offer the necessary support and grip, while warm-up clothes keep muscles warm and ready for action.
- Extra socks and shoes: Always have backups to ensure your player stays dry and comfortable. It is so refreshing to change out of sweaty socks after hours of play!
- Slides or slippers: These are perfect for wearing between games to let feet breathe.
- Sweats or pajama bottoms: Great for staying warm and comfortable during downtime.
For Mom: Staying Warm and Comfortable
As a volleyball mom, you need to be prepared for the long hours spent at tournaments. Bringing the right clothing and accessories can make your experience more comfortable.
From my experience, these tournaments are often held in large warehouses that can be quite cold. I've spent many mornings shivering in those big, open spaces, wishing I had brought more layers.
- Jacket and sweatshirt: Tournaments are often held in large, cold warehouses. Bringing layers like a jacket and sweatshirt helps you stay warm and enjoy the game without feeling uncomfortable.
- Hand warmers and blanket: These are lifesavers in cold environments. A blanket can keep you cozy, and hand warmers are perfect for chilly mornings or evenings. They ensure you stay warm and can focus on cheering for your child.
- Comfort items: Keeping yourself comfortable with extra clothing and warmth items helps you stay focused on supporting your child. When you’re comfortable, you can better enjoy the experience and be more present.
Must-Have Accessories and Personal Items for Your Volleyball Bag
Having the right accessories and personal items in your volleyball bag can make your day at the tournament much easier. These small items can greatly affect your player's, and your, overall comfort and readiness.
Hair Accessories
- Hair ties, headbands, and hairbrush: Keeping long hair under control is essential during a game. Hair ties and headbands help manage hair and keep it out of the face. A hairbrush is also handy for quick touch-ups between matches. Having extra ponytail holders is always a good idea, as they tend to go missing at the worst times.
Hygiene Essentials
- Sweat towels and hygiene items: Staying fresh and clean during long tournaments is important. Pack sweat towels to wipe off sweat and hand sanitizers to keep your hands clean. Makeup wipes are also useful for quick cleanups.
- Contact lens solution and extra lenses: If you or your player wear contact lenses, having a travel-sized bottle of solution can be a lifesaver. Also, if your daughter wears contact lenses you may want to bring an extra pair in case. I've seen girls have a contact lens knocked out by an errant ball.
- Lip Balm or Chap Stick: Lip balm is also crucial for keeping lips hydrated, especially in dry gym environments.
Sideline Essentials for the Superfan
Being a superfan means you want to be ready to capture every exciting moment and show your team spirit. Here are some essential items to bring along for the sidelines.
Camera
Bringing a camera to capture your player's kills, serves, and other key moments is a must. Photos and videos help preserve memories of the game and can be shared with friends and family. A good camera with a decent zoom lens will allow you to capture action shots even from a distance.
Pom Poms
Volleyball is a spirited game with lots of cheering and chanting from both players and spectators. Pom poms add to the fun and excitement. Shake your pom poms every time your team scores to show your support and boost the team's morale. It's a great way to be part of the game’s vibrant atmosphere.
Portable Phone Charger
Keeping your phone and camera charged throughout the day is essential. A portable charger ensures you can continue taking pictures, recording videos, and staying connected without worrying about battery life. This is especially important during long tournaments where finding a power outlet might be difficult.
Health and Safety Essentials
Being prepared for health and safety issues is crucial at volleyball tournaments. Whether you are the team parent or just want to be prepared, a well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference in managing minor injuries and keeping everyone in good spirits.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is important for managing minor injuries that may occur during a volleyball tournament. Stocking it with essentials ensures that you are prepared if there is any unexpected injuries on the court.
- Bandages, athletic tape, pain relievers, and ice packs: These are essential for treating minor cuts, sprains, and bruises. Bandages and athletic tape can support injuries and prevent further damage. Ice packs help reduce swelling and pain after an injury.
- Ankle and knee braces: Volleyball involves a lot of jumping and quick movements, which can put a strain on joints. Having ankle and knee braces on hand is a good option to provide support and prevent injuries.
- Ibuprofen and antibacterial wipes: Ibuprofen helps manage pain and inflammation, while antibacterial wipes are crucial for cleaning wounds and preventing infections.
- Tampons and Motrin: These items are essential for personal care and managing menstrual pain, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
These readily available items can address most minor injuries and keep everyone playing safely. It's always better to be over-prepared than underprepared.
Hydration and Nutrition: Essential Tips for Volleyball Tournaments
Staying hydrated and well-nourished is crucial during long volleyball tournaments. Proper hydration and nutrition keep energy levels up and help players perform at their best.
It’s important to remind your player to drink fluids consistently, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Eating small, frequent snacks also helps maintain steady energy levels. This preparation ensures that your player can perform their best throughout the tournament. Here are the essentials to pack for hydration and nutrition.
Stay Hydrated
- Water bottles: These are essential for keeping your player hydrated throughout the day. We pack a 30 oz reusable water bottle in my daughter's bag to keep her water cold. Then I pack a large Gallon size Yeti in my bag to refill her bottle (and mine) throughout the day. I also bring my own 30 oz or 40 oz reusable water bottle so that we have plenty of cold water all day.
- Electrolyte drinks and gummies: Products like Nuun tablets and Liquid IV packets are great options. They mix easily with water and take up less space in your bag, making them convenient for away games.
- Snacks like granola bars and protein bars: These are perfect for quick energy boosts between games. They are easy to carry and provide the necessary nutrients to keep energy levels high.
For more snack ideas to bring to Volleyball tournaments 25 Best Healthy Volleyball Tournament Snack Ideas
Comfort and Convenience Items for Volleyball Tournaments
Making sure you and your player are comfortable during long volleyball tournaments can significantly enhance your overall experience. Here are some essential comfort items to pack in your Volleyball mom bag.
Comfort Items
- Portable chairs or bleacher seats: Some venues provide chairs or small bleacher stands, but often there aren’t enough. Sometimes, other parents might move the chairs, or the bleachers might be too small and filled up quickly. In some cases, there are no chairs provided at all.
The best option is to keep a small folding chair in your bag. When these situations arise, you can pull out your chair and have a seat while others might have to stand.
Bleacher seats can add comfort but be mindful that bulky stadium seats can take up extra space, making it harder for others to sit. - Portable Charger: For some reason my cell phone battery is always drained at these tournaments and I have seen many moms sitting by a wall charging their phone between matches.
- Extra Charger: I always bring a wall charger as well just to be safe - plus there is often a mom or player who is looking for one.
- Ear Plugs: The cheers and whistles can sometimes get to be too much especially after a long day. Being able to watch the game in quiet can be a lifesaver.
- Air Pods/ Ear Buds: Another great way to drown out the noise is to listen to music or a pod cast.
- Mini foam roller: A mini foam roller is great for quick muscle relief and stretching. It's compact and fits easily into your bag, it is convenient for players to roll out their muscles especially during multi day tournaments.
- Insulated tumblers: Insulated tumblers keep drinks hot or cold for extended periods. Whether you prefer coffee, tea, or a refreshing cold drink, these tumblers are perfect for maintaining the desired temperature throughout the day.
Shop our picks
|
|
|
3.5
|
3.5
|
|
$33.99
|
$30.00
|
Packing these comfort items in your sports mom bag is a great way to enhance your tournament experience. You’ll be prepared for long days and able to focus on supporting your player, making the day more enjoyable for everyone.
Miscellaneous Must-Have Items
Long volleyball tournaments can be tiring for both players and their families. Keeping everyone entertained and organized is essential for a smooth experience. Here are some items to include in your sports mom bag to keep the day enjoyable.
- Books, puzzles, and electronic devices: Younger siblings can get bored quickly during long tournaments. Bringing books, puzzles, or electronic devices can keep them entertained and occupied. These items are a great way to ensure they are engaged and not restless.
- Printed maps and game schedules: Having printed maps and game schedules is crucial for staying organized. Knowing the game schedule helps you keep track of the next game and ensures you’re always in the right place at the right time. Printed maps are useful if the tournament is held in a large venue or multiple locations.
- Deck of Cards
A deck of cards is a simple yet effective way to keep the girls entertained between games. It’s a great way to pass the time, build team camaraderie, and keep everyone engaged. Plus, it's easy to carry and can be a fun distraction during downtime.
Keeping everyone entertained and organized during a volleyball tournament has many benefits - most importantly letting you enjoy the game.
Printed maps and game schedules help avoid confusion and ensure you don’t miss any important games. They also help in planning your day effectively, allowing you to know where to be and when. This organization is a great way to reduce stress and make the tournament experience smoother.
Downloadable Checklist
Conclusion
Being well-prepared for a volleyball tournament can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful for both you and your player. By packing the essential items we've discussed, you can ensure that you are ready for any situation that arises.
Customizing your volleyball bag based on your specific needs and preferences is a great way to ensure you have everything necessary for a successful tournament. Every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Consider what you and your youngest daughter or other family members might need for a long day at the games. Utilizing the main compartment of your bag efficiently and including all the mentioned essentials is a great way to stay prepared and comfortable.
By taking the time to pack thoughtfully, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Happy packing, and good luck at your next volleyball tournament!
